NSV What a difference a human head & 2 Guinea Pigs makes

IslandRider

I was 49 two years ago and weighed only 10 lbs. more than I do now. I had my blood pressure checked at my company's annual health fair that year. I almost didn't do it since no one in my family has high blood pressure and I never had any issues with it. I was absolutely floored when the nurse said my BP was 161/117 and my resting heart rate was 87 bpm. Another nurse checked me again after I sat still for 5 minutes just to make sure. Well, sure enough the numbers didn't change and I was told to go see my doctor ASAP.

I went to my doctor that week and she had a body composition analysis done. This morning I came across that paper when I was rummaging around looking for something. Here's some of what was on it:

Fat % - 39.9%
Fat Mass - 62 lbs.
Fat Free Mass - 93 lbs.
Total Body Water - 68 lbs.

My doctor told me to go on the DASH diet, which I for the most part followed, sort of. I cut out salt and switched to fresh instead of canned veggies. Finally last year, when I hit 163lbs (I'm 5'1") I decided I really needed to get in shape. I was tired of feeling tired and sick of looking like crap. I joined WW and just started watching what I ate. I learned a lot about the kinds of food I should be eating, but it was expensive, so I stopped and joined MFP (Thank you Jordan and Ashley!).

Here's where those same numbers are today with healthier eating, a little bit of daily exercise, and a TON of support and encouragement from my MFP friends. BTW, for exercise, I'm talking walk the dogs or paddle around in a swimming pool for a bit, nothing crazy strenuous.

BP - 110/72
Resting Heart Rate - 65 bpm
Fat % - 32.9%
Fat Mass - 48 lbs.
Fat Free Mass - 97 lbs.
Total Body Water - 71 lbs.

I don't look a whole lot different, and I haven't gone done but a couple of sizes, and it's taken me a very long time to get where I am, but OMG, I feel a million times better than I did!!!

rubberbiscuit

WTG girl!! You should be proud of your accomplishments. I'm very happy for you.

dancerom

Congratulations! And feeling better and being healthier is much more important than wearing smaller pants - i think!
So proud of you! Go girl - go! And ENJOY!!