One year, 50 pounds (w/ pictures and a question)

arewethereyet

David,

I am not a doctor but have an educated enough guess regarding many of your symptoms. My father suffered from indigestion, headaches, poor sleep, fatigue and was easily agitated. Breathing issues were on and off, but overall he simply felt crap a great deal of the time. At the age of 87 he was rushed to a prestigious hospital with a mysterious shutdown of his intestines and it still took my suggesting they check for Celiac Disease - the surgeon literally rolled his eyes at my insistence of a blood test. Long story short, my dad is a Celiac and was undiagnosed for decades, but ALL of his symptoms vanished once he set out on a gluten free diet. The doctor said that being of Western Irish descent heavily predisposes one to carrying the two Celiac Disease genes and that it was a shame he was undiagnosed for almost his entire life.

Trust me, if it is gluten that leaves you feeling generally unwell taking gluten out of your diet for a week will lead to very obvious positive changes. As a child of a Celiac I was tested and told I am only gluten intolerant - meaning gluten won't cause permanent damage to my health, but it certainly makes me feel rough overall. I get a raspy asthma like thing in my lungs, chronic insomnia and migraines if I overdo gluten on any given day. When I am strict in removing gluten I feel a decade younger and actually manage to sleep before the sun comes up - gluten brings on wicked all night sleeplessness!

Oh lastly, my father did suffer from shakiness and erratic blood sugar before being diagnosed - I can remember him holding on to a railing once and thinking it was low blood sugar, but all these things went away within days of dropping gluten. The thing is all the doctors he had seen over the many decades wrote the many symptoms off as stress related or simply part of the aging process. Do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes researching your symptoms online as American doctors are so behind the rest of the world when it comes to understanding how gluten can significantly rock the health of their patients.

I hope you don't misconstrue my lengthy post as being pushy - it is just you mentioned so many of my father's symptoms that I felt the need to share. Congrats on the weight loss and best of luck to you.

I wish I read this 5 years ago:flowerforyou:

Removing wheat from my diet (all gluten products) most of the above symptoms went away, my migraines became 1x a week than 9-10 a week, and in addition my arthritis in thumb joints and feet all but disappeared. Gone! Wow.

So the info you put out there is important to someone

audrast

Some preliminary research is pulling up results about obesity-linked inflammatory response. But this is something to talk to a physician about. I might be able to do research online but nobody knows your body better than you and your physician. At your next appointment, make a list of questions about you symptoms and ask if some testing for allergies and/or deficiencies is indicated. There is no harm in asking, and a good practitioner will take your concerns seriously.

davidoneil13

David,

I am not a doctor but have an educated enough guess regarding many of your symptoms. My father suffered from indigestion, headaches, poor sleep, fatigue and was easily agitated. Breathing issues were on and off, but overall he simply felt crap a great deal of the time. At the age of 87 he was rushed to a prestigious hospital with a mysterious shutdown of his intestines and it still took my suggesting they check for Celiac Disease - the surgeon literally rolled his eyes at my insistence of a blood test. Long story short, my dad is a Celiac and was undiagnosed for decades, but ALL of his symptoms vanished once he set out on a gluten free diet. The doctor said that being of Western Irish descent heavily predisposes one to carrying the two Celiac Disease genes and that it was a shame he was undiagnosed for almost his entire life.

Trust me, if it is gluten that leaves you feeling generally unwell taking gluten out of your diet for a week will lead to very obvious positive changes. As a child of a Celiac I was tested and told I am only gluten intolerant - meaning gluten won't cause permanent damage to my health, but it certainly makes me feel rough overall. I get a raspy asthma like thing in my lungs, chronic insomnia and migraines if I overdo gluten on any given day. When I am strict in removing gluten I feel a decade younger and actually manage to sleep before the sun comes up - gluten brings on wicked all night sleeplessness!

Oh lastly, my father did suffer from shakiness and erratic blood sugar before being diagnosed - I can remember him holding on to a railing once and thinking it was low blood sugar, but all these things went away within days of dropping gluten. The thing is all the doctors he had seen over the many decades wrote the many symptoms off as stress related or simply part of the aging process. Do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes researching your symptoms online as American doctors are so behind the rest of the world when it comes to understanding how gluten can significantly rock the health of their patients.

I hope you don't misconstrue my lengthy post as being pushy - it is just you mentioned so many of my father's symptoms that I felt the need to share. Congrats on the weight loss and best of luck to you.

I wish I read this 5 years ago:flowerforyou:

Removing wheat from my diet (all gluten products) most of the above symptoms went away, my migraines became 1x a week than 9-10 a week, and in addition my arthritis in thumb joints and feet all but disappeared. Gone! Wow.

So the info you put out there is important to someone

For what it's worth, I can see the value of avoiding wheat even for people who don't have celiac, because white flour products are so calorie dense and nutritionally empty. Of course, many people are also legitimately sensitive, and for them there is all the more reason!

davidoneil13

Some preliminary research is pulling up results about obesity-linked inflammatory response. But this is something to talk to a physician about. I might be able to do research online but nobody knows your body better than you and your physician. At your next appointment, make a list of questions about you symptoms and ask if some testing for allergies and/or deficiencies is indicated. There is no harm in asking, and a good practitioner will take your concerns seriously.

Thanks again for your thoughts. I've read that these obesity-related conditions are often related to the "invisible" visceral fat rather than the adipose tissue that is so easy to see. I may have been a case of thin-on-the-outside/fat-on-the-inside, who then just became fat. Now that I'm thin again it may just require a little bit more body recomposition to eliminate the last of the hidden fat. I think I'll try a doctor again if I haven't sorted it out on my own in another half-year or so.

Unknown

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pita7317

I tried REALLY hard not to respond to this post due to negative/arguments/statements.
But I must.
Get gluten out of your diet. I did 95%, 5 years ago. HUGE difference.
Lost weight, feel so much better !
I lost only like 10 lbs after cutting WAY back on gluten but that in itself gave me the incentive to keep going on the weight loss train.
Do it. Try it. At least for 2-3 weeks. You WILL feel better.

davidoneil13

One last thought - when my Dad was in the hospital he was literally dying according to the medical staff and they ran tests on organ function but failed to check his vitamin D. When I insisted his regular physician do so it was at 7 and his doctor said something about his very low level being responsible for his inability to stay asleep. This vitamin can cause weight gain and difficulty in getting the new weight off, even with diet and exercise. If you have not had your D checked lately and wish to skip the doctor, simply get a finger prick test from the Vitamin D Council via the post.

Oh, and to arewethereyet, the migraines I used to blame on moderate Guinness consumption back in the nineties felt the same as the migraines I get today with a slice of whole wheat pizza!

You know, I did have a vitamin D test once and I was low. I supplemented for a while, but didn't notice anything dramatic--but I should probably keep with it considering it's so cheap.

I wonder if many of these symptoms and markers cluster together because of some central metabolic issue. That is, maybe low vitamin D is a marker for an underlying problem, and supplementation will help the deficiency but not solve that problem.

It sounds like a lot of people have had to struggle through health problems like mine, and that there are lot of possibilities. These comments have given me a lot to think about.

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davidoneil13

I tried REALLY hard not to respond to this post due to negative/arguments/statements.
But I must.
Get gluten out of your diet. I did 95%, 5 years ago. HUGE difference.
Lost weight, feel so much better !
I lost only like 10 lbs after cutting WAY back on gluten but that in itself gave me the incentive to keep going on the weight loss train.
Do it. Try it. At least for 2-3 weeks. You WILL feel better.

I certainly don't want any arguments! I appreciate your comment. I tried a gluten-free diet for several years, and I think it's worth trying for anyone with inexplicable health problems, but it wasn't the answer for me.

davidoneil13

I fully get where you are coming from regarding low D3 indicating some underlying situation and from what I have found it is usually indicative of autoimmune issues. I read an Oxford Medical Journal study saying that low D3 is almost always found with clinical depression and anxiety patients. I researched tons on D3 as my father was quite leery about supplementing and only University level research made him commit to taking the D3 daily.

I once met a doctor that was so obviously healthy that he actually glowed, you know as pregnant women glow. This doctor had such energy and his eyes sparkled as in someone with optimal health even though he was face to face with sick patients all day. So I asked him straight up about his lifestyle habits and he said he kept his diet simple, almost boring with fruit, veggies, nuts some meat and fish but no gluten or dairy. Before I could ask about supplements he quickly added that he takes 1000 mg of buffered C, a B Complex and 10,000 D3 every day.

Now I was shocked at the amount of D3 and even the C but he simply said that this is what it takes to allow him a "life." This doctor does 12 hour days and also weight lifts and hikes on his off time. I asked if he worried about toxicity, given these numbers are far greater than the suggested doses and he laughed and said something along the lines of look around you to see how efficient the suggested dose is for most Americans. This doctor then explained that he never gets sick and said the buffered C is a miracle worker for people in his field.

I can definitely understand why you would listen to a doctor like that. My current opinion (whatever it's worth) is that a simple diet is effective mainly because plain foods make it easier to maintain a low calorie intake. I notice tend to eat a lot more when I start eating the highly palpable junk foods. In either case, I guess it would make sense to eat simple whole foods.

I'm undecided about supplements. People who take them (like your doctor) also tend to live a healthy lifestyle with controlled calorie intake and lots of exercise. I'm uncertain whether the supplements themselves are contributing to the positive outcome. On the other hand, a few basic vitamins like C, D3, and the B-complex seems reasonable, and I don't want to discount their value.

pusheen12

First off congrats on taking control of your health and your success.
Secondly, I would see a dr. about your question.
Third, I would focus on reducing body fat percentages while building muscle and not so much dropping weight anymore.

I'm no pro but from my experience that's what I'd do. Sounds like you are already doing great btw; guessing maintenance should go well if you stick with what you have been doing.

Good luck buddy.

ramiromuniz1

If you dont mind me asking, on the days you eat "bad" what do you usually eat? How does it compare to your regular diet? Do you eat "junk food" or do you just eat more of the foods that you usually eat when you stay on key with your diet?

davidoneil13

First off congrats on taking control of your health and your success.
Secondly, I would see a dr. about your question.
Third, I would focus on reducing body fat percentages while building muscle and not so much dropping weight anymore.

I'm no pro but from my experience that's what I'd do. Sounds like you are already doing great btw; guessing maintenance should go well if you stick with what you have been doing.

Good luck buddy.

Yes, I think this is probably the best plan. I've dropped down to about 160 now (from the 170 in the picture), while keeping all my lifts the same. If I can gain muscle while burning fat at the same time, that would obviously be ideal going forward, since I'd rather not drop to 150 to reach my body fat goals. I don't want to get too skinny!

Thanks for the congratulations. I really am proud of what I accomplished this year, and I hope for complete success by the end of the year if I can keep the same level of motivation.

toronto88

Your sleep apnea is the most likely reason you are feeling tired. With your sleep apnea you are never getting restful sleeps. Getting your CBC (complete blood count), thyroid, iron, B12, and glucose checked might be helpful. Problems digesting gluten or lactose could also be culprits. If I were you i'd get those general things checked out as well, but I would try to focus on working to find a CPAP machine that works for you to get the sleep apnea better because that will make a huge difference.

toronto88

Although you may have gotten rid of your sleep apnea with all the weight loss you've had.

davidoneil13

If you dont mind me asking, on the days you eat "bad" what do you usually eat? How does it compare to your regular diet? Do you eat "junk food" or do you just eat more of the foods that you usually eat when you stay on key with your diet?

I don't mind at all. Generally, I just eat more of the same stuff. Instead of a slice of pizza and a beer, I'll have half the pizza and a couple beers. Or three granola bars instead of one. A double helping of spaghetti; more cottage cheese; even more fruit. A lot of times it's carbs, but it could also be extra butter and sour cream on a baked potato. My maintenance calories are about 2,000, or 2,500 with exercise. When I eat 3,000+ calories a couple days in a row, that's when I start to notice the health problems creeping back (usually the indigestion and pain in my face comes first). When I go back to 1,000-1,500 for a day or two, it all sorts out. Generally, I average 1500-2000 calories with some variance based on more intense work-outs like an eight-mile run.

ramiromuniz1

I wouldnt see whats the problem. You have a good diet, limiting portions of foods you enjoy is key and from what you described you do just that on most days. Im not against eating over maintenance every now and then. All I can say is Vitamins, but honestly its gonna have to be a doctors call on whats wrong. I have no clue. Good luck!

davidoneil13

Your sleep apnea is the most likely reason you are feeling tired. With your sleep apnea you are never getting restful sleeps. Getting your CBC (complete blood count), thyroid, iron, B12, and glucose checked might be helpful. Problems digesting gluten or lactose could also be culprits. If I were you i'd get those general things checked out as well, but I would try to focus on working to find a CPAP machine that works for you to get the sleep apnea better because that will make a huge difference.

Although you may have gotten rid of your sleep apnea with all the weight loss you've had.

My first sleep study was done when I weighed 160-170, which is a great example of how I had the classic symptoms of obesity even at a normal weight. No doubt the symptoms got much worse when I actually became obese, but they also improved after the weight loss. I'm back in the 160-170 range where I was when I got diagnosed, but I'm in much better shape now--much stronger, much leaner. Probably I can eliminate sleep apnea entirely if I achieve 10% body fat in the next few months. The CPAPs were completely ineffective for me, so cutting fat is the only feasible solution.

davidoneil13

I wouldnt see whats the problem. You have a good diet, limiting portions of foods you enjoy is key and from what you described you do just that on most days. Im not against eating over maintenance every now and then. All I can say is Vitamins, but honestly its gonna have to be a doctors call on whats wrong. I have no clue. Good luck!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts anyway. I'm not expecting anyone's going to solve my problem, but talking about it helps me clarify my own thinking. I've decided I'm just going to keep burning fat while trying to hold on to muscle (and hopefully build a little). If my last remaining issues disappear when I really lean, then the problem is solved. Otherwise, I'll seek out a new doctor. In any case, a lean physique wouldn't be so bad a thing to have, even if it doesn't help. I hope to post here again in several months with the subject line, "Fixed chronic health issues by getting ripped!"

toronto88

If you have sleep apnea at a low weight it might be because of big tonsils or something

jeremywm1977

Nice work.......if Seth Green is looking for someone to be his stunt double, I think you're it.

solieco1

Although my kids tested negative for celiac they were eventually diagnosed with leaky gut and various food intolerances with an ELISA test. Changed their worlds to sort it out!

rebeccaEsmith

Keep up the good work the health benefits are the best part

bnovak226

Have u tried cutting out meat for a few days?

KiyaK

First, congratulations on your progress! You should be very proud.

I didn't read through all the responses, so maybe someone has already given you the answer to your question. As the first few people said, always good to check with a doctor. They MIGHT be able to run some tests & find the answer. I suffered from daily headaches & sinus pressure for almost 2 years. The doctors I worked with couldn't figure it out & could not understand why I wouldn't be happy with just taking perscription pain killer every day to numb the pain.

I would also suggest getting an allergy test. It won't catch sensitivities or mild food aversions, but it is worth checking out. Perhaps when you're cutting calories & eating healthier, you're also cutting out some type of food that you react badly to.

If you're getting headaches, I would also suggest you think about seeing a chiropractor. Take the time to find a good one & get referrals from friends. If your spine or neck is out of wack, that can really affect your nerves & pain processing. My neck is straight & my atlas (top vertebrae which is around the brain stem) gets twisted & crooked. Getting adjusted by a chiro has made a HUGE difference for me. Because I was in so much pain at the beginning, I went twice a week for a month, once a week for a few months & now I just go occasionally. My chiro also gave me stretches & exercises to help. It has made a world of difference.

If you're experiencing digestion/stomach issues, you might also think about a probiotic. Do your research & pick one you feel confident about. Another good thing to get referrals about.

What I'm trying to convey is that traditional western medicine might be able to fix your problems. But if it can't, don't be afraid to try some other tactics & see if they help. Keep in mind that most health issues are not fixed by changing one thing. It's always a combination of factors. Make sure you're sleeping enough & managing stress as well. Two huge factors that many people don't give enough weight.

Good luck! Hope you find something that helps!