Embarking on a New Journey--Ideal Protein

Heart palpitations, sweaty palms, overwhelming anxiety, mind full of what ifs....these are all things that may occur when embarking on a journey.  In the past several days, I have gone through all of the above.  Am I going on a trip?  Am I starting a new job?  No.....I am beginning a new weight loss journey.

Over the past 5 or so years, I have continued to increase in weight.  I have made several attempts at conquering it and have had some successes and many more disappointments. 

Last week I went to the Dr. and said I am exhausted all the time and feel pretty crummy most of the time.  We had discussed this weight thing previously.  His suggestion, however, was to go through weight loss surgery.  My husband, Neal, has had extreme success through his surgery.  However, I am not ready to jump on that boat yet.

So, he discussed with me a non-surgery approach of Medically-Supervised Diet.  His PA Mendy Peterson began offering a program called Ideal Protein.  I was apprehensively curious.  So, I made an appointment with her.  At the appointment, I learned more about the program.  It's a program on which you buy some of their foods and supplement with your own veggies and protein choices.  My primary concern was my diabetes.  Launching such a low-carb diet can cause my blood sugars to crash.  So, after discussing this, we decided I could do a modified program.  Basically, I'm allowed a few of my own natural carbs like fruit, sweet potatoes, etc. 

There is also high accountability in the program.  I purchased a scale that automatically uploads to an app call Ideal Smart.  The app then syncs directly to the dr office.  I will see her weekly for the first 4-6 weeks.  Then, I think it's bi-weekly, I can't exactly remember.

I nervously decided to jump all-in.  After all, there is no commitment.  You purchase food weekly so you can stop if you are not feeling success and reaching goals. 
Today is day 1 of the Ideal Protein Protocol for me.  It looks like this:
Breakfast: Peanut Butter Protein Bar & 2 kiwis
Lunch: Ideal Protein Chicken Noodle Soup, 2 c Broccoli, Salad, and 6 oz blackberries.
Snack: Ideal Protein BBQ Chips
Dinner: 8 oz pork tenderloin, salad, 1 c cucumber, 1 c celery, 1 banana

I think it's doable.  It's time I grab this weight by the horns and do this!  My beginning weight is 203.2.  I would love to get between 120 & 135 depending on how I'm feeling.  Below are some not so flattering but necessary before pictures.  Weight loss victories come in many ways and body changes are often the first to show.

Thanks for embarking on this new journey with me!  God Bless and Take Care!