Out of personal loss, comes a new life

Dieting- I hate that word. Like most people who have extra pounds to lose, I have tried some of the recognized diets and read many books about healthy eating and nutrition. I have been up and down the weight ladder all my life. I hated being fat and the way I looked. About six years ago, I tried one more time and lost a significant amount of weight, but, I put it back on, just like all the other times.

On January 1st of this year, I joined a private health club because, once again I lost a significant amount of weight and was interested in some personal training sessions. When I was introduced to a trainer his first question was “how did you lose all that weight“. After a slight hesitation he saw I was getting choked up and tears started flowing. I thought and thought then looked at him straight in the eye, wondering what I should tell him. As you read on, you will understand why I was becoming emotional but I wanted to be honest and up front with him.

Now my story begins. Cancer took the life of my lifetime partner April 12, 2010. We were together for fifteen years and were both morbidly obese. Now, what if that person who you depended on to help you get dressed by putting on your socks because you can’t reach your feet and be there for you other times when you need help, is suddenly taken to the hospital? What if you can’t walk the long distances from the parking lot, or walk the long hallways of the hospitals without being in pain from your bad knees and hips, and diabetic neuropathy in your feet? What if you were so fat you had difficulty breathing? What if you learn from the doctor that the person you depend on does not have long to live and you should make plans for their death and funeral?

That was the situation I found myself in. I suddenly realized I was going to be alone and fear set in. I was going to be without my companion who I depended on so much. My partner came home after a five week hospital stay then lived for another six days under the care of Hospice at Home before he passed away. Suddenly, I found myself in survival mode. I knew I had to change my lifestyle, and quick or I wouldn’t make it.

Almost cold turkey, I started making healthy food choices. I avoided fast food like the plague and learned that protein is a fat burner. I lost 110 pounds just by changing my food intake alone. Having reached this new level I felt I needed help to strengthen and condition my body and lose additional pounds, so that’s when I joined the health club and started working with a personal trainer.

To date, I have lost 147 pounds over the last two years. That's 40% of my body. I have gone from weighing 359 pounds and a waist of 58 inches, to 212 pounds and a waist of 38 inches. Through physical exercise, I have gained strength and endurance and able to do exercises that were impossible to do before. A body analysis shows that I am at my suggested weight for my frame and exercise level and I have 13.3% body fat which is within the suggested range of 12-15%. However, I do want to lose a few more pounds and that’s why I started working with a nutrition coach and joined MyFitnessPal to help me better understand what I am eating and where I need to make adjustments.

I know I have touched many lives as I tell my story and cope everyday with my loss, while at the same time dealing with my new lifestyle. I have been told time after time what an inspiration I am. My two daughters are extremely proud of me and have watched me grow and become stronger every day. Friends and co-workers who haven’t seen me for a long time are amazed and don’t recognize me. They say, where is the rest of you!

Six months after my partner passed away, Hospice at Home conducted a “Service of Remembrance” for our loved ones and we were allowed to pick a black granite stone with a word inscribed on it to take home with us. I chose one that reads “Inspire” not knowing how that was going to affect my new life. It sits on my desk, right next to my computer and is a constant reminder of the impact I have had on others, locally and around the world through friends I have made on internet social groups, and how their responses have impacted me.

Do we need a life changing event or something that shocks or knocks us in the head to tell us we are playing a deadly game with our health? To those who read this, has my story been your wake up call? Did I get your attention? Have I inspired you? Have I paid it forward? If so, I am pleased and blessed because that's my motivation and inspiration.

I always look to see what positive can come from tragedies and negative situations. Sometimes we don’t always see that. Let my tragedy be your incentive and inspiration. Tell your loved ones and friends everyday that you love them. You never know when they will be taken away from you, or you away from them. I am 71 years old. If I can do it, you can too. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.