I’ve done so much whining about my shoulder surgery lately, I thought I’d get a little more upbeat and report some good news for a change. That’s more fun anyway.
While I was dating Sharon, and during the first few years of our marriage, I managed to gain forty pounds. Actually, it wasn’t much of a struggle. I can gain weight with surprising ease.
Through the years, I’ve tried various schemes to get it back off, but none seemed to work successfully. The best one was Protein Power—similar to the Adkins Diet. I can trade sweets for a nice steak anytime. Unfortunately, I didn’t lose much weight with it.
At times, I’d lose ten pounds for awhile. Then I’d put it back on. The famous yoyo diet. Grrr.
Along the way, this added weight contributed to my developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and a couple of bouts with atrial fibrillation. I’m very fortunate that medications keep these conditions under stable control, but I might not have them at all if I hadn’t gained all that weight.
A couple of years ago, I decided to get serious about my weight. I’ve never been able to get anywhere with specialty diets or counting calories, so I didn’t even try. What I decided to try was eating big breakfasts and medium-sized lunches and as little as I could manage for supper—along with no extra snacks.
Several days a week, I eat breakfast out, and I don’t try to deny myself when I do. On those days, I usually manage to put lunch off until somewhere between 2 and 3 p.m. That allows me to put off supper until maybe 7 p.m. and eat something like a handful of peanuts and a apple or banana for supper. For dessert after lunch and supper, I allow myself a 40-calorie No-Sugar-Added Blue Bunny Fudge bar.
The weight has gradually come off over this couple of years, and when I stepped on my scales this morning, I was within two pounds of the weight when I met Sharon. All this time, my goal has been to get to that weight, and it’s now within reach. It’s been a long, slow trip, but I can see the finish line ahead.
To those of you who have never had a weight problem, this may sound like no big deal, but those of you who have fought this battle will recognize the triumph. It really is a big deal.
Although I’m happy with this weight loss, as I’ve approached this weight, I’ve noticed in the bathroom mirror that my body doesn’t even resemble that of 23 years ago. Funny how various muscles relax with age. I decided I’m going to try to lose at least another 20 pounds. Don’t know if I’ll ever get there or not, but I’ve decided not to stop at my original goal. I’m going to keep plugging.
If I manage to lose that extra 20, I still probably won’t have the physique I had 23 years ago, but maybe I’ll be closer. There’s a lesson in this for some of you guys. If you need to lose some weight, do it while you’re in your thirties or forties and still have some shape to your body. Don’t wait until your sixties and seventies when the shape is almost impossible to retrieve.
Now, if I could just figure out what to do with this extra chin that loves to be featured whenever anyone takes a picture of me . . .
What are you doing or have you done about health or weight problems?
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WANA: We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.
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For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tab above.
For more information about his books, click on “Books” above.
Contact him at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx.
David N Walker 
David – Congratulations on your monumental accomplishment. I’ve struggled with an addictive personality all my life. I’ve finally figured out that food is my drug of choice and it can and will kill me as soon as any other addiction. I’ve played all the old games of take the weight off and then put the weight back on. I’d heard that talking with God as you were undergoing anesthesia could change most any behavior. I decided I’d give it a try and asked God to take away my hunger. He did just that very thing and soon I’ll be at my goal weight. I should have asked for a love of exercise also as I have lots of muscles that must be toned.
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Sounds good, Sheri.
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Congratulations! I’ve been blessed with fairly stable weight over the years, but I fear what might happen when the day comes that I don’t go to work each day.
Good luck with the next twenty pounds!
Cheers!
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Thanks, Nigel. If you ever have to lose weight, just give up the vegetarianism and eat steak all the time.
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Congrats! I am well aware of how difficult that struggle can be. My husband managed, like you, to lose his weight via fitness and changing eating habits/portion control, too. What an accomplishment!
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Thanks, Kitt.
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Congratulations on being so near your original goal, Bro! Your self control amazes me at times. You seem to have more than I do. Since you and I are both in that segment of people who perpetually struggle with weight …. we both get how hard it is. Proud of you!
Barb
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Thanks, Sis.
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Congrats on you weight loss! I lost 35 pounds myself. May I make a suggestion? Try http://www.myfitnesspal.com It has worked so well for me! It’s something I will follow after all the weight is off (Yes, I have a few more to go.) in order to maintain my weight to keep it off.
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Thanks for the tip. Carole.
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Congratulations on your weight loss!!! Now it’s time to shift your body. You need to start lifting weights, and working on those muscles. 30 seconds a day, do a plank. If you don’t have a gym, get five pound weights. And start walking one hour each day. It’s not just what you put into your body, but what you ask of it. And weight training will make your bones stronger, and give you that body you once had. When you add muscle, you may gain weight if you have no fat on your body. But you will be slimmer. It’s not the number on the scale…it’s the body itself. Good luck!!!
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I’ll get back to walking as my surgery recuperation allows, Karlene. And I carry a pair of ten pound weights on my walk.
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You’ve got a plan that’s working. Keep it up and I think you’ll reach your goal.
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Thanks, Sharon. Your encouragement helps.
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Daniel plan I would of thought that would be the first point of call http://www.danielplan.com/
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Thanks for your continued interest, Linda.
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