Hello, and welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog. Though this weight loss journey may be mine, I could not do it without the support of so many caring and wonderful people. This blog will serve as a chronicle of my successes and struggles, as well as a way for me to share my progress with everyone. I invite you all to join me on this great adventure!
So how am I going to do it?
The program
I joined the Weight Management Program through the University of Michigan Health System. This program is unique in that it combines clinical and research components to help with long-term, successful weight loss over a period of two years – best of all, it’s covered by my insurance! The program consists of three parts. First is a complete meal replacement diet (OmniFast) which is followed until a 15 percent weight loss from baseline has been achieved. For me that’s about 50 pounds, and the usual time period is 3-4 months. Following that, food is gradually re-introduced. The third phase is focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle in addition to continued gradual weight loss. Throughout, I will be meeting regularly with a nutritionist and physician to make sure I’m staying on track and staying healthy. My therapist and personal trainer are both very excited to be a part of this journey as well!
Why now?
I’ve always been in pretty good shape for my weight and am decently healthy. I don’t have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or any of the other diseases commonly associated with obesity. What I do have is depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) – all of which contribute to a habit for stress binge eating and an addiction to food. I haven’t been able to break them on my own, and I absolutely refuse to get weight loss surgery. I already exercise on a regular basis but diet is 80% of a healthy lifestyle. After much deliberation and research, I decided to join the program to get my weight back on track.
The numbers
Current weight: 340
Goal Weight: 180
Amount left to lose: 160
Yup, I want to lose about the amount of an average person! It’s not going to be easy, but I know I can do it.
So when do I start?
Wednesday, May 17th I have my first visit with the nutritionist and should be starting the meal replacements that day or the following!!
stay strong, you can do it
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Thank you so much!!
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Dear Allie. I so admire and applaud your effort for this lifestyle change. It takes courage to go public. I’m proud of you. Have you also considered yoga? I love it. The mental peace that goes with it is so amazing. You will feel so great. Much love and support, Calicuz, Nancy
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Thanks so much Nancy! I do love yoga 😀
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Hi. Allie,
Soon your journey will start. God Bless & Good Luck. I’ve done some weight loss over last 2 yrs. near/ almost to my goal. 🙏
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Good luck, Allie. We’ll all be pulling for you!
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Thanks so much!!! I couldn’t do it without everyone’s support!
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What a great step forward to the determined, already fantastic, you.
I look forward to supporting and reading about your journey.
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Thank you so much Hillary!!!! I’m looking forward to sharing it with you 🙂
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good luck!!!
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Thank you so much!!
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Be strong and live long!
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Good for you. I too suffer from depression and anxiety. I’m glad you’ve accepted the challenge. I will pray for your success.
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Thanks so much, Don! That means a lot 🙂
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Courage and all strength to you. It will be tough, but by committing to the program (and going public) you’ve done much of the hard work! I look forward to seeing less of you in the future!
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Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing less of me too!
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We are praying for you and a long healthy life. If anyone can do this it is you, Allie.
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Thank you!!!
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This is seriously AWESOME! I cant wait to see your progress and over all experience. It takes GUTS to share the information you did, and I applaud you for that. I’m here for you!
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Thank you so much Hayley!!! That means a lot to me 🙂
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Allie,
I can only imagine how you feel, going through each day with such immense weights on your shoulders. You can do this!
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Thank you so much Tim!! Your support means a lot to me 🙂
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