A light at the end of the tunnel

[Guest guest]

I have been quite discouraged with my journey over the last 4 months. After a great start (5 lbs lost in 3 weeks), I have gained and lost the same 2 lbs over and over for the last 3 months. I now have this "weight loss checkup" appt on Thursday, and I was as worried about what he would say as the actual lack of progress.

I was discussing with a friend at work, also overweight, but less so, and she made a gentle suggestion. Swimming. Slap on head and say "D'Oh!" via Homer Simpson. There is a community center with pool on my bus line; it's just about a block away so I don't actually SEE it when commuting. Now, I don't think I could say I actually SWIM due to a traumatic childhood incident with a YMCA swimming instructor when I was about 7. However, the buoyancy of the water would minimize the weight/gravity issues, and likely help with flexibility. If my ankle got better due to this, I'd be more likely to DO the actual walking, etc. that would help with the actual numbers.

My mother, overweight for years but at least 50 lbs less than me, and diabetic, was doing water aerobics 2-3 times a week for several years. In her retirement apartments, they have a senior exercise class every morning, and so she's been doing that instead, but she loved the aerobics and her doctor loved it, too.

I figure that what my friend gave me was not so much a suggestion as a lifeline. As soon as she said it, the fog and the fear lifted. I'm checking the various schedules (early morning 4 x week or after work 2 x week). I think I will discuss with boss a slight adjustment in my work schedule (30-60 min. later) while I try this out. My workplace is very good about this sort of thing, and very responsive to health issues.

I am about to head off to another WW meeting where the number will not change much. But, I feel I've been given a new chance.

My plan is to explain the following to the doctor, in a note, if I lack the courage to say so face-to-face.

1. I am discouraged by the lack of weight loss, but I am still attending WW meetings.

2. I am discouraged because I feel that the arthritis in my ankle is hindering my ability to really exercise.

3. I have been taking my thyroid pretty regularly (compliance is always an issue for me).

4. I am investigating the swimming/water aerobics at the local pool.

5. I might need some sort of note to verify that my skin "issues" are eczema and are not contagious.

6. Clinical depression has been mild to moderate, reflecting issues with #1 and #2.

OK, I'm off to the meeting. This will be the "official" number I give the doctor on Thursday, and I will show him my WW card with my numbers on it.

Thanks for letting me vent a little.

Eileen in OR