A Journey to Health: How a Surprise SMS Led to Breaking My Addiction to Overeating

My weight loss journey didn't begin because of a desire to fit into a particular size or follow a diet trend. Instead, it was initiated by an unsolicited SMS message, which led to a series of events that ultimately transformed my life. This story is about how a combination of mental health challenges, a trigger event, and a willingness to listen to a doctor's advice, led me to a healthier lifestyle.

From Anger to Walks by the Bay

Around two years ago, I received an SMS message with no clear intent. The message didn't have anything to do with weight loss, but it did have a significant financial impact on my life, costing me an extra $7 on my phone bill. My attempts to get this charge cleared only led to anger, which in turn triggered mania. At that point, I made a trip to stay in a luxury 700-a-night hotel located near one of the world's most renowned modern art museums, MONA. Eventually, I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital where I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and acute hypertension. My psychiatrist advised that losing weight might help manage my condition, but I ignored the advice and reverted to my old diet and exercise regime.

The Turning Point

Fast forward two years, and my bipolar disorder was well-controlled. Then, news broke that the government had taken the telecommunications company responsible for the disputed charge to court, resulting in a 10 million dollar fine and the shutdown of the premium SMS system. This was the perfect catalyst for my transformation. I was ecstatic about the news but also realized that the fine might not have been sufficient for the extensive fraud. My mood began to increase, and I wanted to take matters into my own hands. I started to think about walking and how it could help me manage my energy levels. On the same day I decided to walk around an unfamiliar bay near my house.

A Walk and a Weight Loss Revelation

I had never walked around that particular bay before, and I listened to Sun Tzu’s The Art of War while I planned my revenge on the company. Meanwhile, my GP shared the results of some recent health tests that were alarming. She warned me that I would need to start taking pre-diabetic medication unless I made significant changes. This was a wake-up call, and I decided to give Lite 'n Easy a portion-controlled meal delivery service another try. This time, I opted for only two meals a day, five days a week, which provided me with more freedom to balance the rest of my meals.

The Power of Motivation and Knowledge

With my newfound motivation, I started walking at an earlier hour every day. The bay was so beautiful in the morning light that it became easier to stick to the routine. As my mania started to subside, I continued with the walks for the therapeutic and leisurely benefits. My focus began to shift from revenge to getting fit, and my enthusiasm for physical activity grew. I started to track my weight in my phone, and after a few weeks, I noticed a trend that surprised me: I was actually losing weight. This realization was a turning point. I wanted to see how far I could go, and I delved deeper into the science of weight loss and human physiology.

Results and Reflections

From being on 87kg, I now weigh around 65kg. I started running again and recently completed a 15k run, something I hadn't done since my teenage years. At 53, this journey has been both challenging and rewarding. The irony of where my journey began is not lost on me. If not for the SMS charge, or the subsequent court case, none of this would have happened. This story is a testament to the power of personal motivation, mental health awareness, and the importance of heeding medical advice.

While I am grateful for my current state of health, I also acknowledge that my initial trigger was not noble. Yet, it led to a positive transformation. So, the next time you receive a mysterious charge or a piece of news that shakes your world, you might be surprised by the changes it could bring. Transformative change can often come from the least expected places.

Conclusion

My journey started with a surprise SMS message that triggered a series of events leading to a diagnosis of a mental health condition. This experience taught me the importance of listening to medical advice, the power of motivation, and the impact of knowledge. If the telco had not passed through that 7 charge or if the government had not taken the company to court, I might still be on the path I was on. But I am grateful for the outcome, as it has led to a healthier, happier life.