Reasons to Lose/Maintain weight

Okay... As you know I've been touting this program that I've been using called the 'Beck Diet Solution'. It's a '6 week' behavior modification program developed by Dr. Judith Beck to 'train your brain to think like a thin person.'

I've been asked if I would do 'discussion threads' based on the book, so I'm  going to dive in, but if you want to join in and really want to get the most out of it, I strongly suggest that you get a copy of the book and associated workbook. You can find them at major booksellers and online. Be sure to get both the book and the workbook. Several people have asked me to consider doing some 'discussions' based on the program. I'm not psychologist, but I'm willing to start stepping through the book and associated workbook, posting my thoughts and hopefully getting feedback from you. I hope that this may help all of us as we try to identify those behaviors that we want to rid ourselves of, as well as those that we want to cultivate so that we can try to do all that we can to ensure and assure long-term success in this life changing journey we find ourselves making.

First Topic:Motivating Yourself

Create a list of "Reasons to Lose/Maintain Weight"

Dr. Beck suggests that you create a written list of the reasons that you want to lose weight (or maintain the weight you've already lost). She said that while you might be able to 'rattle off' a list of a dozen or more reasons, it's helpful to actually write them down. She also has a list of common disadvantages of 'dieting' or sticking to it along with helpful responses to help you get past those.

By the time that I purchased the books that comprise this program, I had already lost my weight. I bought the books because I wanted to identify and modify the behaviors that had gotten me into the mess I was in before I had surgery because I don't want to ever find that excess weight again. That said my list might have a slightly different perspective that one created for someone just started their journey.

Once I created my list, I made copies of it and have them on my mirror in my bathroom. In my kitchen. On the dashboard of my car. In my wallet. On my desk. Anywhere, where I might be tempted to transgress or where I'll see them often.Here's my list of

Reasons to Maintain my Weight Loss

·          I'm healthier

    o          My Type 2 Diabetes is resolved w/an HbA1C of 5.3

      o          My cholesterol is down over 100 pts

    o          My sleep apnea is resolved

    o          My BMI is NORMAL

·          I feel better

    o          I have more energy

    o          I have more stamina

·          I’m proud of my accomplishments

    o          I’ve lost 130 lbs!

    o          I’m good role for my daughter

·          I look better

    o          I look great in most clothes

    o          I love to wear single digit sizes

     o          Shopping for clothes is now FUN!

I’d love to know what your reasons for Losing Weight and/or Maintaining your Weight Loss are.

 

Barb

Barb, Thanks so much for taking the time and doing this. I’m really looking forward to working through this together.

I have a page that I have been wanting to list my reasons to lose weight and was even showing it to Allen last week but I’ve been procrastinating starting it. Now with this exercise, I will have it done, or at least a good start to it!

I want to have RNY and lose my excess weight because…

I want to reduce my risks for diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer, etc.

I hope it will alleviate my general pain issues (legs, knees, feet, back, etc.), fibromyalgia, depression, and anxiety disorder, as well as my debilitating sciatica.

I want to recapture my youth and lost years, welcoming back The Old Me, reintroduce her to my husband, and introduce her to my children for the first time ever. They have never really known who their mother truly is.

It will enable me to do more for my family.

I want to set a better example for my children as they see me achieve success and make better choices.

I want to feel sexier for my husband (and myself!).

It will enable our family to be a LOT more active. With my family, I want to ride roller coasters, go white water rafting, go on long hikes in the mountains, enjoy swimming pools and beach trips, and so much more!

I want to take Madeline on long walks regularly.

I want to be able to work out at the gym and would love to get into some serious body sculpting after the weight comes off.

I know my weight loss will enable hubby to get back into body building without feeling he is “leaving me behind.”

I want to indulge in beauty rituals, feeling that I DO deserve them. Things like facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, hair cuts, brow waxes…all the things I either don’t do now or put off because I am self-conscious.

I want to enjoy bargain hunting again, going to the mall and other stores on a regular basis without the walking killing me.

I want to wear “normal” sizes again, being able to enjoy fashion…maybe even my old signature heals I wore with everything, including jeans!

I want to feel like a Girlie Girl again and buy THE little black dress!

I want to re-create my signature style (yes, I USED to have one!). I can’t wait to find it and fill my wardrobe…imagining something very bohemian and earthy, yet preppy!

I want to wear a “normal” bra I can buy from a “normal” store (currently a 44I) - did I mention alleviating back pain?! Oh to shop Victoria’s Secret!!!

I want to look forward to future travels from a different perspective. Instead of thinking of low-impact activities (Could I really walk the pyramids/wall of China/etc.?!), I want to think of all the things we WILL be able to do and see without much, if any, restriction!

I want to once again bring out my inner Martha Stewart/Bree Van de Camp. To keep a perfect home, cook, entertain…I want to do those things again!

I want my life to be filled with philanthropic endeavors.

I want to try yoga, tai chi, belly dancing…golf!

(I know this is just the beginning of my list!...)

What a fabulous list!

Now take this list, or a condensed, highlight version and put it everywhere so that you can refer to it whenever you might stray from your mission to take the best care of yourself that you can.

You are off to a wonderful start.

Keep it up,

Barb

MY REASONS ARE:

A Health
  1. get rid of cpap
   2. improve diabetes
   3.  improve lymphedema
   4.  remove excess weight on knees
   5. Be able to walk again
   6. Get rid of massive list of drugs

B Family
   1. Be able to go places with daughter
    2. vacations and outings with hubby and daughter
    3. Be able to attend family functions

C. Personal achievements
   1.  be able to have clothes that are NOT made by Omar the tent-maker
    2. be able to take care of my own personal toileting by myself
    3.  be able to walk more than 3 ft and still be able to breath
     4. Clean my own house to my satisfaction
      5.Be able to leave my house without a babysitter
     6. no more nurses /cna / therapist to deal with daily

Leslie

Leslie,

You have an impressive list of both tangible and intangible things you are looking forward to and trying to accomplish. I hope that you make copies of this list and keep them handy so that you can reinforce the reasons that you are working towards a healthier you. I think you will find your list to be especially helpful when you are facing challenges and/or temptations that might lead you astray from your appointed mission.

Stay focused and I believe that you achieve the goals you have laid out for yourself. I look forward to watching you cross many of these items off your list.

All the best,

Barb

Here are my reasons so far for wanting lose weight:

Get healthy
    Get rid of CPAP
    Get rid of diabetes
    Get blood pressure and cholesterol under control
    

Be able to keep up with my 3 little grandsons as they grow up. Not have them embarrassed by a 'fat gramma'

Be able to cross my legs when I sit down. I see women all the time with their legs crossed and
   I'm so envious

Be able to buy normal sizes instead of plus sizes

Have wild sex with my 48 year old hubby  again

Have more energy

Travel with hubby and not be afraid of going different places because of my size






 

Hi Pam,

I love your list and look forward to your achieving the many goals you have laid out for yourself. Be sure to remind yourself of these daily, as well as whenever you feel like you are hitting a roadblock so that you shore up your resolve to do the things you need to do get you where you want to be.

I look forward to watching the new you unfold.

Barb

Thanks Barb! You're such a great motivator.

I just thought of another one:

BETTER BLADDER CONTROL

I'm starting to drink all this water every day and WHEW..it was bad enough before getting to the potty in time but now I'd better not be too far from one!

Thanks Pam ...

I found that my list grew and morphed with time. I'll bet yours will as well.

Barb

Ok - I've got a reason I bet no one else has - ha ha! I'm moving into a 110 year old log cabin on November 1st. It has a LADDER to get into the loft where the bed is. I can't gain any weight or I will kill myself!