Supporting cast member :)

[cydweeks]

Hi. I am the wife of someone who just had a gall bladder attack and had blood sugars that were out of this world. In addition his potassium levels were so low the staff were extremely concerned.
So..here's my situation. I do the cooking and planning. I'd like to get him on Atkins but am having some difficulty as what I am reading for gall bladder tends to contradict the 'normal' Atkins diet, leaving the impression he can't eat anything at all, lol.
To recap, I have to plan a diet for a man, 55 yo, diagnosed now with Type 2 diabetes (which i really believe can eventually be controlled through diet) a Gall Bladder situation that is not flared up now but he's got a bunch of stones, and a very low potassium count.
He's on meds for the blood pressure, potassium additives, suffers from neuropathy of the legs, and of course is on insulin pills.
So...where do I start?
Thank you in advance for all and any assistance. My goal is 25lbs weight loss for him and to get him off of as many meds as I can.
By the way.. I have no problem at all joining him in changing the diet and adding exercise... I used to do the Atkins diet, love all the foods on there.

[poobears1972]

Re: Supporting cast member

I have a gb that was suppose to come out years ago. Any wrong foods and it causes a major flare. So far on Atkins I had a few pains on day 3 and that's been it. Not a single twitch from my GB it's as happy as can be on this way of eating. Dairy is a big trigger of mine so that fits in well here. It will depend on what your DH's triggers are as to how well his gallbladder likes this lifestyle.

They have a diabetic section here that I bet will be really helpful. Be sure to read the threads there and ask lots of questions and he'll need close monitoring from his Dr since it will affect his levels. Is Dh wanting to do this?

[cydweeks]

Re: Supporting cast member

He's wanting to get healthy. He pretty much understands the party's over and I think this last thing knocked him for a loop. To go into the hospital with gall bladder and then be told you have everything pointing to heart failure, and diabetes, well, that kinds puts a jolt through you.
I haven't told him Atkins per se although I have mentioned it. He's a bread kinda guy. Meat and potatoes. So, there will need to be adjustments. I certainly am not going to go over everything with him until I know what the heck I'm talking about.
I spoke with a good friend today who said to make sure I get with a diabetes doctor. The doctor we presently have put him on blood pressure meds w/diuretic and NEVER in the year 1/2 he's on them put him on potassium supplement. Quite frankly, that scares the crap out of me. Now that this has happened, I'm reading and checking up on everything. As far as this doctor montoring everything, well, I just don't see it. He hasn't even spoken with us about the care...left that up to the discharge nurse. That, IMO, sucks wind.

[JulieB]

Re: Supporting cast member

Bananas are often recomended for potassium - but avacadoes are awesome too. Have you read the book? It explains SO much about why & how Atkins works.

Since you are the cook - make sure you check out Linda's recipe site - I am sure that it is the main reason I have been able to stick with this as long as I have - and feel that I can do this WOE for life. I LOVE good food - and so does Linda Here is the link in case you don't have it yet: Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes - Recipes

My husband did Atkins with me - he lost about 40lbs, and is super slim & buff now. I am the one who really needed to do this. I do 99% of the cooking/shopping/planning... I make him the same thing I make myself, but I add potato, rice or wraps for him occasionally, as he no longer needs to lose. I hope this works out for both of you! Best wishes,

[sham]

Re: Supporting cast member

Welcome.All the best.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Supporting cast member

>>Bananas are often recomended for potassium>>

I think that's because people will eat them. They're no where near as potassium rich as people think.

Avocados are much better.

Now... about changing how your husband eats. He has to be on board with this change. If he's not, and he goes and eats any which way he wants when you're not around, that's dangerous, too. Mixing high fat and high carb ... that's a recipe for disaster.

Atkins may or may not make his gall bladder worse.

While Atkins is a high fat way of eating, you can do a "lower" fat version by using fish, poultry, lean meats, and low fat cheese (in moderation) and lots of vegetables. Avoid creamy salad dressing; instead use olive oil and vinegar or a mustard based dressing. Eat nuts only in moderation. Don't fry foods, and use lean cuts of meat. Stay away from processed meats such as bacon and sausage. Supplementing with unsweetened, smooth textured, orange-flavored Metamucil or Benefiber daily will help bulk your stools. Take 1 tablespoon in a full glass of water and drink immediately.

[poobears1972]

Re: Supporting cast member

Many people don't need potassium supplements while on bp diuretics. I couldn't take them because they cause extreme swelling which is what I was trying to get rid of. Instead they said to drink orange juice in the mornings. Turned out my levels stayed fine with no OJ or potassium. Dr. told me it's a just an individual thing, some people have big drops in their levels and need help keeping them up, others don't. Did they Dr. ever do a follow up on his levels after putting him on the BP meds?

[cydweeks]

Re: Supporting cast member

No, he didn't..then again, I don't know if it's just that my husband didn't go, but I think I would have seen the slip somewhere if it was ordered. He did go before the start of everything and his blood sugars weren't screwed up nor was his potassium. Both were found to be in very dangerous territory when in the hospital.
I've ordered the Atkins diabetes book...that is the area I'm most concerned with and we'll go from there.
The hubby is looking to be as pill free as possible and I believe will do whatever that takes.
I've ordered leg massaging pumps for his legs for the neuropathy 'pain', which he explains isn't exactly pain, so he doesn't have to take the night time pill the doc gave him. If we can get his diet straightened out and eventually get him off the potassium supplement and the bp meds (which I'm not so sure we can do) and especially the insulin pills we'll be in heaven.
I'll keep everyone up to date as we go and thank you so very much for all of the assistance!

[imagood1]

Re: Supporting cast member

Good luck to both of you