Things have improved only slightly since January. I haven't lost a lot of weight, about 5 pounds, which, I am often reminded, is better than nothing. And I'm not gaining. I'm doing my best to keep up with getting in enough protein, drinking my water, taking my vitamins, etc. Exercise is tough because of the dismal weather. Hopefully March will be better, but the weathermen on the news are too encouraging. My dietician, Kay (who is WONDERFUL), has suggested that I go to the South Portland rec center to walk- they have a rubberized indoor track that is free to the public- might be a goodthing to try. I've always liked running (walking- not so much, too slow) and now that my arthritis is under control for the most part (because of the Enbrel injections) running is so much easier- I feel so much more energetic! That's one thing that's really great. :)
Other milestones- I'm wearing a size 16 now- I'm almost to my goal of being able to wear a size 14. Most extra-large tops at Wal-Mart are too big- that is a FANTASTIC feeling. I have to buy large sizes. :) I also got a new jacket from LL Bean because my men's extra tall, extra large jacket was sooooo large that the frigid cold air was coming up through the bottom of the coat and not keeping me warm at all. I have a nice new red coat, women's extra large (a little too big, but since it's the end of the winter season, Bean's didn't have a whole lot of selection) I've come pretty far since last August, when I look back on it.
Also, I told one of my classes about having surgery (right now I'm in the midst of teaching about physical health and obesity) and they were incredibly respectful and interested. Lots of questions!!! But all good ones. :)
Right now I'm also planning a baby shower for a friend of mine- we were "bestest friends" in grade school, and even though we've grown apart and we're not as close as we used to be, it's nice to be talking and making plans together again. This is just one more thing that I feel like I wouldn't have done a year ago- I would have felt too self-conscious about my weight, too much like a failure to face old friends and plan something as big as this.
So, all in all, as frustrating as this past month has been, things are looking okay- maybe even good! :)
