Saturday, December 26, 2009

I've been a bad girl!

I haven't exactly followed my diet the past few months. My dear daughter and my work have greatly stressed me out.

But...wait there's more...I have won a trip to Paris, so I am stoked and have a new goal... 30 pounds by the date of my trip.. I'm down four already, and it has not been too easy, I struggle everyday. Last night at my cousins' home in Solon for my mothers' 75th BD party. I ate way too much, but not any dessert. Today my BF is coming to stay with me through the New Years and I'll be Julia Child in the kitchen. Right now I have Cowboy Stew cooking in the crock pot and it smelly delicious! Hopefully I can get some serious walking in with the BF and Cosmo. I plan on visiting the art museum, the West Side Market and area, and various parks, albeit if the weather is good. Snow is expected all week long with cold temps.

I'm just happy to have BF here and a week+ off of work.

About my trip to Paris....I'll be there for five days. Due to security I won't post when I am going, but will have a wonderful trip report. I plan to see the Mona Lisa, many of the museums (I'll buy a pass), shopping, all the great stuff! Really.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

2009 Great Geauga County Fair






2009 Cleveland National Air Show










New weight loss total!!!

30 pounds total. I had some slip-ups, poor decisions on the weekends, eating out, ect. But I am back on tract. I want to lose 5 more pounds by Monday, when I see my doctor. But...this weekend is Rosh Hashana and dinner at my parents. I'll just drink a gallon of water before dinner!

I have the results of my blood tests from The Cleveland Clinic.
A1C went from 9.8 to 7.4. This is very, very good. I need it lower than 6. Give me three more months.
Cholesterol went from 175 to 168.
I now have normal levels of Vit D.
All the other tests were in normal range.

My endocrinologist will be very pleased!!!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Weight Loss Update!

The Nectar and suffering are working!!! I have lost 4 pounds this week!!! Whoopeeee!!!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Weight Loss Update

Lost 3 more pounds! I just started on the nectar protein powder on 8/24/09. I didn't follow the program on this past weekend, but I didn't over indulge either.

I haven't been to the gym as well, as my knee is really bothering me.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Wednesday Weigh-In

It was a tough week. I managed to lose one pound. It is better than gaining one pound. I hit a brick wall, so I am cutting back on the carbs (will be less than 30 grams a day) and going high protein for the next week to see what happens. I still am following the Rice Diet; no added salt and quantity limits of food, but in Phase II. I will have for breakfast a 5 egg white (one yolk included) omelet and one small carb portion. Lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks will be shakes or chicken breast or fish/seafood. One small carb portion in the late day as well.

The trainer at the gym, "James", whose muscular arms are the size of my thighs (not too happy about that), told me about "Nectar" protein powder. It has no carbs, no sugar and very high in protein, and very low calorie. I can use it as a meal replacement. I just ordered some plus a sample pack of their flavors. It was a lot cheaper than buying it local, a huge savings; even with modest shipping, I saved a lot. Locally the price was $34.99, on-line it is $24.75. Sample pack of 11 flavors is $16.50.

http://www.bestpricenutrition.com


2.21 Lbs.
Chocolate Truffle
Supplement Facts
Serving Size1Level Scoop(28g)
Servings Per Container36
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value
Calories
100
Calories From Fat
0
Total Fat
0g
0%*
Saturated Fat
0g
0%*
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
<5mg
1%*
Sodium
160mg
7%*
Potassium
190mg
5%*
Total Carbohydrate
1g
1%*
Dietary Fiber
1g
4%*
Sugars
0g
Protein
23g
46%*
Vitamin A
0%
Vitamin C
0%
Calcium
15%
Iron
0%
Phosphorus
10%
Magnesium
8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Other Ingredients
Whey Protein Isolate (A Milk-Derived Protein; Promina Brand; Ultrafiltered And Undenatured; Includes Beta Protease Peptone, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Acesulfame-K, Sucralose
Directions For Syntrax Nectar Sweets: Mix one scoop per 8 ounces of water or milk. For those with lower protein needs, one half scoop may consumed with 4 ounces of water or milk. Consume Nectar Sweets two to three times per day to satisfy your protein requirements. Remember the best times to supplementing protein are immediately upon rising in the morning, after intense physical activity such as weight training and prior to sleep.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Weigh In 8/12/09

I lost another 2 pounds. It was a rough weekend for me. Food was everywhere I turned, so I did my best to avoid temptation. I ate a bit more, but in moderation. I am proud of myself.

Friday, July 31, 2009

New weight loss....

10 pounds down!!!!

My FBS was 91 today, which is very good for me. Last night my BS before bedtime was 117. I took 45u of Lantus, no Humalog!

I upped my protein and and lowered my carb intake yesterday, so I think it may take a day or two for me to adjust.

I'll be at the gym today after work to do cardio only, as my arm muscles have not recovered. If I feel better, I may do ab and leg work.

Who ever reads my struggles here, please have some faith in me, as this is a long journey, and I didn't get fat overnight.

I have emailed a director at the Duke University Rice Diet Center and she advised I be in contact with my endocrinologist, and I have called her today and am awaiting answer.


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Monday, July 27, 2009

Weight loss total...

SIX POUNDS!!!!!!

Jumping for joy!!! My BP is down: 117/70, and my FBG is way down.

I went to Titans Gym (Mentor,OH) yesterday and has a mild workout, on the elliptical and also did a few weight resistant exercises, mostly ab work. I am planning an every-other day schedule. This was my first workout at Titans. I am shocked that there is not one employee who can assist me on the machines. I know there are instructions written on each machine, but no assist in how much weight or how many reps I need. All the clerk showed me was a dozen or so cards by personal trainers. I have no idea what they charge for one lesson. Being broke right now that may not be an option. I assumed that as a new member someone from the gym would give me a tour and show me what to do. I guess I'll have to do some research on-line.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Weight loss so far...........

I started The Rice Diet on 7/22/09. Today, 7/25/09 I have lost 4 whole pounds. I am amazed. Yesterday I attended a workshop where they had a catered lunch. I ate the usual 3/4c brown rice and 2 fruits for breakfast. For lunch I had about 4 oz chicken breast, cooked green beans with almonds, a very small salad, and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. For dinner I had 3/4 cup brown rice, 12 cherries and a small banana. My FBG is way down and so are my before meal readings. Right now, my FBG at 10:20am is 140, which is good considering it has been very high for a long time. I have not had breakfast yet, nor any meds. My only problem is all the rice is a bit binding, and it is time to get out the fiber patrol.

Today will be a bit stressful as I an dealing with my daughter, so I will be careful not to self medicate with food.

I am planning to go to Titans gym today to sign up for a 3 month $99.00 plan, as that is all I can afford right now. It is their summer special, and hopefully it will give me a jump start to getting healthy.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

2009 Civil War Battle Tour












Cosmo at Fairport Harbor Dog Beach

Lisa Takes on The Duke University Rice Diet

News flash people....
I am getting nowhere with my current diet, (even though I did lose 5# on my vacation) so I am going back to basics. I dusted off my copies of the Duke University Rice Diet book, I have two different books, and cooked up rice last evening while refusing my friend's offer of a Margarita....that was hard! My friend from work, Lynn, whom I ran into at Marc's while shopping for rice and fruit, well I invited her over and gave her all the "illegal" food not allowed on the program.

I had a pressing medical issue so I had to visit the doctor today, needless to say, I'll start feeling better in a few days. I did not go to work today as I felt pretty uncomfortable, but that feeling should go away soon with modern medicine.

My BP was up a bit, as was my weight. I took my FBG this morning and it was up a bit, but after a late breakfast I felt better.

My diet for the day has been:
B: 2/3 cup rice and one banana, lots of water, ice tea
L: 2/3 cup rice, 12 cherries, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, water and a diet Pepsi (really verboten)
D: 2/3 cup rice, one small peach, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, and plenty of water

Now the program says only one day of the above diet, and then you add in more food for about a total of 1000 calories until you lose all your weight. One day a week is allowed for this regime. But, if I am careful, I can do 2-3 days a week, but I must carefully watch my insulin and check my blood sugar several time a day, which I will do. Notice; this is a no added salt diet. It is very restricted diet, but I have to take off the weight. I have a goal to lose 50 pounds by December 1st. I am in contact with my doctor about this as well, so I am not alone.

These are the sites where you can get further information. If I could afford to be a participant there, I'd go in a heartbeat. It is way too expensive for me and I highly doubt that Aetna would cover the program.

http://www.ricedietprogram.com
http://www.riceway.com

I have three books: "The Rice Diet Solution", "The Rice Died Cookbook", and "Heal Your Heart", all by the same author Kitty Gurkin Rosati, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., and her spouse, Robert Rosati, M.D. Dr. Rosati is the director of the program which has been in effect since1939.

I have to admit I was on this diet for one month 1988, August where I lost nearly 40 pounds in one month, but ended up in the ER with exhaustion. I think I weighed about 175# back then. It does work, but back then I had no health insurance, and thus no medical monitoring, which was real bad.

I'm too shy to post a current photo of myself, but may respond to an individual request.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Damn, I'm good!

All is well, albeit my allergies are acting up and of course I forgot...again..to take my meds.

Cosmo is well and even with three other dogs in the area, he did his duty this morning and I was not late for work. Wonders never cease.

BF and I are going on vacation end of this week..will provide updates and pictures after the fact.

Cosmo will be in a board facility, but will be happy as it is a very nice place and he is just such a social dog.

All my tests came back in the "normal" range and I am plugging away at my diet and hope to live a very, very long life so that I can annoy as many people as possible.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I'm normal, well almost!

My tests came back and I do not have Cushings Syndrome! That is a major relief, I was scared to no end. Now I can concentrate in getting healthy and losing weight, down 7 pounds so far. Happy dance!

Cosmo is well, stayed by my side all day yesterday while I had a monster of a headache and slept most of the day. I missed work, as I could barely see out of my eyes, not too good to drive a car as well.

Cosmo is my "little superhund"! He is able to move a large rug with his teeth to another room, over carpeting as well. I don't know how he accomplishes this feat, as I have never seen him do the trick, but he is a strong little bugger. Also, I see he can move the chair to my kitchen table just enough to hop on it and grab anything he wants, like my "instant glucose" liquid gel which he ate the entire tube. Every drop! Plus the label, which has gone missing. Now, I must be diligent as not to leave anything of value on my table. Buggers indeed!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Update

I have lost six pounds so far. I absolutely have no appetite at all. This is a miracle drug, do take away my ravenous hunger pains, it is a true miracle. Only time will tell. So far my favorite snack: sugar free ice pops...in many flavors, I feel no guilt.

I meet with a registered dietitian via phone call later this week.

I even lost my cravings for chips, ice cream, Chinese food, but not Sushi. Anything with chocolate makes me gag.

I took my daughter to Longhorn steakhouse for a late lunch/early dinner. I had a small salad, mixed steamed veggies, plain ice tea, and a 6oz steak, and didn't finish all of the meal. She behaved the entire time. I let her have a spare DVD player and some movies.She admitted via a phone call that she took Zohan, and a few others, which I will reclaim later this week.

I know I can't live off of ice pops, but in this heat and humidity, they are refreshing.

Off to bed now, I have a 5am wake up.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Symlin the missing hormone.

My new endocrinologist from The Cleveland Clinic has put me on a new medication to help me improve my Type II diabetes; SymlinPen; https://www.symlin.com/ an injectable hormone. This medication is something that a person with a normal pancreas produces. The hormone is called amylin. I am far from normal! So far I have been on the medication for two days and have seen a slight lowering of my BG readings and a decrease in my appetite. A side effect can be nausea, but I have none so far. I started out at the 60mcg dose yesterday and just have begun today at the 120mcg dose three times a day before my major meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I need to have at my meal at least 250 calories or 30 grams of carbs. That should not be too difficult for me to manage.

I believe it will take some time for major results. The good thing this medication does is that it makes me feel fuller at a meal, and I eat less, and snack less as well. That is a great miracle. But time will tell. I am still taking sliding scale amounts of Humalog ( 5u per 50 over 150, but if below I take 3u if over 80) and long acting Lantus at bedtime. I have not decreased any of those doses yet. I am hoping to decrease those amounts along with Lantus, but my FBG is till too high.

I am also grateful that I have health insurance as my pharmacy charges over $300.00 for a months supply (4 pens). I also but a box of needles as well. This is tier II and I pay $15.00 for each prescription. My plan is to switch to all pens, which will make my life more easier.

The other problem is that I have a major vitamin D defficiency. Normal range is 30-80, I have 17.5. So, I am taking 50,000IU of Vitamin D 3x a week for 3 months, and then 50,000IU once a week for probably the rest of my life. I am still awaiting the results of my tests to determine if I have Cushing's Syndrome.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Have not been able to update in a long while...

I do apologize. Life got in the way and complications have arisen. My daughter is now living in a group home with people who have mental health issues. I have been unable to deal with her lately. She is out of control and will not listen to reason. This was the last chance, which she blew. I have tried and tried and have been unable to work things out. I nearly lost my job and my health has faultered. I am not equipped to handle her anymore. My family and BF are in agreement for her to live in a group home. She will never live with me anymore. That is the way it has to be.

I do not have cancer, in my "female" parts. That surgery went well and I am fully recovered. However I am being worked up at Cleveland Clinic for possible Cushing's Syndrome. How lovely! This is not what I need. It seems like I have all the "markers" for the disease. I am not feeling well, and I thought is was just extreme stress, but I guess I am wrong. I am undergoing tests right now, a salivary cortisol collection over two nights, and tonight is the last night. I did a 24 hour urine collection, which was just lovely, NOT! I have had more blood taken out of them than a vampire sucks...

I have seen a most excellent endocrinologist, actually three of them to be exact, and I go back tomorrow. Not looking forward to the visit. I have checked on what the treatments are and they don't look very pretty: surgery, radiation, chemo, drugs. I especially like the "gamma knife" surgery option, less invasive. Great, I can now glow in the night!

I promise I will update my blog as soon as I know more.

My JRT; Cosmo had his surgery last Tuesday. Yeppers, he got fixed! He is doing well and will be back at the dog park perhaps this coming Saturday.

Until then.