My Own Medical Intervention

I'm not even sure how to start this entry, honestly. I considered not even firing the blog back up again - but I have really missed blogging. So, here I am, again.

The last few months have been rough, as far as weight loss (or gain, I should say). It's been this little nagging voice in the back of my mind saying, "stop it, don't eat that, you shouldn't do that. . ." yet I continued to pick up the fork.

I was at a crossroads. I needed help and I needed to gain control, again. I could either return to Weight Watchers and start tracking my points or I could do something different. The problem I've had, since being diagnosed with diabetes, is I still tend to fill my points with carb heavy foods. My diabetes medication had been increased and even then I was having high blood sugars - I am extremely carb sensitive, it seems (and insulin resistant). Consequently, I would be starving, eat more, have high blood sugars which then triggered high insulin levels, which then triggered the hunger feeling, so I would eat some more. . .the cycle continued. So, I wasn't really sure if Weight Watchers would be the best plan for ME to start using again, right now. I really needed to give up this dependence on carbohydrates. I'm not saying Weight Watchers won't be good for me again, but right now, I'm at a critical point. I needed the help of a medical professional.

So, I started to do some serious searching. I scheduled an appointment at the local hospital to get information about lap band - thinking perhaps I've finally hit the last straw and should consider surgery. But, I really didn't want surgery. The more I read about it, the more I hated the idea. Liquids for the first few weeks. Placing your food in a blender after you are finished with the clear liquid stage. Having the worry of being "stuck" as part of your lifestyle after you did finally get to eat solid food. I also had it in the back of my mind of successful co-workers who had visited a bariatric physician and dropped their weight successfully. I decided I would give that a shot, so I scheduled my appointment and cancelled the surgery consult at the hospital.

My appointment with the doctor was really fantastic. She provided a plan, that while strict, works with my diabetes. I'm in day three of the plan and am feeling fantastic. While my diet is extremely limited (as it should be with diabetes) I am extremely satisfied. The best news, I woke up this morning with a fasting blood sugar of 119 - and that was without taking my second dose of diabetes medication last night. She predicted at my appointment that within a month I should be able to go off the medication. When she said that, I wasn't convinced. However, to see that kind of result in just three days - I think she may just be right!

I am fighting back, again. While I did gain 25lbs before I found help - I am proud that I didn't gain back the entire 55lbs I had lost on Weight Watchers. That, alone, is something to celebrate. Years ago, the cycle would have been to gain it all back and then some - and then finally face the reality of the problem.

This first week is tough, but not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. I seem to be out of the sluggishness felt when a drastic reduction of carbohydrates and sugars takes place and my body seems to be adjusting.

I will continue to update as I visit the doctor and I look forward to being on the downward trend again!

This week, my starting weight was 348. I will be going back to the doctor on Thursday and I'm looking forward to seeing a lower number on the scale.