I'm way overdue for a visit to this forum. Hello everyone!

[Systematic Chaos]

I just want to say hello to all of you who visit this area of the DU, and update my progress. It's been a while!

Well, I'm now down just a bit over 200 pounds -- from 519 to 316 -- and my 21-year milestone of finally breaking below 300 is in sight! I am continuing to follow the McDougall plan (www.drmcdougall.com) with its starches, veggies and fruit. I am still having a hard time getting around much due to problems from my feet to my hips, so most of the weight loss continues to be thanks primarily to the plant-based eating lifestyle, but I continue to try and be on my feet and walking around the apartment for at least a while each and every day (and continue to hope that eventually, putting on a pair of shoes won't be excruciatingly painful; I bet I miss the outside world a helluva lot more than it misses me ).

I have also taken the (for me, anyway) huge step of setting up a YouTube channel where I plan to talk about my challenges and triumphs, and encourage others who suffer from obesity and/or chronic illness to do the same. You can find it in my newly updated signature, below.

So, how is everybody?

[Still Blue in PDX]

1. You are awesome.

[Systematic Chaos]

2. Thank you kindly!

I just want people to know that there is a way out of extreme obesity when medical options aren't 'on the table'.

[Still Blue in PDX]

3. It's really good to know that.

I am currently paying the piper for taking a long vacation from caring about myself and my health. I have about 100 pounds to lose and am just starting the journey, so your checking in here could not have come at a better time!

[auntAgonist]

5. I KNOW what happens when we don't look after ourselves!

Believe me. I just spent 6 days in hospital.

I'm glad you're back on track ...
keep checking in.



aA
kesha

[Systematic Chaos]

7. Wow, 6 days?!

I hope you are feeling better.

[auntAgonist]

8. I'm doing better now ..

It will take a bit of time to regain all of my strength. I had some issues that were causing me a LOT of pain and blood loss. Turns out when they hospitalized me and ran all my blood work I was in worse shape than anyone realized.

I received Iron Infusions (5 of them) and Lipids, nutrients, potassium and magnesium etc ...

An endoscopy revealed a need for a biopsy and I'm waiting for the results of that. Apparently I have Barrett's Esophogus which can be a precursor to Esophageal Cancer. I'm not stressing about it though. It is what it is.

Good to see you again K.

I hope your better half is also doing well.



aA
kesha

[auntAgonist]

4. hey!!

It's good to see you again.

Sounds like you're making some excellent progress!



aA
kesha

[Systematic Chaos]

6. It has been slow as molasses at times, but I refuse to quit.

I'm going to have the option for some good non-impact cardio exercise again after I get paid this coming Wednesday, so the process should pick up speed here shortly.

Losing weight with diet alone, when your muscles have atrophied due to pain and lack of activity, is not easy. Toning my legs back up will work wonders for fat burning!

[justgamma]

9. Glad you checked in.

I often wondered how you were doing. You're doing fantastic! I just love your can do, never give up attitude. It's a real mood booster for me.

[Systematic Chaos]

10. Aw, shucks!