winter update on weight loss

in july 2008, i decided to re-commit to my weight loss goals...then my fellowship kicked in...and nursing clinicals...and my masters research project....and as i approached november graduation, i realized that i had been back and forth with the same 5-10 lbs that i thought i moved past this summer....so in november, i decided to step up my game and go to a weight loss doctor to see how he could help me....at that time, he told me that my BMI (41.6) qualified me for bariatric surgery. i was a bit depressed by the news, but i was ready to make a REAL change. even though i always knew i was way too heavy for my height, i've always been told that i carry it well. i NEVER considered myself a candidate for weight loss surgery, even though i know the criteria for bariatric surgery....either way, surgery was NOT an option for me. there are no guaranteed results without me taking control of my diet and exercise - the very things i needed to do to lose weight with or without surgery. for example, my uncle was successful with gastric bypass surgery 5-6 years ago...but my father had lap band surgery 2 years ago...and without changing his activity or eating habits much, he has not really seen any change in his weight in quite some time...

anyhoo, since november, i've lost approx. 25lbs! and my BMI has gone down to 37.4! mostly by paying attention to what i eat and by adding in more activity -- my fitness coach game on the wii has really helped me push myself ;o) now, i still have a ways to go, but i've surpassed my first 10% mark, and i feel great!!! and now family members and friends - even some of my most critical loved hater ones who are also obese - are starting to notice...('hate on me hater, now or later, 'cuz i'm gonna do me, you'll be mad, baby!!' sorry, had a jill scott moment) i'm working on getting under 200lbs (-10lbs) by march and am more focused than i have been in almost 10 years...