I am going to start in December of 2007, that is when I was the heaviest.
In December of 2007, I told my Dr. on a regular visit that I was soooo tired, and Charlie complained about my snoring. He sent me to the sleep clinic where they determined that I had sleep apnea. this is a quote from the December 23, 2007 blog
".....I had a Doctor’s appointment, just a semi-annual Blood Pressure check, , He told me I looked awful. I told him I was really tired, and Charlie couldn’t sleep because I snore so loudly. He sent me to the sleep clinic for a consultation. They think I may have sleep apnea, and I have to go in the end of January so they can watch me sleep. Apparently, this is fairly easy to correct and can really make a difference in the way someone feels, when they get a good nights sleep.
This picture was taken at Christmas 2007
In August of 2008, I found out that I have a sluggish thyroid
In April of 2009, I found out my blood glucose level was 260, normal is somewhere around 100. It was beginning to affect my eyes, I know what diabetes can do. I was scared. I have seen people who have gone blind, or had to have dialysis, or amputations because of diabetes complications. The Dr. said you HAVE to lose weight you Weight Watchers or South Beach are both good.
That was Wednesday. I did some research and decided on South Beach, I started it on Thursday morning. South Beach diet starts with 2 weeks for 0 carbs, only vegetables, and protein. I ate meat and salad for two meals for 4 days. By Sunday I thought if I had to look at one more leaf of lettuce I would scream. Instead of quitting, I switched to cauliflower and Broccoli. I started the exercise bike for 15 minutes and added 5 minutes each week.
In April I could not walk a block and a half without my back hurting. by May 11th I had lost 10 pounds. (33.5 since December 07) by June I could walk 3 miles, and one day I walked 5. In August, I bought a bike, a single speed, coaster brake, fat butt seat. and rode it every evening, for at least 30 minutes. I had dropped 2-3 pant sizes.
By October this is what I looked like. 50 pounds thinner.
Last winter I sat on the couch eating potato chips, watching the Biggest Loser. This spring, I rode my exercise bike and watched the Biggest Loser.
I love potatoes of any kind, mashed, fried, scalloped chips, I have eaten maybe 5 spoons full of potatoes total in the last 8 1/2 months. People ask me how I have the will power? It is kind of like make a decision do I want those potatoes, or cake or cookies or my kidneys. Easy choice.
I went to the Doctor in early December and had lost a total of 63 pounds. I have maintained that through the holidays and we started up our support group at work today. (if you want to see what we discussed this morning you can find it here. I don't think it will go off as fast but if I can lose a little each week until March or April, I will be able to get outside and do more physical stuff.
