The Journey Begins

Well this is actually day 3 of the Journey. Let me back up and catch up to today...
I have been thinking and praying a long time about what to do about my health. I have been overweight for many years and the past year or so it has gotten even worse. I have gained probably 30 or more pounds on top of my overweight, short body and it has put me into a very high risk health category. I had been thinking of doing something, but my attempts in the past have always been half-hearted. This time I want it to be different. So...instead of the extreme option of bariatric surgery that I almost considered, I am opting for a little less extreme option of a physician supervised weight loss program. It is called New Direction. It is extreme for me in the fact that it is a NO FOOD program. It is all liquids...shakes, puddings and soups for a time and then it transitions to food. It is completely medically monitored and is very wholistic in that it addresses behavioral health as well as nutrition and exercise. It involves a group class and has an educational component each week as well.

SO...my journey in New Direction began on Tuesday, August 18, 2009. Today is actually day 3 for me. Let me recap my days leading up to this point:

Day 1 - I was very excited, but also a little nervous, to meet with the dietician, head of the program. I did all this on Monday and now am ready to start with cutting food out of my diet for awhile. At first it seemed so easy, but by the end of the day I was ready for something to munch on. I know that this is the journey I am suppose to be on for now though so I will press on.

Day 2 - I am doing great and enjoying the variety of chocolate, vanilla, pineapple appricot, chicken soup, and the list goes on. I have discovered that Ice Breaker mints are a wonderful thing and I am loving the SF jello! Thank GOD for jello! I am trying to not focus so much on food but every commercial on TV seems to have something on it to eat. I may have to stop watching TV for awhile too! I have had a bit of a headache today but nothing major. Just hoping for NO MIGRAINES!!!

Day 3 (Today) - I woke up at 5am with the worst leg cramp I think I have ever had. Also have had a pain in my left side that felt like someone was stabbing me that came on about mid morning. Oh God help me carry on! I emailed the ND program director and she is not sure that these are side effects or not. We will wait til tomorrow and see if they continue. Challenges just keep coming...smells of McDonalds from my son's drive through order, longing to chew something, being offered ice cream at work today, but it is ALL good! I am hopeful tonight as I write this blog. I rest in the Lord and know HE is my strength, my hope, my reason to press on!