DOWNSIZING

2011-11-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I last posted.. since I first started my "diet" or way of eating.. I've now lost 21#. Proud of myself.
I'm drinking more water..A++ and feeling like I'm moving right along.
I'm using the 1200 cal ADA diet and Wendell is using 2000 cal ADA.
The site CalorieCount has been super helpful in making sure I get all the nutrition I need every day. Loving it! Good ideas there and especially when it comes to the holidays. That's normally a bad time for "dieters".. I don't consider my eating habits as a diet, but a way of life for me.   One day I'll be able to set out on my own without all the helps.    In the mean time, it's nice to have the support of everyone and the online assist too.
I really don't count calories.. I use the ADA exchange system. It's easier than counting each calorie.. and then put my food choices into the CalorieCount site. It registers all the nutrients and calories I consume.
I'm still baking bread and enjoy one slice of this every evening with supper. It's an oatmeal bread with no sugar added. Its sweetness comes from honey, and not much of that. Delicious!   Wendell and I use 35cal bread for sandwiches at lunch.
I am finding that my Oscar Meyer bologna (chicken/pork) is an extremely bad choice even though I eat only one slice at lunch. The site grades choices, and that is an F. No problem.. I have been running straight A's for the days I've been using the site. This says I am making excellent nutritional choices every day.   It's nothing more than what I've always eaten.. just more controlled.
My last A1c was 6.3, well within normal limits!!

2011-05-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Happy mother's day to all.. I lost 16# when I got on the scales today.. WOOHOO!!!

Down 14#

2011-05-01T20:41:00.001-07:00

Good news today... down 14# !!! YAY!! I love Special K which I think had something to do with it..

169

2011-04-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Setbacks are not fun. Last night I had a true craving for chocolate that I just couldn't resist. So I drank a bottle of Glucerna (for diabetics) and this morning had a major spike in my blood glucose.
Now, I'm not certain that this spike was just the Glucerna because I was ill all last evening and didn't sleep a wink. Today I'm still feeling ill, and haven't eaten much to mention. Nausea and some fever .. ugh. I know illness can affect the glucose, so this may have been a contributing factor. We shall see tomorrow.

89

2011-04-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

It is nearly time to leave for church and I'm still not sure I'm going to be able to go... more GI upset.. ugh.
Blood sugar is 89 today.. probably the near fast I had yesterday.

Rough day here- 114

2011-04-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

We planned a trip with Paul and family today.. bummer- had some post gall bladder problems and just couldn't leave the house. Well, we can try that trip again or do something different on another day.
My hope and prayer is that this "problem" won't persist into tomorrow which is the Lord's day.
I've accomplished exactly "0" today.. no big surprise.
My blood sugar this morning was 114 for some unknown reason, and now today I've had 2 cups of coffee, a bowl of cereal, a couple of pretzel rods, and a serving of jello for the day.. it makes me feel nauseated for some reason. hmmmmm wonder what is going on?
Hurting too.. joint pain that I associate with arthritic joints.. so I don't know.

114

2011-04-02T06:26:00.001-07:00

Feeling crappy today.. belly ache for some strange reason. Ugh. Glucose is high at 114 and I don't know why.. hmmmmm

111

2011-03-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Still running a bit high on the blood sugar. I think I blew it good today for sure.. ugh. Breakfast at noon after hubby's appointment.. wayyyyyyy too much bread here. Then lunch was tomato soup at 4pm.. then off to Bible study.. home at 8:30pm and supper.. ugh. I'm tired and weary and hubby wants fruit salad for a snack tonite.. maybe tomorrow..

110

2011-03-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Not sure why the glucose is up today.. but have a sneaky suspicion it has everything to do with potatoes and fruit.. I'll be much more careful today.
Just because something is a healthful food doesn't mean you can eat more than a serving.. PORTION CONTROL

100

2011-03-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

It was a good day here.. glucose was 100- closer to normal. I was careful what I ate today. Breakfast was the usual.. egg, bread, fruit. We ate out today for lunch though, and I was determined not to undermine my diet again. Wendell had a hearty breakfast and I had cottage cheese and fruit with crackers. It was delicious- but way too much cottage cheese so I brought half of it home and had it for supper tonite with a half tomato and a dish of strawberries and a handful of grapes. Let us hope the blood sugar is normal in the morning.

109

2011-03-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Done in by a bowl of fruit... or perhaps the larger than normal potato last evening at supper... or both. Rats! 109 today. I shall endeavor to watch everything in MODERATE portions today.

A week's worth of glucose

2011-03-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a photo project and not online often this past week.. but here are my totals..
March 20- 101
March 22- 100
March 24- 105
March 26- 110
Weight loss- now 13#
Amen.
I have to keep a diary closer to see why I'm having mini spikes in blood sugar.
On Wednesday, Wendell and I went out to eat at Ponderosa. I ate things I shouldn't have .. and fried wings? I paid for it all the rest of the evening and into the next day. We had Dreamfields Macaroni in a salad on Thursday - and no real spikes in glucose were noted, so Friday for lunch, I served it yet again.. and today I see this small but significant spike yet again. Not sure if it's the pasta or just the snack stuff I had- a serving of dry cereal, and an orange in the early afternoon. As I said, I need to keep a better diary.

93

2011-03-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

I guess I can eat a serving of angel food cake and fresh fruit. 93 is good. Have had a minor GI disturbance today.. lots of cramping. Not sure why.
Fish tonite I couldn't finish, nor my carrots. Had 1/2 fish and a salad and a few bites of baked potato.
Hmmmmm

95 and today 100

2011-03-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

Laziness made me have breakfast for supper last evening. I made us eggs and pancakes.. and though I don't believe I overate, it was a lot more than I wanted.
Yesterday's blood sugar was 95. After last night's bready meal, I thought it best to check today and sure enough, 100 on the nose.

Today I want to go to the store to get some meat- chicken mainly, but others as well.

down 12#

2011-03-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

I felt like I overate yesterday.. I had this leftover chicken- about a half cup- and couldn't bear to throw it out.. so I ate it.. this, after eating a healthy portion at supper.. Then.. on top of that was snack time and I ate my whole snack- 3 strawberries, 2 strips of fresh pineapple, and a carton of yogurt.. Yes, it was too much.
I've been 0.2# short of calling an 11# weight loss. I was holding out for today, but wasn't sure my overeating would even reflect it. Imagine my shock and surprise when I stepped on the scales this morning after breakfast and saw that I not only lost the 0.2#, but a whole other pound with it!!!! Astonished, I ran out to tell Wendell and collect an "Atta Girl!!!" from him .. I love that.
I should have known there was a loss here greater than 2/10s of a pound- my pants feel looser and I just don't feel like I'm carrying the full load around any more. It's coming off my belly and I'm so happy I could crow!!!
YIPPEE! On to tomorrow and another pound to lose.. one at a time, one day at a time, and control those portions.. no more pigging out even if the meat needs tossed. (That chicken was like eating butter, but no fat added.. very lean and perfectly baked.)
On to tomorrow... and a controlled blood sugar.
Can't wait to see the doctor in a couple months..If this keeps up, I should be down substantially both in weight and glucose. YAY!

98

2011-03-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

98 is better than 100 or more. I'll take it. Was hoping I could announce a weight loss too , but it seems that I still have 0.2# to go to do that .. so I'll wait. :)

92

2011-03-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

Blood sugar is well within normal limits at 92 this morning. That tells me that the fruit salad we had last night with the dollop (about a heaping tablespoon) of SF Cool Whip is a safe choice for us as a side or snack. YAY! I love fresh fruits- this one had 1/2 small banana, 1/2 sliced navel orange, 2 strawberries (note to self- GET MORE!) , and some canned peach slices on top.. very very tasty.

I had chicken (left over) for lunch and supper yesterday. Supper had a small baked potato, and 1/2 c canned Le Seuer peas (the best), and our usual mini salad. I noticed last night that hubby didn't augment his plate, and other than the liberal amount of butter he put on his food, I couldn't complain. Gotta work on that 'serving size of butter'. He has accepted the dressing on his salad without complaint.

My weight is still at 10#, but I'm watching the decimals go down daily, so pretty soon I'll be able to claim 11. Smiling here.

102

2011-03-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

Bummer! I just hate when my blood sugar goes over 100. Well, I'm pretty borderline. Not sure what caused the rise overnight. I started the metformin tonite again. I'm eating better and the queasieness is minimal.
Snack tonite was angelfood cake, fresh sliced strawberries and navel orange. I added a Tbsp of SF cool whip too. Sure is good.

98

2011-03-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

I've been without metformin for over a week now. Since surgery on the 4th of March, I've not been able to continue it due to nausea.
Hopefully, today will be the day. I'm not too concerned- I registered a whopping 98 this morning- within normal limits.

It's about 6pm.. I've done well today with my diet. I'm also down 10# total..for which I am grateful and thankful, but it's a drop in the bucket compared to what I have to go. One step at a time, one day at a time.

Down 7 # total

2011-03-01T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have been very ill for several days now. It seems to increase every evening, leading me to believe it's the metformin that is causing it. Severe upper right quadrant pain, sustained nausea, and horrific diarrhea. I have pain in my muscles and joints that is worse than I've ever had, and my regular pain med for my back doesn't even begin to touch it.
It is not a constant illness as I had a brief reprieve last evening, followed by a major resurge of the pain all night.
Today I called the doctor, and as I suspected, it was the medication that was causing the whole mess. I'm not taking any meds today, but will start Metformin ER tomorrow. That's extended release and shouldn't hit me as hard as the regular. I don't take a large dose as it is. 1000mg morning and evening is the normal doseage. I'm taking 500mg every evening.. so it's not the doseage.
I've never been able to tolerate meds easily and have to really be careful.. glad I didn't get a 3 month supply :)

97

2011-02-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

Woohoo!! Staying in the normal zone! Today's blood sugar is 97. Noting I had lightly breaded baked fish last night with potatoes lightly fried in olive oil, and carrots/peas. Yummy! I was a bit concerned that the potatoes would cause the rise as pasta does, but I needn't be concerned obviously.
Eating in moderation. Will weigh in today later.
Have not been feeling well for 3 days. Upper GI upset and muscle/joint pain that medication doesn't hit. Assumption is I'm not drinking enough to filter out the medication for T2Diabetes.
Will try this and if it fails, will call PCP.

92

2011-02-26T02:24:00.000-08:00

Yippee!!!! Another great blood sugar reading this morning. 92 and normal. YAY!!!! I must be doing something right. It's a good feeling to know I can eat normally and reduce my glucose. Now if I can get Wendell's down .. he's tough.

99 !

2011-02-24T11:58:00.001-08:00

Wow.. can't beat that much. 99 today. Feeling good. Noting all the things that gave me the 99.. like the bowl of cereal for supper? Hmmmmmmm

Wendell down 8#

2011-02-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

Wendell saw the doctor yesterday before the storm got started. It was his usual check up for weight. He's down 8# !!! Proud of you my dear.. Atta boy!!!! Go Go Go Go Go...

107

2011-02-22T07:34:00.000-08:00

I tried something different last night as far as carbs went.. I had 3 small dinner rolls with my vegetables and chicken for supper.
I added Activia with a dollop of Cool Whip (sugar free, natch).
Today the glucose is coming down, but not far enough. UGH.

112 :(

2011-02-21T07:26:00.000-08:00

Wish 112 was my weight rather than my blood sugar today.
I can see pasta going away in my life. I'm certain it was the macaroni in the chicken salad last night, though I didn't overeat, my portions were just right, but the macaroni seems to be a bit too much for my body to handle.. add that to my list of banned foods.
Turkey, beef, and milk... now pasta. sigh.....
After that I got on the scales.. Thankfully, I still hold my 5# loss quite easily. AMEN.
Thought for myself: Don't get hung up on one bad blood sugar. Learn from it, Keep track of your diet, and know what causes the spikes.

Breakfast:
2 scrambled eggs - PAM for lube
1 slice whole wheat toast with a tsp butter (real butter, uh huh.)
1/2c sliced peaches
2 small dry cooked strips bacon.
------------------
Lunch grilled cheese,
handful of grapes,
mouthful of canned tomatoes
----------------------
supper is grilled chicken breast- 3oz
broccoli
home made dinner roll
thinking about rice/veggies... would love to see how I react to rice.

down 5#

2011-02-20T19:52:00.000-08:00

Well.. I didn't check my glucose this morning, but I didn't need to since I didn't have any cake last night. Good for me. When I stepped on the scales, I was pleasantly surprised to see another pound bit the dust. That's 5 total since I got my metformin started. Not bad. I hope it continues.
Today was cereal for breakfast with Coffeemate Coffee Creamer liquid in lieu of milk which my body doesn't tolerate.
Lunch was a grilled cheese with provolone and american cheeses, and chicken noodle and vegetables soup. Yummy.
I had a sugar free pudding this afternoon.
Tonite was macaroni with chicken and veggies on top. Very good.
My bedtime snack is raspberry yogurt with a dollop of SF Cool Whip. Very filling.
It is peculiar to me that I can eat cheese and yogurt without any side effects, but one swallow of milk and my stomach goes wild. Ice cream ...? Well, I can eat a small dish of ice cream, but if I have another one within a few days, it's the same crazy abdominal symptoms.. weird.

103

2011-02-18T15:59:00.000-08:00

I should have seen that coming. We were out all day yesterday and twice had potatoes. I believe the glycemic load was a bit heavy. I had bread twice too.. something I never do.
We shall see how it goes on Sabbath when I recheck after little Paul's party..

102

2011-02-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

As you can see, my blood sugar is coming down nicely. I'm feeling a bit different.. tired without ultra tired evenings. I am refreshed today and ready for the day.

no fasting glucose today

2011-02-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

I decided to take a break from jagging my fingers. Don't panic.. I was told to check my glucose a couple times a week or up to every other day. So I am still following the doctor's direction.
My diet is improving. I'm so proud of myself. The cravings have really settled.
This morning we had 2 scrambled eggs, a small strip of bacon, and 2 small pancakes with Sugar free syrup. It held me till lunch when I made us each a small bowl of cream of mushroom soup. I don't use milk in it, just hot water and extra mushrooms of course. With that we each had a grilled cheese sandwich- one slice of american cheese and one slice of provolone.. Oh.. delicious!
Not sure about tonite.. but I will be having fresh steamed broccoli with whatever the choice is.
Here's something I found on the internet for combatting abdominal bloating;
Which foods are the best at reducing visible bloat in the belly?

"Definitely reduce fried, saturated fats and increase fat-burning foods like green cruciferous vegetables. In terms of what you should be eating, consume three to four servings of vegetables a day, increase lean protein intake with free-range meats, incorporate high-fiber foods like apples or berries, and make sure you eat the right kinds of fats like avocados and nuts."

I love fresh sweet onions and broccoli.. as well as brussels sprouts..
I shouldn't have a problem with this. When I scramble the eggs, I use PAM, and if I have to use oil, it's always Olive oil. I could drink olive oil, but I think I'd be sick if I tried it.
Time for a cup of coffee..
------------------------------
As things ended up, we had tuna salad again with macaroni. I was careful to take only a cup of the macaroni, but loaded my bowl with fresh celery and onion, tuna fish, and then a dollop of Mayo for it all. Yummy and very satisfying. No snack needed tonite.

107

2011-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Wow.. still hanging up there above 100, but going down slowly but surely. My diet is going well and I find I have NO cravings any more. That's a good sign.
I thought about a Hershey chocolate bar yesterday, but had no desire to eat one. Now, that should go down in the annals of time!
Preparing for breakfast..

111

2011-02-13T02:28:00.000-08:00

I was really hoping my blood sugar would come down a bit faster. It's discouraging sometimes to get up and find readings that are above 100. :(
But today is the Sabbath and I'm going to worship the King today with a number of other like minded folk. That makes my day.
BS 111.. weight later.
Off to get some breakfast.

116

2011-02-12T05:27:00.000-08:00

Doesn't seem to matter what I eat, my glucose is high in the morning. Today it's 116. Sigh...
I will not relent. I will stay with the diet and exercise too. Yesterday I had a nice ride on the Schwinn. I may repeat that today after looking outside- snow.
-------------------
Breakfast was same as always, lunch was not much different- cream of mushroom soup with extra mushrooms , and the rest of teh left over sliced chicken.
Tonite will be a tuna salad with nuts, apple, tuna (of course ;) ), and celery chopped together with a dab of mayo.. yummy!
snack: cheerios

Glycemic index or glycemic load..

2011-02-11T08:51:00.001-08:00

Some good information:

Glycemic Load is the application of the glycemic index to a standard serving of food.
Glycemic index tests are not performed on typical portion sizes. So, by using the Glycemic Index alone, the glycemic effects of foods containing a small percentage of carbs are likely to be overstated, while the glycemic effects of foods containing a high percentage of carbs are likely to be understated. For example, foods that are mostly water or air will not cause a surge in your blood sugar levels even if their glycemic index is high.

This is why scientists developed the idea of Glycemic Load. It ranks foods according to actual carb content (eg. in a typical portion-size), not how fast a 50g amount of carbs raises blood sugar levels.

118

2011-02-11T04:52:00.000-08:00

Down 4#, Glucose up to 118
I started the Metformin last evening. I need to drink more water.
************
Breakfast was the same as usual..
2 scrambled eggs, 2 small dry crisp pieces of bacon, 1 slice toast with a tsp butter. Of course, 1 1/2 c coffee to go with it all.
Planning a ride on the Schwinn. Gotta get that FBS down.
************
Good lunch- same as yesterday,but cream of mushroom soup- 90 calories.
************
Wish I had some decaf coffee... perhaps I'll get a cup of hot tea.
supper was very good. Leftover chicken in slices.. I still have another meal I can make with it. :) Broccoli and fruit salad on cottage cheese, and sliced fresh tomato. Yum. It sure was good.
Snack today was cheerios- multigrain.
I'm very tired tonite. Heading for bed.

Fasting blood sugar 106

2011-02-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

I would guess that this is what my daily morning blood sugar runs~ 106 today.
Breakfast was the usual-
2 scrambled eggs, 1 slice toast with a dab of butter, 2 small pieces of dry, crisp bacon, and a half of a 6" banana, and 1 1/2c coffee with creamer.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Lunch~ 2 slices bread, 2 thin slices deli ham with 2 tsp mayo, and a bowl of vegetable soup.
~~~~~~~~~~
Supper tonite will be baked chicken, left over broccoli and canned carrots doctored with Splenda and a dab of butter.
I have fresh frozen red raspberries and some SF Cool Whip for dessert. I will likely add a container of Activia to this also. I try to do that daily.
I'm on an antibiotic and need the yogurt.
Tonite is my big night. I will take my first dose of metformin. It doesn't work like insulin, but makes it easier for insulin to get through to cells reducing the sugar in the blood. I'm anxious to get started. I desire that this will work. I am insulin resistant.

TOTAL ACCEPTANCE

2011-02-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's odd to me that I have this total acceptance and calm about being a new diabetic. Wonder why that is? I believe it is God's grace showering me with peace.
I have certain goals today:
1. Blood sugar fasting = 109
2. Weigh in= same as dr office yesterday- too high to print.
3. Exercise in some fashion
4. Eat well=
Breakfast 2 eggs, 1 toast with 1 tsp butter, 2 slices crispy bacon, and 1/2c fruit- peaches today
Coffee! Yes, 1 1/2c as usual.
This is a normal breakfast for me- nothing out of the usual . It's hearty and healthy. I am using 35cal bread for my toast, and the bacon is cooked twice to get all the fat out that I can possibly do- it is so crisp, it falls apart.
5. Drink water
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's after lunch now. I had a ham sandwich, a dill pickle, and water.
After consulting with Wendy, I decided to buy a loaf of Sara Lee whole wheat bread that is free of high fructose corn syrup. I was surprised how good it was. So 2 slices of bread with 2 tsp mayo and 2 slices of deli ham. I sliced up a garlic dill pickle and poured a glass of water which I'm still sipping.
I think I need a fruit here. I'll see if I have any mandarin oranges left, and if not, I'll try a half banana.
One day at a time.
I started my antibiotic horse pills today, and got my box of lancets and test strips.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Supper was very good and low calorie. I chopped up 2 tiny pieces of chicken and braised it in a little bit of olive oil.. then I added chopped onion, carrots, colorful peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. Oh yum! I skipped the rice tonite~ I spooned the veggies and chicken over a dollop of cottage cheese for a much different taste. So good. For a dessert, I added a dollop of SF Cool Whip to my nightly Activia and then tossed in a half cup of frozen red raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. So very delicious!
I feel stuffed.
I'm working on Glycemic Index- 0-55 is low, 56-70 is medium, and over 70 is high. I'm going to try to concentrate on the low GI veggies and fruits, as these don't raise the blood sugar like the medium and high GI does. You don't get the high spikes of blood sugar when you use the low GI veggies and fruits. I'm learning .. day by day I am learning all over how to eat and keep my blood sugars under control.
Glad you stopped by. I'll be back with more reports on various topics and, of course, give an update on my journey into diabetes.

Diabetes, the diagnosis

2011-02-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today truly is the first day of the rest of my life. I saw the PCP today. Good news.. most of my labs were perfect.. except for the one that I was afraid might be out of kilter.. that of the A1c which is slightly elevated and says I'm heading for Type 2 diabetes.. and then he saw my fasting glucose.. a whopping 128 !!!!! This should be under 100 to be high normal. With those 2 factors together, he announced to me that I am no longer Pre diabetic, I am full blown type 2 diabetic. I'm not upset or unraveled.. In fact, it's a relief to be diagnosed so I can get the medication that will help me along. I don't metabolize carbohydrates well, if at all. I've suspected that for a while now. In fact, I crave carbs so much, I could be manic about them.. but I'm never sated after eating them. Dr Harry says it's because though I'm eating them, my body is not metabolizing them, and just turns all that food into fat and applies it liberally to my body and asks for more.
So, when the pharmacy sends my meds, I'll be starting Metformin, an oral medication for diabetes. Metformin is used in Europe as a weight loss drug, but in the US, we use it only for diabetes. I should lose weight on this and get the glucose under control. It's not totally outlandish now, but it could become so without treatment.
I now have my own glucometer. I ate supper tonite and when I got home, tried it out. My glucose was 128 after a meal. That's not bad. We shall see in the morning. I plan to do several checks before my meds arrive. The office was to fax it to the pharmacy so I could have a 3 month supply.
Pray this works. He also told me that my muscle aches and pains should diminish or disappear with this, as that can easily be caused by the diabetes..
*My plan is to do something with exercise officially every day whether it's walking from one end of our trailer to the other, or a good walk around the perimeter.. maybe a dip in the pool at the Y.. we are long overdue there.
* Plan to eat better quality foods and watch those calories.. especially the carbs.
Here we go Marilyn, here we go!!

2010-07-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Yippee! I got on the scales this morning to find a 16# weight loss!!! Good for me!

2010-06-30T17:54:00.000-07:00

Wendell had a 3# weight loss with the doctor's scales... I think he should have had more- he's so good with his diet these days.
For myself, the scales creeped up but was relieved at my
11# loss !!! Woohoo!!
Can't wait for July to see if I can do it again...

June 2010 stats

2010-06-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Feeling proud of myself... I weighed in this morning and so far for the month of June, I've lost 7# !!!! Gotta pat me on the back... ouch!
Wendell's totalls are forthcoming.
It's really helped us using portion controls .. and being careful to keep our meals all below 300 cals.

portion control

2010-06-10T05:34:00.000-07:00

We have been trying the Lean Cuisine diet now for about 2 weeks. I've lost 4# and Wendell.. (drum roll please........) got on the scales and has lost 7.2# !!! YAY!!!! Finally, a program that suits him..
Portion control is the key.

2010-06-09T09:44:00.001-07:00

It's been a year since Wendell made up his mind to do the bariatric surgery, but his compliance pre op has been poor to nil. He hates being overweight, but can't seem to comply. I watch him eat.. his portions are all off and the bariatric rules are even MORE limited than now...
Thank you Wendy for suggesting a way to do portion control that is fail-safe. His doctor said his food choices were good, but his portions were out of control.. In essence, the pie may be sugar free, but you can't eat it all in one sitting. So.. we are going the Lean Cuisine route and so far, I think it's good. It's been since June 1.. He says he's lost a pound or 2.. I've lost 4 as of today. I think it's working.

2009-08-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Wendell saw the PCP Monday.. he's down another pound. This is a good thing. One month to go..

1st surgical appointment bariatric

2009-07-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

I believe the first thing we need to do here is thank John and Amanda for taking the time to take Wendell and me to Wendell's first appointment with the bariatric surgeon in Pgh.
Lots of paperwork had to be filled out.. and then back to the exam room to wait for 40 minutes for the PA to give us information and a quick physical exam. She went over everything that was expected of us as far as testing goes. The psychiatric exam and nutritionist have to be from their department, but otherwise he can have all his testing done locally.
The doctor came in for about 10 minutes and gave him a lecture on being willing to change lifestyles that have been engrained for years. It's that, or no surgery- it would be a waste of time. I like this surgeon. He doesn't mince words- says what has to be said and gives the ultimatum. Wendell finally said 'yes, I can comply'.. we are off to the races!!!
Labs, chest xray, ekg, pfts, and other tests to be completed as soon as he can get them scheduled.
This doctor reminded us that the surgery is a tool, not a cure. We can use this tool effectively or not. Wendell told him he wanted the gastric bypass. The doctor said okay.. start the exercise program now and let the lifestyle changes begin.. that includes decaf coffee if he wants coffee.
We came home with 2 booklets and a pile of papers to be completed as soon as we can do so.
Provided all this can be done in another couple months, I think we may be looking at September possibly for the surgery.. I'm just guessing. The surgeon never discussed a timetable.. just get the paperwork done with labs and doctor checklists.. and then give them a call when it's done. Then we talk schedule.
The prep for this surgery is a bit different. Although the bowel is involved, there is no real 'bowel prep' pre op. It's a full liquid diet for a week prior to the surgery and then meds get eliminated including his regular dose of insulin. He'll be on a sliding scale from that point on, and hopefully that will be the end of insulin for him. Amen.
More later if I missed anything.. and updates as they happen.

9# loss

2009-06-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of Wendell. Today was weigh in day at the PCPs office.. He's lost 9 more pounds!!!! Atta boy Wendell
This week he sees the bariatric surgeon. I'll fill you all in on the next step when we get back.

We got the call !!!

2009-06-12T17:10:00.000-07:00

Happiness is hearing from the bariatric surgeon that you are a candidate! Wendell got the call tonite and is walking on air! ME TOO!! I'm so happy for him.. His first appointment with the surgeon pre op is July 2nd. John and Mandy have kindly agreed to take him since the initial visits are all on Thursdays and that's office day for me. I'm going to check the schedule to see if we can switch some people around so I can go too.
Now, 1st step is the education session last week where the surgeon describes the surgeries available and initial paperwork is filed with his office indicating a desire to have one of the procedures done.
2nd step is being called to inform you that you are a candidate and set an appointment with the surgeon. Most people don't realize that insurance companies require the patient to follow a supervised diet with their PCP or the hospital's group weight loss clinic for 6 months before the bariatric procedures will be covered by insurance. So if you are considering this surgery, get going with a program with your PCP. Wendell was fortunate in that his PCP's nurse just had her procedure done a few months ago and she knows the ropes. She started Wendell on his diet and supervised weigh ins in March this year.
Next will come the scripts for psychological evaluations and the nutrition evals and education.
This is a whole new world of weight loss.
Wendell is hoping for the bypass surgery. It's a bit more complicated and requires a 2 day 2 night stay in the hospital. He's good with that.
Pray all will fall into place easily.. that this is God's will for his life.

2009-06-11T03:54:00.000-07:00

Wendell and I went to an education session given by Magee Hospital Bariatric surgeons last evening. It was a 2 hour experience where the doctor explained the 2 most commonly performed bariatric procedures. One is lap banding and the other is gastric bypass or Roux en Y.

We both went in thinking that the banding would be better for him, but when we came out, we were both convinced that the gastric bypass is really the better choice for life.

You have to meet certain criteria in order to be a candidate for this surgery. The BMI has to be at least 35 or more with associated medical conditions like diabetes...... or a BMI over 40.

You also have to fail the supervised diet for 6 months. That is, you have to follow the plan for 6 months without gaining, but without exceptional losses too.

It involves life style changes in exercise and diet and requires life long follow-up.

The doctor described the risks and the benefits of each procedure. He mentioned that with the bypass, 85-90% of type 2 diabetics are not any more. That is exciting news. He also said that men do better with the bypass and the loss is generally more rapid in the first year than the banding. 70% of excess weight is lost that first year. The weight loss with banding is at a much slower rate, but also sounded to us like the complications could be a problem.. like the band slipping..

One thing I thought was interesting was that he said you can't eat concentrated sugars after the bypass.. you might try, but you won't do it twice. Also, you say goodbye to red meats and bread.

There is a malabsorption risk with the bypass, so one must be on vitamins and minerals daily for life afterward.

We learned that eating habits at the table would change dramatically. He described it as taking a very small bite of food, purposefully placing the fork by the plate, and chewing at least 20 times before swallowing. No drinks with meals either. No more fast foods.. meals will take 40 minutes or more to complete.

There is a psych evaluation, nutrition eval, and then labs and testing as needed prior to surgery. Wendell has 3 months of supervised diet therapy already, and the final testing and instructions are due the last 2 months.

We may hear by the end of this week whether he's a candidate, or perhaps early next week. I'm praying he will be chosen.

After he gets settled and is doing well with this, I'm going to apply myself. I asked about blood thinners and having the surgery, and he said it can be done with injections in the belly (Lovenox) and perhaps an IVC filter to catch the clots if any form.

2009-05-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Weigh in with the PCP this past week for Wendell. They say he has NOT lost a pound though our scales say he has. I'll be calling the bariatric surgeon this week.. hopefully

2009-05-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

5 more pounds gone for Wendell..

I am at the same weight.. gotta quit cheating on the diet..

2009-04-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wendell had a weigh in with his cardiologist today.. YIPPEE !!!! Down 3 more pounds for a grand total of 8 # lost !!! Atta boy Wendell!!!!!!

2009-04-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Today was the official 1 month weigh in for Wendell at the doctors office. Not good news, I'm afraid. No loss at all after following the 1200 cal diet.. and though the doc says to look on the bright side because he didn't gain either, it wasn't very encouraging. I'm feeling badly for him, but we shall go on.. and try again..

2009-04-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

The weigh in was yesterday, and the word was good.
Wendell is down 5# more.. He still struggles with being hungry between meals..

I am down 1#. I tend to cheat now and again..

2009-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the score for the day.. ambiguous..
I try to catch Wendell before he's dressed, but didn't .. so I put him on the scales anyway just for a check.. and he's gained a pound... BOOOOOOO!!!! The thing is, I think he has at least a pound of loss because of his clothes and shoes especially.
I'll recheck him in a day or so.
Blood sugars have been stable in a normal range aside from the past few days when he was 111 and 115.. hmmmm he's also been feeling ill. I would think the BS is elevated for that reason.. today he is back to 96.. and normal.

As for myself, I stayed the same.. and I was dressed too.. but not with the heavy clothes that Wendell had on. I should probably go to the 1200 cals.. but I'll try one more week of 1500, and then move if I need to.

Pray for our success!! We can do this..

2009-03-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Day!!! It was weigh in day for Wendell and me..
Drum roll please........rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrd
In one week, he has lost 3 pounds! Atta boy , Wendell !!!!!
As for me, I am another pound down.. -7 for me.

2009-03-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here we go...!!! Wendell weighed in at home this morning, so I'll be keeping track of his losses here in the next months. He had been using a 1600 ADA diet, but the doctor decided to eliminate 400 calories more, and he's now on 1200 calories. He can do this.

I have joined him on the diet.. I also started at 1600 calories, but now am seeing some results with 1500, as of Monday. It's Wednesday. As of March 21st, I've lost 6#, and it hasn't been too difficult to stay with the program.

Exercise: we are heading to the pool today for an hour or so walking.
I have walked around the yard and have done very little, but some yardwork, and I feel that's why I've lost so quickly.

Tomorrow I will post some of his meal plans. They are filling despite the lesser calories. It helped to limit to 1600 calories for a week before going to the 1200. He is adjusting.

1200 calories

2009-03-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

Wendell went to see his PCP today. He got his diet and instructions. The surgery he desires is not done at Butler and the alternative is not covered by Medicare. Pray we can find a surgeon closer than Pittsburgh for his lap banding.
Today, so far, so good. We are adjusting well to the program. More later..

-10 total pounds

2008-12-21T04:16:00.000-08:00

Holidays are nasty for dieters, but I'm down 2 more pounds.. for a total of 10#. Mandy is down 10# and John is down 30+... I have to weigh Wendell yet this morning..

**Update: Wendell has weighed in and there is NO change with his weight. Blood sugars are running nearly normal however, and that's a good thing.
We shall be going to the pool after Christmas. This should give him the exercise he needs to begin losing.

2008-12-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

I'm status quo.. no gains no losses at the moment. I need the pool to exercise to get those pounds to leave. The good news is that though the scales do not reflect a change, my clothes do, and so does the measuring tape.. I'll report on that on Monday.. weigh in day.

Having some difficulty with Wendell's diet. He seems to be on the gain, but then, he nearly lost his pants on Wednesday.. indicating to me that he's got a loss in the belly. I think he looks like it too. His blood sugars are more often normal than not, so I know the diet is helping. The scales say he gained 10#, but I either didn't weigh him correctly, or they are wrong, or he's lost fat and gained muscle.. I don't know what the answer is, but we will continue the program anyway.

With the extra day of work and the necessity to get laundry and errands taken care of this week, I've missed the YMCA. Wendell didn't get his start, but we plan to do that this coming week. One step at a time, one day at a time.. we can't lose.
Pray we will be able to do all of this.

-8 total

2008-11-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's weigh-in day... I've measured myself and the results are impressive to me..
8 # total loss
-1" hips
-1" waist
WHOA! I love this..

-8

2008-11-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

I was just curious.. I've been ever so good on this Zone thing.. and when I stepped on the scales this morning to see if there was any change at all, I was surprised to find I'd lost again.. making the total loss 8# ! Yippee! Official weigh-in isn't till Monday..

THE ZONE

2008-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

We are doing the Zone Diet around here. It's been such a pleasure, but I find that I do better if I eat a 2 block program more often during the day rather than try to stuff myself with a 3. Wendell was overwhelmed with the amount of food he was required to eat at one setting, but that's what you get when you do the Zone. We are learning. So as of yesterday evening, he's been concentrating on a 3 block program and then if he's hungry later, he can have a 1 or 2 block snack. He's an insulin dependent diabetic and needs the calories. Blood sugars are normal or close to it.. better than before.
I had to smile tonite when I heard Wendell tell John that some food item was "a One".. indicating it was a one block of protein. The best part was that he was correct. He's paying attention!

2008-11-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

Rethink your morning meal

Trying to whittle your waistline? You might want to rethink your morning meal. Recent research found that men and women who ate two eggs for breakfast as part of a low calorie diet lost 65% more weight and had a 61% greater reduction in BMI than their counterparts who started the day with an equal calorie bagel breakfast. Eggs, a high quality protein, kept people more satisfied until their next meal, which helped them stick to and succeed on a reduced calorie diet. Because the American Heart Association recommends keeping cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day (below 200 for those with heart disease and high LDL cholesterol), try scrambling an egg yolk (around 210 mg cholesterol) with two egg whites for a high protein, cholesterol conscious breakfast.
-by Stephanie Breakstone

-4

2008-11-17T07:34:00.000-08:00

Okay.. I confess.. I wasn't faithful to the program while we were in NY last weekend. In fact, I had ice cream and cookies which definitely were not good for me. I am still holding that one pound of gain. UGH!
Started the zone this morning with Wendell.
He's a 4; I'm a 3

I ate breakfast, though I am a bit queasy this morning.

2 eggs (2 proteins)
1/4 c cottage cheese (1 protein)
1 1/2 slices white bread (3 carbs).. 1 tsp butter (3 fat)

We haven't done our Zone shopping yet, so I am aware that these are poor choices at the moment, but they were balanced and that is the bottom line, eh?

I need to figure out a 1 snack for us. Hmmmm....
Cheese slice and a few saltines?
I have to give this some thought.

I got the measuring tape out last night.. .aaaaackkk!!!!! I had no idea I was so huge!
It was definitely an eye opener.

I am not alone

2008-11-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow is weigh in day, and as a family, we have decided to change gears on our eating habits.. we are going to try to Zone. I love that program.. the problem is too much food for the most part. So tomorrow is the beginning. We will be working to help Wendell lose the weight he has to lose.. it's become life threatening for him.. and for all of us.

Oh.. weekend disaster

2008-11-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

I had good intentions.. no , wait.. I had GREAT intentions, but my will power is useless against chocolate cake. Alas.. I succumbed... and as for the coconut macaroon cookies... well... they were definitely worth the taste.
My weekend was kind of a bust.. but I did try most of the time.
I'm back on the program again today.. it's Wednesday.. I'm skipping Monday weigh-in.. it's too scary for me to even look...aaaacckkkk!!!!
So I'll check it out after behaving myself this week.. on NEXT Monday.
Wendell wants SF pudding.. and I need some SF jello. So I'll catch you later

-5 POUNDS

2008-11-03T08:40:00.001-08:00

It's Monday, and that's weigh in day! I was just a little nervous to step on the scales this morning, though there was no reason for the anticipation.. I've been good.
I've lost another pound, bringing the total to -5 !!
Hooray for me! Another pound bit the dust!

Today is JOIN THE Y DAY, and I'm thrilled to do this.. again, thank you Jane for all your encouragement and praying over me. It's been effectual for sure.
And while I'm at it, I'll thank Mandy and John for telling me how lousy those dinner rolls were last evening..

He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength causing it to multiply and making it to abound (Isaiah 40:29 ).

We shall overcome

2008-11-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Still at it here.. waiting for the verdict on the scales on Monday morning. I missed the pool most of the week.. Thurs and Fri things going on here that took my attention.. and here it is Saturday.
Following the program without fail.. trying to keep moving..I'm headed out for a walk this afternoon.. and on Monday..the pool!!!

Revelation 21:7
'He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.'

2008-10-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

I've done well today.. I've eaten carefully and have had a really great workout once again.
Hopefully by next week, there will be an even greater loss of weight.
The thing that bothers me the most is that I feel so weightless in the water, but when I get out, I feel like I weigh 3 tons and can bearly move! The whirlpool is just the thing to get my muscles warmed and joints too.. ahhhhh... very very relaxing.
By the way.. Exercise is a pleasant experience.. especially in the pool.
Water intake is up.. no wonder.. And, I'm eating breakfast.. a good one. I am serious about getting healthy and back to a reasonable weight again.

What I want to eat and what I need to eat are two different things!

-4 pounds

2008-10-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

5 DAYS INTO THE PLAN....

I have decided that Mondays will be weigh-in days for the record.. the total for the past week has been 4 pounds ! I'm delighted !!
Exercise is on the agenda for the day.. the high point of my day in fact. I'm headed for the Y this afternoon with Jane.. we are going to do some water aerobics.

Staying with the diet plan.. need to increase the water intake.
zxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxzxz
Had a great workout with Jane today.. we are going back tomorrow to try again. This should be super good for me..
It's left me so relaxed and pleased with myself for actually taking that first step.. (dunk)
After all the exercise, I was shocked at how heavy I was getting out of the pool.. oh...forevermore! We headed to the toasty whirlpool and spent almost 10min there to warm up our muscles.. we did warm up exercises before we worked out too.
Tomorrow I'll be in the class with Jane.. aquarthritis.. lookin' forward to it.

2 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Saturday

2008-10-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Now that my feet are set solidly on the ground again...
Breakfast was:
2 egg whites, 1 yolk with zucchini, yellow squash, green pepper, green onion
1/2 c cottage cheese
OH.. my Jello has frozen!!!! I'll peel a bit off for now.. and see what unfreezes later...

Lunch:
ham slices filled with cream cheese.. not much, just a tad
what's left of my jello...

Drinking plenty of water.. up to 2 c /day now and then coffee... up to 3c/day now..hmmmmm

Supper :
leftovers tonite.. I have some chicken, pork.. and lots of veggies. Tonite, canned veggies
Ok.. I had canned tuna with chopped green onion
and green beans.. yummy!
Jello.. pretty good
Snack: peanuts

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

-3

2008-10-25T05:56:00.001-07:00

OH YEAH!

I have had curiosity about whether my new diet plan is working.. it's reinforcing to step on the scales this morning.. I'm down 3 pounds!!! OH YEAH !

2008-10-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Still on the wagon.. eating right.. getting a little exercise.
Breakfast: 2 egg whites, 1 yolk, sliced mushrooms,green onions- cooked in olive oil
Dollop of cottage cheese

snack: slices of lean ham

Lunch: 2 hard boiled egg whites
left over chicken stew- just a cup

Snack:Peanuts.. fresh roasted.. I shared a cup with the squirrels too
Fresh baby carrots and a couple slices of cream cheese

Supper:Pork roast.. enough to fill me up..
tossed veggie salad
1/4 c Wendell's SF cheesecake pudding.......not bad!

Snack: Black cherry jello.. SF of course..

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

What's for breakfast?

2008-10-23T02:27:00.001-07:00

Eggs.. thanks, Charlie for loading me up again.
Eggs and fresh veggies in a skillet with a tad of olive oil. Perhaps a veggie omelet.
I'm kind of looking forward to this.

Lunch: SF cherry jello plain
Salad .. lettuce topped with carrots, onion, tomato, cottage cheese, and a handful of chicken from last night's stew... oh, so good!

Snack: Peanuts.. fresh roasted and unsalted
(I shared a handful with Gray today too)

Supper: Mozzerella cheese shredded, black olives, red peppers.. and mushrooms too.
SF Jello

Thursday

2008-10-23T02:11:00.000-07:00

1 Timothy 4:8

8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Right off the bat, I can see my water intake is poor. I've never been a good water drinker. That's an issue needing addressed.. how to make sure I'm drinking enough. I may have to buy a graduated water vessel to carry around with me so I can keep score.

Today will be a challenge. It's office day and the norm is for one of the drug reps to buy us lunch. I have to keep my head above water here.
I'll be carrying my lunch with me..
cottage cheese, some of my chicken left from the stew, and lots of fresh veggies in a salad. I got my own little bottle of olive oil for the dressing. Last night I made SF jello to go with me too.

It's hard to keep up fluids when I'm running at the office. It's pretty fast paced. Perhaps I'll take a bottle of water with me and keep it on the prep table. Out of view of the patients yet visited frequently. I can take a slug or two while I'm mixing.

One good thing about the office is that I do get more exercise there than at home. I'm constantly on my feet and moving.. a good thing.

Jane and I are getting ready to finalize my plan to join the Y with her. She's already a member.
The first full week of November should give me almost the whole week to go daily to the Y for some water aerobics.. and then Wendell and I will be heading to Wendy's that weekend. Lots of challenges ahead, but I can do this.

One day at a time...

THE PLAN

2008-10-22T12:02:00.001-07:00

I'm a carboholic. There... I said it.
Now I need a reasonable plan..
Cut out the bread, sugar, baked stuff, fruits (for the moment), cookies, cakes, candy, pasta..
And eat reasonably.. 3 meals and 2 snacks every day.
Can I do it? YES, I CAN !!!!

Starting out anew

2008-10-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today is my day of reckoning. I have hit the scales this morning, and my work is cut out for me.
Coffee will be my freebie.. with Coffeemate creamer. It's non dairy.

Breakfast: 2 large fresh eggs
1/2 c cottage cheese

Snack : 1 egg white boiled (watching my cholesterol)
1/2 c brussels sprouts
1/2 c carrot sticks
1/4 large green pepper

Lunch:The above left me so full, I opted for fresh roasted peanuts

Supper; chicken stew.. just the solids, no gravy
2 med shrimp

snack:
cottage cheese.. 3/4 c
1 roma tomato.. a nice big one

AOTD (Activity of the Day): I walked out to the end of the driveway and brought back the empty garbage can... a big one on wheels.

1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

October 21,2008

2008-10-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

Gramma Camp 2008.. me with the grandkids.. my pictures tell me I have to get back 'on the wagon' with the weight problem..
So.. the program begins tomorrow and the exercise will be swimming for the moment.. or exercising in the pool at the Y with Jane... as often as we can.
Gotta lose a lot of weight here.
Pray I do well please.

2008-04-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

"When I fall, I shall arise".. I'm really doing okay. No more loss, but a 1# gain. I also noted there is major swelling in my legs and feet today. I wonder if that doesn't contribute to the weight gain?
I've been pretty good.. not perfect.
Yesterday, I wasn't all together in the evening.. and succumbed to a piece of chocolate. Was it good? YES! Was it worth it? I THINK SO! Did it make a weight difference? I DOUBT IT.
So.. back to the diet faithfully today.
I had some ham yesterday. I'm wondering if that is the cause for the more than usual swelling in my feet / legs today.
Note to myself *** WATCH THE SALT ! ****

2008-04-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's been several days, and I finally got back on the scales .. and was pleasantly surprised to find 6 pounds missing. This plan is working I think.- could be fluid loss, but that is also good.
I am eating smaller meals and really enjoying my snacks a lot.. I concentrate on fruit with my snacks and the veggies with meals. Protein with all meals/snacks, and whole grains all day..
I added peanuts to the menu.. seems okay. Not a lot, just a big hand full.
Today's veggie with lunch was broccoli.. 2 big bunches.
I'm sitting here with a full glass of water.. I have about a third of it left now.
Exercise: I took a short walk around the house and halfway out the driveway and back. It's a beautiful afternoon, though cloudy and threatening rain. That's okay. I'm starting slow.
My plan is to go to the local store for a gallon or 2 of drinking water- I need this for coffee as well as drinking. I'm amazed how fast it disappears.
I believe the more I move, the more limber my muscles seem to be... except for my lower back/hips that seem to tighten up with the walking. I refuse to stop however and will inch forward.

Back on the Wagon

2008-04-02T17:28:00.001-07:00

I'm back on the wagon to good health. I have been a slacker and I know it better than anyone else. I won't offer my feeble excuses because that's just what they are.. feeble and excuses.
I find myself feeling like a beached whale, and yes, I'm being hard on myself.
I have medical problems that say I should look more like a swan, but the fact is that I resemble the former much more.. So...

I have a plan. It's flexible and simple.. and it suits me pretty well. I'm going to try it.. and I'll explain my plan here so that I can go back and review it when I need to.

1. 3 meals a day and 3 snacks a day
2. 4 oz of fish/day- whatever I want.. tuna, tilapia, shrimp.. these are my superfoods that will give me success
3. Stay clear of Fat Free stuff as it slows down my metabolism
4. Do some kind of exercise once a day for a few minutes, but aim for a good walk at least 3x/wk
5. Steer clear of refined foods.. No breads unless whole grain, and only when really needed
6. Eliminate as much sugar as I can from my diet
7. Stick to simple

Breakfast:
2 oz of protein.. meat, fish, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese.. whatever. My cholesterol is borderline, so I'll opt for yolkless eggs.
1/2 cup whole grains.. Now this might be oatmeal, brown/wild rice, barley.. or a Wasa Cracker or 2
OR
Whole grain cereal

Lunch:
2oz Protein (as above)
1/2c whole grain
All the veggies I can eat

Mid afternoon Snack:
2 oz protein (as above)
1/2 c fruit OR
1c veggies

Supper:
2 oz protein (as above)
1/2 c whole grain
All the veggies I can eat

Mid Evening Snack:
2 oz protein (as above)
1/2c fruit OR
1 c veggies

HS Snack:
2 oz protein (as above)
1/2 c fruit OR
1 c veggies

It appears like I have a lot of protein here, but really, 12 oz isn't excessive for me. My body is recuperating slowly from asthma, and I feel I need the protein .

Today I started the program..
Breakfast : 3 egg whites (scrambled?) in olive oil.. just a tad
1/2 c rice
Scoop of plain yogurt

Lunch: 2 oz tuna fish-water packed
2 whole grain Wasa crackers
Scoop of plain yogurt seasoned with Soul food seasoning
A large salad- lettuce, radishes, tomatoes- fresh and colorful

Mid afternoon snack:
Plain yogurt- 2 oz with a cup of fresh strawberries (I had NO resistance)

Hunger buster snack (an extra snack because supper won't be ready till about 8pm)
1/2 c plain yogurt mixed with a little cottage cheese
1 banana

Supper:
3 oz tilapia (because I didn't want to throw away any of that delicious fish)
Plain yogurt dip with Ranch dip seasoning
1 Roma tomato
1 c brown whole grain rice (oops.. it was so good)
1 Wasa cracker

HS Snack:
1c strawberries (I know it's supposed to be 1/2 c, but these are fresh strawberries and
very low calorie.. good for me too
2 oz plain yogurt with a tiny shot of Splenda.. (not sure how splenda is going to affect my
appetite.

So far, so good.. I have to learn to control portions obviously.. and eat a lot more veggies.
I made broccoli tonite..fresh. But though I like it au dente, it was almost raw, and I really don't like raw broccoli.. cooked, YES!

Fluid intake: water and coffee so far

Okay.. I'm back on the wagon

2007-08-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

17 POUNDS
GONE FOREVER

HALF WAY MARK..

2007-08-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming, but here it is.. I'm half way to my 30# weight loss.. I got on the scales again this morning and had to get off and on 3 times to make sure my eyes weren't fooling me.. I lost another pound, and that makes 15 # gone forever!! WOOHOO!!!
Of course my goal was for my birthday THIS year, but perhaps by next year I'll be rid of the excess baggage and feeling a lot better.

4 POUNDS

2007-07-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

I picked up a 4 # bag of sugar today to see how much weight I've lost in the past 2 weeks.. I'm not doing anything special, but just watching what I eat daily.

That's a total of 14#.. inching right along here. It's actually better to inch along than to lose a big chunk all at once. One tends to put the pounds back on quickly with a fast weight-loss.

2007-04-28T06:11:00.000-07:00

It must be a good day.. 10# lost and moving right along slowly, which for folks like me is good. It's been too long trying to follow the diet, so I sort of put it on a back burner.
So much happening, I have only a guess why the loss..
It's the Strattera. I think it's upping my metabolism. I suppose if that's what it takes... well, who am I to complain?
Onward !!

A SLOW DOWN

2007-03-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

Having coffee now.. had breakfast.

Cereal- oatmeal with strawberries..
3/4 c Mandarin oranges
2 slices toast

Meds: 2 Tylenol XS, Dyazide, Vitamin, CoQ10 100mg, Prilosec 30mg, Metanx, ASA 81mg, Strattera 40mg
The Strattera makes me nauseated.. my intake has been poor the past few days, but I'm keeping up with vitamins and I am eating some- just not a lot.
Smells of foods drive me up the wall too.. someone ordered wings last night at work.. thought I would lose my cookies right then and there.. I was getting panicky about it till someone closed the conference room door and I settled. Wendy tells me this should be short lived with the medication.. and when it's done, all will return to normal again. She's right.. actually the nausea wasn't bad yesterday, only when the wings arrived.

Lunch:

Supper:

Snack:

Exercise: Just at work I'm afraid.. Too much ice out there..

THINGS ARE CHANGING

2007-03-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well, things are changing.. I'm taking a new med that is causing me to not be able to follow my diet; in fact, I am not eating much of anything from the nausea. Hopefully it will be short lived.. I need the nutrients. It has been 2 days of nearly nothing at mealtime.. not good.
I got all the way to supper yesterday when the nausea hit hard and I couldn't even sit at the table with food. No loss of my 'cookies' but the urge is so great the more I am around the food. So I am drinking more water for now.
I'll be stepping on the scales in the morning.. we'll see how it's affected my weight..
Meds: 2 Tylenols late tonite- 10pm
Strattera 40 mg , Prevacid 30 mg x 2 today for the nausea, Metanx, Dyazide, ASA 81mg,
I held the fish oil caps today.. will try them again tomorrow.
Vytorin 10/20 at bedtime

Breakfast: 1 egg yolk, 3 whites
2 biscuits with a smidge of butter on each
2 Coffee

Lunch : Munchies.. I picked at a couple pieces and then tossed the rest.. too nauseated
Raspberry tea- 1/2 cup

Supper: Garlic parmesan chicken and pasta- about a cup.. didn't do real well.. ate about 11pm when the nausea had subsided a bit.

Snack.. a couple plain tortilla chips and a handful of oriental rice crackers..
Water- some

So the diet isn't going real well here..

Exercise: well, I was on my feet a lot today. and napped about 3 hours after I got home.. mostly because I just felt so sick and exhausted from it all.

Looking to a better day tomorrow.. (that'll be later today.. it's already Friday.)

AROUND THE PERIMETER

2007-03-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the reports weren't particularly good at the doctor.. but most of it was okay.
Cholesterol is through the roof again and triglycerides hot on it's tail.
Have to change medication dosages, add some meds and then keep on doing what I am doing with the diet and some exercise..
I love this walking. Yesterday 3 times around the perimeter and even with rain, once around the perimeter today.
I'm moving.. walking.. and watching what goes in my mouth..
More tomorrow hopefully..

GLAD MONDAY IS PAST

2007-03-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

SHOULDA SKIPPED THE OLIVES

2007-03-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

I was trying to figure out what the offending food was that caused my ankles to swell and stay swollen this morning. It is not hard to figure, as most everything I ate yesterday was of the low sodium variety. But.. I did have a huge salad last night before going to bed, and that salad had 4-5 very large green olives in it. I assume that is the culprit. I'll be much more careful from now on.
No change in weight. Considering my ankles, that is very encouraging.

Meds: 2 Tylenol XS, dyazide, Prilosec, Vitamin, ASA, Metanx

Breakfast:
1 egg w/3 whites scrambled with mushrooms
1 pre measured hash brown pattie
2 cups coffee
1/2 c canned peaches
A couple of mouthfuls of water.. I'll take a bottle to church with me for the long drive down.

Lunch:
Grilled chicken breast-plain
Potato wedges
Tossed salad w/ranch- to dip
Onion petals and Zucchini fries- we shared
Coffee
Supper:
Pork roast
mashed potatoes no gravy
tossed salad- hold the olives
green beans

Snack:
Ice cream-chocolate

The Count:
Bread: 3/10
Fruit: 1/3
Protein: 6/7 I am going to go over on this one- not a problem..all lean meats

HERE WE GO AGAIN

2007-03-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

I really have to get moving on the weight loss.. I'm feeling so bogged by my excess baggage.
Yesterday I did very well.
Bkfst:
2 scrambled eggs
2 small waffles/butter only
banana
Lunch:
Supper: 6" hoagie with meat/cheese
apple
Snack:
2c cereal/pretzel mix

My back has been bothering me a lot lately, so I am trying to keep on the move as much as possible.. I take time at supper to walk to the garage at work and back again. By the time I do that, my back is aching and I'm thankful to be able to stop. Walking will be a priority. I may try today.
I finally got on the scales- I've been ignoring them daily because my ankles aren't too bad and I was assuming that I'm not retaining as much fluid as I had been before.. bad idea not to weigh daily- gotta do this. Anyway, there is no change in weight for which I am thankful- but wish it was going down.
I'm finishing my brunch coffee and then will start on water.

As for today:
Meds: Prilosec,ASA,Vitamin,Metanx,2 Tylenol (11:30am),Dyazide
Breakfast:
3 scrambled eggs (2 yolks,3 whites)
2 bread w/butter
3/4c mandarin oranges
3 c coffee/Coffeemate creamer

Lunch: 1 small apple
Supper:
3 oz chicken- baked
3/4c carrots
2/3 c mashed potatoes
2 Croissants
Snacks:
1 small apple
I have saved my huge salad for a snack tonite.
I was just too full to try any more food.
Let's see- I have had 5/7 proteins and need 2 more .. hmm...I'll have to look for cheese I suppose.
I've also had 8/10 bread exchanges... hmmm... I'll need 2 more of those too.
The veggies will be in my salad.. lettuce (2 cups), cherry tomatoes (12), cucumber (about 3" sliced), mushrooms ( about 4 large), and the dressing will be a dollop or 2 of Italian.
I've had no milk exchanges today- perhaps yogurt? Whoa.. there is too much food to eat and not enough time to consume it all.. that is always my problem. You'd wonder why I'm so overweight?

SAME OLD THING...

2007-01-26T16:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't journalled for a couple of days.. not much to report.

WEIGHT: I have stayed the same for the last couple days.. ankles a little swollen..hmmmmm
MEDS: No changes..Tylenols, Prevacid, Folgard, Plavix, Dyazide x2...oh, and Robitussin too..
FLUID INTAKE: It's nearly 8pm.. I've actually had 3 cups of coffee today and am working on #2 bottle of water
LOW SODIUM INTAKE grapes, banana, barley soup, peanut butter sandwich, handful of Oriental snack crackers.
THE PLAN:I really need to move my consumption of water up another notch. I'm so lazy about drinking it.

STATUS QUO

2007-01-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

Not much to add today..
WEIGHT: -0 no change today.. holding my own

MEDS: 2 Tylenol 500mg, Plavix, Prevacid,ASA, Folgard,Dyazide

FLUIDS:
Just woke up and having coffee-nice to wake up to hot coffee

LOW SODIUM FOOD INTAKE
Woke up at 4am and decided to have a banana.. strange

THE PLAN: keep on , continue.. watch the salt!

I LOSE AGAIN..

2007-01-23T05:50:00.000-08:00

Whatever I am doing, it must be right. Today when I woke up, I was surprised again to have my ankles even more reduced. There is just little swelling there now. If I keep this up, I may see ankles by tomorrow.
I was also pleasantly surprised to find another loss when I stepped on the scales. I will have to keep watching the scales daily because of the edema in my legs, but it makes me happy to see that physically they are looking more like human legs.

WEIGHT: -2 #

MEDS:
2 Tylenol 500 mg, Prevacid, Aspirin, Folgard, Dyazide 9am/5pm
Tonite I'll start the Vytorin again- it's a statin drug- I went off of it because the muscles in my arms hurt..they still hurt, so I can safely assume it's not the Vytorin.

FLUIDS:
Enjoying my first coffee at the moment
#1 water is on my desk in front of me
#2 bottle is half empty

LOW NA FOOD INTAKE:
Banana with meds
Tilapia- 2 servings, Green beans buttered and Mrs Dash for seasoning
Supper: Lemon pepper chicken, veg/pasta medley, ice cream for dessert..
Snack.. a bunch of grapes

THE PLAN:
I think the best plan is to try to keep the diet / fluids where they are. It seems to be working fine. I'll be very careful with Sodium intake today.

I DIDN'T EXPECT IT TODAY

2007-01-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

Adjusting fluids and intake has it's bonus. I was more concerned about fluid weight loss.. and this morning got a surprise in addition ...

LOSS- 4 #........ brings me to a total of 10#
MEDS- Tylenol 2 500 mg, Plavix, Aspirin, Folgard,Prevacid,Dyazide- 10 am/5pm
FLUID INTAKE
2 coffee at the moment
1 water......poor poor poor !!!
LO NA FOODS
banana
tilapia-2 servings
green beans- 2 servings
grilled chicken salad with lots of tomato, carrots for supper tonite
taking a banana, mandarin oranges and peach yogurt too

Note to self.. didn't eat the oranges.. but had a couple pieces of chocolate and a handful of crackers at work tonite.. Accckkkk!
Hope I do okay in the morning

THE PLAN
Keep the present plan in action.. lo na foods, drinks, and increase the water slowly.. at least 2 bottles a day.. aim for 3 by next week.

YES AND NO

2007-01-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Not so bad today.. edema in legs is on the mend. There is some swelling there, but again, a bit better than yesterday. I'll get to see my ankles again one day I'm sure.
WEIGHT:-/+ 0 No change.. holding the 5# fluid loss well.
MEDS: 10:30am 1 Tylenol 500mg, ASA, Folgard,Prevacid, Dyazide
FLUIDS:
3 cups coffee this morning to get me warmed up
starting #1 water
LOW SODIUM FOOD INTAKE:
1/2 banana with meds
Tilapia, green beans,and grapes
2 slices potato bread toast w/ butter- the real stuff
Supper tonite is packed..
grilled chicken salad with lots of tomatoes w/ lo Na dsg

adding 2 extra bottles of water tonite.. we'll see.

THE PLAN:
The plan of the day is water.. lots of it. And while I make Wendell some chicken barley soup, I'll also be braising some chicken for my salad today..I did get veggies and fruits. That will be supper tonite.

THAT'S MORE LIKE IT

2007-01-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

It's morning. The first thing I noted was that my ankles are substantially reduced from yesterday. Not normal by any means, but getting there. Through the night I got up and drank almost the rest of bottle of water #2 from yesterday. I hopped on the scales to see how much fluid was eliminated..

Loss: -5 pounds

8am Meds: Dyazide, Folgard, ASA, Prevacid,

9am tylenol-2 500mg tabs

Fluid intake:

coffee, fat free creamer
water - finished yesterday's 2nd bottle
#2 bottle on my desk

Low sodium food intake:

banana-2
mandarin oranges
fruit juice
tossed salad /squirt of Italian dsg
tomatoes chopped
green beans with a little butter
almost 1/3 of a bear claw breakfast roll- didn't like it...too sweet for me. A waste of calories and too much sugar and sodium to spend on even a half.
Skipping making chicken for the day.. will try tomorrow. I can always buy the chicken at the cafeteria.. broiled and perfect for me.- perhaps on a pita half.

Gainfully employed today and will be stopping for some veggies.. carrots, tomatoes, celery and bananas too.
We go through a lot of bananas with Wendell using them for his GI problems..
Also will get a few Gala apples and possibly some grapes depending on the price.
Note to self.. perhaps cheese too- we seem to be out.

WHA'D'JEET?

2007-01-19T17:36:00.001-08:00

That's Pittsburghese for "What did you eat?".. I need some humor in my life about now.
I've been concentrating on low to no sodium foods today.. and to water.. fluids as intake.
Strangely enough, I need the extra intake to flush out the extra sodium I'm holding and extra fluid on my legs.

Okay.. here's what I've had so far:

1 banana
2 servings mandarin oranges
2 servings fresh strawberries
4 cups coffee.. I know, I know.. bad for me...
2 grilled cheese sandwiches with a little butter and 2 slices of cheese on both. It was about more than I could eat.
a few tastes of chocolate pudding to ease my chocolate craving.

I'm still working on my 1st water of the day too.. I'm not a good water drinker. Perhaps tomorrow I'll push a little harder.
I'm concentrating on fruits..especially the fresh ones.. that are full of potassium. This should help rid the sodium from my system too. We shall see in the morning... I've been spending a lot of time going in and out of the BR.
Med wise: one dyazide at 8am and one at 4pm.. tylenol, folgard, aspirin,and plavix, prevacid.
Tomorrow will be gainfully employed. I'll go for chicken salad.. my own. lots of lettuce and veggies and grilled chicken strips on top. Dressing: hmmmmmmm probably a spritzer with Italian dressing.
I think veggies will rule tomorrow.. but I will have some fruit also..just not like today.
We need tomatoes.. I could eat a good many of them.. and they are good for me too.. low sodium. I can spritz them with dressing..also low sodium.
Chicken will be grilled using olive oil and Mrs Dash seasoning.
SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN!
And of course, I'll be weighing in every morning from now till I see the doctor in a month or so.
I have not given up the thought of calling him and having a BNP run .. that's a blood test specific for Congestive Heart Failure. We shall see how I do for a few days first.

whoa............

2007-01-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is a nightmare.. my ankles are solid.. swollen.. I'm getting concerned. The weight gain was 6# since the last time I got on the scales ... I think Monday when I was still at my 8# loss.
I'm cutting back the sodium starting today.. for sure. No wonder I feel so sore all over.
This is not a game anymore.. gotta get those pounds off for my health.
I took my dyazide today..will repeat it at 4pm.
So far I've had 2 cups coffee
and a 2 serving banana
and 2 serving mandarin oranges
Now I'm heading out for a bottle of water..
I'm determined to get my real ankles back. One day I may take a picture of them just to remind myself that they are small and not bad looking except when I am retaining fluids. AAACCKKK!!!!
The goal for the day:

get in at least 2 bottles of water
keep the sodium under 200 mg
move a little more today..

I MISSED THE GOAL

2006-12-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I missed my goal of 20# by Christmas.. perhaps it wasn't good timing? I'm not making excuses, but there were a lot of goodies around and I love goodies!
So....... back to work.. need to set a new date for my goal. How about by March31? That seems reasonable to me. Okay.......

EXERCISE
MORE WATER
FOLLOW THE DIET CLOSELY
BATTLE THE BULGE!

There is good news here... I haven't gained any that I lost.. just staying the same.