Course correction
August 20th, 2008 at 9:50 am (Goals)
In my efforts to break past the 300-pound mark without totally freaking out, it occurs to me that I might need to adjust my big-picture goals a bit.
Originally, my goal for evading weight-loss surgery was to weigh under 300 pounds by the end of 2008. There it is again — the big three-oh-oh. With so much riding on those three digits, it’s understandable that my mind and body connection could fabricate a metaphysical traffic jam and, once again, prevent me from crossing into a new century.
Well, yes. My goal was to get there by the end of 2008 but guess what? If my graphs and charts and trend-lines have anything to say about it, I’ll cross that mark by the end of September. For the first time in my life, I am a person who sets and achieves goals. And, the thought of achieving a goal and not knowing where else to go makes me feel very, very uncomfortable.
All of this is to say that to (1) depower the 300-mark and (2) continue sanely along this journey, I am revising my end-of-year goal:
By the end of 2008, I want to weigh 289 pounds or less.
This means that I will have (a) lost approximately 70 pounds and (b) have only 100 pounds left to lose until I cross into my “normal” BMI range.
100 pounds left has a nice ring to it. I think 289 also gives me some leeway in case I need some latitude during the holidays (though, I don’t anticipate needing more than 2 or 3 “free” days and now that I know that chocolate causes my migraines, well… let’s just say it will be a very different holiday season all around). 11 more pounds in 3 months. 4 pounds a month. About 1 pound a week. That’s the course I’ve already been on, and I want to see if I can do it all the way through to the end of the year.
PLUS! Consider this: I am currently a candidate for weight-loss surgery to be paid in full by my insurance because I have over 100 pounds to lose. If I reach 289, I will no longer qualify for that alternative. It will be off the table and I will have nothing to do but acheive my goals the old-fashioned way.
Lilbet said,
August 20, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Hello!
I enjoy your blog so much, that I’ve linked it from mine just so I can keep track of your progress. You are doing so great!
I think your goals are reasonable and I believe with no doubt that you will meet them. I’ve found myself get really stuck on the number and sometimes the scale doesn’t give me what I want. I’m wondering what your other goals are, outside of that number.
I think you can do this the old fashioned way. I think there is more long time success this way. And I think it gives your body time to get used to the shrinking you!
I know you don’t know me, but I am VERY proud of you. You are an inspiration.
Sarah said,
August 20, 2008 at 12:49 pm
You can so do it. I am so proud of you!
Jen said,
August 20, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I’m cheering for you — you’re doing great.
MaryFran said,
August 21, 2008 at 10:42 am
You are doing great!!!!! Keep up the good work! And be utterly proud that are not only doing this weight loss the good old fashioned HEALTHY way, but that you are having great success doing it!!!