I think, however, you are confused over the purpose of my writings. My blog is about what’s happening in my life. My book is a memoir. In both of theses I simply recount my experiences. People can take from it what they want, but my book is not a diet book or a self-help book. I also openly address the possibility that I could regain the weight in the last chapter.

As for the qualifications for giving advice, I think people are qualified to give advice about whatever they’ve learned from their life experiences. My book and blog cover what I’ve personally experienced, and if people find some good advice from what I’ve lived, that’s great. I think it’s silly to think I have to wait 2 more years for my current life experiences to be validated. Even if I do regain 200 pounds, what I experienced still happened and everything I’ve written in my book and blog remains true. It doesn’t become more or less valid depending on what I weigh in 2010.

Here’s my problem. As someone who lost 110 pounds eight years ago in a sane, doctor-supervised program and who became a dedicated aerobic and anaerobic exercise devotee with proud levels of measureable performance, I think it is way too early for you to be giving so much advice to others.

Losing the pounds, undertaking an exercise program and reaching a healthy weight is about a third of the battle–if not less. The real challenge is in keeping the weight off and continuing with the program. I know. I put all 110 pounds back on and then some. I am now, again, trying to lose those same 110 pounds, plus a couple dozen more.

I’m not trying to universalize my experience, but even cursory research tells us that the real challenge for the vast majority of people with weight problems is in maintenance over multiple years.

So, here’s my deal. I’ll return to this site (or its successor) two years from today–I say “two years,” because I kept all the weight off for over 18 months after I had lost it; it was only at the two year mark that I started to let it come back on. If the site is still up and your weight is in a healthy range as measured by BMI (the indicator you use on your web page), I’ll not only buy your book, but I’ll make a financial contribution to your favorite charity.

Any chance you can post your Fox Morning News segment for those of us out of area? I’d love to see it.

HaHa! I live in Indy and I am going to the release party. HaHa!

(yes…it is small of me to gloat, but I cannae help it…)

M.

I still will buy the book, though!

Congratulations on your success, and good luck in the marathon!