Hi guys, Melissa here. Quick update on baby Gregory then we’ll get down to the skinny (or not so skinny) of things: He is still having seizures but they seem to be a lot less severe and less frequent. We have noticed some delay in his development but he has his early intervention physical therapy three times a week and we notice progression each time. While we work on getting Gregory healthy and strong I decided it was my turn to finally get healthy as well. For the last five years I have been carrying around an extra 40 pounds.
The baby weight from Gregory came off quickly (thanks to breastfeeding) but I am right back to where I was pre-Gregory—40 lbs overweight! Everyone around me—friends, family, my husband, even my OB—blames the cancer. Because my breathing was so bad after my stem cell transplant for my Hodgkin’s relapse I was put on prednisone (a ridiculously high dose I might add). They call this steroid the miracle drug because it's used to treat so many things but it doesn’t come without its price. My appetite was out of control and I literally gained five pounds a week during the two months I was on it. 5 lbs X 8 weeks=40 big ones!
The H2O Diet: Why Some Say Water Is the Key to Losing Weight.
So, I had an excuse. Had being the operative word. Jan 4th marked my three-year post-transplant anniversary and with it came my decision to stop blaming cancer and start getting into shape. So, as of Monday, I am officially a weight watcher. I've had success with this diet (or “change of lifestyle” as we weight watchers like to call it) before so I am confident it will work again. I am still breastfeeding so I get 10 extra points a day which helps with the hunger but I can tell it’s still not going to be easy! Another reason it's been difficult for me to lose weight is that since I've had cancer (twice!) I tell myself it's OK to have another slice of pizza or an extra glass of wine or that chocolate cake. I deserve it. Well, that thinking is over.
I am taking it one day at a time though and making small goals for myself. I turn 33 on Feb 25th and I would love to be 10 pounds lighter by then. Is there anyone else in my shoes? Got any tips? What do you think of WW? Let’s do it together! I will keep you posted on my success—positive thinking! —Melissa
Related: Exactly What to Eat to Lose Weight!
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