A Life-time or time-life?

How long to lose weight?

In my experience with helping others with their goals; my #1 question is “How long will it take?”

When I first made the decision to do something about my weight. I was planning to get a gastric bypass. In the consultation, the doctor said “you can lose up to 50% of your body weight in the first year after surgery”.

I’m crunching numbers, doing the math..
I could be 185 pounds in a year! Whoa!

I mean, that amount of weight, in that time span; is INCREDIBLE! Who wouldn’t want that?

As I looked more into bariatric surgery; I saw the risks and issues. I decided I was going to do it on my own ONE LAST TIME. And if it don’t work, I’ll get surgery (this was on June 17th, 2021).

Going forward with my decision, I knew it would take a little bit longer without surgery. I figured “if I lose 10lbs a month, I’ll be at my goal weight in about two years”.

I said, “I know how to lose weight, I just have to stick with it!”

It’s been over two years since I said that. I’ve been eating the same way since day one. (OK, same amount of calories. But, I’ve made healthier choices since then) and I will continue to be “aware” for the rest of my life.

I don’t journal.

I don’t measure food.

This is a way of life for me.

I’m aware.

In my consciousness, I know what I’m doing.

I take full ownership for all my actions; no rationalizing, blaming, or justifying.

A lifetime of progress, for a lifetime of mistakes.

I had lost 15lbs from my sobriety with alcohol. Without even realizing or trying. My starting weight in June 2021 was 355.

Here’s a time line of how long it took me to lose 194lbs:
09/20 to 06/21=15lbs
06/21 to 01/22=65lbs
01/22 to 01/23=85lbs
01/23 to 12/23=29lbs

Looking back, it was easy. But, man.. I would not want to do it again!

In the beginning, there were some crabby moods and head hunger. There are days that waiting till 5pm for dinner felt way too long. There were WEEKS that I lost zero pounds. This year alone, I’ve lost “only 29lbs”.

Keep on, keepin’ on! Just be and enjoy being!

I tell myself “1500 calories every day. I’ll get there eventually. Once I’m at my goal weight, I can easily maintain with 1500 calories.”

With time-life choices, our behaviors are defined by a time frame. With lifetime choices, our behaviors are defined, and life is framed around it.

Where does your energy come from? Harness the wonderful power and strength! Keep positive, charge up your thoughts! There’s no real power in negativity. Excuses will drain you.

My point is this: it’s not a TIME thing. It’s a LIFE thing. Life is valuable. Take the time. You are worth it! ❤️