Update on my progress

[SueDonym]

I don't know if links to previous posts are permanent or not, but here is where my previous post is at the moment:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/WeightLoss/messages/2099.html

I had my third appointment today, and I am down 3 more pounds, which is pretty good, after 7 pounds last week (keeping in mind she put me on Lasix for my BP, and that is a water pill).

Now, I COULD lose 3 pounds in a week on my own, however, it usually varies from 1 pound, to 3, to 2 to 1, etc. If I sustain a loss of about 3 pounds per week, I will be convinced that this program is speeding up my weight loss.

I'll keep you updated!

[nakia]

Good job keep up the GOOD work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SueDonym]

It was a very low dose, and it is not uncommon to try a diuretic first, rather than the other drugs. If the diuretic works on it's own, then nothing else is needed.  Many people have to take another kind of med plus a diuretic. In my mom's experience, all the drugs they tried her on caused a lot of side effects. I have had no side effects on Lasix.

from the web:
The first step is usually a prescription for one of five types of medication: a diuretic, a beta blocker, an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, or a calcium channel blocker.

Diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix), chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL), and spironolactone (Aldactone), make it difficult for the kidneys to retain water and salt, which are then filtered out into the urine. Increasing the amount of urine reduces the amount of fluid in the bloodstream, and hence the pressure on artery walls. It's like turning on a second faucet in your house and watching the water pressure drop in the first -- not a subtle mechanism, to be sure, but it works. Because some important chemicals may be washed out along with the water and salt, a doctor may prescribe supplements -- most commonly a potassium supplement -- to go with the diuretic.

[SueDonym]

The doctor I am seeing gives a choice of about 6 diet plans, and we pick the one that fits our lifestyle best.  All of them restrict calories to the range of 1200 to 1500 per day. I chose to do a sort of modified South Beach. I am most familiar with SBD and could make choices without even thinking about it.  I say "modified," because I tend to stay in what I call phase 1 and 1/2. The research I have done says that to keep from losing muscle mass when dieting, it is best to increase protein.  So, while I am not as heavily restricted as on phase one, I am still eating a heavier proportion of lean protein and veggies, and not as much starchy carbs.