Welcome to The Obesity Project
Please join me for an adventure in finally controlling not just MY chronic illness, but an illness that many of us suffer from.
I know that many have tried, and many have succeeded, in finding a way to control this disease. I’m willing, at this point, to let it all hang out. If it helps someone, then it will have been worth it.
I’m hoping that everyone will be able to find a little something that they can identify with, or take away from this. I am far from perfect. Just read the “about me” page to know more.
Let’s work on this together. Read my blog to see what I’m doing. I’ll share any tips or tricks I find. I’m willing to join Dr. Oz and his Transformation Nation to help stomp out obesity, and I’m willing to start with ME.
KaChing!
Money is a powerful motivator. When Dr. Oz introduced his “Transformation Nation” on Monday September 26, 2011, I was completely motivated (sorry, Dr. Oz, it’s kind of about the money). Does it motivate you too? It does not run everything in my life, but this is definitely tied to something I have really struggled with, for some reason.
What’s more, Dr. Oz made it even better by making it a challenge – everyone needs to get healthier, even people who aren’t too heavy (although I know that obesity is certainly the problem!). Well, I love a challenge. Only a lack of time and a fear of “not being fat enough” kept me from trying out for “The Biggest Loser”. Imagine that, not being “fat enough”? It’s almost sick! No – on second thought – it IS sick!
The Illness that is Obesity
What an awful sounding word – Obesity. It is an illness – yes, ILLNESS – that is almost always chronic once someone has it. And it is never actually “diagnosed” by a physician. Let’s face it, we can all tell when we are obese, can’t we?
Here’s the skinny: with obesity considered epidemic today, it is appalling how difficult it is to glean helpful information from our healthcare professionals.
After my “aha” moment last year (see “About Me”), I sat down with one of my doctor’s (a gynecologist) and, when she mentioned weight as an issue, asked her what solutions she could offer – was there a clinic in the hospital (no), was there a specialist that she knew of (no).
I met with my regular physician, associated with the same hospital and he, too, had no solutions to offer.
The conclusion: There seemed to be nothing available from healthcare professionals unless one was seeking bariatric surgery. There’s a separate area for that. FYI, one is not eligible for that surgery if you have had cancer until you are five years cancer free.
After speaking with two doctors, I visited the hospital website – even worse! They should really be ashamed of themselves.
Now, I want you to know, I have tried almost everything – Weight Watchers (maybe 5-6 times), acupuncture, and others. I read Dr. Phil, Atkins and others. (PS Atkins worked for a while.) I did NOT try Jenny Craig – too expensive. After going to learn about it we joked about making up our own eating plan with frozen meals. That was a few years ago.
Here’s The New Plan
I’m giving Weight Watcher’s another try. The plan actually worked before and hey, now I can eat all the bananas I want and not feel guilty! I’m combining that with as many healthy eating tips and new healthy habits as I can muster.
I’m will to share my trials and tribulations here.
You are Invited to Join In, if You Want To!
I invite you to comment via my Facebook page. Sorry, I just don’t have time to keep up with comments in two places. Please also share your ideas and thoughts there. One brief comment – we are looking for positive helpful comments and successes – no complaining about “how hard it is”. Everyone knows that. If it weren’t a challenge, I, for one, would not be in this predicament!
I’ll try to incorporate great ideas into this website and blog, and will let everyone know of new postings there.
Thanks in advance for traveling along with me on my journey, as I travel with you on yours, if need be. We’ll hold each other up, okay?