The reason for the post

On June 12, 2019, I began a journey. It started as a solution to a previous hiatal hernia surgery I had years ago that was no longer in place. Little did I know how long the journey would take, nor all the hurdles I would have to jump to get to where I am today. But, I am SO glad I started.

To make a long story much shorter, and delete a bunch of nitty gritty that you probably really don't want to read about, this will be the condensed version. But what I have learned in this process may help someone else out there. So.....

Slowly, over the years, I packed on the weight. Like so many people have done, thinking they would "get fit" one of these days. I was forced into dealing with this issue with some health concerns. It began with tests, and then more tests, and then meeting with a wonderful dietitian who got me started on the right path. She gave me tools I didn't even know I needed to accomplish what I have.

As many of you (one lady I overheard in a bathroom stall just recently talking about never being successful at weight-loss) know, losing weight is not easy. There are so many gimmicks and so much false information out there. One thing I know, though, is that if you connect with professionals, like Dr. Susan Davis, at Rapid City Regional Medical Center, (formerly with Rapid City Medical Center) she can help you more than anyone with any gimmick, supplement or "program." (Contact info: Dr. Susan Davis, Bariatric Services, 2805 5th Street, Rapid City. 605-755-5700)

Soon after visiting Dr. Davis, as part of the protocol to set me up for the hernia repair surgery on Oct. 29 of 2019, we began a four-month friendship, with her sharing her vast information and skills base. THIS should be your first step. We talked, and then she weighed me (something that's always embarrassing) and then she started to line up the steps to help me get to where I needed to be--about 60 pounds down from my initial weigh-in weight.

I know, I know. It sounds like a very difficult task. But, even though I had previously tried so many weight-loss disasters, she promised this would work. And it has. I am currently down 44 pounds since June. I have utilized the app "Lose It," and been more honest with myself than ever before. It has not been that giant hurdle that just seemed too high. With Dr. Davis's help, and the support and encouragement of my family, I am on track to getting back to a healthy weight. I have already been able to drop one prescription for high blood pressure, as well as the pre-diabetic blood sugar medication. I am feeling better and doing more than I have in years.

So, with all that said, and a lot left unsaid, I want to encourage you today, start now. Not because it is a new year and in a new year we make all sorts of false promises to ourselves what we are going to accomplish. If you need help, go see Dr. Davis. She can help you get going, be the encouragement you need to start taking those steps to get back to where you know you need to be.

Enjoy 2020 and feel better. Google the Lose It app (Loseit.com) and spend the $40 for the full program. It's worth every penny. No special food, no crazy exercises, no supplements that cost a fortune. Just you, the app and determination for a healthy future.

Feel free to email me if you would like to talk or want more information. I would love to help you. And one of these days I'm going to get brave enough to post a few photos. YIKES!!!