1. < Diabetes & Endocrine System

Obese, diabetic with high BP; need help with food addiction

Posted by minda77 @minda77, Oct 4, 2016

Diagnosed 1 year ago. Can't take Metformin or Glipizide due to side effects. Felt like a zombie, could hardly do my work. Didn't make much difference in my levels as I am also a food addict. Weight at 312 (was 320 2 1/2 weeks ago). A1C at 10.2 and sugar was 345 on Saturday morning. Feel better off the Meds, actually walking and getting to the gym. I know a lot of this will get better if I lose the weight.
Anyone out there a food addict like myself? How are you coping?
Also would like to know if there are any vitamins that help with the high blood pressure or the diabetes since the meds only make it worse for me.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Minda

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JK | @contentandwell | Jun 19, 2017
In reply to @rhepler74 "I was a foodie for the better part of my life, up unil I had Gastric..." + (show)
@rhepler74

I was a foodie for the better part of my life, up unil I had Gastric bypass surgery in 2000, when I was 60. I never had any trouble at all with diets, having spent most of my life going on one; losing the weight, backsliding and gaining back every pound I lost, plus. I even went on the Metafast diet for 16 mos., and lost 200lbs, only to put it all back on, plus I contracted major health problems, to boot. I already had HBP and was diabetic, but these diseases were made much worse; My blood pressure was 210/130 and weighed 366lbs, when I got enough courage to face my doctor again. Meanwhile, on a trip to Paris, my husband, son and sister kept me at such a fast pace, my knees were very painful for weeks after we got home-went to an orthopedic, only to learn that both knees were bone-on-bone. The cure for this, was to lose at least 100 lbs., in preparation for bilateral knee replacement. Looking back on how bad my health had gotten, gives me the shakes, literally. My blood sugar was so high, I think it was 310 after a 3-hr. fast, so121 units of insulin became part of my morning ritual, after testing. It didn't happen overnight, but everything improved not very long after the bypass, and two years after that, I had both knees done the very same day. I recovered very quickly from tha, only to face removal of my thyroid; the sac had very tiny cancer cells in it, but I still had to swallow one nuclear/pill just to make certain no cells had escaped in my body.
I hope my story helps you to take measures that will eventually give you peace and permanent good health! :).

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@rhepler74 You deserve congratulations and to give yourself a big pat on the back. What a huge accomplishment. Having weighed in at over 200 I know too well how difficult it is to lose weight myself. I still now find it difficult to overcome temptations and some days I give in but I try to get right back to eating more healthily.
JK

REPLY
bestgrandmaever1955 | @bestgrandmaever1955 | Jun 19, 2017
In reply to @rhepler74 "I was a foodie for the better part of my life, up unil I had Gastric..." + (show)
@rhepler74

I was a foodie for the better part of my life, up unil I had Gastric bypass surgery in 2000, when I was 60. I never had any trouble at all with diets, having spent most of my life going on one; losing the weight, backsliding and gaining back every pound I lost, plus. I even went on the Metafast diet for 16 mos., and lost 200lbs, only to put it all back on, plus I contracted major health problems, to boot. I already had HBP and was diabetic, but these diseases were made much worse; My blood pressure was 210/130 and weighed 366lbs, when I got enough courage to face my doctor again. Meanwhile, on a trip to Paris, my husband, son and sister kept me at such a fast pace, my knees were very painful for weeks after we got home-went to an orthopedic, only to learn that both knees were bone-on-bone. The cure for this, was to lose at least 100 lbs., in preparation for bilateral knee replacement. Looking back on how bad my health had gotten, gives me the shakes, literally. My blood sugar was so high, I think it was 310 after a 3-hr. fast, so121 units of insulin became part of my morning ritual, after testing. It didn't happen overnight, but everything improved not very long after the bypass, and two years after that, I had both knees done the very same day. I recovered very quickly from tha, only to face removal of my thyroid; the sac had very tiny cancer cells in it, but I still had to swallow one nuclear/pill just to make certain no cells had escaped in my body.
I hope my story helps you to take measures that will eventually give you peace and permanent good health! :).

Jump to this post

That is wonderful

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Feb 25, 2020

Hello All:

For those of us dealing with Type II Diabetes and weight control, it seems to be a never-ending struggle, especially around holidays, birthday celebrations, etc. How can we keep our eating habits in check and lose weight even when tempting foods seem to be calling our names?

I recently saw a video presentation about intermittent fasting and I thought you might all find it helpful. Here is a link to this video,

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dieting-mayo-diet-keto-diet-any-suggestions/?pg=3#comment-369655
REPLY
olerose | @olerose | Mar 3, 2020

I was diagnosed with diabetes over a year ago and put on the metformin. I went to a Endocrinologist who specialises in Diabetes. As I was obese also, she told me I could have the gastric bypass surgery or go on a diet. I chose the diet and she scheduled me an appointment with a clinic where they explained a diet called the HMR. I started it last July and have lost over 90 pounds so far. It is a little expensive, but, they teach you new or improved eating habits which include a lot of fruits and vegetables. It is a big learning experience, as they encourage you to eat more of the right foods, more times a day, which means you are generally full and therefore not as tempted to eat the junk food. I have learned when I eat more fruits and vegetables I am fuller and feel better. the goal is to eat at least 5 servings of the a day, which is a lot and works for staying full which makes it easier to stay out of the junk food. I also have started a exercise routine that has become a habit, move everyday. Even if it is a 10 minute walk, just make sure that everyday you do something. Then after a while you just do it everyday. you feel better both mentally and physically.

REPLY
1 reply
olerose | @olerose | Mar 3, 2020
In reply to @mari "what is reason for: I started taking ginger, tumeric, apple cider vinegar, lemon …drank iot hot..." + (show)
@mari

what is reason for: I started taking ginger, tumeric, apple cider vinegar, lemon …drank iot hot every morning for about a month. it seems like a great appetite suppressor, i also took CLA??
and safflower oil…

I have so many friends that have had the surgery,bands and stomach stapling and now they have gained it all back.
If obese people knew the amount of discipline needed AFTER stomach stapling, THEN THEY COULD JUST HAVE WELL HAVE USED THE DISCIPLINE b4 having the bypass.
But, there r a lot of people that r very happy after, and they Stop taking so many Pills.
Have u tried hypnosis for losing weight. Good way to get good, deep sleep also.

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That is why I could never have the bypass. the self control is super hard. with all of the surgeries or diets it is all a mental thing. I found out that I could start changing my eating habits with a structured setting. This made it my choice and something I wanted to do, therefore it has become easy for me to keep my self control. I have reprogrammed my mind and body to think differently about food and what tastes good and is good for me. I also have gotten off of many of my medications, even to the point where I am back down to being prediabetic again instead of a diabetic.

REPLY
lioness | @lioness | Mar 3, 2020

@olerose Congrats to you You have to be strong physically and mentally to do what you did. Proud of you for sticking to it

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dorisena | @dorisena | Mar 3, 2020

On the subject of being strong mentally, I got pretty disgusted with listening to obese diabetic folks at church who though they deserved to eat all they wanted and it was a joke to them. So I left the church and found another one who also puts food out for social hour after church, some it not good for before lunch eating, but they always have a veggie tray and a cheese tray on the table and they don't laugh about gorging themselves on sweets. They admire and respect my choices. making honest friendships. It helps to be in the right environment. I have a support team now. Dorisena

REPLY
1 reply
olerose | @olerose | Mar 3, 2020
In reply to @dorisena "On the subject of being strong mentally, I got pretty disgusted with listening to obese diabetic..." + (show)
@dorisena

On the subject of being strong mentally, I got pretty disgusted with listening to obese diabetic folks at church who though they deserved to eat all they wanted and it was a joke to them. So I left the church and found another one who also puts food out for social hour after church, some it not good for before lunch eating, but they always have a veggie tray and a cheese tray on the table and they don't laugh about gorging themselves on sweets. They admire and respect my choices. making honest friendships. It helps to be in the right environment. I have a support team now. Dorisena

Jump to this post

I to belong to a church where they have a lunch every Sunday. I get a plain salad and some vegetables and leave the rest. People ask me and I am honest with them saying I am on a special diet. I only eat certain foods. Once I started telling people that, then it was easier to say no the next time. After a while it becomes routine and the cravings for the sugars and fats pretty much go away. Then the pounds started coming off also, while my health has improved drastically. I give up on caring how people feel about not eating their junk food etc.

REPLY
dorisena | @dorisena | Mar 3, 2020

I agree with your attitude, but this church often did not have any salad or vegetables at all, however a few people made the effort, which I always responded and thanked them for their efforts. Unfortunately, I have not learned how to quit caring about people, and I had the experience of them being in church on Sunday and dead on Tuesday. It got a little depressing. I put it all behind me now. I like to help people who like to help themselves. Dorisena

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Mar 4, 2020
In reply to @olerose "I was diagnosed with diabetes over a year ago and put on the metformin. I went..." + (show)
@olerose

I was diagnosed with diabetes over a year ago and put on the metformin. I went to a Endocrinologist who specialises in Diabetes. As I was obese also, she told me I could have the gastric bypass surgery or go on a diet. I chose the diet and she scheduled me an appointment with a clinic where they explained a diet called the HMR. I started it last July and have lost over 90 pounds so far. It is a little expensive, but, they teach you new or improved eating habits which include a lot of fruits and vegetables. It is a big learning experience, as they encourage you to eat more of the right foods, more times a day, which means you are generally full and therefore not as tempted to eat the junk food. I have learned when I eat more fruits and vegetables I am fuller and feel better. the goal is to eat at least 5 servings of the a day, which is a lot and works for staying full which makes it easier to stay out of the junk food. I also have started a exercise routine that has become a habit, move everyday. Even if it is a 10 minute walk, just make sure that everyday you do something. Then after a while you just do it everyday. you feel better both mentally and physically.

Jump to this post

@olerose Congratulations on your weight loss. That really is impressive. I too lost a lot of weight prior to having a liver transplant. One of the local hospitals has an obesity clinic that features HMR, and gastric bypass surgery but I opted to do it on my own, using myfitnespal to track what I ate, and exercising. I had a great incentive since I knew if I was not as heavy I would recuperate from my eventual surgery better and I was right -- I had an incredible recovery.
I think many people are really "foodaholics" and cannot control what they eat. It's a shame but sometimes people just cannot control it very much like when an alcoholic has a drink and then can't stop. I think the proper incentive is a huge help. I knew a woman who ignored her diabetes and ended up having parts amputated and eventually shep passed away from it. That too provides an incentive to stay strong and resist. I have been diagnosed as diabetic but my latest A1c scores were 4.8 and 4.6! I am pretty sure that the weight loss "reversed" my diabetes. It did not happen immediately but it has happened.
JK

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