the Reasoning: Part I

There are so many reasons that come to mind when I’m asked why I want to be a part of the “Be a Loser” program at American Family. They are so varied that it is hard to put them into words. Of course I have my more noble reasons, to become healthy, to encourage those close to me with weight to lose that they can do it as well, to be able to use the experience as a catalyst for career change and encouragement of strangers, etc. However, like any normal 31 year old woman, I have my superficial reasons as well. Having so many reasons, I think that it is important to somewhat define the path that has led me to this point and therefore define my reasons for joining the program.


Now that I have somewhat laid out the path that got me to this point, I think it’s important to examine the real reasons for me accepting the offer of joining this program. Being as OCD as I am, the easiest way for me to do this is in a list of sorts. So bear with me here.

Health

Being healthy is of course one of the top reasons for anyone to get into shape. Though I have a few extra concerns to worry about at this point that are weight related. Both of my knees are in terrible shape. After years of carrying around extra weight but attempting to do things that I really shouldn’t be doing, I’ve been left with osteoarthiritis in both knees and have had all of the surgeries I can have on my left knee without having full knee replacement. For each pound of weight you lose, it has been said that you take five pounds of weight and pressure off of each of your knees. So with a good 125 pounds to drop, I’ll be taking 625 pounds off of each one of my knees. I think that may make them last a bit longer.

When I turned 30 my doctor also became concerned about my cholesterol and triglycerides being elevated. I’ve turned that around for the most part primarily through diet changes, but if I don’t do something about the weight, I will end up with significant problems in these areas later in life.

Fatigue and depression are things that seem to come with being overweight for me as well. I’m sick and tired of being tired and I don’t want to live the rest of my life wistful for what could have or should have been. I’m sick and tired of being sad, of talking down to myself, of disappointing myself. So that is all the more reason to get healthy and lose weight.

Beauty

Then of course there are the superficial reasons for wanting to lose weight that just about every woman can empathize with. I’ve always been overweight. I have never in my life, except for perhaps a few months after my 21st birthday, been comfortable in my body. I’ve always tried to cover one thing up or another. I would love nothing more than to be able to walk into a “normal” clothing store, pick up an outfit, and walk out, knowing it will fit, not having to worry about hiding parts of myself. As an added bonus I know I can save a bunch of money not having to shop in the “women’s” departments any longer. It’s incredible how much more expensive it is to clothe more weight.

You know I’ve never been able to wear a bathing suit in my entire life and be comfortable. Even during my trip to Cancun when I was a senior in high school, I didn’t spend much time on the beach because I couldn’t be comfortable when I was there. I missed out on half of my trip, because I wasn’t comfortable with my body. I never went on a spring break trip during college, because I knew I couldn’t be there and avoid the beach the entire time with my sorority sisters. I missed out on some things that I may never get back. Losing this weight for good will enable me to take those trips and be comfortable on the beach. So ladies, start saving now. Because when this journey is done in July, we’re going to the Bahamas, Jamacia, Cancun, hell the French Riviera….somewhere…and I will wear a bathing suit and KNOW I look hot!

They say that beauty is only skin deep. I believe that whole-heartedly. My main problem is that who I am on the inside doesn’t match who I am externally. One of the main reasons for this journey is to allow the true me to finally come out to play.

It's my time now.