OK, so I thought I'd start out with a little background.
My name is Michelle but my friends call me Chell (Shell). I am 6'1" and 359.1 lbs (last time I was weighed).
I'd like to explain how it happened that I went from a comfortable 185 lbs to my current weight. Back in 1996 I was working for a window/storm door manufacturer in Brookings, SD. In late 1996, while on the job, my right elbow (funny bone to be exact, technical name ulnar nerve) was injured. I did physical therapy and took over the counter meds but the pain wouldn't go away. In December 1996 I found out I was pregnant with my first child. As a result I became very careful about what I took for the pain. In January 1997 it was suggested I Cortisone injected directly into the damaged nerve. The doctor prescribing the injection downplayed the severity of the side effects saying "it only contains 5% steroids so the weight gain would be minimal if there is any at all". He suggested I speak with my ob/gyn about it to make sure it would be safe for my baby. My ob/gyn said it would be "fine", "perfectly safe", and to "go ahead". Keep in mind, this drug is only to be administered 4 times in a 12 month period. I received all 4 shots within 3 months. Over the next 4 months I gained 125 lbs so when my daughter was born I was at 310 lbs. THAT'S minimal??? I'm still confused as to how that was "perfectly safe" for either me or my daughter but we both managed to survive. I have been fighting a losing battle to lose the weight since.
This leads me to my current situation. As I said, I am currently at 359.1 lbs. My goal weight is 185 lbs. I am very determined to reach my goal weight. My reason for this is simple. I don't want to be fat anymore. I don't like the way I look, I hurt all the time, I don't get much sleep at night because I cannot get comfortable in my own bed, and I don't get to do any of the activities I used to, for example, biking, playing football, baseball, tennis, etc and running. Not to mention it's very difficult to breathe. I have something called "athletic asthma" which basically means if I do anything strenious (such as taking the stairs, walking from my truck into my apartment, walking and talking at the same time) I don't get to breathe. It's rediculous and completely unnecessary.
My intentions are to reach my goal weight by or before July 19. The reasoning behind this deadline being I am scheduled to go on a 4 week trip to Australia with a group called International Student Volunteers (ISV) on July 20. The first 2 weeks we help to rebuild ecosystems, housing and/or wildlife conservation. The second 2 weeks we go on an adventure tour, not only as a reward but also so the students can see what we are working to preserve. Aside from not wanting to pay for 2 seats on the plane, I really want to be able to participate in all of the activities.
While this doesn't give me much time, I know I can do it. I have been lucky enough to find someone to help me retrain my lifestyle and beat my brain into submittion.(yes, that was my sad attempt at humor). He suggested this blog as a way to track my progress for me, help him figure out which things I need to work on/change, and possibly help others who struggle with this issue.
In this blog I will be tracking my calorie intake and exercise regimen as well as whining about how difficult it is and trying to figure out how to get out of it without losing the end result. If nothing else, it should be entertaining... or not?
Best of luck to all of you who are trying to overcome their weight problem and much thanks to those of you who are cheering me on. It will be a long journey but I know it will end in elation, satisfaction and a new respect for myself.
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