jfallman3
BEGINNING?
Over the last 23 years I have tried diets which have helped but never lasted. All weight losses have been followed by weight gains. In the late 80's I managed to reach down to a plateau of 212 pounds, but I just could never achieve a drop below that level. My will power just wouldn't hold out for anything that it just didn't have to...
HEALTH?
On Labor Day weekend in 1998, I found out that I was a Type II Diabetic and began treatment with medication and diet. In January of 2007 I began treatment with Insulin as my medication and diet alone were not maintaining my glucose levels. In May of 2007 I began treatment for Sleep Apnea with a CPAP machine. Add my high level of Triglycerides, Arthritis, Neuropathy, Bad Knees, and a few other problems and you can see how my weight has affected much of my health and my life...
CONTROL?
With the economy in disarray to varying degrees ever since 1999, I have had the unfortunate adventure of various lay-offs and temporary working conditions, each with its own tale of insurance coverage woes and pre-existing conditions clauses. This caused many gaps in my treatments for various health conditions, especially the diabetes. During the high tides my weight dropped dramatically and I felt more fit and less tired, but was suffering the lurches of high sugar levels which were devastating my organs and nervous systems and making them walk the plank. During the low tides my insides were enjoying the smooth sailing of low sugar levels but my weight returned to anchor sized proportions. As the diabetes treatments waned and pitched in the wake of insurance coverage tows, my glucose levels rose and fell to the swells of affordable treatment...
BALANCE?
With my return to engineering and steady employment, and a no pre-existing clause health insurance policy; I found myself enjoying the perks of proper health care and preventive medicine again. My sugar was approaching normal levels, but as I achieved that level I was suffering another side affect of insulin. Insulin helps convert sugar to fat, and fat sticks around adding to my weight. So while I was holding a decent 95 average on my blood sugar, my waist (and other parts) were growing and my weight was increasing. This necessitated an increase in insulin to maintain my low sugar level. Thus a vicious cycle was formed. I lowered my insulin use to prevent more weight from accumulating and allowed my sugar level to rise to the 155 range. This was a compromise in balance...
SURGERY?
I started looking at the facts and figures in the fall of 2007 but was sidelined from the process when my mother suffered a stroke, besides she wasn't to keen on the idea anyway. After her passing in December 2008 after 5 years of care from myself and my wife, I decided to continue on and use my new found time to improve myself and my health. After much interaction with my insurance and doctors, I am moving forward. Surgery will force my willpower's hand and reuire its cooperation...
