Time to Catch Up & Review -- If I can do this, you CAN too!!

Greetings Spark Friends -

It's been a busy couple months. Have you ever got caught up in a whirlwind of life activity and all of a sudden you look up and 3 months have past? I've been wanting to write a blog for a while now - and there just hasn't been time.

About a month ago my sister had brain surgery for Arnold Chiari Syndrome. She is doing MUCH better now. The surgery was a success and she is starting to feel the benefits of having it done. She is still recovering, but she's doing great. This was stressful for me, not only because someone I love was going under a knife but because I have this genetic birth defect too and could one day need a similar surgery. So yeah - there's been a lot of thinking, soul searching, and stress going on but there's also been hope, achievement and progress too.

This same sister is a massage therapist. She works out of a co-op of alternative therapists. One of her fellow therapist is also an acupuncturist. She came to the hospital to offer my sister acupuncture as a way to get relief from the pain of the surgery. Long story short I ended up hiring this very nice lady to perform acupuncture on me for my Bell's Palsy. Yes, I'll have had Bell's Palsy for one year on August 31st. It's ridiculous. So I decided I needed to try something and Bev (the acupuncturist) said "Oh yeah .. Bell's Palsy is no problem to cure with acupuncture". I was skeptical, but figured at this point I have nothing to lose.

If you ever get the opportunity to try acupuncture I would highly recommend it. I've had 4 treatments over the past month and there is marked improvement in my facial muscles. I'm starting to be able to taste foods on the left side of my mouth. Everyone has commented on how my eye looks better, that my speech is better... I'm feeling really good about this. And really it's a trip feeling chi energy zoom through your body during the treatment. It's such a unique sensation - I recommend it to everyone. It's relaxing and exciting all at once. Finally I'm really starting to see the light at the end of the Bell's Palsy tunnel, hopefully just a few more treatments and I'll be at least 90% back to normal.

And finally - my weight ...

My friends - I have gone from 287 pounds to 174 pounds in 17 months time. I have lost 39% of my total body weight. I have gone from a size 28 Women's Plus size to size 14. The last time I wore a size 14, I was in high school some 26 years ago. Wow. Am I really that old? :)

My doctor wanted me under 180 pounds, check. I've gotten off the anti-depressants, check. I've inspired several friends, co-workers and loved ones to lose weight & think about what they are eating, check.

I have proved to myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. Even through the Bell's Palsy and the knowledge of the Chiari I have lost weight and reached my goals. If I can do this --- anyone can do this. I have another blog in my mind for my recipe for weight loss success that I hope to write sooner than later. I want to record this, in case I ever slip up and gain... although really - I just don't see that happening. I'm so much more aware now of food, food choices, the importance of exercise and now I weigh myself daily just to keep an eye on things ... it's amazing what you can do with a little bit of know how.

Thank you again to all my terrific Sparkfriends! Truly you are the reason why this all works. Knowing I'm not alone in my struggle to lose weight and that there are other supportive, caring people has really helped get me through some of those rougher days.

I'm going to continue to try to lose that last 10 pounds... I've got to spend more time strength training and firming up a bit more. I'm still eating a reduced calorie diet so the weight should start to come off again. I've actually gained and lost the same 4 pounds over the past two months -- it's time to re-focus on me and get rid of these last 10.

Thanks for reading .. and always remember:

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up!!!