“Where do you start?”

These are the top questions that I receive every single day. I’m no expert on weight loss. I’m not a pro in the gym and I wasn’t born with the instinct to make healthy meal choices.

But I know what works for me- and maybe it can help some of you as well.

Firstly, and most importantly- where do you begin.

I can clearly remember the moment I decided enough was enough. I was sick of feeling tired, ashamed of my eating habits, annoyed with sciatic nerve pain, and just plain unhappy with where I was physically and mentally. I know- I know, being skinny doesn’t make you happy- and I wholeheartedly embrace that. However, being overweight CAN make you unhappy and I can say that from my own personal experience. I constantly felt like I was being judged (looking back now I think that was often in my head). I was angry that I couldn’t find clothing that fit right. I would get out of breath very easily. I didn’t feel comfortable playing sports anymore. I was a new nurse and it was my job to teach my patients about healthy living yet how could they take me serious if I didn’t take my OWN health serious.

It was a long time coming and multiple failed diets before I finally made a real decision to change. I, me, myself- I had to make that choice on my own. Your friends and family cant make that decision for you. They can encourage you and guide you until the world ends but if you aren’t ready to change your life then you will not succeed. No one else can do the work for you. It took me a long time to realize this- and when I finally did it was a light a light bulb had switched on.

The next morning I scheduled a consult to see a bariatric surgeon and three months later I was on my way to a healthier life.

Weight loss surgery is the easy way out.

FALSE.

Don’t knock it til you try it. Ha, but really, if you have not personally had bariatric surgery then you cannot make that claim. I don’t care if your mother, sister, son, wife, cousin or friend had it. Adapting to life after weight loss surgery has been the hardest thing I have ever done. I am 4 years post op and I am still learning how to adapt to my tool. The weight did not fall off magically and it won’t stay off magically either. It took a lot of heard work, sweat, tears, and dedication to get where I am today. All said and done- if I was faced with the decision again, I wouldn’t change a thing. This experience has shaped me into the person I am today. My struggles have given me the strength to keep moving forward instead of backwards.

So, back to the question that started all of this…

“How did you start?”

I started with admitting to myself that I was not taking proper care of my body. I started with telling myself I deserved better. Is started with putting down my excuses and taking full responsibility for my health. I started with a new mindset. And the rest is history.

Mindset is key. Find your will-and trust me, you’ll find your way.

What was your defining moment?