Dr. Put the fear of God in me

[Hook]

A few months ago, everything was normal. Last week GERD had been acting up, my BP was up to borderline hypertension, the lower number was actually at the point where most docs start to consider medication, but the top number wasn't there. Doc said "LOSE WEIGHT" and most of my issues will resolve themselves.

Long story short - bought a bicycle (great deal at Dick's sporting goods for some prior year model road bikes, so I bought one for the Mrs as well), dug out my weight watchers material from 4 years ago, quit the HOA board of directors (talk about stress), told my wife what's going on.

Turns out I was eating almost twice as much as is recommended on a daily basis. After resigning from the HOA board, it was like a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders . I can still feel the burn in my lungs and my legs after biking every other day.

I've lost 5 1/2 lbs since last Tuesday.

5 1/2 down, 42.5 to go to still be at the maximum amount considered "Normal but Heavy" for my height. I'm not sure that's my goal, though. I do need to set a goal.

[ptt49er]

Hate the doc had to scare ya so bad, but ya must've needed it. My wife is battling the same issues and has found weight watchers to be extremely helpful. She says it's most effective when she goes to group meetings, so she is held accountable to other people.

Best of luck with your life style changes and know we are here for ya!

[RandyJ]

You'll be glad you heeded the Doc's advice. Once the weight comes off the BP should be more in line. The bonus is you'll feel MUCH better and live years longer so you can make lots of sawdust.

Good luck!

[Alan in Little Washington]

Better the doc now, than after a quad bypass.

[Bas]

Greg, congrats for taking the first step! 5 1/2lbs is a great accomplishment, and just think of how all that exercise will make it easier to haul large sheets of plywood

[Travis Porter]

Twice as much and 5.5 lbs in such a short amount of time is phenomenal!!!

I have got to start doing something, but with young kids that want to go with you it is tough. I have thought about getting a cart to pull them behind a bicycle....

[rcorne01]

Originally Posted by Travis Porter

Twice as much and 5.5 lbs in such a short amount of time is phenomenal!!!

I have got to start doing something, but with young kids that want to go with you it is tough. I have thought about getting a cart to pull them behind a bicycle....

You can also put your bike in a lower gear - forcing you to pedal more to keep up with them. Try first gear sometime to see what I am talking about. Not much resistance, but boy do you get the reps!

[mkepke]

Originally Posted by Travis Porter

Twice as much and 5.5 lbs in such a short amount of time is phenomenal!!!

I have got to start doing something, but with young kids that want to go with you it is tough. I have thought about getting a cart to pull them behind a bicycle....

Jogging stroller ? Some of the gyms have childcare..

-Mark, and a member of the do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do club

[Tar Heel]

Way to go Hook. Keep up the good work. Weight watchers is working very well for me and I'm sure with your motivation it will work for you too..

[TBone]

Sorry to hear about the BP but doctors can be a powerful motivator. Good luck on your program

[wtf21]

Greg,

It's great that you made the first step. If you can get into a routine, you will really start to enjoy it and even rely on it. I've always exercised on a fairly regular basis, but recently I met a certain young lady that seems to have as much energy as I do (also the reason I haven't been on here that much lately). She has me running multiple miles per day, among other things. It's really gotten to the point where if I don't go running on a given day, I feel lethargic. I pretty much rely on it now. Hopefully you will reach this point and you will be addicted to something that is good for you too.

Best of luck!

Trent

[jerrye]

I need to get with the program as well, but let me offer one other benefit: loss of weight will help with the GERD also. Keep on top of it because if you don't Barrett's Esophagitis can result, which is not a fun thing to face. I know.

[Hook]

If I don't bike, I don't really want water and I have to force myself to drink it, meaning I drink less water. If I bike, I want water. If I WANT water, I'm finding myself losing the weight. When I DON'T want the water, is when I'm not losing at all (or re-gaining) - go figure. Started the week at 211. As of yesterday morning I was at 212.5. This morning, back to 211 (I biked 3 miles last evening).

Jerry - is that when your stomach lining starts to grow up into your esophagus?

[jerrye]

Originally Posted by Hook

Jerry - is that when your stomach lining starts to grow up into your esophagus?

Yes. According to whose propoganda...er, research you believe, 3-11% of Barretts cases become esophageal cancer. The toughest to treat, and the most painful. No cure for Barretts; only option is upper endoscopy to check every 2 years to make sure it isn't worsening, and biopsy to confirm it hasn't started transitioning to cancer.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/eso...cancer/DS00500

[Hook]

Another 3 lbs as of this morning, down to 208.5. That's 8.5 lbs in 2 weeks. Saw the Doc again yesterday, BP is getting back to normal, ekg is normal, my head is not up my backside (the Doc has proof). Still haven't heard from the specialist to get the upper gi scoped.