The initial list of medical problems that I suffered from that lead me to the Weight Management Institute was frightening. But look! Some improvements are already evident, and this is only the beginning.
- High blood pressure:
- I still suffer from high blood pressure, but "my numbers" seem to be improving!
- Chronic pain from osteoarthritis in my knees, ankles and low back:
- ✔Dramatic Improvement in all areas have been noted!
- Non-insulin dependent diabetes:
- ✔My blood sugar is consistently excellent, and I am no longer on medication for my diabetes!
- Chronic heartburn from GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease):
- ✔My heartburn and GERD are cured! No more heartburn pain or need for medication since the surgery!
- Severe sleep apnea requiring the use of a C-PAP machine at night:
- I continue to need the CPAP at this time, however as I continue to lose weight my doctor's suggest that this will likely change.
- Impaired mobility - I was having difficulty getting around without a cane:
- I am much more comfortable walking, and already I can get around most of the time without a cane except for longer distances.
- Periodic venous stasis wounds on my legs requiring daily wound treatment and aggressive compression treatment ranging from compression hose to the use of a lymphedema pump.
- ✔No wounds since the surgery. Minimal episodes of swelling in my lower legs, though I do wear a less unpleasant form of compression most of the time.
All in all this is pretty exciting news. Today when I saw my dietician for my routine visit, we did a body composition test showing that while I am losing both muscle and fat (which is to be expected), even with minimal exercise I'm losing a solid amount of fat. My ultimate goal is to lose 3 pounds of fat for every 1 pound of muscle. Today I am at 1.75 pounds of fat for every 1 pound of muscle. This gives me a goal to work toward.
Other positive information from the session with the dietician: I can eat most things now as long as I am cautious about the food textures (apple skins, stringy veggies, dry or overcooked meats, etc.). Of course I am eating really small amounts of food, still. I am supplementing my diet with the same protein powder I used for the months before my surgery when I was on the "partial liquid diet".
I have lost 50.7 pounds since I started the "partial liquid diet" on 6/4/10. I broke the 300# mark on 9/27/10. Follow along for continued progress, and please join me in celebrating these exciting improvements in my weight loss efforts. I admittedly have a long way to go -- but it all seems possible to me now when I consider the progress I've made so far.
For those of you in my "fan club" who have been supporting my efforts - thank you so much!
Other positive information from the session with the dietician: I can eat most things now as long as I am cautious about the food textures (apple skins, stringy veggies, dry or overcooked meats, etc.). Of course I am eating really small amounts of food, still. I am supplementing my diet with the same protein powder I used for the months before my surgery when I was on the "partial liquid diet".
I have lost 50.7 pounds since I started the "partial liquid diet" on 6/4/10. I broke the 300# mark on 9/27/10. Follow along for continued progress, and please join me in celebrating these exciting improvements in my weight loss efforts. I admittedly have a long way to go -- but it all seems possible to me now when I consider the progress I've made so far.
For those of you in my "fan club" who have been supporting my efforts - thank you so much!
