Downsizing...

Well, if you know me, and since I don't have an internet fan club like Jerusalem if you're reading this, then you probably know me... so then you, of course, know my big issue - my love of food, which consequently has me living LARGE (literally).

Long story, short - the emotional saga of how much I weigh or don't weigh has been part of my life as long as I can remember. I've spent the last 14 years turning my weight problem into what is now a crisis. Looking down the barrel of my mid 30's, with my genetics working against me, and not to mention having had three kids in five years, I've ventured over to the dark side of being in the "needing to lose weight" camp, where the problems go beyond the drama of just being unhappy with my clothing size and appearance to worrying about heart disease, diabetes, and a plethora of other diseases to which "obese" people are prone.

So in an effort to revamp the horizon my future health, and of course, reel myself back in to a respectable size, I have joined the UAMS weight loss clinic. My goal is to lose 80 pounds. As of today, ending my second week on the program, I've lost 12.



If you're unfamiliar with the UAMS program, it is intense. It is medically supervised and you're a "patient" of the clinic when you participate. They use "meal replacements" like this one. No "real food". And in addition to the "prescribed" meal replacements, there are required classes, doctor visits, lab checks, etc., etc. - like I said, intense.

With two weeks down, I'm more aware than ever of how much food means to me. It has been my constant companion, my loyal friend who comforts me when I'm sad, rewards me for a job well done, and even entertains me when I'm bored. So my hope is to emerge on the other side of this experience not just 80 pounds lighter, but healthier all around, on a variety of levels.

Our class instructor encouraged me to find a hobby, and since I've yet to really hone my scrapbooking skills, I thought this would suffice. Plus, my "blogging" about this is a means of accountability, and this way as I move forward, I'll be able to revisit the place where I started (lest I not go back).

So, friends, as I navigate through this journey, so to speak, pray for me. I will need it... :-)