My Story (so far) - yes, there is a diet story in here eventually.

[T2 Trucker]

Hello Forum,

I'll start out with a brief bio on myself. I was a trucker up till August 30 2004 when I lost my medical qualifications due diabetes related illness.

Like most truckers, the work is not very physical, the food is really destructive and one can never get enough sleep. All the ingredients are there for T2.

-1997 I quit smoking, by 2000 I gained somewhere around 80 to 100 lbs.
-2002 July I felt really sick during a load and made it home and checked into the hospital. The doctor told me my bloodsugar was 780 !!
-2003 March I returned to work driving truck again after getting control of my numbers and weened off insulin to completely being Glucophage dependent.
The Glucophage worked too well. I thought it was a cure-all and I went back to eating whatever and whenever without consequence to my numbers.

-Enter the Carbuncle Stage.
If you've had them, then you can relate. I was amassing carbuncle from driving 10 hour shifts ranging from thumb-size to golfball size with one shift. If I waited till the next day they would accelerate to baseball to grapefruit size.

- I had 7 surgeries in a 14 month span with the last 3 happening back to back to back in June, July and August of 2004. All the surgeon can do is lance them and let them drain naturally (no stitches). My recovery time was 2-3 weeks at a clip leaving my boss to say 'we can't keep you on here'. My family doctor and surgeon agreed. Off to the Social Security office I go....

I have laid around since 2004 and really did nothing with my health till March 4 2006. Why that date ?? well it was my parents 50th anniversary on the 3rd of March and here's was happened.
I have been in sweatpants for the last 2 years. I exceeded my size 50 Jeans sometime ago. Americans (kinda) know when you pass size 50, you're pretty much buying out of a catalog - anyway, with the party upcoming and my pitiful self waited till the last minute, I ordered a size 52 Dockers stretch band waist slacks. The pants were to arrive on Friday morning before the party - ok fine - to my horror they didn't fit. Long story short, I always keep a really nice pair of sweats stashed away for 'special occasions' and at my size you really didn't attend many of those and usually ran out of excuses to not go.

You can imagine the embarrassment going to your parents 50th in sweatpants when everyone is in suits and dresses !!. On the drive home I said to myself "NEVER EVER AGAIN !!" I no sooner shut the door in my house and grabbed the garbage bags and started bagging up all the bad food.

I decided starches were out and got on the net and started planning a 1200 - 1500 calorie a day diet. Walking was going to be weapon of choice for exercise providing my newly-developing nueropthy would cooperate.

My last known weight was done in the hospital in August 2004 because I'll never forget using the 'special scale' for people over 350 lbs. I weighed in at 371 lbs :( and I probably weighed more since I laid around for over a year and a half.

I'm not a scale slave, in fact I dont own one, but I did want to see my progress after 3 months of commitment on my road to wellness.

**drumroll please**

I weighed in at 290 yesterday.

Yes, I'm very pleased so far and I'm well on target for my goal of 200 (hopefully by October)

I have modified my diet to about 800 calories a day. I'm walking at least 2 miles a day (rain or shine). My numbers have been in the steady 80 - 90 range and I'm down to 1000mg of Glucophage instead of 2000mg. My other goal is to be off disabilty and back to work by years end.

I hope this story is an inspiration as well as a motivator for me to come back and share my progress.

I refuse to backpedal and lose this battle with obesity and diabetes.

I hope someone picks today to be their start if you've prolonged the inevitable. If I can do it, anyone can.

[liz32]

That's an increadible story! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I'm glad you posted it as it will be an encouragement to anyone with weight to loose...and that's most people. I hope you hit your goal of 200 and are able to get back to work. Hope to see you posting often.
Liz

[Cyborg]

Keep on truckin! :top:

[kgm0612]

Congratulations on your weight loss so far, T2-Trucker! I enjoyed reading your story and hope that it truly does inspire others to get up off the couch and do something! Please keep us posted on how you're doing!

Karen

[T2 Trucker]

:::::UPDATE::::::

Hi.

I'm down to 250 now - 121 loss total :)

I'm down to 500mg of Glucophage a day for the last 2 months and turning out rock steady 80 to 90's.

A1c - 5.8

The good doc said if I'm ready to take the leap of faith, I can start dropping my meds and keep a careful eye on my numbers and use common sense and go from there.

If you go to my profile pic, I placed a side by side pic to get an idea of the weight loss - sorry the clarity didn't turn out so spiffy on the re-sizing but it's there if ya dare ;)

All I can say is if you're suffering from T2 and sick of being sick, get on the stick. Don't wait another day !!

[seacomp]

Congradulations!
Please make sure you kept testing your BG - regularily everday but at different times of the day so you get coverage of every period. It is very likely, unfortunately, that your BG will start to go up not matter how good you are on the diet and the exercise. It's certainly not 100%, but you want to catch it immediately.
Good luck. And, Oh, you're looking good.

[LI_Beach_Girl]

WOW! What an inspiration! :tee:

[Intrigue]

Trucker....I dared. ;) My most sincere congratulations -- what a huge difference and what an inspiration you are! Keep up the good work and we look forward to watching future changes.

[Alicat]

All I can say is, WOW. What a huge change you've made in your life - kudos to you, and congrats on all you've accomplished so far!!

[Cyborg]

Awesome!!! :congrats:

[am1977]

Trucker, that is truly AMAZING :D... You look great & more importantly, you probably are feeling a heck of a lot better physically and mentally. Great job~ hope you keep it up :top:

[Dewey]

Trucker, this is amazing news - very inspirational, and you look wonderful!! What an incredible transformation, and I bet you feel a lot healthier! Kudos to you for all your hard work! :thumbsup: You truly are an inspiration for everyone! Thank you for sharing, and we look forward to more of your posts!

[Tokyo Cate]

That is a fabulous story. Congratulations. Exercise is the element that has been lacking in my life, but I think I will follow your example and start walking and try to reduce my insulin requirements from there.

Great example~thank you!

[T2 Trucker]

Thanks for the ample forum love !!!

Words can't accurately describe how the quality of life has vastly improved but trust me when I tell you, it's worth every ounce of effort put into this task.

As far as never 'beating' diabetes completely, well I'm prepared for that possibility and certainly will not be discouraged if I stay med-dependant. I will continue to stay smart about monitoring and just stay on course with my lifestyle change.

Next week I'm starting some college prereq courses as I missed the boat for this year's enrollment for full admissions, I figured it's best to shoulder up some seat time and test my learning abilities now and see what's under my cranial hood. I'm looking so forward to not being a trucker in my next attempt at life. 47 is no reason to think life is over career-wise, it's just a new beginning.

Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement !!

[panmat1]

I am new to this site but your story is amazing. May I say keep up the good work. Nancy, type 2, a1c 6

[T2 Trucker]

Hey Gang !!

Just came back for a shameless bump :smile:

ok, seriously I wanted to announce my new numbers.

*drumroll*

I now weigh 228 Pounds !!

My A1c was 5.2 My bg is still an unchangeable 85 to 95.

My daily walks are a consistent 5 miles a day now and I'm staying true to the 1500 cals and low carb thing.

Tomorrow will be 10 months since I started my lifestyle change and I'm still on a roll with NO FAST FOODS - a streak I hope to keep alive for ____________ (fill in the blank).


I'm not leaving here without shouting to the community to get busy with that weight loss if you're hedging. You have nooooooo idea how much better you're gonna feel.

Peace y'all and Happy 2007 - may it be the year you get serious about your diet !!

[2high]

Well done!!!!!!!!

[princesslinda]

Congrats on the AMAZING weight loss...you've really helped inspire me to keep walking/pedaling. I'm so glad to see the health benefits you've attained as well. Keep us posted!:ciao:

[sydneya]

What a incredible story!! Thank you for the inspiration. Yesterday I said "Tomorrow I will start." After reading your post I am starting today. I am on my way to our little fitness center. I may even walk there. I'm cutting my days calories down to 1000-1200 a day divided by three meals and two snacks if needed. I've 80 lbs to lose and am tired of being tired.
I'm ready to bring my BG's down the natural way. I'm on symelin, lantus, novolog, and metformin. I'm hugely insulin resistant. Losing weight is the best way for me to get control. No matter how deligent I am with the meds, my BG's are too high. I am too young (even at 59) to lose control of my life.
Thank you for sharing. Good luck in completing your goal. It's amazing to compare your pictures on your profile. And it's great to hear you are going back to school and changing your life completely.

[T2 Trucker]

That's great sydneya !! I'm extremely excited for your decision to start now !! You're gonna be so glad you took control of your lifestyle. It's never an easy thing but if you give it a chance, it will get easier !!

Just be fair to yourself and don't give up. The rewards are worth the effort.

[Dan Gato]

Trucker,
Thanks for your inspirational story.
Your A1C is really great.

How many carbs a day?
What are you studying?
Congratulations on your weight loss !!

[MJM]

Trucker you are an inspiration to everyone. You deserve all the benefits you are getting. Well done.

[Dan Gato]

T2Trucker, please give us another update.
Did you go back to work?

--Dan

[barbieguy]

Hi T2Trucker,
Your story is amazing!
I was just diagnosed on 1-08-07 and I started out with a bang!
In December, before diagnosis, I cut carbs and started walking. I have lost 11 pounds so far.
But.....I have hit a standstill right now. It's only been 2 and 1/2 weeks and I want to quit!
But after reading your story and so many other's stories on this forum, I will not quit!
Give us an update, please.
Thanks.

[Dewey]

Congratulations to you, T2! It sounds like you're doing the right thing.

You don't know how much of an inspiration you are to everyone here! We always look forward to your posts, and look forward to celebrating many more times with you! :thumbsup: Best wishes to you, now & always!

[T2 Trucker]

Hello everyone !!

I like the new look in here :)

Well my anniversary date has come and gone and looking back, it still carries the 'pinch me' mentality. It really has been an extraordinary year for me - one that almost seems 'fairy-taleish'.

On my anniversary date I did my 'official' weigh in and I came in at 218 lbs for a grand total of 153 lb loss in one year's time.

I am safely in the all-things-clothing category of XL, my waist is under 40" (39" presently), my menu is still spot-on and my exercise is still setting longer and farther achievements. Last week alone I walked over 50 miles with one of those days being a 10 miler - not bad for a man who a year ago could barely walk 10 minutes. Quite honestly, I did fear this winter was going to be a troublesome time due to lack of walking opportunities and in knowing this, I really turned up my menu choices a notch to assure myself sporting chance of keeping my weight, at the very least, maintained.

Now here's an interesting thing: I had to stop taking my Metformin last Sunday to prep for a medical procedure. I tested twice a day, everyday including this morning and my highest bg reading was 97 and the lowest being a 91.

Today was my scheduled date to resume taking my Metformin (I take 500mg daily, first thing in the morning) and I don't see any reason to take one today. I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday and I intend to download my history in his office and show him this feat.

I'd be interested in hearing any readers opinion on not taking my Metformin anymore. Ultimately I will follow my doctor's advice but some of you may know stories of similar interest where people have gotten off meds permanently with success. I know 6 days isn't much of a sample period to work off of but it I am seeing favorable results without my Glucophage. My test for last week's test included another A1c test and it was still at 5.2 - almost 3 months later.

To recap my reflections of one year, I'd like to encourage anyone reading this that what doesn't seem possible to do for a one year period is certainly possible. Honestly I was a fat slob with no energy and even less ambition for a very long time, all I did was muster up determination and kept a promise I made to myself. I hope those of you who need to do this for yourself don't wait till tomorrow. I had a 'day one' and that was over a year ago. Make your 'day one' today.

My social life has soared, my health has improved a thousand-fold and what I enjoy the most is the FREEDOM of the restrictive yucky life diabetes/obesity ball-n-chained me with for oh-so-long.

Break your chains people !! The pharmacy companies don't want you to succeed. Get up and bag those junky foods TODAY !! Save yourself - no one else is going to do it for you.

Me a couple years ago and certainly not my heaviest but you get the idea:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/fatme1.jpg

A picture taken in Late January 2007 (about 223 lbs.):
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/Picture105.jpg

[ladytaz]

Beyond AWESOME!!! :five: You are definitely an inspiration!!

Good Luck with the Metformin deal! I hope it works out for ya that you don't have to take it anymore. If doc feels it's ok, please continue to test, to make sure things keep going well!! ;)

[T2 Trucker]

.
Did you go back to work?

--Dan

Not yet :( After further consideration I've decided to utilize this upcoming spring and summer to get the rest of the weight off. I'm also waiting on financial aid to go to school in the Fall term. I think I'm going to take on a 18 month school for denture construction and repair. I think I'd do better working for myself.

Going back to driving tractor trailer is probably not a smart decision and I'm sure my health would deteriorate once again even on a smaller scale. I'm not willing to sacrifice all my hard for the price of a paycheck.

Hi T2Trucker,
Your story is amazing!
I was just diagnosed on 1-08-07 and I started out with a bang!
In December, before diagnosis, I cut carbs and started walking. I have lost 11 pounds so far.
But.....I have hit a standstill right now. It's only been 2 and 1/2 weeks and I want to quit!
But after reading your story and so many other's stories on this forum, I will not quit!
Give us an update, please.
Thanks.

Congrats on losing 11 lbs !! You're still losing I hope. Oh man, don't EVER let a plateau break your spirit. It's just going happen. Sometimes you have to increase your calories and give your body something to work with.

You want success, you have to think long-term. This is a change you need to make for the rest of your life. I never went on a diet, I just changed what I eat.

Stay with it !!

[Cyborg]

Keep on truckin!

(sorry, couldn't resist)

[Emm]

Trucker you are SO inspirational! I want to say congrats but geez that word isn't strong enough! Super dooper wonder-bloomin-ful!

[lewsterr]

Hi T2 Trucker. I started reading your first post from last year and continued to read through all of your extraordinary accomplishments since then. You are absolutely amazing! Your determination is incredible. As many have already said, you are an inspriation to all of us. I wish you success in reaching your goals in health, education, and life. You certainly deserve it! Please keep us posted. You are an excellent writer, and I enjoy reading about your accomplishments.

[Dewey]

Not yet :( After further consideration I've decided to utilize this upcoming spring and summer to get the rest of the weight off. I'm also waiting on financial aid to go to school in the Fall term. I think I'm going to take on a 18 month school for denture construction and repair. I think I'd do better working for myself.

Going back to driving tractor trailer is probably not a smart decision and I'm sure my health would deteriorate once again even on a smaller scale. I'm not willing to sacrifice all my hard for the price of a paycheck.
Trucker, I totally agree with you here. It's Not worth any paycheck to have your health suffer again.

Trucking is a very sedimentary job, which doesn't allow for walking, working out, etc (other than in short bursts). I definitely wouldn't go back to that. I think you're making a very wise decision to go back to school & to get into making & fixing dentures. That's a good business, as there's always someone needing them, or at the very least, needing them fixed. Also, have you considered making & repairing crowns and bridges as well (along with doing denture construction/repair)? That is another good area. Not sure if the college covers both, but it's an idea.

You look absolutely great! I really can't stress how awesome you are & how well you've done! My hat's off to you & I can't give you enough :thumbsup: for all the hard work you've done to regain & maintain your health. Good job & (((((Big Hugs))))) to you for the inspiration you give everyone!

[Pote05]

Great Job, take care of yourself go to school get a great job that lets you control your life... Best of Luck on the new you!!!

[ladytaz]

Trucking is a very sedimentary job, which doesn't allow for walking, working out, etc (other than in short bursts).

That depends upon what line of trucking you are in. Hubs drives truck, but he drives a car hauler, and believe you me, the man gets LOTS of exercise! Have you ever seen one of the car auctions! Lord Have Mercy, they're HUGE!! LOL Hubs usually walks a good 10+ miles a day getting his cars to load on his trailer from the auction yards. Sometimes he can walk 5 miles to just to collect the 7 cars for ONE load. THEN he has to load them individually on the trailer and then chain them all down. Quite the workout actually! He usually carries 2 - 3 loads (sometimes more) a day.

Altho I'm still all over him about what the **** he's eating during the day, cuz he should be losing weight like crazy with all that going on! LOL Actually, he doesn't eat right, he'll eat maybe once during the day while out there, and I keep telling him that he NEEDS to eat more often, like every 4 or 5 hours. Doesnt' have to be a meal, a good snack will do. And that doesn't mean Little Debbies either! sheeeeeeesh LOL But he obviously ain't hearin me!! *typical man* ;) ;)

He has told me tho, that when he drove Refer Trucks cross country, that all he did was stand around and wait, while someone else loaded and unloaded the trailer, so in that case, yes, I totally agree! ;)

[T2 Trucker]

Hi All :)

Back again for an update. I cracked the 200 lb mark and made it into 'Onederland' :)

I wish I had lots of stories to tell but at some point a 'lifestyle change' just become a part of your everyday normal life and it becomes, well, *yawn*

I just swing by to give you all the standard savoir faire and encouragement that it's never too late to improve any facet of your life be it diabetes or diet-related improvements.

Ummmm, yeah, I didn't mean to 'stereo-type' the all american truck driver but I think I resembled (at my worst) the 'average' trucker by today's standards. The variables are vast of who does what. I think we can all agree it's a case-by-case thing. The road was my enemy, I feel I conquered my foe.


I'm adding a poor quality pic of my most recent self. This was me at my 'Onederland' party at our local Vets club. I know black on black is a tuff view but I didn't exactly leave the house with a photoshoot in mind. Sorry about the 'hat head' too. Some clubs still require that hats be removed - believe it or not. It's not pretty but you can at least get the idea that I'm doing ok weight-wise. My guess is the cell phone didn't have a flash, maybe ?? I was kinda buzzed and don't remember...

See page 2 here for my fat pic, I'm too lazy to do a side-by-side.

Peace y'all.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/meatbar.jpg

[Dan Gato]

T2,

We all here are glad to hear from you.

Congrats on your weight loss.

Post more often.

[howdysf]

****! you kick ***.. good work man and congratulations!

[princesslinda]

You're an inspiration to all of us who struggle with weight loss. Congrats on a job well done!

[shockme]

hi truckerand welcome back! nice to meet ya! WOW!!!!!!!!!! you rock! you're an inspiration to us all! take care,trish

[ladytaz]

YaY!! :five: Congrats!! Keep up the excellent work!!

[tanyatype1]

Wow - I actually got goosebumps reading your story! Loved it - very inspirational - thanks for sharing. I'm so happy for you!

[T2 Trucker]

Me again.

Today is my 18 'month-a-versary' I'm heavily (4200+ post) involved in a weight loss forum and I have posted pics on there documenting my journey at various stages. August 29th I posted the following picture thread in our 'Before & After' Forum section.

I wish the interest on this forum was bigger on weight loss. I can't imagine a better cure for Type II's but I also understand just how hard it is to get started. It's not a forum knock, it just puzzles me how people won't take matters into there own hands and attempt curing the (sometimes) curable. I know, I'm the exception, not the rule but I weep for all these siggy's on here with multiple medications listed and how many of you are sick of being sick as I was ?? If 5% of you could eliminate 95% of your blah days like I did, you'd see this an adventure worth taking.

ok, this my last pictorial. I'm not here for ego, I'm here to give you all hope of curing an ugly sickness. ok, so maybe not totally 'cure' but wow, there are so many non-sick days in my life right now it would be a shame to not share the hope you have waiting for you and your illness.



Me. (this pic has been published before)
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/fatme1.jpg

ok, here's the night that changed my life. Read my first post on my diary and you'll understand. Me March 3rd 2006.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/oldme1.jpg

Let's fast forward to today. I have 'in betweens' but no reason to post them me thinks.

Today:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/me3-1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/me10.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/me11.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/me15.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y241/hammer2u/finalpantspic.jpg

That last pic is my size 50 jeans. The night that started this journey was when I ordered size 52's and they didn't fit.

Well here I am 18 months later.

Believe in yourself and it will happen. I did.

[shockme]

congrats trucker! you've done so well! trish

[volleyball]

Keep on truckin down the new road to better health

[Alice]

You should write a book for other truckers! (I have a dear friend who drives...his story doesn't have your happy ending)...Truck drivers are the first to help other people...you've helped us with your story! I have no reason to complain about my 10 lbs...I need to work a little more!

(I love truckers...except in Dalton GA!)...they like to run little ladies like me off the road between Chatt & Atlanta! (The carpet trucks!)