I’m going to start my weight loss journey June 6th. I’ve joined the Guthrie Weight Loss Center in Sayre. I got my “welcoming’ letter in the mail yesterday. If you are going to miss an appointment, 24-hour notice must be given. If you miss three appointments you are out of the program. Seems like they mean business.
There is a long letter on what to expect the first day. Weigh in. They are performing a body composition assessment, take measurements so wear loose clothing. Do not eat or drink for two hours before going to the appointment. Do not exercise before the appointment. That surprises me. Not that that’s a problem.
You meet with a bariatrician for an extensive history and physical to come up with a treatment plan. Sounds like I better plan on an hour for the appointment.
Along with the letter, there is an Obesity History questionnaire. It asks how long you have been diagnosed with obesity. What your highest adult weight has been, Mine 228lbs. What your lowest adult weight has been. Not sure what to say on that. I was 152lbs when I was pregnant so I suppose 140lbs would be close. How does your weight limit you? It is causing me foot, ankle and hip pain anytime I spend time on my feet. I can’t run, which I used to do. What do you think is the reason for your weight gain? Stress eating, hormones and lack of exercise are my biggest factors. What do you see as your two biggest barriers to weight loss? Mine are definitely my mindset and food intake. I definitely have a “clean your plate” mindset. If it’s on my plate I’m going to finish every morsel. So, restaurant eating is so bad for me. That half gallon of ice cream, oh, it is half gone I can finish that off… What are your answers to these questions? Do the stir up any thoughts about your own weight?
It goes on to ask about your sleep habits, medical conditions and mental health. Of course, I have mental health working against me since I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety years ago and I’m taking medications for it. Meds which may also cause weight gain.
It looks like it is going to be a very comprehensive treatment plan. It will be interesting to find out if it will be a better eating plan and exercise. Or if they will incorporate some medications to help cravings. All I know is that I am at a point that I must do something so that I don’t start developing medical problems like diabetes, heart conditions or destroy my leg joints. I want to feel better and have more energy. I want to wear some of the cute sun dresses I see at Kohl’s instead of a feed bag.
I’m looking forward to this new journey. I’m going to take you on this weight loss endeavor with me. Maybe together we can learn some new things and make ourselves healthier. And, we can cheer each other on. If you see me give me a high five and let me know you are with me. Live life to the fullest. Thanks for reading.
Good for you, as women it's hard for us to give ourselves "permission" to address our own needs. I have also fought my weight all of my life. All of it. Every single day. You'll probably hear this but careful letting the number on the scale be the sole decider of success. There are other dimensions to health. If your weight loss journey gets heavy, call me. I've been there.