Lately, many people have started commenting on my height. They tell me I am getting shorter. Here is the truth: I am 5’3″ and have been my entire adult life. I am not getting shorter, but I can understand their confusion. I take up less space in the world now. People think they are seeing me shorter, but they are actually seeing me narrower!
In May 2012, I had the Lap-Band procedure at the SmartShape Weight Loss Centre and, at the same time, chose to start a 12 Step Program for food. Since then, I have lost over 200 pounds.
With every pound I lost, I learned more about why I got to that weight and what I need to do to make sure I don’t gain it back. I discovered I don’t have a problem with food. I became morbidly obese because I have a problem dealing with life without turning to food. I determined there are steps to help me not to reach for food when I’m dealing with a problem. The Lap-Band is a tool. I need to use my Lap-Band along with other steps to help me not reach for food when I have a problem dealing with life. Taking those steps or not taking them is my choice.
To stay away from unhealthy food choices, I need to remember I will have bad days. But that does not mean I have a bad life. I have to tap into gratitude every day. I’ve heard it said that a grateful heart does not get hungry. If I want to stay in a healthy-sized body, I need to eat proper portion sizes and eat healthy foods. French fries don’t make my sister any less annoying. Ice cream won’t make my friends like me more and chocolate has never helped my husband see my point of view.
Starting off my day with meditation and remembering how far I’ve come helps me feel more serene. Serenity does not cause me to feel regret. Eating poorly always makes me regretful. That regret never ceases to amaze me. It almost always causes me to eat more and to eat poorly. Using my Lap-Band and working my 12 Step Program help me control my eating. When I focus on all of the above positive strategies, I end my day knowing I did my best and that my best was good enough.
Contrary to what people say, I feel 10ft tall!
I’m not telling you it’s always easy but it is worth it.