Video Q&A about Non-Surgical Weight Management Program

I was visiting with a friend today that has type two diabetes and was having a horrible time keeping her blood sugar regulated as well as losing weight. She found that the Adkins program that was written in 2002 (before all the Adkins products became available) was the best fit for her. It is very restrictive. She could eat all the meat that she wanted and fresh vegetables. No sweets, fruit, limited dairy. She lost 50 pounds within something like 8 months. It was also very limiting as it was difficult to eat out and make the right choices. She was on 3 types of insulin and was able to go off of one and lowered the two other amounts given. She also felt wonderful. Hope this helps. I'm struggling with 80 pounds that I have to lose and it's a battle for me every day!!

Thank you for your Adkins information, and congratulations to your friend! I have checked on that diet and it would be good. However, I cannot have the amount of protein that diet demands. That much protein is not heart healthy and that has to be a concern for diabetics. I also do not like meat; only chicken or turkey. I could easily be a vegetarian, but that doesn't work for either. I do eat more vegetables than anything else, though. I keep a few Adkins snacks for when I need something that is not carbs.
This disease is a door slammed in my face every way I turn. Too much of this, not enough of that and on and on. That's what makes it so difficult for me----not knowing what to eat that will allow me to lose weight and eat right. I've never had this problem before. I've always eaten fairly healthy and always be skinny. So now I have gained weight and nothing I eat seems to keep the blood even. It's a challenge.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher, I have been following your discussion regarding foods and dieting. Several questions come to mind. Are you or have you worked with a nutrition specialist? I have followed the diet for Type I diabetics for over 40 years through many changes. I have been regularly referred for nutrition/diet information and updates. That may be helpful for you if you have not already done so. Secondly, you have mentioned several times that you do not cook. Are you interested in cooking? If you wish to work up your own personal (household) menu plan, I would be willing to work with you. I am not a professional by any means, but have been cooking since I was a child and may have some ideas for you. If you are not interested in cooking for yourself, I suggest you check out your community pages (work wanted/buy,sell,trade/etc) and put out ads for a cook. That person should be able to cook acceptable food for meals and snacks that you can have on hand to finish/reheat as needed. To start, maybe you could make a list of foods you like and are interested in eating; and another list of foods to avoid. I am currently on 5 limitation diets and have found that most recipes can be modified in some way to be acceptable to you while covering your needs. Red meat is not exactly necessary for protein as there are many vegetables that also provide protein

I perceive you as a very intelligent person and have full confidence that you can adjust to your new situation. A long time ago I learned that usual responses to change of any kind include: shock, denial, and resentment before understanding and acceptance can kick in for the most beneficial outcome. It is completely reasonable that you feel overwhelmed and a little lost in your current situation. Give yourself some slack and dig in to tackle your new normal when you are ready. Bless you.

Hello @2011panc. Thanks for your interest. I have been to a nutritionist because my endo required it when I was first diagnosed. I must admit she was not well versed in her field. I reported that to my endo and have not been back to her again; he said she was "learning." So I surf the internet and read through the Mayo publications and other sources for food suggestions.
Bless your heart that you have had this disease for 40 years. I cannot imagine living with restrictions for so long. I am not a cook; this is true. Teaching all the time was my life. I never had time to cook because I was always working and loving every minute of it. To answer your question, "No." I do not like to cook. I do appreciate your suggestions, but cooking is not for me. I find it tedious and boring.
As far as adjusting to this disease, I understand the consequences, but I am not a flexible person. I have been in control all of my life and changing now is a little late.
The bottom line is I don't want to be a cook. I just want to be remembered as a teacher; that's been my life.

I'll be okay. I hope you also stay well.

retiredteacher.

@2011panc, what an amazing offer! How generous of you. Thank you.

What a lovely garden, @parus!

Teresa

@parus, I have heard the same thing about Nutri-System. I have heard that the Jenny Craig diet is pretty good and of course many people love weightwatchers.
JK

@retiredteacher I totally understand the traveling dilemma. We are going on a vacation in the fall and are renting VRBOs (similar to airbnb). Initially I was resistant because to me part of vacation is not having to cook but my son, with whom we are going along with his girlfriend, thought it would be a great way for us to all have good off-time together. Then I realized how much easier it will be for me to be in control of what I ate rather than eating out three times a day so I am quite pleased that is what we are doing. It also saves money of course.
I used to love to cook, especially baking, and I made a lot of really good things but now I very rarely bake because it just me and my husband, my son and daughter do not live close by.
JK

@2011panc, you have a wonderful testimony of living with diabetes from such a young age and now conquering it with your pancreas transplant. I can only imagine that the need for a pancreas was a painful and frightening road fraught with danger. I am so glad you came through on a better side and now your diabetes numbers seen to say that you are no longer a diabetic. I appreciate that you did not lecture me because I am not a cook. I realize that a number of people who post know all about food and preparing it. However, I think our talents lie in our differences, just as we are all individuals in dealing with our diabetes. I am 73 years old and hate having to try to manage diabetes. I am not used to being told to change everything I have always done to do something different. I don't know if I will ever get accustomed to the situation. I am trying to do what I can most of the time, but sometimes, I just rebel. I have had a wonderful life, so at my age, I occasionally do not follow all of the rules. I don't know what my future holds, but I take one day at a time and try to be happy and positive.

retiredteacher

@retiredteacher, I certainly understand that you just cannot connect with some nutritionists. I have gone through a few. I am glad you research for yourself. I also do that quite a lot.

My story is quite different from yours in that being diagnosed during my malleable youth with what was then called Juvenile Diabetes I was set on my path early. I still remember the nurse who told me that I had diabetes and that I would need to take insulin for the rest of my life. That is a long time when you are young. She must have seen the shock on my face because she next said, "You will die WITH diabetes, but you do not have to die FROM it." Being the kind of person I am, I set out to overcome this obstacle in my life. I still spend a great deal of time trying to find ways over, under or around problems. That may be why my body has worn out so quickly. lol

Also, as the girl in a family of 9 with a huge extended family nearby, I was pressed into service as Mother's helper and so learned all the "womanly" chores expected in those years. I am now extremely grateful that I learned to cook young because it prepared the way for me to easily adapt my recipes to omit or substitute that which was undesirable.

It is okay if you don't cook, enjoy cooking, or want to learn to cook. What would happen to all the restaurants and their employees if everyone cooked for themselves? I am quite confident that your students will never confuse you with anything other than a teacher.

On the good side, I received a pancreas transplant in 2011 (hence @panc2011) that is working wonderfully. I no longer need any diabetic medications and my A1C readings have been under 5 since 2012. I truly have been blessed and I pray you will be also.