New and pretty nervous

lcbourdo
lcbourdo Posts: 15 Member
edited November 18 in Introduce Yourself
Hi all -- Laura from the Gulf Coast of Texas. Over 100 pounds to lose.

Recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (after long-term pre-diabetes/insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome).

My weight gain has been due to long-term Abilify usage -- I have Bipolar Disorder, and this is a common medication for Bipolar depression. Very popular now, but I found out that I shouldn't have been taking it long-term because it causes...wait for it...metabolic disorders (including insulin resistance and weight gain) as well as sleep and other neurologic disorders.

To put it mildly, I am a mess. The worst part is being treated by medical professionals as if it's "all my fault." Makes me nuts.

Anyway, rather than playing the blame game any longer, I am finally ready to take charge of my health.

Am following the MyPlate approach to healthy eating (from the ADA -- choosemyplate.gov), and the recommendations of the Insulin Resistance Diet. I'm not much of a "dieter." Don't go in for the latest fad diets, but this eating approach makes a lot of sense to me and fits in with the Diabetic Association guidelines.

A pro-active fitness plan is also on the table. Swimming, hatha yoga stretching, and some easy weight training. I'm planning on going to the gym just one time this week to get started.

So. I'm glad I found you guys. I like how active the forums are, and I look forward to becoming involved in the community.

If anyone with an understanding of my various conditions, complications, or approach is interested in connecting, I'd love to hear from you. Friends are always nice!

Replies

  • jocrawford59
    jocrawford59 Posts: 1 Member
    Hi laura im jo from gisborne new zealand. Just like you I also have had depression and gained weight and just like you ive started on my path to get fit again.good on you for takin that step :) your right friends are always welcome. Feel free to add me. New to this app so unsure how it works fully
  • lcbourdo
    lcbourdo Posts: 15 Member
    Thanks Jo! I'll be adding you (as soon as I figure out how ;-) ).
  • VioletLemon
    VioletLemon Posts: 56 Member
    Hi!! Im new here too and only 2 weeks in and have over 100lbs to lose- I was 350 when I started this app and now 344- joined the YMCA and am having a blast in the pool most of all! The very first week was the hardest but now since switching to a Clean Foods lifestyle I dont have any cravings and my appetite is wayyy smaller! You can do this and have fun while doing it too! Add me if you like and I will help encourgae you!
  • lcbourdo
    lcbourdo Posts: 15 Member
    Super, Violet! Adding you now. (It sounds like we have quite a bit in common.) Congrats on your 2 week loss of 6 pounds!! That sounds like a pretty healthy rate.
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