The Weight Loss Battle

I will never forget when my doctor told me that I am considered obese. I knew I was overweight, but obese is such an ugly word. More Americans (adults, teens, and children) are overweight than ever before. I am often shocked to see pre-teens that are carrying more weight on their bodies than I am. I did not have problems with my weight until I became a teen. Around age 14-15, my weight seemed to explode overnight. School photos show a dramatic change in my face. I had chubby cheeks. My weight gain seemed to happen so quickly that no one said hey put that second serving down. Matter of fact my dad was my food friend. We ate together because it was enjoyable. My sister and mother were tiny, with petite frames, while I was 182, 5’6, and a size 16.

I lost weight my junior year and joined the army at 17. Then I really lost weight. At my smallest, I was 128lbs and a size 8. That may not seem small to some, but after I met my husband and had our daughter, wow did the weight come back and it just kept coming. I have dieted, exercised, and gained. Exercise is great once I get going. It feels good, but I sure do not like to get going and the excuses not to pile on like pounds (fast and easy). I had for a period been on track losing weight, eating right, and exercising five times a week. My doc was happy to see the scale numbers heading south. Then my mother moved in with us and her cancer came back. It was terminal and in operable this time. I had already lost a grandmother, grandfather, and my dad just years before. Another grandfather passed and mom left us soon after. I just gave up trying and ate not for hunger, but boredom, sadness, anger, fatigue, celebrations, and everything in between.

I am not at my heaviest or lightest weight. I joined a community health club on Facebook, started riding a stationary bike, and began eating more fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. For years, I have read books, visited websites, and watched programs on losing weight. I almost feel like an expert with all that I have learned, but can never seem to put to practice long term. I know there are dozens of others who challenge the weight loss battle day after day. What keeps us going? Why do we fall of the horse and get back on again? I do not have the answer to this question yet. No book, TV show, or website has this answer for me. I do know that I stand behind those who eat the carrot and not the cake. Those who open their closet and cry because nothing fits. Those who sweat to the oldies and take the stairs at work. Those who have lost and gained. We keep up the fight and there has to be something said for that!