There's only one way to tell it like it is...and that is...to tell it like it is.

When it comes to weight loss, I have resorted to some pretty crazy stuff, which includes, but is not limited to various  health-wrecking habits. There’s nothing you could think of that I have not tried in the way of unhealthy weight loss methods-but that's a thing of the past,  because now, I'm all about permanent life style changes that lead to better health and permanent weight management. 

In 1996, at the age of 27, I weighed over 200 pounds, so I had VRG gastroplasty, AKA, stomach stapling [which is different than the gastric by-pass.]

I lost approximately 100 pounds in about 8 months.

I also nearly lost my life due to the fact my gall-bladder failed on me due to rapid weight loss because the commonly performed tests that were being done to diagnose my diseased gall-bladder were not detecting the problem.

At one point during all that testing, and all those expensive trips to the emergency room,  I was unable to even hold down an ice cube, I was passing out frequently due to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance, and the only fluids I was able to retain were the IV fluids I was getting in the emergency room during  a 5 day period of constant, uncontrollable vomiting,  until  my doctor was able to convince my insurance company that it was necessary to send me to Texas for diagnostic tests and treatment.

Between Tennessee and Texas, I was so weak and emaciated that I passed out at least twice- once when I got off the plane, and once after getting into the hospital, due to my inability to retain nutrients.

The bottom line is, I’m lucky to be alive.

Since I had not been given instruction, guidance, and counseling on how to MAINTAIN my 100 pound weight loss, I regained nearly all of the weight I had lost in 1996 and 1997, and by 2003, I  weighed over 200 pounds again. Talk about "hitting the wall."

I felt like a complete failure - and- a stupid idiot.

To add insult to injury, the medical establishment offered no help at that time.  Instead of referring me to a Nutrition specialist, my doctor actually said to me during a physical "you could go for a month without eating." Since that falls under the heading of "smart alec insults and sarcasm" rather than sound medical advice, needless to say, I no longer go to that doctor. Starvation, which is what my doctor was suggesting,  contributes to the wasting of muscle, and sometimes even slows the metabolism down, both of which makes  weight loss more difficult. Suddenly I understand how the malpractice lawyers make a living. HA!~

Anyway...

If I had known then what I know now, I'd have sought the help of a  Nutrition and Wellness Counselor.

Anyway, after I realized that I had gained nearly all of the weight I had lost in 1996,  I struggled with the decision as to whether or not I should try to lose weight again.

I wondered if the emotional consequences of another failure to loose weight and keep the weight off was even worth it.

There is a genetic component to my weight problem to be sure. Many of my relatives, who are attractive, very intellegent, and anything but lazy, have  struggled all of thier lives with weight as well, and though  some of them lose a few pounds here and there, they just can't seem to maintain weight loss, so I often wondered if it wouldn't  be easier to just give up buy into the MYTH that I was genetically doomed to be morbidly obese.

Finally, I recalled some proverb I once heard which states "not to decide - is to decide".

Not deciding to try again, was in-and-of itself, a decision to remain morbidly obese- and to possibly  become even heavier.

I knew that I was faced with the decision of staying on the unhealthy path I was on,  which I knew would ultimately lead to diabetes and heart disease, and most likely an early death.

I decided to  face my weight problem, head-on, all over again, and to do  the hard work that it would take for me to prevent any further loss of my health.

I realize a lot of others share my frustration in all of this, so what I set out to do is take a 6 month Nutrition and Wellness Course in order to educate myself so that I could help people to SENSIBLY reach their and maintain their personal nutrition goals the same way I did.

I'm happy with the fact that against difficult odds and despite a few discouraging relapses,  I  managed to set a reasonable goal, which was to get myself  out of the morbidly obese weight category, I met that goal, and I am continually working to maintain the goal that I met. [click on PICTURES to see my "before and after" photos]

The "no-nonsense" plan that I follow now has helped me to lose and maintain a weight loss of over 50 pounds for more than 1 year- and I want to share as many components of that plan with others as possible.

 

My book "You Only Better Weight Management Program" is available by EMAIL delivery for only $5.00. Paypal is accpeted!

http://youonlybetter.yolasite.com/you-only-better---how-to-order-the-book.php

 

By the way folks, I am also a musician.

Check out my music !

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/star

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/missijohnson

http://www.youtube.com/missijohnson1

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