I knew you were here all along
I look in the mirror and still, I can’t believe my eyes.
A new girl in Lausanne, Switzerland, where climbing the cobblestone streets came much easier.
June 2025
Seventy pounds ago I was the same person, but now, in the mirror, I see the person I saw all along.
I’m doing those crazy double takes when I pass my reflection in a grocery store - the frozen food aisle is the best! It’s so good for the soul.
And, I will not squander this moment in time. How, you ask?
In January of 2024, my diabetic A1C number was rising and at my age, rising numbers don’t mean anything good. My doctor put me on Mounjaro, starting with a small dose of 2.5 mg to see if, in fact, it made a difference in my numbers. Shots were not a stranger to me, because I had daily insulin shots at the beginning of my diabetic diagnosis almost 25 years ago. After being one-month in at the smallest dose, I had a consult with my doctor via phone from New York City where I was attending a conference. I remember that moment as clear as day. “No side effects,” I said with excitement. She said let’s keep going, and that was 70 pounds ago.
Steadily the dose increased to my current dose, 15 mg per week. My insurance covers most of the cost - which shocked and delighted me - so I became the winner in this nationwide clamor for this life-altering medicine. Usually, I end up on the wrong side, but being a diabetic, the made-for-me medicine was available, and the weight loss, a wonderful cherry-on-top.
Today, my A1C number hovers in the 5.6 range (at the onset, approaching 7) and I’m in control. I am more cognizant of what I eat, concentrating on eating the protein before I quickly become full. Vitamins are must to keep me going. I make myself eat - never thought I would say that - and I think the main benefit, the medicine stops the food noise. If you know, you know. The weight continues to drop and I am at a stopping point, so I have called for the reduction in dose simply so I can eat a little more and add a bit more muscle. I like the size I am now; however, I do not like my body’s appearance. I never knew that muscle loss would be so dramatic, so now becomes the time to recover - as best I can - what I can. If for no other reason than to be able to hoist my luggage in an overhead bin on an airplane. ✈️
As for the new wardrobe, well, it’s small - both figuratively and literally. The first time I tried on a smaller size in a store - size 8 - I nearly passed out. I’m not sure I ever purchased anything off the rack that was so stinking easy. I still wear the old t-shirts and sweats around the house just to hear Len make fun of me. No one sees me, so comfort in my largest size is so fun. I’m thankful for the transformation and the confidence that came with it.
A couple of years ago, I wondered at what point in life the ‘old woman skin’ shows up. Well, she’s here in all her glory now and clothing purchases come with long sleeves and long hems. I freeze anyway so who cares?
I like me, for the first time in a very long time, I like the woman I see looking back in the mirror. We’ve got some work to do on the skin, but in time, she’ll be as good as new.
