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My general health has recently taken an odd twist that has forced me to face up to the issue of my weight. For years I have worked to control my Type 2 Diabetes through medications and consistent attempts at weight loss (calorie counting). I found myself at 358 lbs with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high but medication controlled blood sugar. It was not until my pathology report came back positive for prostate cancer that I found the Atkins solution. You see, at my weight the risks and discomfort for radical prostectomy was so high that the top doctors at John Hopkins and elsewhere referred me to a radiation solution for my prostate cancer. Within radiation, Proton therapy was eliminated as well, simply due to weight. My treatment choices have been greatly reduced because of my risk and comfort factors. Clearly, Prostate cancer intervention alternatives open up as the weight comes down. So here I am working on my health issues by focusing on weight loss.
On Thursday, following the Atkins’ Induction diet, I crossed the magical 300 lbs. mark. I am still on Byetta, Prandin and Metformin. My blood sugar readings have not decreased at all, but my weight has come down substantially. I stay under 20gr per day Carbs, work out regularly and drink plenty of water. Basically, I feel great . . . more energy, sharper thinking and physically more fit. My biggest complaint is that my cloths do not fit anymore. My primary care doctor keeps asking me for blood sugar readings because she wants to systematically eliminate the Prandin, Byetta and Metformin (expecting the readings to drop due to the Atkns diet). Disheartening, the readings are stable in the 130 + area mornings and drop to 115 to 120 area in afternoon and evening (I must be hardcore or something). The good news is that my PSA for the cancer has dropped to .9 (low) so I still have time to lose more weight before I am forced into treatment for the cancer. I contribute the decrease in PSA to fish oil, not the weight loss, but who knows.
My goal is to get below 285 lbs to open most cancer treatment options. I will stay on Induction until I surpass that weight. Yet, now that I feel I can do Induction as a habit, once 285 lbs. is achieved, I may simply move up an Atkins phase so I can continue my weight loss over time. Who knows, maybe I can live a long, vibrant life without carrying around all that weight and the medical baggage that goes with it.
So, there you have it . . . the prefect storm.
I wish each of you success with your Diabetes control and weigh loss goals.
Best wishes,
Gary (age 57)
On Thursday, following the Atkins’ Induction diet, I crossed the magical 300 lbs. mark. I am still on Byetta, Prandin and Metformin. My blood sugar readings have not decreased at all, but my weight has come down substantially. I stay under 20gr per day Carbs, work out regularly and drink plenty of water. Basically, I feel great . . . more energy, sharper thinking and physically more fit. My biggest complaint is that my cloths do not fit anymore. My primary care doctor keeps asking me for blood sugar readings because she wants to systematically eliminate the Prandin, Byetta and Metformin (expecting the readings to drop due to the Atkns diet). Disheartening, the readings are stable in the 130 + area mornings and drop to 115 to 120 area in afternoon and evening (I must be hardcore or something). The good news is that my PSA for the cancer has dropped to .9 (low) so I still have time to lose more weight before I am forced into treatment for the cancer. I contribute the decrease in PSA to fish oil, not the weight loss, but who knows.
My goal is to get below 285 lbs to open most cancer treatment options. I will stay on Induction until I surpass that weight. Yet, now that I feel I can do Induction as a habit, once 285 lbs. is achieved, I may simply move up an Atkins phase so I can continue my weight loss over time. Who knows, maybe I can live a long, vibrant life without carrying around all that weight and the medical baggage that goes with it.
So, there you have it . . . the prefect storm.
I wish each of you success with your Diabetes control and weigh loss goals.
Best wishes,
Gary (age 57)
, and wonderful inspiration. 
It's my firt day today.
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