Feeling Smaller in a big world
This is my second blog of RDBlog week which runs from September 24, 2018, to September 28, 2018. Today the prompt is:
Tips – How do you stay fit, cope with stress, relax, or capitalize on a great day. Tell us your secrets for the best life possible.
A big loser
I have lost about 160 lbs. since 2013. Wow, that sounds like a lot because it is. I did this because my sternum was broken, and the surgeon said I needed to lose about 100 lbs. before he would operate. I do not know if you understand how shocking it was to sit in front of a surgeon who tells you that you cannot receive treatment unless you lose 100 lbs.; but it is. I contemplated how to proceed. I was a candidate for gastric bypass. I entered a program, and after three weeks of diet and exercise, I lost enough weight to qualify for surgery.
In 2013 I weighed around 366 pounds
I found that my endocrinology office was offering an extreme diet where calories are controlled to 1,200 per day or less. As I progressed, the office would manage my insulin requirements and generally work with me to ensure I did not harm myself.
The program was costly and tough. Insurance did not pay for the cost of the food (if you can call the protein bar and milkshakes food). Still, I was losing rapidly, and approximately eight months after I started the program I had lost about 100 lbs. It was a huge achievement to shed that many pounds and to qualify for surgery. In November 2013 I had surgery to repair my sternum.
An end result ?
I was fortunate to get it done, and yes, I felt so much better. No longer did my chest shift and pop when I turned on my side. The friction I felt when I moved my arms as the bones rubbed together was gone. It was a relief to be able to breath normally once again.
But then, of course, the inevitable happened. At first, it was slow pound here or there during recovery. But after I gained about 15 pounds, I knew I had two choices. I could say OK I am good and go back to weighing over 360 lbs. or I could find a sustainable alternative.
A lifestyle change not a diet
So, I enrolled in Weight Watchers with the hope of first losing the 15 lbs. I had gained but also sustaining my overall weight loss. It is a much slower weight loss program. Only a small fraction of the Weight Watchers program is about weight loss. Instead, it focuses on healthy living. It is a mental and physical program which redefines our relationship with food. I have found success here as well.
Rick weighing about 220 Lbs. in 2018
Thus far I have lost just under 60 pounds, and as of last Sunday I weighed 210.2 lbs. bringing my total weight loss to around 160 lbs. I still have 20 pounds to go and it will be a grind to get there. I have now followed Weight Watchers for over four years, and I have had times of wonderful weight loss and others of frustratingly and maddening weight gain and maintenance.
I am sometimes asked how much more time it will take to reach what my doctor calls my ideal weight of 190 Lbs. I honestly say it will take a lifetime. There is no end. My why is my overall health and like RD, that why never ends.
Today I weigh less than when I graduated High School, and I am approaching the weight I was when I enrolled in High School.
Outcome
I feel better, I have much more energy, and as I have lost weight, the pain and stiffness of Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis have improved. I am using about half the insulin I used at my peak weight. My Cardiologist says I have added years to my life.
Is it worth it? Yes. I have never once found food that tastes better than being 160 lbs. lighter feels. Yes, even a giant steak with a massive baked potato does not taste as good as 160 lbs. lighter feels.
If you attend ACR this year in Chicago I am delighted that my story was selected for the first ever patient poster section. If you are around on Sunday look up the patient poster presentation where you can view my poster presentation.
Congratulations – a massive achievement indeed and good luck with your continued health journey.
Thank you Emma. We find ways through to better lives when we try.
That’s a huge achievement, Rick – well done you!! I still have many kilos to go – kilos I gained thanks to Orencia, which I’m no longer on. It’s slowly dropping off, but it’ll be a while before I get to where I know I’ll be more comfortable. As you say, it’s a process!
I did gain using Orencia, I know you can do it Karen. I always think it is int he why,. I finally reached my why back in 2013. I became much more empowered when I said enough is enough and I decided to do it. I have great faith in you Karen.
That’s incredible and so motivating! I’ve been trying to shave off a bit of poundage myself and they have restricted eating is really getting to me. You inspired me today. And congratulations on the poster!
I have great faith that you can do it Lene. I feel so much better. I also feel better saying something about it here in RDBlog week. We have the best online community.
Wow, Rick! That’s quite an achievement. I work in a doctor’s office and see so many people try and fail to lose weight. A friend of mine has been going to Weight Watchers for a long time. She says something similar, that she’ll be a lifetime member.
I went skydiving this past summer. I had to clear a weight goal (230) in order to be allowed. It was fun, and cool to achieve. Off to more goals.
Well done you! I’m on the same lifetime journey – it’s taken me a lifetime to accept that’s what it is, but I think I finally have!
Pollyanna I know it is a lifetime journey. That one picture of me was when I had been dieting for about 5 weeks. Yeah, it was bad.
Rick, you are amazing! This is huge! You are a motivation in so many ways but mostly because you continue to improve yourself. I love that about you!
Thank you Cathy, but there is no way I could have done it without Sheryl. She helps me stay on track and focused. Maybe we do it for each other. We both use Weight Watchers and Sheryl has long been at goal while I flounder up and down.
Rick that’s amazing, I know exactly how bloody hard this is! You’re right – it HAS to be a lifestyle change not a quick fix, and slow & steady has been proven to be more sustainable long term. I’ve lost 31lbs this year so far, & I’m delighted. My eating habits have changed enormously, & I no longer crave trash food which is fab. Long may we continue 😊
Oh Denise, that is amazing. Congratulations !! You are burning me up this year.
Rick – great post. I had no idea. I have to think that losing that weight was the number one best thing you could do for yourself. Thanks for sharing this.
Lots of credit goes to Sheryl, who helps me keep after it. It has been a great adventure with a long way to go.
Well done 🙂
Good work! I’m on the same journey and happy to hear stories of success.
Debra, It has taken 5 years to get this far. I so hope you find the ideal weight sooner than later.
Having been on the up and down, up and down teeter-totter of weight-gain/weight-loss I know what an achievement this is, Rick. You have a standing ovation from me.
Thank You for the kind words Marianna. I hvae to give most of the credit to my wife, who has kept on track for all these years. Yesterday I weighed in at 208.4. These last pounds are tough to shed, but I am keeping at it.