It has been over a decade, 12 years to be exact, since I was
what some would call a zaftig woman. “Somehow”
the weight had crept up on me before I realized that I was definitely “chunky.” I made the discovery after seeing myself in a
photo on a cruise with the Captain. I
was all dressed up, hair fixed, makeup on, and I looked terrible!
What to do? I started
researching my area for weight loss groups. I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I mean
no disrespect to anyone who sells weight-loss products, but I believe the only
really healthy way to lose weight is by eating less and exercising. There are even exercises for people who
cannot stand!
I found a group called TOPS, Take off Pounds Sensibly. It is the oldest weight loss group in the
world, yep, older that Weight Watchers.
The cool part is it is a non-profit support group. They don’t require you to follow any
particular diet. They have speakers each
week that do presentations about health-related subjects, and everyone supports
everyone else. Members weigh in once a
week. It is amazing, but it costs only
$70 a year (some chapters a little less, some a bit more). I have seen several TOPS members lose 85 to
100 pounds by following a healthy diet and attending meetings for support.
After my very TOPS first meeting, I began losing weight. Since TOPS members can choose whatever diet
they like, I chose using the “exchange” system, weighing and measuring my
food. It wasn’t easy. It took me several months, but I finally
reached the goal weight established by my doctor. Over the years, as I got older, my physician
raised my goal weight just a bit, and I have maintained that weight for over 11
years.
Then, along came health issues. I was referred to a Cardiologist and am under
his care. During my last visit, he told
me he wants me to lose another 10 to 15 pounds to put less stress on my heart.
I am now 12 years older than when I first joined TOPS. For the past three months, I have been
struggling with trying to lose that weight.
My metabolism is slower now; I am no longer able to do the vigorous
exercises I did when I was younger. The
only exercise I am allowed to do is walking, and I can only manage ½ hour at a
time with my health problems.
I can tell you all these reasons why I have not lost any
weight, but I realize that they are excuses.
Although I eat reasonable amounts of food, mostly healthy food, I have
not gotten back into the weighing and measuring all my food that worked so well
for me years ago. I haven’t been able to
“psyche” myself into doing what I know I need to do. Even knowing that it isn’t good for my heart
hasn’t given me the “kick in the rear” that I need.
So, I am putting this in writing, hoping that seeing it and
letting “the world” know that I need to lose some weight might, just might give
me the incentive to start losing today!
