Caitlin's Journal
My Support System
The last time I shared my story with you, I had lost 35 pounds; but since then, I've lost even more weight — now I'm 55 pounds lighter than I was on February 29th — the day of my LAP-BAND AP�®reg; Adjustable Gastric Banding System procedure. And what I've lost in weight, I have gained in happiness!
The changes in my weight have given me a confidence I never knew I had — and it's flowing through every part of my life, especially my acting career. I recently walked the red carpet at the Daytime Emmy® Awards and did my first side-by-side photo comparison with two shots from the annual pre-Emmys party event — one from last year and one from this year. Well, I really do look like a whole new person. I'm carrying myself in a totally different way.
I wouldn't have had such great success, or keep up my motivation, without support from my friends and family. They greet me with such wonderful, genuine compliments on my progress and keep in touch just to find out how I'm feeling. It's a really wonderful experience to have such a positive support network. My friend Frank, a fellow actor on "Guiding Light," is so full of praise and awe whenever I see him. He keeps telling me, "You're my inspiration." It's wonderful being able to talk about my weight loss journey with him.
Above all of the rest, my friend, Bonnie, is helping me stay on track. She helps me make good choices when we go out to eat and she eats slowly and purposely, which reminds me to do the same. When I'm having a bad day, she's always there to listen — she has such a kind and loving heart. It is important to have this sort of emotional support, since I'm learning that a weight loss journey includes so much more than just physical changes.
The encouragement from my family and friends reinforces that I am becoming a healthier person day by day. I'm lucky to also have the support of my fans. Every day I receive written letters, fan e-mail and MySpace messages showing support for my decision. I walk around Manhattan and almost on a daily basis will hear, "Oh Ashlee, you look great! I'm so proud of you!" Those comments mean more to me than these perfect strangers will ever know. The support they show me motivates me to keep working toward my weight-loss goal. I only hope that I, in turn, can be a role model and a source of inspiration for those who follow in my footsteps.
My mom, Barbara, has also been with me every step of the way. Growing up, I was fortunate to have a close relationship with her. We shared everything — even the same struggles with weight. That's why she and I decided to have the LAP-BAND AP® System together. She is doing really well on her weight-loss journey, too. I think she has fully adjusted to this new lifestyle and she's having lots of fun with her friends and staying busy with work. She's doing great, dropping about 12 pounds a month.
We try to help each other stay on track. She will push me to go to the gym and eat my protein first, while I will nag her to stay away from the chocolate ice cream. We love to help each other and be there if either one of us is struggling or needs some encouragement. The LAP-BAND AP® System is a tool to help us control our portions and appetite — unlike anything else we've done before. It truly is a complete lifestyle change and I'm glad my mom is there beside me to share this journey with me.
Many people (fans, crew from work, friends) have asked me if I would recommend LAP-BAND AP® System to their severely obese loved one, and I always say I definitely would. However, everyone is different and this isn't a quick fix; it requires a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. I would tell them that no one should resort to living a life compromised by their weight — their moment is now to take the first step to a healthier, happier life. Life is too short — and no one should feel that they are living a life compromised by their weight. My journey to date has not only provided me with weight loss and a new sense of confidence, but it has given me hope, hope that I can finally win my battle with weight. I want to share my sense of hope with others — and for any one who needs to lose 100 pounds or more, this is an amazing opportunity — your time to act is now! By sharing my personal story, I want to give others hope that they too have a chance at a healthier, happier life.
Your fabulous work in progress,
Caitlin
