Although my emotional health has been a bit variable lately, things have been improving in terms of physical health.
I’ve been working on losing weight for what seems like forever, and only started making real progress in April when I finished my PhD. I’ve made quite a bit of progress, I’m proud to say. Much of that has been the result of better regulation of symptoms that led to overeating, but the most recent drug made me so nauseated I could barely eat for a week.
A new low – how apropos…
Net effect?
I lost about 5 pounds. The crotch on my favorite fleece lounge pants (once skin-tight) has dropped about 4 inches. The next-size-down bras fit perfectly, including a blessedly underwire-free sports bra, for the first time in years. I had to buy some new jeans.
And I finally crossed The Line.
I’m no longer obese! My BMI is below 30. I literally jumped for joy. It made my day week, boosted my mood, and almost made up for the nausea. Almost.
Well-done, DeeDee! When *I* crossed “the line”, I felt so much better both physically, emotionally and mentally! Keep up the diet and the exercise – I find both help to maintain my “positive bipolarity” state.
I’m working on it – every little bit of progress is great, but it does feel nice to hit a “meaningful” mile marker.
YAY you go girl. This is awesome! Well done indeed. Doesn’t it feel so good?
I love the way my jeans fit. The new ones I had to get because I outshrank the others.
Out shrinking is the tops ( smile )
that is wonderful! xx
Wahoo!! Go girl!! I am still working on my own weight loss. Are you exercising regularly and eating smaller meals? I could use any tips. My depression leads to overeating, too, so that doesn’t help me.
WTG! I’m happy for you!
Hi Theena. I’m same as you – my depression leads to over-eating, especially the wrong things! If i reach my weekely goals, I reward myself with just ONE chocolate – it’s so nice!
Basically my meds have really helped me manage my appetite better. But also being more deliberately mindful about whether I am or am not physically hungry, and eating (or not) in accord.
I’m trying to get in a decent walk every day. Sometimes it doesn’t happen, but usually it does. Mostly I’m just eating less and trying to avoid the stuff that I know is really loaded with calories, like pastries.
I eat chocolate every day, though. Just one small square of a nice 65%+ cacao bar, which is rich enough to satisfy with only a little bit, and usually has much less sugar as well.
Congratulations!
Pingback: Mood and Food - MoodSurfing ™
Great to hear such good news! Well done you!!
Oh boy, I’ve got some losing weight to do but, well, it’s not really happening in the hospital!
Good for you!! X
It would be really difficult if I were not in control of all the food shopping and preparation for the house. That makes a big difference in my choices of healthful food options!
I find the battle for weight control one of the difficult ones in my over battles with mental health. Obviously our brains are affected by the hormones, the neurotransmitters and all those things I don’t fully understand myself, but know are the “culprits” in my mood swings and my overall addictive behaviors.
Everyone may be different in the tiny details, but it feels like we have all common themes. I have a very hard time losing weight although I need to, because I have been battling eating terrible habits all my life.
Way to go on your weight loss! Beware that losing weight because you could not eat because of the nausea will not be a long-term solution for your healthy weight maintainance. I wish you all the best, and keep up with those good news! Thank you so much for sharing.
I have always had mostly good eating habits, but binge eating from depression would undermine that. I think there may be an issue with insulin resistance as well, so that would make a big difference in gaining/losing weight.
Of course, the starvation diet pounds reappeared, but they’re vanishing again. It just takes time, and I keep in mind that it’s the trend that matters, not the daily number on the scale.
Unfortunately, I’d have to lose about 40 pounds not to be obese. And at the rate I’m going, it seems impossible. I think I genuinely have a problem with food. I might or might not blog about it in the next few days . . .
Your post gives me a sliver of hope about the matter, though. Congrats!
Well, I had to lose 40 lbs to not be obese, so there you are – it can be done.
I always “felt like” I had issues with food. It’s looking more and more likely that there are metabolic issues, on top of binge eating from depression. But when the depression is held reasonably well in check, the binge eating is under control too, so that has helped a lot.
Even just a little progress in this area makes me feel like I have a lot more control over my body, though.
Pingback: Awards anyone? « My Rabbit Hole Trips
WONDERFUL news!! Congrats!!!
Frickin-A YEAH! Keep going!