Half the Person I Used to Be

People can have lots of different vices to help when they're stressed. Some drink, some smoke, some even do drugs (I don't judge anyone enjoying a little bit of Mother Earth's great green herb. I mean the harder stuff).

My vice was always food.

Whenever I was stressed or sad or even just bored, I'd immediately go straight for the kitchen or pantry to find something to eat. Any good feelings from doing so would quickly evaporate whenever I would next step onto the scale.

Stress eating became a big habit at one point in my life due to working in a hospital at the time and my continuing issues in my marriage. Even after I left that job and the divorce was finalized, I still used food as a coping mechanism.

By the time 2023 rolled around and I was actually ready to do something about it (or so I thought), the scales read 336.5 pounds. I was up to wearing size 5XL shirts that had to be specially ordered because no local stores carried them.

I talked to my doctor and they suggested I try to lose weight on my own at first; treat it like a trial run before we take any drastic measures.

By the time March of 2024, rolled around, I was only able to lose approximately 10 pounds. Left to my own devices, I was unable to fully control myself. I'd do well for a few days or weeks but couldn't stop the cravings when they'd come. I didn't have the energy or drive to start working out again. I was drinking almost nothing but soda. I needed help.

My doctor wound up prescribing me a weight loss medication. I took it for a few months before a shortage forced me to take a different medication that didn't work (although it did make my favorite soda taste awful, so I was able to stop drinking that for the most part).

Finally, in October of 2024, I was able to get my original shots back. The results were extraordinary.

The key effect of the medication was to fill me up faster and to help curb my cravings. While I still do get cravings every so often, it's not as bad. My portion control has greatly improved since last year. 

As of two weeks ago at my latest appointment, I now weigh 247.6 pounds. I've gone down to a size 2XL shirt and MIGHT be able to squeeze into a regular XL by the end of the year. I've gone down 10 belt notches from my heaviest weight (I keep that belt as a progress chart and a reminder of where I used to be). My energy is up, my confidence is up, any nagging joint pain I was having had alleviated. I feel wonderful.

Now, I'm still not fully satisfied with how I look but I'm getting better with that all the time. I next want to work on my stomach folds and to do something about my butt (I'm tired of having the Hank Hill ass). So I'm starting to look up different exercises for that.

I was also able to do two 5K walks this summer. I finished under an hour for both of them. That was my goal since I was new to it and I reached that. My next goal is to be able to start running them, so I'll be hitting the treadmill in my basement hard this winter.

Plus, it means I can fit into smaller and cuter clothes as Trixie. I'm able to fit into smaller, tighter, and sexier outfits all the time now.

While my results aren't always typical, if you're having similar issues as mine, I'd strongly suggest asking your doctor about weight loss medications. I know it can be scary to inject yourself and there's a stigma about using medicine instead of "hitting the gym and do it yourself!" But consider the medicine as the jump start you need to get over the hump before your own natural desires get you the rest of the way.

Like I said though, make sure it's through your actual doctor. Don't fall into the trap of doing any shady back door deals.

That does it for another week for me. As usual, I'll be back with you on Monday. 

Have a wonderful weekend, my loves.

-Trixie 😘 ❤️