Finally on new ground!

[Rhyme'n Reason]

Well, I really thought that I would never get here. I began PP in 2002 at 421 pounds. I had very good weight loss for the first ten months, down to about 360. Over the next year, I struggled, but continued to lose and hit a bottom weight of 339. During that time, my blood pressure improved dramatically, allowing me to go from two different BP meds plus a diuretic down to just the diuretic. I'm not sure exactly what happened. I just slowly began to get sloppy in my eating and eventually started gaining again. I kept meaning to get back on track, but it seemed hopeless.

This past summer, I had put myself in almost the same place. I think I was roughly up to about 410 pounds, back on one BP med and a diuretic, with my doctor threatening to add yet another BP med because it had crept up to around 150/90. My husband gently said that he knew I needed to do something and that he would do whatever he could to help me get going again. I was very skeptical about trying it again, but because I was afraid of my blood pressure situation and terrified that I would go down my brother's road to Type II diabetes, I re-started PP. I actually began before I went back to my weight loss doc and lost about ten pounds before my official start weight of 398.

Today I have finally broken new ground in my weight loss--337. I also hit a new low in BP--109/71. The doctor thinks I'll be back to just a diuretic within a month or so, and I hope to be able to get off that too in time.

A big part of my progress is due to the help available here. For all of you out there who, like me, have a mountain of weight to move, I believe it's absolutely possible. The encouragement of those on the board who have stuck with it and have had amazing success themselves is invaluable.

[Mitra]

Well done, Ruth :cool:. Enjoy your success: you've earned it.

[gitfiddle]

Congratulations on your milestone, Ruth! A breakthrough like that gives you heart to continue the journey, doesn't it? You can do it---you are doing it! :nod:

[Missy]

AWSOME RUTH!!!!!! :D I'm SO SO PROUD of you!!!! and I, and you know I can say this...I KNOW where your coming from!!!!! YOU KEEP on goin' girl! :D:thumbsup:

[Ammy]

Way to go RUTH!!!

Congrats on your new LOW BP and the sustained weight loss!!!!

[Tresses]

Ruth, excellent job! You should be very proud of yourself for not giving up, and for achieving what you have with your weight loss and improved blood pressure. God bless your hubby, too, for his "I'll do whatever it takes" attitude to help you.

Congratulations! :D

[maxlharris]

It's a Big Black Horse and a Cherry Tree!

Woo Hoo! Woo Hoo!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6989780587571054207

[Rhyme'n Reason]

Thanks, everyone! Max, I got the woo-hoo's in the song, but I'm not too sure about the rest!

And Tresses, yes--I think my husband's wonderful. :o

[Mal Lady]

Wow Ruth, that is fabulous!!! I bet you are feeling a lot better since taking off the weight too!!! I wish you continued success! You CAN do it!!!:cool: One day at a time!!!

Sharon

[Rhyme'n Reason]

You know, Sharon, it's amazing the difference those 60-70 pounds makes. I know it sounds ridiculous, since I'm still so far overweight, but I don't feel as heavy as I am. I'm always kind of surprised when I catch myself in the mirror and realize how far I still have to go. I just think that's because it's so much better than it used to be. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Karole]

Ruth, so glad for you !! The bp med reduction is key !! I'm so happy you came here to share this with us. It is inspiring.

[TejanaCJ]

My best to you. Getting the head straight on what to do is the first step to a new life (so I tell myself, too). When learning to dive at camp, I was told where the head goes, the body will follow...a good lesson that I have had to keep learning over and over, again.

I started, AGAIN, just 5 pounds shy of your 421 at 416 this February 11th, and am now down to 377 today. I am off all BP meds and had a 99/54 pressure this morning on my wrist cuff, which has been tested at the doctor's office and just a couple of points off the cuff. My gouty toe is calm, my phlebitis is healing (the huge venous lump behind my knee is down by about 80%), I am even getting up from computer (I work at home) and cooking.

Congratulations on your start. I hope to see you, and me!, get to our best healthy weight. Nothing has worked for me but protein, fat, and fresh vegetables. Nothing, zilch, nada. Hope it does the same for you.

[Missy]

Congratulations Tejana!! Glad you posted! :D You should post more often. (If you feel like it that is!) :o:D

[gitfiddle]

I started, AGAIN, just 5 pounds shy of your 421 at 416 this February 11th, and am now down to 377 today. I am off all BP meds and had a 99/54 pressure this morning on my wrist cuff, which has been tested at the doctor's office and just a couple of points off the cuff. My gouty toe is calm, my phlebitis is healing (the huge venous lump behind my knee is down by about 80%), I am even getting up from computer (I work at home) and cooking.

Tejana, thanks for the intro and best of luck with your journey. I love your kitty avatar! ;)

[Rhyme'n Reason]

Thanks for posting, Tejana! And congratulations on a great start! Isn't it amazing how quickly you can feel so much better...and more activity along with better eating can only lead to good things. :)

Keep up the good work!

[Mal Lady]

Tejana,

That is a truly great start!!!!!!!!!!! It's wonderful that you took the time to let us in on your success. It is so encouraging to all of us to hear such good success stories. Very inspiring and keeps us all from feeling so unispired and feel like "giving up". We hope to hear more from you. It would be nice to hear more about your story. Maybe a journal???? If not, it was very good that you stepped forward to let us know about your journey. We truly do hope to hear more from you.

Take care and best wishes.

Sharon

[Parisienne]

So sorry to be late with congratulations but I've just read your post:o!

Way to go Ruth and Tejana, I am truly glad for both of you!

[Rhyme'n Reason]

Thanks, Adina. I haven't seen Tejana since the last post here, so I've been wondering how it's going.