Photography Project Explores The Dark Side Of Weight Loss - LOV
Sep 30, 2012
Photography Project Explores The Dark Side Of Weight Loss - LOVE!
Yes, this! Realistic!
Jezebel -
Julia Kozerski is a photographer who explores themes of beauty, body-image, and identity. As you can see in the image above, she makes photographs that are starkly beautiful and brutally honest; pictures that can make the viewer feel painfully uncomfortable. Here, a fleshy woman lies naked on a bed in a gray room, her gaze turned toward letters on the wall. It is daytime. She is alone. The sheets are rumpled. The word is "LOVE." The title of the work is "Hunger." And that is Julia Kozerski, in the photograph. She is her own subject.
In a project titled Half, Kozerski documents the results of dramatic weight loss. The photographs are stunning, in the true sense of the word: Causing or capable of causing emotional shock. We are flooded with media messages and images about losing weight: PSA campaigns, sneaker ads, reality shows, before and after commercials, in which celebs beam with joy in photos proving that they've slimmed down. They're often perfectly toned, in a bikini, grinning ear to ear.
NSFW Photo after the jump -
I Have The Regain.
Sep 25, 2012
I Have The Regain.
I have a case of the regain. Oh noes. I have been clear about it, and I do not hide the fact that I have regained weight and I do not hide from the camera. Evidence: Facebook. That said, I don't make a big deal about the number I see on the scale, because I do not allow the number to define me. I am very much over allowing a NUMBER tell me WHO I am and HOW I am going to feel on any given day -- and I rarely weigh myself. Several months ago, I was started on a new anti-epilepsy medication that often causes weight gain and it did, and my weight slowly crept up to That Place Where I Freak The Eff Out. Since then, it's come back down to a reasonable place to where I can manage it, and I am within ten pounds of my low-normal-average. But here is the weird thing - it's SO VERY OBVIOUS.
via - http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2012/09/i-have-the-regain.html
One year ago - I hit a low in the summer July/August of 2011. I had life drama and things went awry for a while. I might have dropped a bit lower - this photo was taken in early September 2011 -
This past weekend, at 174 lbs.
I actually saw a few pounds higher many weeks ago and NO NO NO NO NO this will NOT HAPPEN and put the kabosh on some bad habits -
"Hey, let's have one two three pieces of toast with gallons of butter on it?! WHO DOES THAT?!"
Obviously, Beth does. "OMG, say it isn't so!" It is. It can be. I am pushing nine years post op, and three or even four pieces of 35 calorie bread breaks down to nada ounces in your pouch -- and really -- is nothing. So. Hushyomoufabouteatingtoomuch.
But.
I stopped that bullshit.
Because I am smart enough to know better because I refuse to purchase size 14W, mmkay?
I know better. I have demons, they appear in the form of buttery carbs, hence they Do Not Belong In My Area.
I am already down several pounds, but, I am still remaining apathetic about it because the pounds do not define me, I DO.
The reason I mention it at all -- the regain -- is that someone else asked me how much I had gained since I saw them last! I was taken aback a bit, considering I thought I was pretty damn upfront about my size, and I did not realize I had been ... watched so closely.
I suppose I expect a certain amount of it -- considering that I blog about weight loss surgery, I expect that there is a certain subsection of people waiting for long-termers like me to Fail, Publicly and Like a Trainwreck. But, I also have complex issues making my long-term-WLS-life more sticky than they might like to read about -- which is why I rarely write about MYSELF AT ALL.
Because it scares people.
I did not really respond to the well-meaning-regain-question-asker with anything other than, "Well, I am taking a lot of neuro meds." True. I am up to a couple thousand milligrams of AEDs a day, and in pre-operative testing for brain surgery.
This person said that she noted that I was noticeably bigger than the last time she saw me, and she assumed from a purely medical standpoint (she meant no harm...) that I simply must be taking medication to cause gain, that it was not something I was doing -- like -- toast eating. It's the truth, so it really did not bother me since I was already aware, you know? I live in this body, I know when I can't zip up my OWN PANTS!
In the big picture -- it's still only ten pounds. Ten apathetic pounds.
via - http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2012/09/i-have-the-regain.html
MM wants cookies giveaway from Building Blocks + Metabolic Nu
Sep 12, 2012
MM wants cookies giveaway from Building Blocks + Metabolic Nutrition!
I haven't even written the review for the product I get to give away. But, it is THAT. GOOD. THAT. I. CAN'T. WAIT.
Yep. Another one of those MUST TRY IT products. I hate to do it to you, but sorry!
Do you love fresh homemade peanut butter cookies? You will adore Metabolic Nutrition's Peanut Butter Cookie Protein. The full in-depth-MM-style review is coming (because I'm busy nomming the whole tub of love...) but here is the quick and dirty review.
Peanut butter cookie + mouth = mouthgasm. Done.
- Calories 135
- Total Fat 3.0g
- Total Carbs 3.0g
- Total Sugar 2.0g
- Protein 24g
- The product is made by Metabolic Nutrtition, whose proteins so far, have ALL been amazing in flavor and texture.
- This giveaway is sponsored by Building Blocks Vitaminsbecause they rock. Thank you!
- To enter - please visit Building Blocks Facebook Pageand let them know!
- Leave THEM a message - tell them "Melting Mama sent me toenter for a chance to win peanut butter protein!" or any variation of that, just make sure you mention this post!
Pay it FORWARD! Walk From Obesity - Dallas, TX
Aug 23, 2012
October 28, 2012 at Hilton Anatole - 2201 Stemmons Freeway
Join us to Walk or donate now!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/bbgirlclub/
The Walk from Obesity is the only event that brings together those who are directly affected by obesity. Our team's participation in this event is key to raising funds and drawing attention to obesity and the need for treatment and prevention efforts.
We need your help to reach our fundraising and participation goal! Please join our team or make a donation today. "Every Step Counts!" With your help we can be one step closer to making a difference.
Any contribution will help the work of the ASMBS Foundation and Obesity Action Coalition and all donations are tax deductible.
Click here for more information on the ASMBS Foundation
Click here for more information on the Obesity Action Coalition
Are you coming to the Obesity Action Coalition Your Weight Matt
Aug 14, 2012
OAC Recruitment Contest!
Shall we engage in a bit of friendly competition? Yes, yes, we shall!
Are you coming to the Obesity Action Coalition Your Weight Matters National Convention in Dallas, Texas?
Yes, yes you are? Did I convince you prior to this blog post, to attend said event? Did I?
Please shoot an email to Kristy and let her know that, "Yes, Beth Sheldon-Badore aka Melting Mama.net sent me!" [email protected]
Were you considering attendance at the OAC event?
"The OAC is so excited to embark on this endeavor, because this is our chance to let you experience the OAC for yourself and show you what we are about – solid and unbiased education, useful and hands-on tools, and empowerment that goes beyond what you’ve experienced before."
Join us!
- Join us in Dallas, TX for the Your Weight Matters National Convention.
- Click here for all the details and registration information.
- When you register, please add my name in the spot where you see the following - it's a contest!
- "Did an individual or physician refer you to attend the Convention? If so, please list their name and city/state. (must be completed for credit in incentive contest): Beth Sheldon-Badore, Plymouth, MA, Melting Mama"
- Are you an attending OAC member or blogger? JOIN THE CONTEST!
Official PR for the OAC Event follows-
Tampa, Fla. – “Explore. Discover. Empower.” That is the title for the Obesity Action Coalition’s (OAC) inauguralYour Weight Matters Inaugural Convention on the importance of weight and its impact on health. Set for October 26-28, 2012 in Dallas at the Hilton Anatole, the OAC’s first-ever national convention is shaping up to be one of the most exciting endeavors the Coalition has ever lead.
“Explore. Discover. Empower.” will offer solid and unbiased education, useful hands-on tools, and empowerment that goes beyond anything individuals concerned with weight and health have experienced. The Convention is all about helping individuals seek-out the information they need, find the answers they have been looking for when it comes to weight-loss and management, defying the status quo by discovering their voice through advocacy, and surrounding themselves not only with like-minded individuals, but renowned health professionals whose sole focus is to help individuals in their weight journey.
“Since the OAC’s beginning, our members have continually asked OAC leadership for an event like this. ‘Explore. Discover. Empower.’ will give them exactly what they have been looking for in a convention centered on weight and health. We are extremely excited to give our members and the public exactly what they have been asking for,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.
The Your Weight Matters Inaugural Convention will feature two jam-packed days of educational topics. Even more engaging, the Convention will offer breakout sessions based on two different tracks – one specifically for individuals looking for in-depth health, wellness and weight management information, and the second for those interested in topics relating specifically to bariatric surgery.
“In developing the concept for this Convention, we recognized the importance of having two educational tracks for individuals to choose from when attending the Convention. We are proud that we will be able to offer attendees these tracks as well as many other exciting events,” said Pam Davis, RN, CBN, OAC Chairperson.
The Convention will also offer the opportunity for individuals to attend the Dallas Walk from Obesity on Sunday, October 28, 2012, which will be held on hotel grounds for all to participate in and enjoy.
The official Convention agenda featuring details such as educational session topics, event registration pricing and much more will be released on May 1. For more information on the Your Weight Matters Convention and the option to join the Convention e-news alert list, please visit www.obesityaction.org/oac-annual-convention.
The OAC is a National nonprofit charity dedicated to helping individuals affected by obesity. The OAC was formed to bring together individuals struggling with weight issues and provide educational resources and advocacy tools.
About the OAC
The OAC is a National nonprofit charity dedicated to helping individuals affected by obesity. The OAC was formed to bring together individuals struggling with weight issues and provide educational resources and advocacy tools.
U.S Obesity Rates By State - How does your state fare?
Aug 14, 2012
U.S. Obesity Rates by State -
This is a bit terrifying. America's weight problem is obvious -- 35 % of us are overweight or obese with a BMI greater than or equal to 30. Welcome to the United States of Bariatric Surgery. I call it.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)recently mapped out the percentage of obese Americans by state using 2011 data, finding that greater percentages of obese people tend to reside in the south.
- In fact, 34.9 percent of Mississippi residents were considered to be obese in 2011, making it the most obese state in America. Colorado, on the other hand, had the lowest percentage of obese citizens, at 20.7 percent.
- While this number falls far under the national average, not a single state had fewer than 20 percent obese residents.
Hey there.
Aug 05, 2012
You can join us there.
Nike's Greatness Campaign
Aug 04, 2012
With the entire globe focused on the Olympics, The Obesity Society (TOS) congratulates Nike for their "Find Your Greatness" campaign. The videos show compellingly that sport is an activity for every person, and individual athletic achievement is within the reach of everyone, whatever their starting point. The campaign demonstrates that whoever we are, when we push ourselves to do the very best that we can, we achieve our own greatness.
Perhaps the most profound of the "Greatness" videos shows "Nathan", a 12-year-old obese boy jogging the distance of a lonely country road. As he runs on at a steady pace, the narrator says, "Somehow we've come to believe that greatness is a gift reserved for a chosen few, for prodigies, for superstars, and the rest of us can only stand by watching. You can forget that... We're all capable of it. All of us."
The video is here -- and on YouTube -- http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2012/08/the-obesity-society-salutes-nikes-find-your-greatness-campaign.html
