Pay it forward

Everyday!

A good friend of mine that I've made at work is struggling through his own weight loss battle. He stopped by the department over the weekend and we talked for a really long time. The trials and tribulations of insurance and all the hoops you have to jump through is frustrating. He is considering getting the lap band, possibly gastric bypass. 

We all have different coping mechanisms; excuses, our humor, self pity etc. There comes a point where we have to face ourselves and make the conscious decision to be happy. This may sound funny to some, but when you really think about it--it all makes sense. How many of us have prevented our own happiness? For various reasons or excuses that we all make up. Do we simply make the decision to give up, and hold the cards that we were dealt---or do we say "hit me" again?! Who ever thought that choosing to be happy was super difficult?! Well, it is. Everyone gives the advice to not settle, to always strive for something better. And yeah, if you have a great thing going on let it be! Just roll with it and don't make the mistake of dreaming up a self fulfilling prophecy of doom.

I am feeling more like myself, then I have in a long time. And best of all, I am happy. Sure I go on rants about things that stress me out and drive me bananas, but really at the end of the day my happiness is all that matters to me. A few months ago, I would have total thought I was selfish for even saying that. Not anymore! I deserve to be happy, and to have all of the happiness I can find in my life. Choosing to be happy, means that you have to make SERIOUS lifestyle changes. Changes in your thinking, feeling, seeing, changes in it all!

I would never recommend anything to anyone that I didn't personally believe in. The gastric bypass process is a long one. You have to go through psych evals, see nutritionists and dietitians, attend support group meetings and be held at a certain degree of responsibility. He needs to lose at least 100lbs, before they will be able to operate on him. I honestly feel like I've been in his shoes. Even though our weight on the scale may be far off from each other, I still know what it feels like to be the tubby girl. Everyone that has been in similar shoes, can totally relate. I wasn't quite sure if he would take my advice about going to see Dr. Cusimano or not. I've heard that several of her patients are no longer diabetic and off their medication, and that many considering the lap band or bypass have lost so much---they don't need to have it. It's totally up to him. Insurance is a pain in the ass, but I wouldn't have suggested he go unless I thought she could help him. Even if it was just to get the 100lbs off.

That night I went home and totally flaked out, forgot to e-mail him. I figured that I would get to it around the middle of the week when I was off. He shot me a text the next day asking if I sent that e-mail out! I am incredibly happy, because that tells me he's truly considering going to get help from her. It is such an amazing feeling to inspire someone. I was inspired to write this blog by Rhonda. She's a dear friend of mine, who recently had gastric bypass. I began using my posts to keep myself in check, and what it's turned into--is nothing short of therapy. If I can help anyone at all out there, wondering what it's like on this weight loss program, or someone who is in need of weight loss support--I'm totally your girl.

We all get lost in ourselves, wondering what the next step holds for our lives. Instead of waiting for that next step to get to you---go out there and get ya some! A mentor of mine told me that "trying" is setting yourself up for failure, just DO it. That may be right, but I think anyone who TRIES their damnedest earns a gold star from me.  There is no shame in makings changes, however scary they may be. Don't give in to your old habits. Know that there absolutely is, another way for your life. Making the same choices, and feeling like shit after is not a good thing ya got going on there. Find what makes you happy, go for that long term fix--because I can totally promise you, that quick band-aid you slapped on to "fix" things and make you feel good at the moment...will eventually get all cruddy, sticky and fall off leaving you with a grey gunky mess.