Did you go to online Dr. school?

Today I went to an Endocrinologist. It was a referral from my OB. She is quite thorough and seemed to think I should be checked for a growth hormone and talked to about diabetes. I thought it was a waste of a $35 copay, but I'm no doctor and would rather be preventative about my health instead of reactive. So I went.

I filled out quite a complete health questionnaire and got to see the Endocrinologist's resident. After answering his questions and getting the usual Dr. review (listening to my breaths on my back, chest, belly, feeling my throat, looking in my throat and under my tongue) he left and came back with the Endocrinologist.

She came in and proceeded to let me know she wasn't suspecting the growth hormone that my OB had, but she wanted to draw my blood to rule it out. She was also going to take a little more blood to check my fasting glucose and blood sugar. Then she proceeded to discuss Diabetes with me. I'm baffled why. My last fasting blood sugar and glucose in January of this year was ideal. Not at risk at all. Ideal. And after reviewing my exercise routine this woman actually stunned me with what we next discussed. She actually told me that I should consider lap band or gastric bypass surgery.

Ok. Now I know I'm not a little, petite woman. But I'm not in that scary 300+ lb range either. I have been working out to a pretty tough dvd 3 to 4 times a week since January. I've noticed loss of inches on my body, especially in my waist thanks to my loose undies and slacks. Wooo hooo! I record my food intake daily with an online tool thats free. There are some amazing free things on the internet! I'm by no means done with my journey to a healthier body, but I'm also not about to actually consider I need a lap band or gastric bypass surgery. I'm stunned that was even suggested to me.

As you know, I'm no quitter. I've learned the best things come from the hardest effort. So, tomorrow I'm back on track with my goal. Taking it one day at a time. Not quitting. Doing my very best and coming back the next day for more.

It wasn't easy to hear those words and not be a little hurt. I'm a girl. I'm hard on myself. I have great expectations of myself. I live in my head too much about my weight and being healthy. I've been working steadily toward being healthier for almost 3 years now. And I'll continue to work at it. And I don't mind the length of time it takes to work to be my ideal self. Let me repeat, MY ideal self. The way I see it, the longer it takes to earn, the more of a chance I have to maintain my healthier self once I've reached MY ideal self.

Seriously sooooo blessed!

Wednesday is little sister night at my house. I've got a friend I volunteer to hang out with and be a mentor for through BBBSU. Tonight I surprised my little with going to see the Justin Bieber movie in 3D. And it was so fun! She brought me a rose that was from an activity she was in last night and she was so happy and chatty. I finally felt like she looked forward to our night! Its a fantastic change!

Since last August I've had my little and its been rough. Not at all what I expected. There's the obvious time commitment that can be tough to manage each week, along with trying to be this little person's friend and not feeling like she cares if I was to leave her life tomorrow. I've considered quitting many times, but remembered my one year commitment to the program. And maybe its just my pride, but I'm no quitter.

Being a mentor is hard! And as I've learned more about my little and her family, memories of my own childhood have surfaced. I wonder what friends, teachers, or church leaders thought of my growing up and saw for my future. I want my little to succeed and her family life is a bit frustrating to me. Hopefully, continuing to be a part of my little's life will be a positive influence on her, and her future.

And while I'm being grateful for a good evening with my little friend I had quite a few other thoughts on my way home in reflection of the evening. I've got a great job with a very stable company. And I'm so grateful for all I continue to learn and look forward to new work opportunities that can come. I love my little house and I'm very grateful that I actually bought a house. Still pinch myself that I did THAT. LOL. I've got amazing friends. I'm part of a family that loves me just as I am. And don't forget my furry chocolate girl - I love how she encourages me to be active and is my best example of totally enjoying the simple things.

Hopefully you know you're soooooo blessed. And loved. By me. :-)