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Friday, March 03, 2006

Update: Kelly McCamey

Do you remember Kelly McCamey, our friend who decided to give conventional dieting one last try before considering weight loss surgery? I am happy to report Kelly continues to do well with her weight loss and physical fitness even though life has thrown her a curve.

Kelly told me, “Well, as for me, since my weight loss, of now over 70 pounds, I have seen some serious change in my life. I am now divorcing my husband of over 14 years. We have grown apart, and I decided that I did not want to be sedentary, as he is. I need to grow, and continue to work at my weight loss, not hinder it. He still brings home the food that I call the forbidden. We have grown apart for two years now. I am in the process and this is the most difficult time for me, as he is fighting not to get it. But it is much too late. I have lost emotionally with him, and we have not had a real relationship since I started my weight loss.”

Kelly’s story isn’t unique, as we know of many relationships that crumble, in part due to a changed behavior such as diet and weight loss. As we have talked before weight loss won’t fix a relationship that is already broken.

But in the true spirit of resiliency Kelly is moving forward stronger than ever. She said, “Even though my marriage is ending, I still have to move on and be happy. I am into the weight loss and working hard to get to my goal. I have learned a lot of things, especially about myself. I understand I was hiding inside my body for protection. I didn't want anything or anyone to bother me. I am so glad that I understand why I was eating and what the end result created. I am much stronger coping with problems and feel as though I have taken a long journey to get to a safer place.”

Kelly hasn’t gone it alone. She is a member of Jenny Craig and is not teaching others about weight loss. “I am dedicated and hopefully by July I will have reached my personal goal of 100 pounds off. Then I will have 32 more to go. (my ultimate goal is 132 pounds).” She added, I feel so wonderful as you must as well! I can walk better, breathe better, stay up later, have more energy during the day and over all my health just improved significantly!”

I am so proud of Kelly for her fortitude and perseverance. Weight loss isn’t easy when things in life are perfect; it’s even harder when the walls come crumbling down. Kelly, thank you for sharing your story, for being a part of the LivingAfterWLS neighborhood and for being yourself. You are truly an inspiration!

To read more about Kelly link to these articles:

August 22, 2005: One Last Try: Kelly McCamey’s Story

September 6, 2005: Update Kelly McCamey

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Kelly, congratulations on your "stick-to-it-ivness" . You have accomplished what many wish they could. I am sorry it has affected your personal life. So often one partner will grow while the other resists. Only you know what is right for you. It will be a difficult time, but in the long run you will be better for it. This will be a stressful time so be sure to take extra good care of yourself as it can take a toll on you physically. I will be thinking about you and saying a prayer that all will go well. Don't look back, keep looking forward to what your new life will have in store for you!

Regina