First let me start by saying this isn't a brag (at all) it's sharing my own story to make a point.

To put it bluntly, I'm coming out of what had to be the worst 3 months of my entire life.

In early April, my gallbladder went suddenly and I had to have that removed. During this time, my Grandma (whom I was extremely close to) was in hospice. I was by her side when she died 3 weeks later. A week after she passed, I was in the hospital again having a tummy tuck/skin removal/hernia repair surgery. A couple weeks into that healing process, I had my first severe MS exacerbation in 3 years. During that time, my uncle also suddenly and unexpectedly died of a Pulmonary Embolism after surgery for Pancreatic Cancer. It was around the time of his funeral I was beginning to realize there was something very wrong with me, too.

At the end of May, it was discovered I had severe blood clots in both legs. They extended from my knees all the way up into my groin. I was airlifted to an ICU 70 miles away where I spent the most painful, terrifying, and emotionally exhausting 8 days of my life. To put it bluntly, I almost died. Thanks to a new (but brutal) treatment for life threatening blood clots- not only did I live but I have no permanent damage to my legs. But..wow...the treatment and ICU stay were like torture.

So...this has been the last 3 months of my life. During all this turmoil, heart break, pain, and fear- I still managed to lose weight. Even when going through 2 surgeries, 2 funerals, and a near death experience I was still mindful of what I ate and tracked my calories. Yes, once I could eat again in the ICU, I even tracked my calories there. (I amused the heck out of the nurses by doing so, too lol) Did I slip up and cheat during all this? Yup I sure did- but when I did I still counted the calories and never let it get out of control.

My point to all this isn't to brag nor is it for pity. We all have stress and turmoil in our lives. We all have sadness and fear at some point, too. But you can NOT let life's obstacles be your excuse to eat poorly and gain weight. My point is if I can lose weight and be accountable for what I eat even during all this hell the last 3 months- there is absolutely no reason anyone else can't too.

Just my thoughts.

Sadly that's what keeps hospitals in business. Sick people, so too keep business good and money coming in stands to reason they would serve food like that.

I once had a professor who in telling a story about a surgery he had commented on how in the middle of this hospital he was in they had a "smoking room" where staff, visitors and even patients can go to smoke. Sounds crazy to be sure something so UN healthy in a hospital setting. I was taking a marketing class, so I commented that it was just more good business for the hospital.

They are not "promoting" smoking but they are not stopping those who want to from doing it, after all that is their client base, and I'm sure they have a similar thinking when it comes to obesity.

If you want to eat it here it is, but do so at your own risk. Kudos to you for not accepting it, and making your own wiser choice! That is not so easy to do especially when you are at the mercy of others.

well you go girl !!!! Im sorry for your losses and difficulties , im sure its been hard, but I like the way you stayed focused on your health and didn't use them as an excuse to binge all day long. Hope you're better soon !

You definitely are a warrior and great source of inspiration. Through many obstacles you haven't given up and have a great attitude.

I, too, appreciate you sharing your trials and tribulations and success stories along the way. We can all learn a lot from you and others in doing so.

He has a plan for you and it wasn't your time. So glad you are doing better and recovering nicely. Your kids and family must be so relieved as well and so proud of you!

You light my light. Thank you for sharing! I was going good until they found cancer in my left breast. I had that removed last summer and am still healing. I had tests & new mammogram last month and was pronounced "cancer free". I feel great but the light eating mind-set is not happening. I plan to walk, walk & walk this summer, so I should find my stride soon & get back on the plan.