I was asked to speak at a conference...

Hi all,
It has been a bit since I was here...so surgery was October 13th of 2008. I started at 503 and now weigh 340. After reading all the people getting into the 200s, my nine month goal is to be below 300 by July's end.

So, the Montana Department of Corrections decided a couple of years ago that too many of their employees were out of shape, stressed out, and were dying on the job or right after they retired. They hired a guy to do some research on what the Department could do to help the employees. A Wellness Initiative was established that looked at many things but overall health (mind/body/spirit) was addressed. So as many of you know, I am an addictions counselor who has been working on improving my own mental/physical/ and spiritual health for the last several years. The surgery has helped in so many ways...but I had also done a lot of work prior to my Gastric Bypass. There is a leadership meeting of all of the Wardens, Superintendents, and Bureau Chiefs on Tuesday and Wednesday. I was asked to come and tell my story to inspire(I guess) and to help the executive staff recognize the importance of supporting their employees and making Wellness a priority in the facilities.

It is kinda funny that prior to the surgery, I had done so much work on myself but until you could see a visual of it ie: losing 170 plus pounds...it wasn't as recognized. It will never cease to amaze me how obese people are overlooked by society. It is almost like, the more we weigh, the less it is perceived that we have to offer.

That being said...I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to speak to this group and tell the story that has been culminating for about 7 years and is now being manifested through the visual results of the weight loss. My hope is to make a career  change while continuing to do  addictions counseling and begin working with people who struggle with obesity issues and addiction and also those who develop cross addictions post surgery. I have done some consulting and plan to continue in that venue. I also very much enjoy public speaking and look forward to addressing this group. I think the topic is very worthwhile and the resources that are available to people who work for the Department of Corrections are excellent. The work I do with the offenders and the materials available are no different than the tools I used to deal with my  own issues while  working  to change my relationship with food and to do the hard work on myself.

I will let you all know how it goes.

Carrie,

Way to go!  You must be very proud.  Doesn't it feel wonderful when everything starts coming together?  I'm sure you will open the eyes of a lot of people with your story.  I love hearing about people who change not just their weight but their life and their outlook.  You will be an inspiration to many.

Your weight loss has just been amazing!  At this rate you will be in the 200's by the end of July, good luck!

If you're ever in Billings, let me know.  I'd love to meet up with you :-)

Tyna

Ahhhhh, I LOVE the statement "It will never cease to amaze me how obese people are overlooked by society. It is almost like, the more we weigh, the less it is perceived that we have to offer."  That's a quote that I would love permission to reuse...because it's unfortuately true.  CONGRATS on your loss & here's to sending God speed to your goal!!