189lb lost , 20 months. had open heart surgery and lost T2 diabetes. Some pics included
zezelryck
Posts: 251 Member
This is a bit of an update on a previous post including a couple of new pictures.
Previous post:
About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with congenital heart failure and was told I needed open heart surgery to replace my right ventricle valve and to repair my triscupid valve. At the same time I was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea. This was on top of the arthritis and gout that I was constantly suffering from. At the point of discharge from hospital after a 29 night stay I weighed 19st7lb (273lb) and was told that I needed open heart surgery but they would not even consider doing it until I had got my weight down to a maximum of 15st (210lb). For the next 2-3 years I completely ignored everybody's advice including the heart consultant. By this time I had ballooned to 23st7lb (329lb); on one of my regular visits to the cardiac ward my consultant came straight to the point and told me I would be dead within 5 years and I had to make a choice. I have to admit it felt like a challenge and I still ignored him for a while. During this time I was getting constant gout attacks and if it wasn't gout it was arthritis; one morning I woke up and thought to myself "I can't do this any more" and made a decision that day to change.
15 months later after beating the diabetes (now gone) and the sleep apnoea (I no longer sleep with a papa machine) the gout has totally stopped bothering me, in fact this was the first major health milestone for me. More importantly for myself I had my open heart surgery done 13 weeks ago and now have a new heart valve. I weighed 12st7lb (175lb). I have today finished a physiotherapy course at the QE hospital in Birmingham cardiac rehabilitation suite.
I have no wise words of wisdom for you, we all have our own paths, it does seem to me though if I can do it with all of the problems I have faced then I think most of you probably can do it. :-)
A few photographs of my progress
Probably at my worst weight. I'm not really sure as I refused to weigh myself around this time. If I didn't know my weight then it didn't matter
70lb lighter:
Getting the hang of this weight loss thing. 140lb lost
This was a fun day as I recall, probably 3 days after having my heart surgery, the smile may have been the effect of the morphine ;-)
Almost there: I weight 154lb here:
Today March 11th 2015. Weighing 140lb :-)
One other thing to mention. When I was ill I was on many medications. Metformin, Spironolactone, Bumetinide, Ramipril, Gliclazide, Pravastatin, Colchisine and a few others I cant remember the names of. Today I am absolutely free of any medication other than an advised 75mg daily Aspirin and my multivits. Life is looking positive for me. Time to go in to maintenance and I am under no illusion that this could be even harder than any challenge I have faced, but I think I am up to it. I'm always looking for new inspirational friends who log daily and are committed to a healthier lifestyle. If you fit the bill send me a FR with a message. :-)
Previous post:
About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with congenital heart failure and was told I needed open heart surgery to replace my right ventricle valve and to repair my triscupid valve. At the same time I was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea. This was on top of the arthritis and gout that I was constantly suffering from. At the point of discharge from hospital after a 29 night stay I weighed 19st7lb (273lb) and was told that I needed open heart surgery but they would not even consider doing it until I had got my weight down to a maximum of 15st (210lb). For the next 2-3 years I completely ignored everybody's advice including the heart consultant. By this time I had ballooned to 23st7lb (329lb); on one of my regular visits to the cardiac ward my consultant came straight to the point and told me I would be dead within 5 years and I had to make a choice. I have to admit it felt like a challenge and I still ignored him for a while. During this time I was getting constant gout attacks and if it wasn't gout it was arthritis; one morning I woke up and thought to myself "I can't do this any more" and made a decision that day to change.
15 months later after beating the diabetes (now gone) and the sleep apnoea (I no longer sleep with a papa machine) the gout has totally stopped bothering me, in fact this was the first major health milestone for me. More importantly for myself I had my open heart surgery done 13 weeks ago and now have a new heart valve. I weighed 12st7lb (175lb). I have today finished a physiotherapy course at the QE hospital in Birmingham cardiac rehabilitation suite.
I have no wise words of wisdom for you, we all have our own paths, it does seem to me though if I can do it with all of the problems I have faced then I think most of you probably can do it. :-)
A few photographs of my progress
Probably at my worst weight. I'm not really sure as I refused to weigh myself around this time. If I didn't know my weight then it didn't matter
70lb lighter:
Getting the hang of this weight loss thing. 140lb lost
This was a fun day as I recall, probably 3 days after having my heart surgery, the smile may have been the effect of the morphine ;-)
Almost there: I weight 154lb here:
Today March 11th 2015. Weighing 140lb :-)
One other thing to mention. When I was ill I was on many medications. Metformin, Spironolactone, Bumetinide, Ramipril, Gliclazide, Pravastatin, Colchisine and a few others I cant remember the names of. Today I am absolutely free of any medication other than an advised 75mg daily Aspirin and my multivits. Life is looking positive for me. Time to go in to maintenance and I am under no illusion that this could be even harder than any challenge I have faced, but I think I am up to it. I'm always looking for new inspirational friends who log daily and are committed to a healthier lifestyle. If you fit the bill send me a FR with a message. :-)
14
Replies
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Wow!! Great job! Glad you finally listened to the good advice and reclaim your life!1
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Fantastic transformation!!2
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Good for you! This is so inspiring!1
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You have done a fantastic job! The transformation is incredible!1
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What an inspirational story! You have done spectacular my friend, it is so nice to hear you are fit and healthy and off medication! BOOYEAH!!1
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This made me so happy!!! Your commitment to yourself really paid off, cheers to a whole new life
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Amazing work! Very inspiring. Your arms are looking great by the way.
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Congratulations! :flowerforyou:1
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Your story is wonderful. Your transformation is amazing! The last picture you look like a personal trainer.1
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Damn!! That is incredible! Congratulations to you for taking control of your health ~ you are awesome! (*) you've got to feel good being free of all those medications ~ you look healthy and fit, very inspirational to us all!
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Just, Wow! Amazing!!! Your commitment is inspiring!1
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Wow! You look like a completely different person! Congrats on the phenomenal weight loss!1
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You are incredible!!! Way to go, you look like you feel amazing and you look great too!!1
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You look amazing! Kudos to you 1
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Amazing! Congratulations!1
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Well you put the fear of open heart surgery in me. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing success and courage. You look amazing, yes because of the weight loss but also because you look very happy. Great to see.1
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Awesome!2
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What a story- you look fit & fab!!! Thanks for sharing-the best part of your story is that you have beat your health issues!!! 1
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Wow - well done! Congratulations!1
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So inspiring! Thanks for sharing!1
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Incredible transformation. Thanks for posting!1
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Congratulation! Very inspiring! I agree you can do anything if you want it bad enough!1
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Congratulations! What an amazing story and transformation. I hope this inspires others to do the same.
1 -
Congratulations, you look amazing!!!!!!! So inspirational!1
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YOU are the true meaning of INSPIRATION at its finest! WOW!1
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A truly inspiring story. You look wonderful. Now live your life to the fullest 1
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You are FABULOUS!!! I am so impressed. I can't think of adequate words!1
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Fantastic!!1
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Wow you are an inspiration to me. Your story sounds like mine. I have heart disease and had a 50% chance to live 4 more years in 2012. Then in 2014, I went into the hospital and they took 20 lbs off me in a week then I went home and lost 80 more lbs. I kicked my c-pap too and had an episode of gout when I ate too much sodium and triggering proteins over New Years. Now I just watch what I eat. I weighed 342 lbs on Sept 8, 2014 when I went into the hospital. When I came out I was monitored for a while afterward by the heart nutritionists. I am a patient at the Cleveland Clinic. Now I weigh 240 lbs (5'8" tall) and my goal is 165 lbs. I have also dropped many medications Lisinopril and Spironolactone are completely gone. My Tikoson was replaced with a less expensive afib med. My Carvedilol is at the lowest level available. My Lasix is half what it was. I don't have any valvular disease but my heart was bad enough to be considered disabled. I feel a lot better. I am at the point of beginning exercise again, mostly my recumbent exercise bike a little walking at stores etc. If you visit my profile you can see more of my story and my diary is open. If you don't mind I will send a friend request.2
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Wow, what a great story- thanks for sharing. You look so much happier now. Awsome work.1
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