Who, me?

I just finished signing up for the National Weight Control Registry, which "is the largest prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance." If you're over 18, you've lost at least 30 pounds and kept at least that 30 off for a year or longer, you're eligible to join.

Although I've regained and lost chunks of weight, that crucial (to them) 30 has stayed off for two years and counting. I guess that makes me one of the success stories. Who, me?

I was telling my husband about the registry last night and explained to him that they send you questionnaires that ask you what you eat and don't eat, and what you do to lose or maintain that weight loss.

"Massive amounts of willpower and superhuman strength," hubby said to me.

Who, me? I really don't believe that. I'm as weak-willed as anybody else. The trick is being stubborn and persistent. No matter how many times I've fallen victim to buffets, hors d'oeuvres and holiday meals, I keep picking myself up and getting back to the healthy habits I've learned. I'm kind of like the character Jason in the Friday the 13th movies -- you can chop him up, blow him up, even bury him, but he keeps coming back for more murderous mayhem. The only murder I'm trying to commit is the demise of flab!

This morning my sister-in-law called me for our morning vent sessions. Over the summer we walked together and shot the sh*t 5 days a week, but with the end of summer (there's snow here today) the walking's on hiatus and we talk on the phone. Today she gave me a gem that totally made my day, and it wasn't even 8 a.m. yet!

She was talking to someone we both know (I'm not going to name names here because who knows who's reading this) who has lost some weight but must be hitting a frustrating phase. Because this person told my SIL, "Why can Andrea eat whatever she wants and she keeps losing weight?"

Who, me? Into what twisted, crazy parallel universe have I fallen into?

Sister-in-law quickly informed this person that I am constantly watching what I eat and excerise religiously. Which is pretty much true. I understand why the person might think I can eat whatever I want, because several times over the last couple months when we ate together I did pretty much eat what I want. However, those moments were the rare ones. The truth is that I can get away with the occasional big meal like that, but only if I keep it to a minimum and stay vigilant and active the rest of the time.

And that's what people don't want to hear. Everyone wants the magical pill, the miraculous surgery, or the exotic fad diet that will make all the fat vanish in a month or two. Then, once the weight's lost, they can go back to eating all the deep-fried, breaded, buttery food they ate before. And that's why the success rate of losing weight and maintaining it is so low.

Now that I've completed my sermon for the day, I better get back to work. Like losing weight, it never ends.