Announcing Our Weight

hi david,, i have been at over 412 lbs,17 months ago,, im at 244 right now, always heavy woman/child,, i did have problem annoucing my weight, till got the first 50 lbs off, i had many health problems,, sleep apnea, pcos, fibroid tumors, pre diabeties, always fatigued,  headaches,, i had emergency hysterectamy,, 6 yrs ago,i was insulin resistant, for many many yrs,, my blood presssure was creeping,, i know how hard it is to be obese and  have all the health issues,, that are linked to it,... i  try to set a better example for my kids, and doing what i do is the best way i know of,, my kids enjoy walks, hikes, and  getting fun exercise today with me,,when my weight loss is said and done i will be around 200 210 , i realize its not gonna put me at the exact body fat index,, for my height or weight, but, i know i dont have to do this perfectly,,i have met all goals, im on my last few small goals, and i feel great,, u can be fit and healthy,, and not be at an exact body fat index,all my health risks and problems are gone i have reveresed them all,  , my motto is, "with a mind set anything is possable"

This reminds me of the study published last year about social networks apparently subconsciously contributing to obesity. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/357/4/370

It's cool to read how the power of social networking can be harnessed in a positive manner.

Dave -

 

Thanks for including me in your article. When the shock wore off, I new what I had to do. Being diagnosed with T2 Diabetes only reinforced those changes.  On Feb. 1, 2008, when I went to my doctor for a check-up, he told me that in 2 months when I come back to get my A1C test done, that he suspects my % to be right where he thinks it will be for someone who normally has T2 for one year.

 

As I quoted to someone else when they asked me if I was afraid of Diabetes, my response was:

 

"I am not afraid of Diabetes, but I am scared to death of the complications that can happen if I don't manage this disease every day."

 

Knowledge is Power!!! This was always told to me by my dad, may he rest in peace. He also told me:

 

"You can pay me now or you can pay me later. How much you want to spend is up to you!!"

 

Let's all get active, get aggressive & fight this disease. Together we can all make a difference!!!

 

God Bless you all!

Dirk Baeuerle

http://healthychangesforlife.blogspot.com

 

I couldn't agree more.  I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes on Sept. 28, 2007.  I was dealing with mind numbing fatigue, extreme blurred vision, and I had lost 15 lbs. without trying.  The weight loss was welcomed - but scary.  Prior to diagnosis my weight was 209 (I am a 5'2" female).  I armed myself with all the reputable information I could find on diabetes and made the diet and exercise changes necessary to get healthy.  I have lost 50 lbs but more importantly, my blood sugar is normal.  I am hoping that I will eventually be able to get off Metformin and control my blood sugar with the lifestyle changes I have made. 

 

My co-workers got inspired by my weight loss and wanted to join in - so we started a fitness challenge at work. We have 12 participants who have lost a total of 79 lbs in 5 weeks. I did not hesitated to tell them how much I weighed in the beginning and how far I have come. Now we are all encouraging each other and sharing tips and recipes.

Hi Dirk-

I was diagnosed with T2 about 15 years ago and didn't take it seriously.  Unfortunately I am a compulsive overeater and have really had trouble with this, thus making the diabetes a much bigger problem.  I am a 5'1.5" female and currently weigh 230 (this down from 246, yay!)

My realson for this comment is not only to praise you and your accomplishments, but also to ask if you have/had any problems keeping to a regular schedule of testing and/or remembering to take your meds.  If so, how have you handled this?  thanks for your time.

Valerie

I think Dirk is right to report his weight because it motivates him.  However, for many people weight is more than just a number.  Eating disorder specialists have discovered that with weight loss, one size does not fit all: food diary or not; daily weigh in, weekly weigh in, private weigh in; highly structured meals or guidelines; calories vs. refined carbs; group support or private efforts, etc.  As a T2 diabetic, I won't work with health care professionals who are too scary, shaming, or controlling. It takes a lot of positive energy to make lifestyle changes. I worked with an upbeat  nutritionist who specialized in eating disorders to help rid me of some of my dieting mindsets that were counter-productive.  I also work with a personal trainer as well as my endo doc.  I have made good progress but I won't be posting my weight.  I own it.

Hi David,

 

I have been following your postings for years, long before I ever came to Health Central. I guess I first found your glycemic index in 2004 or 2005.

I posted a sharepost here a week ago or so, because I finally started on Byetta last friday. So far so good.

As far as posting numbers, I am ambivalent. I have been a fat chick all of my life. I have never known a "normal" weight and I come from a family that is comfortable with being obese. I posted my starting weight in my sharepost not because I needed anyone to "keep me honest" but just because I am comfortable with me, and with who I am. Starting on the byetta at my current weight, (which last friday was 303.5lbs and today is 298.5lbs) is not the heaviest I have been. I was 351lbs when my husband died in 2000. There's nothing like emotions and sorrow to make you lose weight! At that point I dropped 75lbs and was down to 276lbs. Over the past 8 years, 25lbs creeped back, particularly after a run with Actos for the diabetes. I am not losing weight for any other reason than to help with the diabetes, and to get back into the wardrobe that has cost me a small fortune over the years. Lol. My doctor says he will be thrilled if I lose 50lbs and so will I.

 

I think what Dirk is doing is admirable because folks who are sitting out there who need the motivation to do something can take what Dirk is doing to heart and possibly use his motivation to their own good. As I have told people over and over, it's always nice to know that you are not alone in your boat.

Thanks for all you do. I look forward to your posts every week!

Vicki M

Hi All,

 

I was diagnosed with T2 2/2003.  I weighed apprx 200 lbs.  I currently weigh 126  at 5'6". Diet and lots of excercise helped me to lose the weight and to keep it off.  My first visit to the my diabetes Doc resulted in a perscription and rudimentary nutrition info.  I was upset at the thought of having to take medicine for the rest of my life.  My Doc really did a "sell" job on how important and helpful medicine is in preserving my insulin producing capacity.  At my follow up appointment 3 months later, I had lost quite a bit of weight and all my numbers were great (A1C, LDL, HDL, Cholesterol).  Doc took me off the meds.  I asked him why, as he had promoted the use just 3 months earlier.  He said, you don't need it now.  I was pleased but a little concerned. 

I have come to the conclusion that health care professionals who deal with diabetics become frustrated over time by the difficulty of the diet component of this disease.  It is wickedly hard to change eating patterns.  Part is physiological, part is psychological.  My Doc is a notorius grump.  Just the thought of seeing him with a "bad" A1C or a siginificant weight gain helps to keep me honest (mostly).  I just do not want to disappoint this man.  His job is hard enough.  I firmly believe that health care professionals should expect the best from their patients and should not hesitate to express their disappointment.  I see this as no different than expecting school children to aim for the highest achivements.  Don't "dumb" down your expectations for fear they can't be met.  Keep the bar high and keep your eye on the prize - a healthy life!

 

 

Pam  

 

Taking it one day at a time

When I was diagnosed as being pre-diabetic and put on oral medication. What a wake up call! For years of stress eating in large quantities my 5'3" frame carried 226 pounds. Not only did I need to lay off the sugar fest, I needed to change the amount that I ate.

 

I am thrilled to report that after 4 months of eating only when I'm actually hungry, and eating a diet high in veggies and protein, low in cabs, I have already lost 16 pounds without feeling hungry or deprived. Though I still hope to lose another 90 pounds, I am proving that I can do it. Hurray for me!