I’m about a pound away from being the weight I was when Beignet became diabetic. How disgusting to think that I’ve had to spend the last 13-14 weeks erasing 40lbs of stress. 40lbs lost on a body that has at least 40 more pounds to get rid of. I can celebrate getting my life back, but now I can finally celebrate each pound lost starting from this point forward. I can celebrate being able to wear the wiener dog dress pictured that I once bought on a clearance sale & thought would never fit me – too bad its too hot to actually wear out in public.
The stress and emotional burden on caregivers should never be ignored. As someone who truly enjoys to work-out, I quit. I spent months barely eating but still managing to gain weight. I spent months eating whatever I wanted and definitely gaining weight. I spend most days at a job where I should be a role model and am constantly encouraging my patients to eat healthy and be physically active. However, I was doing none of these things myself. I then stressed over carrying this burden that I was letting not only myself down, but my patients as well. Due to the expense of having a pet with complex medical needs, I also stopped spending money on things that would potentially help me relieve stress – massages, pedicures, facials, etc.
Thankfully, I was able to realize I couldn’t continue on this path. The path that had me weighing more than I’d ever weighed in my entire life. I wasn’t sure where to turn. With my work schedule and my dog care schedule, I had to find something that I could handle without issue on even my most stressful days. My friend Amanda introduced me to the Optavia plan and her sister, Michelle, became my coach. I’ve now lost weight when Beignet had a pancreatitis/IBD flare. I’ve lost weight on days she hasn’t eaten. I’ve lost weight on extremely stressful work days. I’ve never once even had the slightest temptation to deviate from the plan. I don’t have to go anywhere to weigh in. I don’t have to have scheduled visits or phone calls. I only wish I’d found Optavia sooner. The program and the results are absolutely amazing. It’s the easiest “diet” I’ve ever done and for the first time, I know 100% this is something I can maintain forever.
So my advice for anyone out there that’s going through something: Do NOT let it get the best of you! Your health is too important. Your family needs you. Your children and your pets (if you have either) especially need you. You can do it!!! Take it from someone who’s turned it around. It’s possible, but not until you take the first step! And if you need some motivation, I’m here for you! Also message me if you have questions about Optavia and I will get you in touch with Michelle!
Cheers to our health and happiness,
~Devoted Doxie Mom
UPDATE: I am now a Certified Optavia Health Coach and am happy to help anyone else get their life back on track!
Diary of a Diabetic Dachshund 