We shared Ida’s amazing story back in 2013 and she wrote in this month to update us for her 3 year anniversary. She is living with HIV, raising her amazing son and her story has inspired us in so many ways. If you want to be inspired, keep reading…(she is dropping wisdom with these words)
(Check out the original post from Oct 2013 for more info on how she did it.)
Good morning! I wanted to share that 3 years ago I started my journey. I went into weight loss surgery weighing 304 pounds. Today, 134 pounds later, I’m a healthy 170 pounds.
On March 13, 2012, my new journey began. God has kept me. HE has shown me favor and HE continues to be faithful. If I boast…it is in HIM! With a regimen of exercise such as walking, running, and swimming and healthier eating, I have plateaued. I have accepted that this will be forever a lifestyle adjustment.
My mindset had to change. Once I realized that I had an addiction to food, it was only then that I was able to do something about it. Gastric weight loss surgery was only a small part of the formula. The following components also played an important role:
Identification of the problem+ Acknowledgment+ Acceptance = Recovery & Success.
A great support system including family and friends has also made the journey manageable.
In conclusion, today I wake with JOY in my heart and PRAISE on my tongue. Why? Because GOD IS GOOD. I am proud to report that I am a healthy 170 pounds.
For those that remember my story…I was diagnosed HIV+ almost 15 years ago. I have been undetectable 13 of those 15 years. This weight loss process has only added many more healthy and prosperous years of abundant life!
304 is where GOD brought me from
3+0+4= 7 and is the number of completion
170 is where GOD is sustaining me
1+7+0= 8 and is the number of new beginnings.
It can be done…I am living proof.