Been going for a week

So, it's been a week since my "I'd like to be healthy and not die before I'm 50" decision. I haven't made many huge changes; mainly I've made several small ones.

First of all, Matt has been extremely supportive and diligent with food measurement. Having a supportive partner in being healthy. My sister has been very supportive too. She's had a lot of good ideas for cutting back food and exercising.

Secondly, we've been doing a combination of calorie counting and portion control. We've also been trying to eat every 2 or so hours. This is a bit of a challenge at work. I've been eating something on my way to work. Then having part of my lunch around 10 and eating another snack at 2. I noticed that I'm not starving after work. I used to be really hungry and feel a bit shaky after work because I wouldn't eat until 11 then not have a snack the rest of the day. I've also noticed that I'm feeling full after eating a measured portion.

So, I dunno, I haven't started working out yet. That'll be easier when Matt starts work next week. Our plan is to commute to Bellevue together then he'll either drive to Seattle or take the bus (depending on where I have to be during the day).

We haven't bought a scale (it's on our to do list). So I don't know if I've actually lost weight or not.

My leaf has been crumpled

I wanted to be really on top of things, so I emailed my insurance (Regence) and explained my health concerns and asked about my weight and my plan for preventing them the future costs of the issues I'm a candidate for (diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, and cholesterol). 

Their response was 

According to your health plan, benefits are not available for services  intended to result in weight reduction, including but not limited to:

        - surgery (including reversals);
        - treatment;
        - programs;
        - supplies.

Please note, coverage is not available regardless of the diagnosis.

It's a bit upsetting. I have the best insurance that PSE offers. I checked all the other plans they offer and none of them cover any weight loss benefits. I feel this is a huge set-back. It definitely made me think whether I really wanted to do this. 

I decided rather fast that I'm still interested in surgery if I decide it's the best option for me. I'm looking into ways of financing this and will probably go to an information session at a local hospital that offers the surgery.

Turning a new leaf

I've been thinking a lot lately about life and that I don't want to die before I'm 55. I mean, my mom died at 47, my grandma at 40-something and an aunt at 52. In the past I've had a morbid indifference to the idea of dying young.

I decided recently that I'd like to work to live to be old. I mean, I'm relatively healthy but I do have several health risks.

The root of all these risks is my weight. I've been overweight my whole life. My parents have always pressured me to drop the pounds but I've always found it difficult. I mean, I've cut out some of the worst items on my menu... somewhat. I do eat more healthy food than non-healthy but the key I've missed is portion control.

I went to the doctor today to talk about it (with a lot of hesitation as I've had horrible and frustrating conversations with doctors in the past). My thought going in was getting a diet pill. She didn't think that would be a good way to go. I guess most of the FDA okayed pills aren't terribly effective. She asked if I had considered surgery (gastric bypass or lap band surgery). She thinks I'd qualify because of my BMI.

We also talked about exercise. I mentioned that there's a rather nice gym at work, but I don't like to stay very late because I want to get home to see Matt. Once Matt starts his job we'll commute together and I'll have extra time at work (which I've planned on using for exercise). The doctor said that if my goal is to spend more time with Matt I should workout (even if it means delaying coming home) as that will increase the years in the life I share with Matt.

I have to say that she really pinpointed my motivation for even broaching the subject. Sure, part of my reasoning is vanity, part of it health, but part of it (and possibly the scale-tipper) is wanting to be a healthy partner to spend life with. It's really time I stop moping about my weight and working to do something about it.

I've decided to try the dieting (well, portion control) and exercising for about 6 months. Matt's on-board with that (I mean, the portion control with change up his diet too) and he's extremely supportive of me. If I'm not healthier in 6 or so months I'll talk to my insurance about surgery.

This way I feel as if I'm not jumping straight to the "easy way". I know this will be frustrating but I think it will make my life better.