Harsh Realities

The cold hard truth of the matter is: I am obese and I need to loose 100+ pounds. In light of all the other medical complications- one kidney, blood clots and high blood pressure to name a few- the obese factor could be life-threatening.

How I got to this point and what happened is all relative. Pun intended.

My plan to address this predicament I've put myself in- is also dependent on the relatives- family that is.

Neither of those statements are made to point blame- but, rather to define how vital my dependence on them actually is.

Now, the options.

Traditional diet programs. Traditional in the sense that it's primarily an individual odyssey with me doing all the counting and the counseling on my own and finding the inner will for the necessary exercise. Considering that self-discipline and meal-planning aren't exactly my strong suit.

Planned weight-loss programs. This would include: Weight Watchers (which I had success with back in the 80's); Jenny Craig, Nutrasystems, etc. Might be an option if I commit to going to the once a week meetings and follow the guidelines- I don't know what effect their foods and or supplements might have on the kidney.

The Supervised Weight Loss Program like the one offered by UAMS that Governor Huckabee (see his book at the above link); and now his cousin, Sandy, is in that is so successful. This program is combined with weekly blood panels being drawn and monitored with counselors and classes. The success rate and the rapid loss that the majority of participants experience is impressive. The reality is it is hard on the kidneys. I could very well not be a candidate for this program.

I've got some tough choices ahead of me. And, some tough pounds. Prayers requested.