The only thing I need to change? – Everything!

Hello all!

With more and more “issues” with my health, I have come to a realization that I need to make some changes. There is only one REAL area in my life that I can affect change at this time – my weight.

I have battled being over weight since, well, forever.  I have lost more weight than I can remember.  Tried every trick, diet, workout, you name it.  Along the way I have seen much success and have lost many, many pounds. With each iteration there is always one issue – the weight came back.

Over the past 3 years it has become even more challenging. Although I did manage to get a handle on my weight loss, there were a few obstacles.

In 2010 I started working out and eating right.  Following a modified BFFM program (Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle) I was able to lose about 40 pounds and getting down to 216. I hit a snag. I did not have a lot of energy and really felt that something “just wasn’t right”. I tried to keep up with my program but really couldn’t. Work was very hectic and I was really busy. Just didn’t have the oomph to get it done.

After a couple of weeks like this, I started to have a sore legs which moved into a sore back. A continuation of pains through my body soon turned into problems with my vision. A couple of doctor visits, then a trip to the ER and I finally had an answer – cancer. This was August of 2011.

As many are aware, I was – WE WERE successful in beating this terrible disease. Makes 2 years I am cancer free.

Unfortunately, through the battle, I was prescribed a LOT of fluids, steroids and other chemicals. My weight became a second class citizen and the focus was on beating the cancer. During this time I gained over 40 pounds.

Once the primary disease was taken care of it was time to focus on my weight again. Over the next few weeks and months, I tried a few times to get back on track and shed some pounds.

Still, there was something not quite right..? I would go to the gym and after a few days my legs really hurt.  I had little energy and motivation. I kept doing things and pushing through, just could never keep to any program.

I started some projects working around the house to keep me active. During one of my projects (shoveling gravel) I had a heart attack. We are now at August 2013. A trip to the ER and a quick cardiac catheterization, they put a stent in my left anterior descending artery. The artery was 100% blocked. I later found out they call this artery “the widow maker”.

Now, it would appear I only have 2 real risk factors for coronary artery disease:

1. being over weight
2. hereditary

One I cannot do anything about, the other I can!

With the recovery from my heart attack / surgery I was offered cardiac rehab. This is essentially working out with a heart monitor on while being monitored by medical professionals.

The exercises are: treadmill, Monark machine (hand pedaling) and a bicycle. I am now half way done my program, 18 out of 36 sessions. During this time I have been able to lose 20 pounds going from 258 to 238. This has not been easy one bit.

This past Saturday I went for a consultation at Med Team Weight Loss. This is a program monitored by medical professionals. After talking to Tom (an APRN) and discussing my past history with weight loss and their program, I have decided to give it a shot. I will go in on Wednesday for my first session and see the “rest of the story” with regards to their program.

I am learning from past mistakes and doing what I need to overcome. I have 4 things working in my favor:

1. A medically supervised exercise program with ~ 6 more weeks to go.
2. A medically supervised weight loss program that will rung for 12 weeks.
3. A supportive wife and friends.
4. A great friend who is keeping tabs on me. We are making each other accountable for a weekly weigh in.

I know this will not be easy. I have set some aggressive goals – getting lower than I ever have. I will post updates along the way similar as I had done with Caring Bridge during my cancer treatments. I will journal my progress

I invite anyone to follow along and join me on this journey. Your comments, stories and camaraderie will be greatly appreciated.

Peace,
-Dennis

Started: 258
Current: 238 – down 20
Goal: 175 – 63 pounds to go!