Caitlin's Journal
Giving Gifts and Giving Thanks
My favorite time of year is here! The holidays are so magical and warm, but they can also present challenges for anyone watching their weight, let alone someone who has struggled for years with their weight. And while I love gathering together with friends and family during the holidays, we often do so over big meals and lots of goodies.
This holiday season, I'm giving myself the best gift I can — the gift of health. Since my procedure, I've lost a total of 74 pounds, which I am so proud of! And this year, even though there will be temptations — those delicious holiday cookies, eggnog, turkey and stuffing — I'll enjoy them in moderation. I'll still make cookies for Santa, but instead of eating five, I'll enjoy one. And you know what, I'll enjoy that one cookie more than the five that I used to eat because I'll actually take time to taste my food and savor it. This season, my plan is to have fewer cookies and more milk. The LAP-BAND AP® System is not about limiting your life, rather, really enjoying everything you love in moderation.
As many people do around the holidays, I'll be going to a company party, the annual party for cast and crew of "Guiding Light." I know that there will be lots of fantastic food and spirits, and I'm looking forward to having a taste of everything I want. But, that won't be the focus of the party. The holidays are about community, family and friends coming together in celebration. I think the best part of the holidays is the laughter and joy that friends and family create together. I know I'll be laughing and smiling this season because I'm truly happy — I no longer carry the burden of anticipated weight gain and I know that I will continue to succeed in my weight loss.
So, I'm thankful that this holiday season I'll spend time with my family at "Guiding Light," and I'll also spend Christmas Eve with my boyfriend and my mom. And although we may limit the amount of sweets in each other's stockings this year, the love we have for each other and ourselves will be plentiful.
My mom, by the way, is doing great — she's already lost 52 pounds to date. To celebrate all that we've accomplished this year and all we are working for next year, we plan to take a trip to Europe. This is a small present to ourselves in comparison to the healthy lives we decided to gift ourselves this year. It will be exciting to experience the vacation in a whole new way — without worrying about getting around. Walking around Europe and seeing the sights would have been difficult before; but now, we can walk without stopping every few blocks to take a breath or stretch. My mom has less back pain now, and we both have more endurance. We'll have the opportunity to focus on seeing the sights, experiencing new cultures and meeting new people, without worrying how our weight will prohibit us.
No matter where you are on your weight loss journey — if you're considering embarking on one, just starting, or in the midst of one — know that a healthier life is the greatest gift of all. Because I have taken action to help myself control my weight, I feel as though my life can begin. And my mom, who had gone so long feeling resigned to a life being overweight, is now feeling happier and healthier every day. We're thankful that we've given each other this gift, and we hope that you will do the same.
Your fabulous work in progress,
Caitlin
