Soft in the Head: First Day of the Rest of My Life.....

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

First Day of the Rest of My Life.....

It's not often we like to admit certain things to the world....like being over-weight! I'm extremely over-weight, obese in fact! I never thought I would have this problem since I was a svelte and VERY active college student and would run 2 miles a day and I played tennis...but it happened! Over the course of 30+ years I have added 200 lbs of excess fat to my medium size frame and now I have developed a multitude of health issues because of it. If you are a follower of my blog then you know, I am a firm believer in the truth and I DO NOT live in "fairytale land" where everything is neat and tidy and perfect! I hate to cook, I'm grumpy, my mouth can make a truck driver blush and as far as perfection, the only thing perfect around here is the way the toilet paper fits on the spool! I finally bit that proverbial bullet and sought help for my weight problem. With the financial help from my little brother (thank you Mark) I am able to go to a doctor. Our insurance no longer provides coverage for weight management regardless of whether it is a health risk or not. Starting tomorrow my life will change forever and food will become only a necessity and not the end-all to everything. I want to see my feet again, not huff and puff just walking out to get the mail....and more than anything I don't want to hurt any longer! Sleeping is a luxury that I hope I get again because the joint and bone pain keeps me up all night! Keep your fingers and toes crossed that I can "take care of business" and become the person that will be around to see my grandkids grown up! I'm not looking to wear a bikini but a maybe a bra that doesn't pinch and cut into the body would be nice! Here's to possibly doing a "Walk for Cancer" someday! Wish me luck!

41 comments:

kavettahulse said...: Good luck and I wish you the best. Weight creeps on so easily but is so much harder to take off. Please keep us informed of your journey! I used to be thin too and have gained 100 pounds in the last 20 years. I need to do something too so I don't end up with health issues. Wish you speedy weight loss!!; August 3, 2011 at 1:32 PM
Anonymous said...: So proud of you Pam~ admitting it is a "BIG" step~ you CAN do this~ you have may supporters in the art field alone~ look at all of the positives not the negatives~ good luck and keep us up to date~
Big Hugs,
Suzy; August 3, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Regina said...: I know that you will do just what you want to on this new journey. You will lose and feel better and stronger. You are blessed to have someone that can help you. Please keep us updated on your progress as I'm sure as you are in your art you will be an inspiration to those of us that need to follow this same journey.

Hugs,
Regi; August 3, 2011 at 1:52 PM
MLBetterly said...: I'm just starting that path myself! You're not alone. I gained 50 pounds after I quit smoking three years ago and I was a little over weight to begin with. So, now I'm on the road to losing 80 pounds! I wish you heaps of luck!; August 3, 2011 at 1:58 PM
WoolenSails said...: I wish you luck in your goals to lose weight. I admit, I love food, but because of my allergies, I cannot really get too heavy. I have gained over the years and for me having a bit of a paunch is uncomfortable, so I have been eating smaller meals and exercising more and it really does make me feel so much better.

Debbie; August 3, 2011 at 2:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Every journey begins with one small step! I wish you all the best on yours! x x; August 3, 2011 at 2:23 PM
Lori Ann Corelis said...: You go girl!!
Congrats!

L; August 3, 2011 at 2:44 PM
Theresa said...: Good luck and keep us posted on how things are going. I'm back to doing the diet thing yet again too.... I'm hoping to lose some weight before their's another cookie in the oven. ;0); August 3, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Kays Kids said...: You are an inspiration to me. admitting you have a weight problem is half the battle. I have always had a weight problem, and its a never ending battle. Be strong and you will get there.; August 3, 2011 at 3:14 PM
The Moonlit Stitch said...: Strength, hope, peace, comfort, joy to you as you embark on this journey! ~*~Lisa; August 3, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Unknown said...: Hi Pam, It sounds like you're on a wonderous new road and just know that you have all of us standing with you for support! I know exactly what you're speaking about and have been on my own path towards health and a lighter frame as well. If you need us, we're here! Sending you strenght, motivation and encouragement!
Ha Cha!!! :-)
~ Deb
of Possible Impossibilities Studio; August 3, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Farmhouse prims said...: Congratulations, I am so proud of you, I know weight creeps up before we know it. I have gained 50 pounds over the years and I hate it. You are an inspiration to me. Hugs, Lecia; August 3, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Alice ~ Folk Art Primitives said...: Oh, Pam!! I give you so much credit for being so forthright and for biting the proverbial bullet!! You go, girl!! I wish I would jump on the bandwagon with you ~ I'll be cheering you on and hopefully, be inspired! You're a wonderful person and we all want you and your great outlook on life to be around for years to come!! Hang on for the ride!!! In friendship ~ Alice; August 3, 2011 at 5:12 PM
MJL said...: Your an inspiration to all. Me included. I as well have weight issues. It seems that when I reached 40 all that was good went South and then eveything I put in my mouth went into areas that I didn't know existed. I just started weight watchers for probably the 6 time in my life and this is the first time that the weight hasn't come off so easy. It's depressing, it's overwhelming but I'm bound and determined that I will continue and I'll reach my goal which is to lose 50 pounds. I applaud you for your honesty and I wish you the very best. It's not going to be easy but, like you I have grandchildren and I want to watch them grow up and I want to be able to enjoy every moment that I am on this earth. Life goes so fast, and I want to relish every moment that remains. Take care and be well. Your a winner and you'll do what ever it takes, I have confidence that you are someone that will follow thru and reach your goal...your a winner not a quitter!!!!! Again, take care !!!!; August 3, 2011 at 5:55 PM
Cat Nap Inn Primitives said...: Hey Pam,
I hear you on all of this..that is why I started to eat better and exercise to lose weight as I have a kidney disease and I want to be in better health if I do need a kidney down the road..and I am tired of aching..no sleep etc..and since I have lost 45 pounds so far..I am sleeping better...my aches are going away..and I can work out in the yard all day long now and not ache..I feel better then I have in 11 years..i feel younger again..and have so much energy now..its unreal..I just eat smaller portions..more veggies and fruits..low carbs and natural sugars..:) best of luck..we are here to cheer you one..;); August 3, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Kathi said...: Pam, good for you!! I'm sure that as the weight starts to come off, you will feel so much better. You have an awesome support system around you so I know you will be able to do this!! Much love ♥; August 3, 2011 at 6:17 PM
Hanni said...: Good for you Pam, to take the first step to better health. I wish you all the best and very much success. It will not be easy sometimes, but hang in there and you will see success. So good luck with everything!; August 3, 2011 at 6:26 PM
elf said...: Good luck Pam! You can do it! Take it one day at a time and be gentle with yourself.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.; August 3, 2011 at 6:33 PM
softinthehead said...: How does one say thank you enough to all of you incredible and caring souls! I am truly blessed to have all of you in my life. Your support is just the shot I need to get through this ....THANK YOU!!!!!!!; August 3, 2011 at 6:34 PM
Carey Burns said...: I'm traveling that road myself and it is hard, but you can do it. My best friend is now my food journal. It knows all of my secrets and tells no lies. But now it also knows how much I work out and what my current weight is. :) Best of luck to you!; August 3, 2011 at 6:39 PM
TheCrankyCrow said...: Oh Pam - what a brave soul you are. I wish you the best of luck on this journey you're about to undertake...and somehow, I know you will kick this beast and get to your "right" spot, just as you do with your magnificent creations. I wish you courage, perseverance, health, and success....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin; August 3, 2011 at 7:03 PM
Michelle Sylvia said...: I Love You Lady!!! Every last thing about you!! I BELIEVE in you and I know that you have what it takes to do this. You are a strong, beautiful loving woman who will need to remember to focus some of that Love inward towards your own heart. God bless your brother for reaching out to help you!! You are such a blessing to so many of us!! We are all here to lean on. Don't forget that!!

xoxoxoxoxo
Michelle; August 3, 2011 at 7:14 PM
Rock River Stitches said...: Pam, Good luck to you! I'm telling you, you will feel so much better when the weight does come off. My hubby lost 30 pounds and is like a new man. Just keep thinking about those grandkids!

Tammy; August 3, 2011 at 7:33 PM
Michelle said...: Pam, you have been an inspiration for me since I "found" your designs several years ago! Now that inspiration has been taken to a new level! I too, have a weight problem, but have refused to admit how severe because I am an emotional eater! Surgery was not an option for me because I knew that I would still eat, pills actually made me gain weight. Some days I can't even sip water because I am so full but I continue to eat everything that I shouldn't because of some "stress" of the day. I have been working on just getting up and walking on the tread mill, not trying for a marathon, just trying to walk. So far this month I lost 4lbs. Not a lot, not quickly enough but it is a start that I am finally happy with! Hopefully all of us who have posted on here can complete this "journey" together with you as our inspiration! Best of luck tomorrow, God Bless you and your wonderful brother!; August 3, 2011 at 7:49 PM
Adorable Country Classics said...: Pam, I think it's great that you are taking the step to get healthy! I've never had to exercise a day in my life until recently. I was always able to eat anything I wanted and not gain a single pound. But for some reason the last couple years I too started to gain weight which caused some health problems. After going to the Dr. recently, my Dr. told me I needed to start exercising and eating right. Well I knew I needed to do it, I don't know why it took her telling me to do it. So that day I changed my life, & my husbands. Because he now eats what I cook because it has to be healthy meals. I started walking with a girlfriend every morning, and we walk 1 1/2 miles everyday. I hated it at first, and some mornings I still do, getting up at 5am to walk is not fun! What keeps me doing it is how good I feel when I'm done, and my grandchildren. You can do it, it's hard at first, very hard. You have to be dedicated to making a change. If you need some healthy recipes I can send you some. They are by Bob Greene Oprahs diet guy. They are in his book "Best Life Diet". The recipies are very good, no artificial sugars used in any of them & they are very healthy. And they tell you how much calories and so forth for every meal. His book is also inspirational. Just let me know and I can email them to you. I'm proud of you for making the right decision. You will feel so much better trust me! You can do it! I wish you the best!; August 3, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Adorable Country Classics said...: Pam, I think it's great that you are taking the step to get healthy! I've never had to exercise a day in my life until recently. I was always able to eat anything I wanted and not gain a single pound. But for some reason the last couple years I too started to gain weight which caused some health problems. After going to the Dr. recently, my Dr. told me I needed to start exercising and eating right. Well I knew I needed to do it, I don't know why it took her telling me to do it. So that day I changed my life, & my husbands. Because he now eats what I cook because it has to be healthy meals. I started walking with a girlfriend every morning, and we walk 1 1/2 miles everyday. I hated it at first, and some mornings I still do, getting up at 5am to walk is not fun! What keeps me doing it is how good I feel when I'm done, and my grandchildren. You can do it, it's hard at first, very hard. You have to be dedicated to making a change. If you need some healthy recipes I can send you some. They are by Bob Greene Oprahs diet guy. They are in his book "Best Life Diet". The recipies are very good, no artificial sugars used in any of them & they are very healthy. And they tell you how much calories and so forth for every meal. His book is also inspirational. Just let me know and I can email them to you. I'm proud of you for making the right decision. You will feel so much better trust me! You can do it! I wish you the best!; August 3, 2011 at 8:59 PM
Jeanmarie said...: Pam, you are such a fresh breath of air. You have no pretense about you, you are honest and warm hearted, and an inspiration to all that know you. I am honored to be among those on your friend list that you are sharing this personal struggle with. I am very proud of your commitment to take the bull by the horn and shake away the extra weight. It won't be easy, but once that first ten pounds comes off and it sticks, it should give you incentive to reach the next plateau. Depending on the diet that you will be following, or any dietary restrictions you already have (and by the way if you are diabetic that might disappear with the weight loss, high blood pressure too can go down the road to oblivion) just be sure to have carrot sticks, pineapple chunks,Cherries etc. waiting for you in the refrigerator to curb times between meals. Lots of water, and the colder it is the more calories you will burn as the body warms the water! Tomato juice is supposed to curb hunger, yogurt and Milk are also great for losing weight. I can't tolerate regular milk, but love the Lactaid. Good Luck Pam!; August 3, 2011 at 9:22 PM
Teri said...: Best of luck to you! You have already taken the hardest step .... The first one!
Thanks for sharing ...
Teri; August 4, 2011 at 2:53 AM
suz said...: I am humbled that you are able to be so open about your weight. I too am overweight and hate to cook. I'm an emotional eater and know I'm not eating right. Two weeks ago my doctor added a 3rd blood pressure med. I hate the idea of having to take medicine. I don't like being "sick" although I have asthma and don't mind my disc. The practice my doctor belongs to set up a system where we can log into our own personal page and see the results of our blood tests and any tests taken in the office (blood pressure, weight). The words "morbid obesity" sat there and were my two-by-four moment. I'm trying to get the eating under control and to go to Planet Fitness 2 or 3 days during the week and Saturday and Sunday. Already my knees feel better and I'm told it will also help my breathing because it will strengthen my lungs. I'd also like to have a good night's sleep. Best of luck. Thank you for inspiring so many of us in more ways than one.; August 4, 2011 at 6:41 AM
maddyrose said...: Good luck Pam. I'm also trying to loose weight. I'm having trouble walking and haven't been able to sleep more than a few hours at a time in years. Hopefully by loosing at least 50 pounds I'll be able to see some improvement. Just being able to walk without pain would mean so much.; August 4, 2011 at 8:00 AM
Janae "The Country Hollow" said...: A year ago my husband found out he was a diabetic so we both decided to change our life. I also needed to loose weight so it was a perfect chance for us to go on our journey together. To date he has lost 69 pounds and I have lost 50. He is no longer on his diabetic medicine and I am no longer on my high blood presure medicine and we feel great.
We quit eating most processed foods and quit eating most white foods. We eat brown rice, brown pastas, whole wheat breads etc. We have some type of protein (very lean), a veggie, and fruit at every meal. All of our meat is either grilled or broiled with no sauces. It was hard at first but now it feels like we have done it forever. Good luck on your journey!; August 4, 2011 at 8:06 AM
Susan McShannon-Monteith said...: Wishing you the stamina to stick with it, the fortitude to succeed and the patience to endure the ups and downs...
Everyone of your softees are with you too Hun, because they need you to be well to continue to bring them to life!
Susan x; August 4, 2011 at 10:46 AM
softinthehead said...: I never dreamed when I wrote this on my blog that so many of you would be there to share your own stories and be so supportive. Bless all of you and thank you! We often forget about ourselves because, as women, we are the care-givers and our needs get lost in that shuffle. I know I'm important and I have to do this because I'm important. So many depend on me to be here for them and I can't let them down anymore than I can let myself down.....Thank you again one and all!!!!!!!; August 4, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...: Pam I am wishing you all the best, and I deeply hope all your dreams come true!
Prim Blessings
Robin; August 4, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Monkey-Cats Studio said...: You have so much support out here in blog and FB land. I know you can do anything you put your mind to so this will be another successful journey for you that you can look back on with pride in the months ahead. When are we getting our "Team Pam" t-shirts?
;) Laurie; August 4, 2011 at 1:34 PM
Nancy said...: Hi Pam...
I know this has been a struggle for you...but you can do this! You have an amazing zest for life and fill my heart with inspiration. We need you, I need you!! I wish you much success on your journey.
Here's to spinach salad!!

All my love and hugs,
Nancy; August 4, 2011 at 6:08 PM
Lia said...: Wishing you all the good luck,some of us knows that´s it is a hard issue to fight,but necessary at some point. I found myself at this due to a medication which agravated all my health and self confidence issues. So hope you find a perfect recipe for this weight loss without going too mad.

Hugs
Julia; August 5, 2011 at 3:01 AM
Anonymous said...: Good morning Pam~
I adore you! Your straight arrow truthfulness is always so refreshing. You can do this...your spirit is as strong as they come. I am sending you good thoughts.
~Kirsten, Las Vegas xo; August 6, 2011 at 7:47 AM
Michele Seraphim said...: I am just back tracking through your blog posts... been away a while... I'm here for you! Come to the Diner! You don't have to post my comments but I hope I can be a support for this hard but glorious journey you have chosen to walk... brisk walk... jog, bike, run! I'm right beside you!

Michele Seraphim; August 10, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Lanna said...: Hi Pam,
Came across your blog through my sister,Lori Ann Corelis's (not sure of the grammar there) and just wanted to wish you well and cheer you on through your journey. (What a terrific start.) It is so hard but so worth it. I've been on the same road for quite a while but it has been worth every mile. I've a good way to go to finish but I've come from obese to riding my bike again. (I'm sure the rear view is a bit scary but I can't see it. I just know I love feeling the breeze in my face again) I too want to see my grandchildren grow up. And I really get the pinching bra thing. I won't tell you it's an easy journey but I will tell you it is worth it and it does become easier. You are not alone on this road.
The best to you,
Lanna; August 11, 2011 at 8:51 PM
Lanna said...: Oh, by the way, forgot to mention I love your work too. Lanna; August 11, 2011 at 8:54 PM