A year has passed since I stopped in to post about my experiences through IP weight loss and maintenance at the five year mark, so I thought I would check in again.
I was on the boards early on, and did my best to contribute to what was then a limited knowledge base. A few of us who craved information to support our own weight loss journeys tried hard to capture what we learned during the process for the benefit of those who wanted to make a change in their lives, but were unsure about IP. Much of what we posted can now be found in the “Sticky” sections.
With a little reflection, I can summarize my experience in two sentences: IP is simple, but it is not easy. Life is neither simple NOR easy.
If you read what I posted last year, you will see that I have struggled through maintenance. The first three IP phases are pretty much foolproof: you follow the program as laid out, you lose a lot of weight quickly. Period. That is precisely what I did. If you tailor the program, you run the risk of what I call “voiding the warranty.”
That said, maintenance over time is a different animal. Life is complex and stressful. The old habits and tendencies that created our weight issues are not easy to overcome in the long run. These are not failures, these are not weaknesses in character; they are part of our struggle to get though life. We are all humans trying to make our way in a world that is not easy to negotiate. Does losing weight make us happier? Maybe yes, maybe no. But it will almost always improve our health, and that can mean anything from feeling physically and psychologically better, to adding years of life to spend with the people you love and accomplish the things you want to accomplish.
I would never claim to be a model of IP maintenance. I have rebooted, I have lacked motivation, I have fallen victim to bad habits. But all that said, I consider myself a success. For those of you who like to see numbers, here are my stats:
I began IP at 185 pounds, and weighed in at 127 this morning. My BMI is down 10 points from pre-IP days. My cumulative measurements (chest, waist, hips, thighs and bicep) are down 46 inches. The Omron scale that served as my best friend through the first three IP phases started me at a body age of 60 in 2010, and told me yesterday that I am 38 (though I am really 63)
Scratching and clawing, I have refused to allow my weight to get so far out of control that I could not make a course correction. It may get 15 or even 20 pounds over my 135 goal, but I’ve always pulled it back and even exceeded that target. As I get older, it is more important to me that I never go back. And while I generally relied on IP during the first five years of maintenance, retirement has now allowed me to make changes in my exercise routine to help manage my weight. I walk a minimum of five miles daily, and hit the gym from time to time.
Years older with a screw in my foot, I have also renewed my distance “eventing,” albeit at a slower pace. My sister and I have walked a few half-marathons since our weight loss, but now we have a marathon scheduled in November, and are training for Disney’s Dopey Challenge in January 2017. Some of you runner types may know that is a four day event that ramps up from 5k to 10k to half and then full marathon. (We first discussed it at Chefs de France over wine after our half at Walt Disney World in January, but were completely sober when we handed over the big bucks to participate.
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This is good news for me and those of you who have made that change in our lives. I still employ IP principles and try not to get out of hand, but the exercise helps a great deal. I do not redo the phases, I do not record intake or count anything. I read labels and try to buy smart. I have protein products available, but use them sparingly. I have a Fitbit tracker and scale to help me stay on target.
So here is my recommendation for those who wish to adopt my approach:
During the IP phases, be a zealot. To the extent possible, do not cheat. If you do, immediately fix it.
In maintenance, make enough changes in your routine to stay on track. Be vigilant, and set a number for yourself that triggers action. If you reach that number, do whatever you need to do to pull it back.
Exercise. It is good for your mind and your body. Get outside if you can and immerse yourself in the beauty of the world around you.
Love yourself and be proud of your accomplishments. You have made a choice to better your health and that is heroic. I am so inspired with the many losses I see on the boards that far exceed my own. If life gets the best of you, do not beat yourself up, but do not forget how important it is to take care of your body and your mind.
This last part is a reminder for myself. It is something I strive to do, but sometimes struggle to succeed… yet it may be the most important part of the program.
I wish you all the best in your journey.
Novak
Novak Update: 6 Years in Maintenance
