This was going to be a long post, one that i carefully prepared in my head during my metro ride home... but since it is 3:36 in the morning (YIKES!) and I'm about to pass out from pure exhaustion (had insomnia again last night/during nap time), I think I'll do this entry in bullet points (which is better than these long run-on sentences, don'tcha think?). Here goes:
* Went to GW (love that place!) to get weighed and meet with the incredible Dr. F. The good news is:
-- I lost another 2 pounds, bringing my total to 19 pounds in 2.5 weeks (since I actually started eating the food)
-- My blood pressure was the best it's been in forever: 125/85... yay!
-- Got my blood work back from Saturday... great news is that my blood sugar dropped from a borderline 101 to a very acceptable 87. HOORAY! Also, my triglycerides dropped from a very scary 290 (yikes) to 187... only 37 points above the range... MUCH better than before. =) My cholesterol, which was fine before at 187, dropped to 135. However, my "good cholesterol" dropped, too, and it was already super low to start with. So that's not good. At all. I really need to start working out to bring that number up.
-- My iron levels went up a tad... well, the "iron stores" went from -1 to 5 so that's an improvement. But my hemoglobin and white blood cell count and all these other lovely CBC(?) ranges were totally off. Which is kinda scary. Even though the numbers were slightly better than they were last month... except for my white blood cell count which WAS okay last month. Huh. Bottom line: need to take the iron pills twice a day even though they make me incredibly nauseous. =( I'm also seeing an ob/gyn for the first time in 2 weeks (don't judge... I really have neglected my health in all ways!). Dr. F thinks it's my uterine fibroid that may be the cause of losing blood which equals low iron. If that's the case, I'll probably need to get the fibroid out asap. My boss is going to LOVE that. One thing at a time, right?
-- Headed to Ocean City tomorrow. Staying with my mom and her "significant other". Should be an interesting trip...esp. since I'm staying on the program and can't fall back to my crutch, food. I've NEVER EVER EVER "dieted" on a vacation before so this should be interesting. Especially since I love crab legs dipped in butter. Um, yum. BUT i can always go to Red Lobster (or wherever) at any time so I should be okay.
-- Did I mention my 35th birthday is on Saturday?!? I'm wishing for GOOD HEALTH for me and my family this year!
-- One last note: Just curious if anyone is reading this blog? If you are, leave a comment... anonymous is fine! =)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
ugh.
i felt crummy all day today.
actually it started around 11 when i took my slew of vitamins: mutlivitamin, potassium pill, vitamin D pill (all part of the program) and my iron supplement... i ate a yogurt immediately after taking them. 20 minutes later, i was ill. sooooo nauseus!!! for hours!!! needless to say, i did not take my iron supplement again tonight, even though i should. i'm going to buy the more expensive iron supplements, sl.ow fe, since they are easier on the stomach. let's hope so.
oh, did i mention that i barely slept last night and then A woke me up at 6:10.... and i couldn't get back to sleep? and i was too nauseous to nap... well, i was finally able to take a little nap but not long enough.....woke up all groggy and headache-y and have been since then.
and hungry. i've been quite hungry today. and yesterday. especially at night. as a result, i ate 5 proteins last night and tonight (instead of the 3-4 that i should have). ugh. i hope i still lose weight this week! if i feel better tomorrow, i am going to the gym. the good news is i found some work-out clothes that fit. granted, i don't look like a fitness model in them (haha), but at least they fit. i'm thinking of walking sloooowly at first since it's literally been years since i've even walked (since A was probably 1). i think a little exercise is better than none and it's a start.
going to watch some tv to hopefully chill out a bit. feel like i'm PMS-ing... certainly sounds that way, doesn't it?
actually it started around 11 when i took my slew of vitamins: mutlivitamin, potassium pill, vitamin D pill (all part of the program) and my iron supplement... i ate a yogurt immediately after taking them. 20 minutes later, i was ill. sooooo nauseus!!! for hours!!! needless to say, i did not take my iron supplement again tonight, even though i should. i'm going to buy the more expensive iron supplements, sl.ow fe, since they are easier on the stomach. let's hope so.
oh, did i mention that i barely slept last night and then A woke me up at 6:10.... and i couldn't get back to sleep? and i was too nauseous to nap... well, i was finally able to take a little nap but not long enough.....woke up all groggy and headache-y and have been since then.
and hungry. i've been quite hungry today. and yesterday. especially at night. as a result, i ate 5 proteins last night and tonight (instead of the 3-4 that i should have). ugh. i hope i still lose weight this week! if i feel better tomorrow, i am going to the gym. the good news is i found some work-out clothes that fit. granted, i don't look like a fitness model in them (haha), but at least they fit. i'm thinking of walking sloooowly at first since it's literally been years since i've even walked (since A was probably 1). i think a little exercise is better than none and it's a start.
going to watch some tv to hopefully chill out a bit. feel like i'm PMS-ing... certainly sounds that way, doesn't it?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
2 weeks down... um, about a gazillion weeks left!
So I've been on my "program" for 2 weeks now.... although, I swear, it feels like it's been 2 months (at least). I think I've read that it takes 3 weeks for something to become a "habit" so hopefully that will be soon. I'm still feeling pretty good, at least... besides my ridiculously low energy which is a result of my "terrible" (per the doctor) anemia and the fact that I barely sleep at night (I do take good naps, though). Anyway.... I am so thankful and happy to be on this program. Just wish I didn't have so much darn weight to lose. One day at a time, right?!?
Friday, July 23, 2010
starving
I've been starving the last 2 late nights! Jeez! Had an extra shake both nights. Hope it won't set me back. I do believe, however, if you are starving that's your body's way of saying "FEED ME"!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
17 lbs in 13 days!
So... I lost 4 lbs. this week... which makes a total of 17 lbs in 13 days -- actually 11 days from when I started the diet. Not tooshabby! Of course, I wanted to lose even more weight today - like my husband joked, I would've liked to have lost another 13 lbs. this week! I just have sooo much weight to lose -- actually, I would like to lose exactly 99.5 pounds from my weight today. But I need to be patient -- I've been basically binging for 3 years so it will probably take a year to lose it... and, hopefully, I will.
Still loving the program. Went to 2 group classes today and they were both awesome. I just love the leaders (psychiatrists and psychologists) and most (well, some) of the people are interesting. A lot of the people are a lot older (in their 50s & 60s, it seems) and not to be age-biased but I just can't relate as well. There were 2 young girls (prob. in their early-mid 20's) in the 2nd session... but they only had about 15 lbs. to lose... so, on that level, it's hard to relate to them, too.
Only problem is I'm really low energy -- probably due to my terrible anemia. I made the decision for A to go to Montessori every day now which I feel TERRIBLY GUILTY about. I'm just having trouble keeping up with him these days... especially since he rarely naps now... so it's a very long day. That being said, I absolutely LOVE being with him -- he's my everything and I love and adore him more than I could ever express. However, I need to focus on ME... I have to. I have 1 month b/f heading back to work (3 days a week) and August is crammed with GW appts and classes, dentist appts and I'm finally seeing an ob/gyn about my lovely fibroid. I'm also on a mission to get our house totally organized which is a HUGE JOB. Another issue is that I don't sleep much at night (maybe 4-5 hours) and then I nap (3-4) hours each day. I need to, obviously, change this... especially since I read that getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night can actually be a huge risk factor for diabetes and heart disease.
Anyway, that's about it for now. I'm definitely loving this program and it feels soooo great to be IN CONTROL again. I wish I joined the program 2 years ago like I wanted to but... better late than never, right?!?
Still loving the program. Went to 2 group classes today and they were both awesome. I just love the leaders (psychiatrists and psychologists) and most (well, some) of the people are interesting. A lot of the people are a lot older (in their 50s & 60s, it seems) and not to be age-biased but I just can't relate as well. There were 2 young girls (prob. in their early-mid 20's) in the 2nd session... but they only had about 15 lbs. to lose... so, on that level, it's hard to relate to them, too.
Only problem is I'm really low energy -- probably due to my terrible anemia. I made the decision for A to go to Montessori every day now which I feel TERRIBLY GUILTY about. I'm just having trouble keeping up with him these days... especially since he rarely naps now... so it's a very long day. That being said, I absolutely LOVE being with him -- he's my everything and I love and adore him more than I could ever express. However, I need to focus on ME... I have to. I have 1 month b/f heading back to work (3 days a week) and August is crammed with GW appts and classes, dentist appts and I'm finally seeing an ob/gyn about my lovely fibroid. I'm also on a mission to get our house totally organized which is a HUGE JOB. Another issue is that I don't sleep much at night (maybe 4-5 hours) and then I nap (3-4) hours each day. I need to, obviously, change this... especially since I read that getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night can actually be a huge risk factor for diabetes and heart disease.
Anyway, that's about it for now. I'm definitely loving this program and it feels soooo great to be IN CONTROL again. I wish I joined the program 2 years ago like I wanted to but... better late than never, right?!?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Week one -- success!
I've officially been on "the program" for one week now. It's getting easier.... hooray! I'm now craving the program's shakes and, um, pickles as opposed to my usual cravings (anything fattening and/or carb-y and/or fried). So I'm excited about that. I really & truly don't feel starving (unless it's been a significant amount of time from when I last ate) which is so nice. Dr. F and I talked about how I'll probably always feel a little hungry... but not ravished/starved/etc... the "oh, sure, I could eat something" (as Dr. F put it) kind of hunger. I'm so used to wanting to/needing to feeling FULL before that it's a somewhat new sensation. I literally ate EVERYTHING I WANTED for the last 3 years... so I think both my body is kinda thankful that I'm treating it a little bit better now. =)
Here's to a successful week 2. Overall for tonight.... an 8.
Here's to a successful week 2. Overall for tonight.... an 8.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Days 4& 5
Oh no... I forgot to post yesterday. Oh well... yesterday was fine...
Today was more interesting. Went in to GW for my 1st weigh-in... I lost THIRTEEN POUNDS! Crazy! In 5 days! Pretty cool. The only thing is I did NOT want to know my weight.... and I saw it... ugh. It's pretty bad. I've gained, no exaggeration, 100 pounds since we got married 7 years ago. AAGH. So now I want to/should/have to/would love to/am motivated to lose 100 lbs. Wow, that number is HUGE. So we'll see. One pound at a time. I have to say that seeing how much I weighed was a major reality check for me... maybe one I needed. And now I can graph my weight on my phone applications.... pretty cool... hey, it's the small stuff.
Also got some more kinda scary news from Dr. F, who I'm beginning to really like (and not just b/c he started this program 30 years ago). Last week I had some blood work and it seems that I have an "elevated increased c reactive protein"... of course, I had no clue what that meant. Dr. F explained that it measures if you are at risk of going into cardiac arrest (aka - having a heart attack). Your number should be 1 or 2... numbers between 3 - 10 show an elevation... numbers above 10 mean, in Dr. F's words, "something else is going on". My number is 16.6... OMG. Dr. F said it may be b/c of my uterine fibroid, my severe anemia or from just being so overweight. He seems confident that the number will go down after I lose weight. Dr. Google (haha) also mentioned that weight can cause elevations... mine being "moderately elevated". I'm TRYING not to panic about this now.... and just to continue to lose weight. I also want to start exercising... SLOWLY.... walking, swimming, etc. Just moving.
I also went to my first "group" at GW on stress management and loved it (of course). The psychiatrist who led it, Dr. B, was awesome. I want to go back tomorrow for more groups. Too bad it's just a schlep to get to GW!
Last note... I told my SIL about the program and she was really cool and supportive. Love her!
Today's "ranking".... 8. =) Feeling Better!
Today was more interesting. Went in to GW for my 1st weigh-in... I lost THIRTEEN POUNDS! Crazy! In 5 days! Pretty cool. The only thing is I did NOT want to know my weight.... and I saw it... ugh. It's pretty bad. I've gained, no exaggeration, 100 pounds since we got married 7 years ago. AAGH. So now I want to/should/have to/would love to/am motivated to lose 100 lbs. Wow, that number is HUGE. So we'll see. One pound at a time. I have to say that seeing how much I weighed was a major reality check for me... maybe one I needed. And now I can graph my weight on my phone applications.... pretty cool... hey, it's the small stuff.
Also got some more kinda scary news from Dr. F, who I'm beginning to really like (and not just b/c he started this program 30 years ago). Last week I had some blood work and it seems that I have an "elevated increased c reactive protein"... of course, I had no clue what that meant. Dr. F explained that it measures if you are at risk of going into cardiac arrest (aka - having a heart attack). Your number should be 1 or 2... numbers between 3 - 10 show an elevation... numbers above 10 mean, in Dr. F's words, "something else is going on". My number is 16.6... OMG. Dr. F said it may be b/c of my uterine fibroid, my severe anemia or from just being so overweight. He seems confident that the number will go down after I lose weight. Dr. Google (haha) also mentioned that weight can cause elevations... mine being "moderately elevated". I'm TRYING not to panic about this now.... and just to continue to lose weight. I also want to start exercising... SLOWLY.... walking, swimming, etc. Just moving.
I also went to my first "group" at GW on stress management and loved it (of course). The psychiatrist who led it, Dr. B, was awesome. I want to go back tomorrow for more groups. Too bad it's just a schlep to get to GW!
Last note... I told my SIL about the program and she was really cool and supportive. Love her!
Today's "ranking".... 8. =) Feeling Better!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Day 3
Day 3... kinda sucks. I think reality has hit... that this is IT for the next 4/5 months... all I will be eating/drinking are shakes, protein bars, yogurt and PICKLES. Fortunately, the bars are delicious and the shakes are decent. But, ya know, I LOVE FOOD so this is TOUGH. The program literature states that most people are "comfortable, not hungry" on it. Fortunately, this is true for the most part. The only time I feel real HUNGER is at night which is why I'm adding an extra milk/protein to the diet. I'm feeling guilty about it even though one Dr said I should have 4 a day and the other Dr said 3.... but 4, if needed. Well, it's needed. i can not go to bed hungry. Besides that, I am feeling a little hungry all day, every day (well, after 12 noon I should say.... I don't get hungry before then, typically). One yogurt or protein bar (I have them separately so I can eat more during the day) is NOT going to fully quench my hunger... but it takes off the edge... and I find something else to occupy my time/thoughts... mainly A... or my new phone (loving the iphone!!!), TV, etc. Shallow, but true. I also like reading, hot baths, etc... so I do have a few other "crutches" besides eating, at least. And shopping. Love shopping. Especially for A. And hopefully for me again one day... one of the reasons why I'm doing this... anyway -- I'm hoping to start reading the new Geneen Roth book tonight on emotional eating and all that fun stuff.
Today was a 5... I know the first few weeks are tough, gotta keep going... I'm hoping to go in to GW on Friday.
Today was a 5... I know the first few weeks are tough, gotta keep going... I'm hoping to go in to GW on Friday.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day 2
Strange day.... slept only 4 hours last night so after I dropped A (my 3 year old) off at "camp", I slept most of the day. One way to not get hungry, haha. Anyway, I really didn't feel hungry until a few hours ago. Last night I had an extra protein bar and felt fine after that.
I did crave a Rita's gelato (cookies & cream with vanilla custard - um, YUM) but the craving didn't last too long, thank goodness.
Besides that, doing okay... but hungry now... therefore today is a... 6!
I did crave a Rita's gelato (cookies & cream with vanilla custard - um, YUM) but the craving didn't last too long, thank goodness.
Besides that, doing okay... but hungry now... therefore today is a... 6!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Day 1
I joined a local university's weight program yesterday. Today, after a HUGE "last supper" (tuna melt, cheese fries & sundae/cake from "Friendly's" - um.yum.), I started the program.
The program consists of 800 calories. that's right. 800. it's considered a "modified fasting diet". ya think? complete abstinence from "real food" besides yogurt & pickles. it's what i need.
today went well, for the most part. my stomach hurt a little bit, prob. from the ginormous multivitamin. ugh. i didn't feel real HUNGER until a few hours ago. as a result, i ate an extra protein bar. which, in my mind, is okay since the dr. i met with a few weeks ago said i should havd 4 a day, not 3. the head honcho doctor yesterday said "try 3... add another if you need to". anyway... more on, um, everything tomorrow. just wanted to start documenting asap.
overall today... a 7. i'm on my way. =)
The program consists of 800 calories. that's right. 800. it's considered a "modified fasting diet". ya think? complete abstinence from "real food" besides yogurt & pickles. it's what i need.
today went well, for the most part. my stomach hurt a little bit, prob. from the ginormous multivitamin. ugh. i didn't feel real HUNGER until a few hours ago. as a result, i ate an extra protein bar. which, in my mind, is okay since the dr. i met with a few weeks ago said i should havd 4 a day, not 3. the head honcho doctor yesterday said "try 3... add another if you need to". anyway... more on, um, everything tomorrow. just wanted to start documenting asap.
overall today... a 7. i'm on my way. =)
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