The only thing I need to change? – Everything!

Hello all!dennis september 27 - 258

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!

no fear - september 26-2013

9 Comments

  1. Bea on October 28, 2013 at 7:28 am

    You CAN do it!!!! I know YOU can !!! Good Luck Dennis !!! Miss seeing you and Tammy.

  2. Diane Guerrette on October 28, 2013 at 8:22 am

    Hi Dennis: A life style change is never easy, and it’s so nice that you have the support to back you up and help you along the way. You’ve been through so much that this obstacle should be easy for you. (Yeah right!!!) I wish you the very best and keep us posted. Take Care Diane

  3. Gail Gagne on October 28, 2013 at 9:37 am

    Dennis,

    I am so happy to hear that you are trying to lose weight; I can testify the older you get the harder it is but I know if you put your mind to it and with your family and friends you can lost the weight. You have a wonderful wife to help you go. You keep up the good work. It takes exercise and eating right. You go Dennis.

    Auntie Gail

  4. Barbara P. on October 28, 2013 at 10:01 am

    The program sounds good. I was thinking of you the other night at dance and am glad you have started posting again.

  5. Fran Miele on October 28, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Good for you! I need that too. Loosing weight has been a vicious circle. Loose 10, gain 20. Loose 120 gain back 150. Very frustrating. I’d be curious about the cost of their program. I don’t see any pricing on their web site. Send me an email with any particulars you may have.

    In any event, we all know you have will power! You beat cancer, you survived a heart attack, you can loose the weight! Believe m you DO NOT want to become a diabetic like me!

  6. Sue Ross on October 28, 2013 at 10:35 am

    Dennis,
    You are an inspiration! A fighter. I have faith that you will reach your goal! Go slowly. It’s not an easy task. I too have been trying to lose weight. I’ve lost about 25 lbs but it has been about 10 months. Now I have to up my exercise. Good luck and I look forward to hearing your progress! Hi Tam!!!
    Sue

  7. Betty Baia on October 28, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    Support is important! Sounds like an excellent program. I’ve been going to Weight Watchers a long time and find the meetings help me a lot. Good Luck!

  8. Dennis Bosse on October 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Thanks for all the comments and well wishes. I know “WE” can do it.
    Will keep a journal and log my trials and tribulations. First appointment is Wednesday morning.

  9. Lisa M. Bosse on October 28, 2013 at 6:10 pm

    I believe in you! You have the drive and determination to see this through. Love you!!!

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