Happy Birthday, Dad!

Soooo…I went to yoga with Beth today…for the first time in a loooong time.  For some reason, I continue to believe I am experienced at yoga.   But I’m just not.

In fact, I usually just silently giggle my way through the whole class….just trying to keep up with the yoga teacher….(aka: Speedy Gonzales)…and to not fall on my butt.  By the end, my whole body was sore.  But I like it anyways.  It’s good to change it up every once in a while.   It keeps life interesting.

But today was more than just a yoga day.  It was my dad’s birthday.  And that is just totally awesome.  : )

In the beginning, my family was really concerned about my decision to have this surgery.  It was hard, but I completely understood why.  I went forward with it anyway because I KNEW it was the best move for me.  Regardless of how they felt, they helped me through the stressful times, and agree with my decision now…but most of them still don’t think it would be the right choice for them.   

And I respect that.

My family has always been in a constant state of weight loss.  (Some times more serious than others!)  Different things work for different people, but my dad had been asking me a lot about my surgery and how it worked.  I always encouraged trying diet and exercise first, because it is the less risky option.  But that’s not always what people want to hear. 

So, for Mother’s and Father’s day, I set up a 1:1 session for Beth to go to my parent’s house and set up a program for them.  I was worried about their health (like only a daughter who is a nurse can) and I really just wanted to give them the gift of feeling as good as I did.

Well, the session stirred something up…especially in my dad…and over the summer (after months of me harassing him to come) my dad accepted an invitation to try the TNT boot camp with me.   I was shocked because, to be honest, I never actually thought he ever say yes. 

Well, not only did he come with me…he did AWESOME.  He signed up for 2 months of programs and has been dropping LBs like it’s his JOB!  He’s following a healthy diet and eating the best I have ever seen.  And his diet and exercise regimen has inspired my mom to diet and start her own work out program.  He didn’t even want a birthday cake this year!

I’m SO proud.

It’s also really cool to work out with my dad on Saturday mornings.  We never really had a special “thing” that we did together…just the two of us.  Boot camp has become our special time.  He motivates everyone in the class and totally keeps me on my toes when Beth isn’t looking.  There s nothing like your dad telling you that you’re slacking off to get you going again.

I absolutely LOVE it.

Why am I sharing this?  Well, for one, I think it’s good to see that diet and exercise are great things to try before you consider something more serious, like surgery.   I know I’ve said it before, but I believe surgery isn’t the “be all, end all” solution for weight loss.  It will work for some people, but not for others.  You should really try other things before you settle on surgery.

Secondly, I wanted to tell you how awesome it is to see my family getting healthy.  THEY are inspiring ME to stay on track…and I just feel so happy about it.   

Really. 

Like, “warm fuzzy feeling” happy!  :: smile ::

I guess I just want there to be A LOT more “happy birthdays” in my family’s future…even if we have to skip the birthdays cake, sometimes!  


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!!