Thank you everyone for your kind words and support. There is a lot that goes into a decision to pursue something like I have done. As of today, my weight is down to 284!
After reading @Christalyn’s post above, I decided to revise the topic subject to more accurately reflect the true nature of what has happened. As diabetics, I feel that we should all be aware that once a diabetic, always a diabetic–much like cancer. So when I originally posted, it was with this in mind. However, I realize that for newly diagnosed diabetics coming to this site, this could give people the false hope that this is a way to get rid of their diabetes for good! I know I would have thought that when I was first diagnosed with T2 back in 2007-08.
Diabetes only goes into remission. It never goes away completely. As @tmana states above, the genetics and damage done to the body does not go away. Here is more information for those who are interested.
I went through some family trauma in 2011 that resulted in a fractured family and a divorce. I was in a bad place. I had given up with taking my Metformin, and the constant finger sticks. Of course my sugars went back up. I continued with my CPAP, but only because that was something I could feel the effects from if I didn’t use it. All in all, I wasn’t really concerned about my health.
There is a psychology that goes along with managing any condition. Diabetes and weight loss is no different. You have to desire change to be successful in any endeavor. I am tired of being fat (let’s call it what it is) and I am tired of not being healthy. My doctors all felt that the risk of death far outweighed any risk that having surgery posed and proposed a bariatric procedure even when I was first diagnosed. I was very opposed to anything invasive at that time. It wasn’t until the opportunity presented itself back in March of this year that I felt like everything was right and moved forward with the surgery process.
I want to feel good about myself. I want to be around for my kids and grandkids. I want to date and find my soul-mate!
I believe that diabetic or not, blood sugar is more important to our health than people realize. We are too dependent on quick fixes and that a pill or injection will solve all of our issues. I have finally realized that we are slowly killing ourselves with our diets and that that eating the way we should, with proper (un-processed) foods, in portions that are appropriate will take us so much further in our journey than medicine ever will. That being said, I don’t mean to discount medicine…yes we need it. But should a McDonald’s cheese burger be a proper substitute for proper nutrition? No way! Would throwing away the buns of that McDonald’s cheese burger and only eating the patty be okay? No way! Do you know what that patty went through to get to McDonald’s? Every food product we buy that is in plastic packaging should be suspect! If it has words in the ingredient list that you can pronounce, it is processed food and not healthy for the body. When did we start having health issues, think about it? Just watch those documentary’s on Netflix like “Fed Up” or “Super Size Me” and you’ll see what I mean.
Exercise is very important too! We are too sedentary in our lifestyles! I know I was. I now walk at least 4 miles every day! I cycle when I can. I hope to participate in next years El Tour de Tucson.
The take away from all of this is that you must desire change, you must stick with the program, find a support structure, and timing is important. Will there be struggles, of course there will! But that is what this support group is for. When you fall off the horse, you have to get back on. It happens to all of us.
I do not plan on going away. I will still continue to troll the forums, lol.
