Back at it!

It's been quite a while since I posted anything.  That's largely because I got so discouraged.  I had hit a plateau and stayed at the same weight for more than 6 months.  After that, I was so very discouraged by my very strict eating plan that I began cheating more and more.  I put back on some of the weight I had lost, and that just made me more discouraged.

I saw my cardiologist on April 1st.  I expected him to really fuss at me about my weight gain, but he just asked me what happened.  I didn't give him details of my discouragement, but just said that life happened.  He recommended that I join Weight Watchers.  He explained that the problem with my yo-yo dieting is that, when I gain weight, I also gain fat in my arteries.  When I lose the weight again, I don't lose the fat in the arteries.  It stays there.  And if I gain weight again, I just get another layer in my arteries.  I don't want to have to go through another bypass surgery.  It wasn't fun!  So, I joined Weight Watchers, and I'm hoping to reach my goal once and for all, and learn to STAY THERE! 

So far, I've lost just over 11 pounds since I joined WW on April 6.  I've also met some amazing women who have become friends.  We walk together every Saturday morning before our meeting and we encourage each other.  It's so much better than any online support group, as these women know me and understand my struggles.  I'm going to make it this time!  I still need to lose about 30 pounds, but I'm on my way!

I have quit running.  I'm just walking now, but still always trying to increase my speed.  I just decided that the running was causing too much trouble with my back and I was in pain most of the time.  Since I reverted back to just walking, I'm still getting the exercise I need, but I don't hurt so much in between.  I'm registered for five more races this year (and still plan on at least one every month).  I hope to finish one in under 45 minutes very soon!

Stay strong!

Cheryl