You've
come here to read about me, so here goes!
(Best viewed 800 x 600)
These are pictures
of me. The first is from about 7 years ago when I weighed in at
nearly 250 lbs. I look happy enough don't I? But, I was dealing
with poor health. Diabetes and hypertension were taking their
toll. I'd developed cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
I was taking almost 90 units of insulin daily. I spent my summer
trying to convince the doctors that I was indeed having chest
pains and not feeling well. Several thought at age 32 it couldn't
be possible. HA!!! Actually, that rotten summer probably saved
my life.
My
cardiologist told me to lose weight. He suggested a treadmill.
I gave him the song and dance that I couldn't afford one. He informed
me that it was cheaper than a casket. He was right. I purchased
my first treadmill second hand. I even started to use it. I could
do a whole 5 minutes at less than 2 miles per hour. It was hard,
but I stuck with it. Eventually I increased my time. I now walk
for a minimum of 30 minutes at 3.4 - 3.8 miles per hour.
I joined WW
in September 1998. I promptly fell in love with the program, lost
30 lbs, got myself off of insulin, and decreased my need for diuretics.
Walking on the treadmill became "fun" when I discovered
walking to good loud music with a heavy down beat.
I'm still walking.! I wore out one treadmill. This is my 2nd one!
I
took a break from the treadmill in the fall of 2000 after a couple of surgeries,
and promptly regained 15 lbs. My diabetes went out of whack and
I started to feel bad again. In mid December 2000, I jumped on the
bandwagon again (or should I say treadmill?) and although I had lost 11 of those 15 lbs, my sugars were manageable again and I didn't get winded quite as easily.
I got a new job in May of 2001 and with the added stress things have gone nuts again healthwise. I've regained some weight and am now struggling to get it off. I'm back on insulin since June of 2001, but only take about 20 units a day.
Now that you've
read all that, I guess I should tell you a bit about myself!
At this writing
I'm 39 years old. I weigh almost 40 lbs less than my highest weight.
I feel pretty well most of the time.
I'm married
to a nice guy and I have 3 children ages 18, 14 and 7. My kids
keep me hopping. I live on a small "hobby" farm in northern
Michigan. We have cattle, horses, chickens, ducks, geese, dogs
and cats.
I've been a
LPN for 20 years. I currently work part time in a local OB/GYN office.
I am now the leader of a health and weightloss support group here in our small village. I needed the support of a group, but couldn't afford the fees for Weight Watchers. The TOPS groups in our area weren't for me, so a group of friends and I started a new group. We call it Healthy Weigh.
Being leader of this group keeps me on my toes and keeps me focused on my main goal of losing weight and better health.
My hobbies include
this computer. I'd be lost without it. I also enjoy reading and
digital photograpy.
As to the last
straw that sent me to WW, I don't know for sure that there was
one. I first joined up to keep a friend company. Eventually she
quit going, but I'm still plugging away. A comment from a relative
to the effect that "it's your place in the family to be the
fattest of us" spurs me on to continuing losing weight. That
and the fact that I've been off insulin for almost 2 years after
taking injections 4 times a day for 5 1/2 years.
I really want
to continue losing weight. I know that it is to be, it's up to
me. It just gets so hard sometimes to stay on program.
Help from you
guys, my friends, keeps me focused on my journey to health. I
couldn't do it without you!
Thanks everyone!
Pam