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Is this OT? Weight loss and (my) MS
I hope this post doesn't make anyone mad at me. I'm just so happy right now that I have to share.
Up until September, I weighed nearly 280lbs. It's embarrassing to admit, but still true. In September I had gastric bypass surgery. The purpose was not to "look better", but to make it so that someone could transfer me from one place to another, as my disease continued to progress. I had tried numerous other weight loss solutions in the past, but nothing really worked for me. This has, I've lost over 80lbs so far. I still wouldn't recommend this route, unless there were truly no other options. It's dangerous. My husband and I had long discussions about this, because there was a possibility that I wouldn't wake up again - or that serious complications would arise.
That said, I have to say that there have been other - wonderful- effects.
I hoped that I'd get some benefit other than just weight loss, and I have. Although I'm still wearing a leg brace, I CAN WALK! I can't go for long distances- but I can push my own cart at the grocery store (no more motorized carts! YAY!) And for short distances, I can even walk without my cane!
I know it doesn't sound like much, but after several years struggling to move at all... I used to use forearm crutches, and later an electric wheelchair. To be able to move under my own power at all is exhilarating!
MS of course is an unpredictable disease. I have no idea what is around the corner, but I'm happy right now. I haven't actually regained any function- but weight loss has certainly helped me to use what I still have.
Today, I'm going to a local gym (with some supervised help) to see if I can use the treadmill, or any of the weight machines. Wish me luck?!
Tammy
Up until September, I weighed nearly 280lbs. It's embarrassing to admit, but still true. In September I had gastric bypass surgery. The purpose was not to "look better", but to make it so that someone could transfer me from one place to another, as my disease continued to progress. I had tried numerous other weight loss solutions in the past, but nothing really worked for me. This has, I've lost over 80lbs so far. I still wouldn't recommend this route, unless there were truly no other options. It's dangerous. My husband and I had long discussions about this, because there was a possibility that I wouldn't wake up again - or that serious complications would arise.
That said, I have to say that there have been other - wonderful- effects.
I hoped that I'd get some benefit other than just weight loss, and I have. Although I'm still wearing a leg brace, I CAN WALK! I can't go for long distances- but I can push my own cart at the grocery store (no more motorized carts! YAY!) And for short distances, I can even walk without my cane!
I know it doesn't sound like much, but after several years struggling to move at all... I used to use forearm crutches, and later an electric wheelchair. To be able to move under my own power at all is exhilarating!
MS of course is an unpredictable disease. I have no idea what is around the corner, but I'm happy right now. I haven't actually regained any function- but weight loss has certainly helped me to use what I still have.
Today, I'm going to a local gym (with some supervised help) to see if I can use the treadmill, or any of the weight machines. Wish me luck?!
Tammy
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
To weeblzwobblz: I'm proud of you too. You'll be amazed how much it will help.
(((Hugs,)))
Tammy
To weeblzwobblz: I'm proud of you too. You'll be amazed how much it will help.
(((Hugs,)))
Tammy
I'm proud of you for your weight loss and I'm proud of the benefits you are experiencing.
I am at 300 lbs. and have begun to eat healthy so I can lose weight. I feel like my MS is progressing and if it is, then my Husband will be able to help me more if I weigh less. I also have Diabetes 2 and need to take care of my body because of that
I'm proud of you!!!!!
I am at 300 lbs. and have begun to eat healthy so I can lose weight. I feel like my MS is progressing and if it is, then my Husband will be able to help me more if I weigh less. I also have Diabetes 2 and need to take care of my body because of that
I'm proud of you!!!!!
Congratulations, Tammy! Keep fighting the good fight! You got this :)
Way to go!
Lizzie
Way to go!
Lizzie
You are all so awesome!!! As I was reading through your encouragement and kind words, I was tearing up...
I did kind of overdo it on the treadmill, but I stayed on for 30min! (I couldn't walk afterwards for about another 30 min, lol!) But I'm just thrilled that I was able to do it. (I think I'll go for 20 min next time though- I made the club manager a little nervous.-- Plus, I'll have some energy left for other kinds of exercise.)
I sincerely wish I could hug you all!
Tammy
I did kind of overdo it on the treadmill, but I stayed on for 30min! (I couldn't walk afterwards for about another 30 min, lol!) But I'm just thrilled that I was able to do it. (I think I'll go for 20 min next time though- I made the club manager a little nervous.-- Plus, I'll have some energy left for other kinds of exercise.)
I sincerely wish I could hug you all!
Tammy
Sometimes drastic situations take dramatic actions to make a change and I imagine your concern is what people think of bypass surgery. I know several people who have had this procedure when so many other things failed for them, and it is always life altering. Losing that 80 pounds is a huge deal and I am so happy for you. Good for you to be adding in the appropriate exercise to get on top of the strengthening that you can do to continue the progress on improved health. I hope the gym workout went well. hugs, L
I can't imagine anyone being mad at you!
To the contrary, that's awesome! You and your hubby made an educated, well thought out decision that you felt was right for YOU..Way to go!
I hope things continue to positively progress for you...
Regards,
C
To the contrary, that's awesome! You and your hubby made an educated, well thought out decision that you felt was right for YOU..Way to go!
I hope things continue to positively progress for you...
Regards,
C
That is terrific news. Well done!
You can only feel better on the inside & out for losing 80lbs. You must feel very proud of yourself & so you should. I hope you enjoy the gym sessions & take it nice and slowly.
Hugs,
Karry.
You can only feel better on the inside & out for losing 80lbs. You must feel very proud of yourself & so you should. I hope you enjoy the gym sessions & take it nice and slowly.
Hugs,
Karry.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Whooo hooooo you go girl!
Now remember not to toast your self at the gym............don't get too excited with your new mobility and over cook your self, go slow but go for it!
I seriously have a new respect for stretching and strengthening exercises, my MIL is in her mid 80's and had her hip replaced late last year, she'd been attending a senior's exercise program (lol she's one of the youngest there) trying to hang on to her mobility etc. Her recovery has been miles ahead of other patients much younger than her, and her specialist is convinced those gentle stretching and strengthening exercises is the key to her faster recovery.
Moto of the story.............stretch and strengthen your wobbly bits lol
Well done YOU!
Hugs...........JJ
Now remember not to toast your self at the gym............don't get too excited with your new mobility and over cook your self, go slow but go for it!
I seriously have a new respect for stretching and strengthening exercises, my MIL is in her mid 80's and had her hip replaced late last year, she'd been attending a senior's exercise program (lol she's one of the youngest there) trying to hang on to her mobility etc. Her recovery has been miles ahead of other patients much younger than her, and her specialist is convinced those gentle stretching and strengthening exercises is the key to her faster recovery.
Moto of the story.............stretch and strengthen your wobbly bits lol
Well done YOU!
Hugs...........JJ
That is so wonderful Good for you.
I weighted 200 pounds when they started looking for MS. I went on a diet and started exercising for two reasons. One was I felt like MS was out of my control but diet and exercise was something I could control. It gave me power.
The second reason was I wanted to be as healthy as possible and to avoid other health problems besides MS.
I started cutting foods out very slowly. It made it easier. It was really changing my lifestyle not just dieting. I started walking in the mall. I also tried other exercises. Swimming and yoga. I finally started horse back riding and really liked it.
I gave up processed food and started going to farmer's markets and doing the perimeter of the grocery store. Now I do not even enjoy fast food and I used to love it. Now I hardly eat out at all.
My husband already ate well and is a bicyclist. He rides 100 miles at a time.
Now my doctors say I am really healthy except MS and Cancer.
Alex
I weighted 200 pounds when they started looking for MS. I went on a diet and started exercising for two reasons. One was I felt like MS was out of my control but diet and exercise was something I could control. It gave me power.
The second reason was I wanted to be as healthy as possible and to avoid other health problems besides MS.
I started cutting foods out very slowly. It made it easier. It was really changing my lifestyle not just dieting. I started walking in the mall. I also tried other exercises. Swimming and yoga. I finally started horse back riding and really liked it.
I gave up processed food and started going to farmer's markets and doing the perimeter of the grocery store. Now I do not even enjoy fast food and I used to love it. Now I hardly eat out at all.
My husband already ate well and is a bicyclist. He rides 100 miles at a time.
Now my doctors say I am really healthy except MS and Cancer.
Alex
AWESOME!
You should feel free to brag about an 80 LB weigh loss, however it was achieved :-)
When I was dx'd I was 40 pounds heavier than I am now. Not knowing what MS had in store for me, I figured I better get ready for the fight! So I started exercising and cleaned up my diet.
I'm not sure if this has helped keep my MS at bay (I suspect it has), but I just feel soooo much better in general. I'm glad you do too Tammy :-)
Kyle
You should feel free to brag about an 80 LB weigh loss, however it was achieved :-)
When I was dx'd I was 40 pounds heavier than I am now. Not knowing what MS had in store for me, I figured I better get ready for the fight! So I started exercising and cleaned up my diet.
I'm not sure if this has helped keep my MS at bay (I suspect it has), but I just feel soooo much better in general. I'm glad you do too Tammy :-)
Kyle
Tammy, I'd say this is totally ON topic!! You're being proactive with your disease, and your overall health. That you're taking advantage of the days you can walk is huge! Congratulations, and keep up the good work!
Rock on! And thanks for the inspiration. 'Doesn't sound like much...' - lady this sounds like a very big deal! I know that it's not a short journey and surgery can be a scary thing, but you are well on your way now.
This is fantastic and an investment in all aspects of you health and your life. Far from being mad at you, I'd love to hear about your triumphs as they happen, big or small (at your discretion, of course!). Point is, it's pretty much the opposite of something I'd begrudge someone speaking about on the forum.
All the luck, joy, and stubborn-stick-to-itiveness in the world, ma'am!
This is fantastic and an investment in all aspects of you health and your life. Far from being mad at you, I'd love to hear about your triumphs as they happen, big or small (at your discretion, of course!). Point is, it's pretty much the opposite of something I'd begrudge someone speaking about on the forum.
All the luck, joy, and stubborn-stick-to-itiveness in the world, ma'am!
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