First word in the follow up notes from my trip to the doctors yesterday, came back as 'obese'.
Growing up, I couldn't get up to a 100 pounds until I got pregnant with my oldest daughter. I topped out at 164 pounds at delivery. Lost it all within a few weeks.
Jeans size 6-7 depending on the style.
After my second child, my oldest son, I got down to 84 pounds. No not anorexic, no fingers down the throat, or hard-core drugs. Stress was my weight loss medium. Jeans 5-6.
5 years later and 2 more kids, I averaged out in a size 7 and about 115 to 125 pounds. Carried it well for having 4 C sections over the course of time. Stayed pretty steady until after my divorce and the next couple of years dealing with domestic violence and multiple court issues.
Then in my 40's after a couple surgeries and other medical complications, I topped out at about 135 and the jeans went up to a size 8. I maintained the new average until in my late 50's early 60's. During the past decade the majority of my time was spent 'unhomed'. Sometimes homeless, other times living in an RV to which many folks viewed as being 'homeless'. I personally found comfort and felt quite homey in the RVs.
A couple years ago were the hardest, living in the Expedition and down and out financially to the worst and lowest I had ever been. A year ago, January I was able to move out of the truck and into a house owned by a friend. It was a temporary arrangement, so I was still, 'boxed' up and had minimal personal items unpacked.
Then in August of last year, I was offered the opportunity to move 'here', to the house I'm in now. Fully able to unpack and call it home. Since then, I myself have ballooned out to a 180 pounds and a size 10 jean; my cat {who now weighs in at 16 pounds} and Miss Chanelle, my chihuahua {now topping out at 11 pounds}
Without the stress in our lives, we've come to a place where there is nothing 'burning the fat'.
Both cat and dog, were told they needed a diet from the vet at last appointment. Seems the stress kept all of us underweight. Whereas being comfortable and relaxed has affected us all as well.
I quit smoking when I went into the temporary housing, grateful to God for the miracle and much appreciated the generosity of friends. The money saved went towards the rent. Something I haven't been late paying, not once since!! The lack of smoking, increased the appetite and the being able to relax, seems to have slowed down my thyroid. Hence, the weight.
I bought a treadmill to be able to walk regardless of the weather, the only problem is my hip, knee and ankles, don't do well over about 10 to 15 minutes of steady walking. So, I'm not getting the miles in that I need to make a difference. Degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis make 'normal' exercise routines not possible.
I talked to my doctor who referred me to the wellness center, for weight loss. Where I could work with the doctor and dieticians. Considering the amount of medication I have to take, I wasn't really into adding another pill. LIFE CHANGES were more of what I wanted for treatment.
So, we had our first appointment, blood work and multiple tests are being run. My numbers are in the abnormal range on 3 out of 5 tests. My blood sugar and glaucous was crazy in the abnormal ranges. Diabetes, Thyroid issues, and a couple other major concerns came up. Of all the results, the one word that hit me the hardest was the first word on the paperwork OBESE.
I looked in the mirror and - yes - I am bigger, but I didn't think I looked OBESE. Thinking to myself if this is OBESE, what do they call those folks that are really large looking.?. Then thinking about it. I am only 5' 3". So, ya, 180 could be thought of as OBESE. Something I never imagined for myself.
I have papers to read over; a couple lists of foods that I can have and things I should avoid. What I found most interesting about the results of the appointment, was the doctor didn't mention 'calories'. And didn't want me to 'stop eating'. She wants me to eat every 2 to 3 hours, small portions, and focus on my protein intake. Making sure I'm drinking lots of water and a bit of juice as well.
She also gave me a regiment of 'chair' exercises, things I can do sitting down that won't affect my disabilities. Emphasizing that it needs to become a steady daily routine. Even if it's only 15 minutes. Consistency is what's going to make the difference.
Many of the folks in my circle of friends and family have been passing away the last few years. I have 1 brother left of my 'core' family, and many of my circle are now gone. An ex-brother-in-law just passed a couple days ago. These folks were all 2-10 years older than myself. I'm 61 for a couple more months. I told my daughter the other day when I heard the news of her uncle that I'M FEELING OLD.
Her response was, no mom, you're not old. They just didn't take care of themselves. Some were prone to alcohol, others to drugs and some had health issues they couldn't overcome, and depression played a part regarding the attitude of life for some of them as well. You are doing good for your age. . . {Thank you darling} That was nice to hear. Glad I have someone in my corner encouraging me to 'keep going'.
I live in a 55+ community and was once asked if I was old enough to live there. {Quite the compliment}. I don't dye my hair anymore and being a born blonde the gray somewhat blends with it, so I don't even look as gray as I should for being in my 60's. Now if we can overcome this OBESE situation, life could look bright for a few more years, I hope.
When I hear the word OBESE, it reminds me of one of my dad's ole stories.
Growing up, one of my dad's 'ole stories' was to tell of a family member {from back in the early 1900's, dad was born in 1919} An uncle that had to be buried in a piano case, as he was too large for a casket. He was also too heavy for the typical 6 pall bearers to carry. They had to have the assistance of a tractor if I remember the story correctly.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word OBESE?
Blessed by God
Life's overweight @ the Bright Side of the Barn
Thanks for Stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.
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