<<SNIP>>

Thanks all for the kind words and Chris... I especially appreciate the
sentiment. However the nic came from a very esoteric source that would be
kind of hard to explain and from some people I respect.... so I feel
obligated to keep it. Someday I might explain.  ;-))

Peter G.

Thanks for your support and I don't fault you for your suggestion at all.
The nic actually was given me by some people I respect quite a bit. The
occasion was one where I was being recognized for long term service to a
historical re-creation group I'm in. The symbol for the award is a pelican
in it's piety. After the ceremony someone made the comment I was probably
the biggest "bird" in the society. I was then challenged to adopt the
"Bigbird" as my personal badge. I've done so as I see it as a mark of
respect and believe in that context, so do others. So........ I think I'll
keep it. <G>

Peter G.
Bigbird

Way to go, Peter G!

Peter J.

Hi Chris,

To preface, it's never been about weight. I don't even own a scale. I
focused on finding a lifestyle I could live with as a T2. I was reasonably
sure the weight would come down as a byproduct. ;-))

This last period was about 180 days so that's just over 1 lb. a week. Before
then I was targeting 5-8 lbs. a month. However, the doc was convinced that
the side effects I attributed to Lovastatin were actually caused be the
weight loss. So I started eating more (mostly veggies) to slow the loss
rate. It baffles me how weight loss can aggravate tinnitus...... (sigh)

I started at dx May 2004 by deciding that low/reduced carb was what I was
going to try. My starting goal was 50-60g carb and >1200 calories a day. I
ate a lot of protein in the beginning. Slowly I experimented with various
veggies, continuously adding proven (by testing) low-impact things like
greenbeans, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage.... you know the list.

While on the Lovastatin I basically ignored watching fats. That's now being
changed. I'm now trying to control lipids with diet and supplements. So I've
shifted to low fat cottage cheese and yogurt, drastically reduced sausage
meat, and trim fat from meats before cooking.

So essentially, I eliminated baked goods, pasta, white potato, white rice,
all convenience foods and fast food and went to basic unprocessed foods.
Nothing fancy here. I am a reasonably good cook and experiment with spices a
lot to keep things interesting. Currently I'm trying for around 85-100g
carbs and >1500 calories per day.

Exercise has been too challenging up till now but that's slowly changing.
I've been very active most of my life and look foreword to doing some of the
things I used to like off-road motorcycling, bicycling and swimming.

There you have it. I figure I still have another 175 lbs to go so will just
keep at it till I get there. For now I find I don't feel too deprived. There
are a few things I miss and will probably allow my self an occasional treat
once and a while. I recently figured out that I could probably tolerate a
taco salad if I forego the tortilla bowl..... and will.

Cheers,
Peter G.

Hi Chris M,

Sounds to me like you're doing fine. If there's one thing I've learned it's
that you have to be comfortable with yourself above all else. Everything
else flows from that. What you can do is work out building some muscle mass.
I believe your wife might find that to her liking.

Peter G.

Hi Wendy,

Thanks for the positive feedback, it does help much more that one would
think.  I did look into bariatric surgery, the VA even asked if I was
interested. I rejected it for two reasons. The risk was much too high for
me, I'm *not* a good gambler, knowingly. Also it didn't make sense to attack
the symptom instead of the root cause. It didn't sound like something I
could live with and not regret it the rest of my life.

Thanks for your kind words,
Peter G.