The Weight Gain Experience

Recently, I discovered that I had gained 20 pounds due to Lyme Disease. After a long day at work, I changed into my workout gear at the gym and stood nervously on the scale. Holding my breath, I awaited the verdict. The scale finally settled at 160 pounds. While I anticipated a higher number, this was unexpected. I stepped off, relieved, yet determined to devise a plan to regain my fitness.

My Weight Journey

Throughout my life, I've frequently expressed the desire to shed pounds, often reminiscing about my college weight. In my twenties, I maintained a healthy range between 120 and 125 pounds, trying various workouts and healthier eating habits. Upon entering my thirties and moving in with my boyfriend, my weight fluctuated between 135 and 145 pounds. A few years ago, I joined Weight Watchers, starting at 145 pounds and successfully dropping 10 pounds to reach 135. However, after a year and a half of struggle, my motivation waned, and the weight gradually returned.

The onset of COVID added a few more pounds, but the real challenge came with my ten-month quest to diagnose Lyme Disease. This unanticipated journey brought weight gain along with it.

The Influence of Lyme Disease on My Weight

I am not a medical professional, but I can share my personal experience. Lyme Disease certainly played a role in my weight gain due to several factors. During those ten months, even a simple mile walk with friends would leave me so exhausted that I needed to nap for over an hour just to function for the rest of the day. This constant fatigue severely limited my ability to maintain an active lifestyle, contributing to my weight increase.

Additionally, Lyme affected my digestion. I experienced erratic hunger patterns—some days I would eat everything in sight, while other days, I had no appetite. This inconsistency was frustrating and beyond my control, as it was a direct result of the illness.

One of the most troubling symptoms was the shakes, which I often misattributed to low blood sugar. To combat this, I found myself eating frequently, even when I wasn't hungry. This approach didn't help, as the shakes persisted regardless of my meals.

After six months of antibiotics to combat the Lyme infection, my stomach took a beating, and my appetite surged. All these factors combined created a perfect storm, leading to that daunting number on the scale. Now that I've completed my antibiotic treatment and am feeling better, it's time to focus on my health and shed some pounds.

A Sustainable Approach to Weight Loss

I am determined to avoid fad diets or trendy workouts. This journey is about finding a sustainable routine that suits my lifestyle. After experiencing chronic illness and the burden of medication, my goal is to prioritize my health. I plan to implement gradual lifestyle changes in my eating and fitness routines.

Focusing on Health Over Numbers

I am consciously trying not to obsess over the scale. At 5'2", 160 pounds feels significant, but my focus is on health rather than the number itself. My target is to reach 135 pounds, where I feel my best, but I refuse to let that number dictate my self-worth. Instead, I aim to adopt healthier habits that enhance my overall well-being.

I look forward to sharing updates about my journey as I work to release the pounds, just as I have overcome Lyme Disease.