MEMBERS SPEAK: More Than A Number

Do you get wrapped up in what you weigh or what size you wear?  

Our true value isn't a number on the scale.  The scale doesn't show the important things that make us who we are.  Don't focus on the scale but in who you are and what makes you the person that you are!!
                                                  

Not focusing on that number on the scale got me to 283.5 and needing major surgery to restore my health and get off my diabetes meds.  You can twist it anyway you like to make people feel good but the number on the scale is the reason we are all here.  I have never tortured myself with the scale, I only weigh when I know I am at my lowest point.  But don't go making people feel like size doesn't matter because it is that thinking that allows for regain and a whole new slew of self loathing.  My theory is prevent the problem, keep yourself in check daily, don't let a minute go by that you aren't dilligent because if you do the pounds pile up fast and even 10lbs back on arthritic joints is painful.

I do not do this anymore. I used to. And then I realized how shallow and meaningless it was to worry about what size clothing I wear.  I surround myself with people who care more about delving into Life rather than going shopping for the "designer of the month."

I'm healthier now, in spite of being heavy, than I was when I had the lapband, that's for sure.

I think the key phrase here is "wrapped up" which I take to mean obsessed.  Trading a food obsession for an obsession with a number on a scale or clothing size does nothing to ensure you are healthy both physically and mentally.  Just because you weigh the recommended weight on the Met Life chart doesn't mean that you are healthy.  On the other hand, when the number on the scale is 2 or 3 times the Met Life number, you are in serious trouble health-wise.  So, the number on the scale should be one of the arrows in your quiver to motivate you to get healthier by eating right and exercising.

My 2 cents...

I think the number is something I use to keep going in the right direction and so i can't totally ignore it.  But it does not define who I am, on that you are right.  I am not a slave to that number anymore and that is because of focusing on healthy choices and being PRESENT in a life worth living.  I choose healthy foods because i no longer see food as a comfort.  It is fuel and I want the biggest bang for the buck.  Do i occasionally indulge?  YUP.  That's part of living a full life too.  But my life today includes exercising in fun ways.  Playing with my kids.  Getting out and going.  Things I couldnt do.  Before i would have defined all of who I was by weight.  And it was all negative.  Now I have the life I have always dreamed of.  And the really crazy part about that?  It is the life I have always had!  I am still a mom.  I am still a daughter, sister, friend, hard worker, lover and fighter.  I am just a healthier one.  Both physically and mentally.  Do you know what a gift it is to look in a mirror and be able to say, "I love myself today."  and MEAN it?  ROCK ON!  I dont attribute this entirely to weight loss, but a process of self discovery and forgiveness that started way before surgery.  Do I have bad days?  You bet.  But the chains are broken.  I am not what i weigh.  I am not a size.  I am Jodi.  I have hopes and dreams.  I think.  I feel.  I love and I am loved. i am perfectly imperfect and it's wonderful to know that!  WOOOOO!  Cheesy?  You betcha!  Aint life grand??  :)