Okay, this week I did well with eating healthy and went to the gym or did something at home every day. I lost 1.2 pounds which isn't a lot but I had lost 4.2 pounds before my last post so overall I'm down 5.5 pounds so I feel good.
BMI 34.1
Friday, February 8, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
Weighty issues
I have always been overweight and like most overweight people, I've tried scores of different diets, some more successful than others. I've lost a few pounds and inevitably, gain it back over time, especially after having two kids. I know the statistics, how I'll be healthier and live longer if I lose weight, but of course, I think nothing will really happen to me. For the first time, I no longer have an option of taking my weight lightly (pun intended).
Yesterday, Seamus had a follow-up visit with his liver doctor. We always dance around the topic of transplant at every visit. His opinion is some day Seamus might need one but as long as the liver is still functioning and his lung function does not seem to be compromised by the ever-increasing size of his liver and spleen, then he is not ready. His lung function has actually increased lately due to three months of inhaled antiobiotics but his liver lab work is always borderline okay, some times just under the acceptable numbers and sometimes just over. Every time he gets sick, like the flu-like virus that landed him in the hospital last week, his liver has a very difficult time handling it and bouncing back. So basically we do not know if, or when, the transplant talk will change.
That's where my weight issue comes in. I am the same blood type as Seamus but James is not. That means that I am a candidate to be a living donor for Seamus and I always assumed that would be no problem. Yesterday I found out that one of the biggest donor requirements is weight and I am too fat. It never really occurred to me that the fat is not just hanging off the outside of your body but your organs actually get a layer of fat as well and in order to have a healthy liver, your BMI should be around 23-25. That means I would have to lose more than 45 pounds to be an acceptable donor.
Since his liver could take a turn for the worse very quickly, I really need to be ready at any time. I could not lose 45 pounds immediately if he needs a new liver quickly. He could be listed for a cadaver liver but there is a shortage of organs and you never know the outcome of that.
So I have to take this weight loss thing seriously, extremely seriously, for the first time in my life. It's not a matter of just looking good in my clothes but it could literally save my son's life. I am going to post my progress here for everyone to see. Maybe that will shame me into keeping on track. I could use your support and advice.
2/1/13 - BMI 34.3
Yesterday, Seamus had a follow-up visit with his liver doctor. We always dance around the topic of transplant at every visit. His opinion is some day Seamus might need one but as long as the liver is still functioning and his lung function does not seem to be compromised by the ever-increasing size of his liver and spleen, then he is not ready. His lung function has actually increased lately due to three months of inhaled antiobiotics but his liver lab work is always borderline okay, some times just under the acceptable numbers and sometimes just over. Every time he gets sick, like the flu-like virus that landed him in the hospital last week, his liver has a very difficult time handling it and bouncing back. So basically we do not know if, or when, the transplant talk will change.
That's where my weight issue comes in. I am the same blood type as Seamus but James is not. That means that I am a candidate to be a living donor for Seamus and I always assumed that would be no problem. Yesterday I found out that one of the biggest donor requirements is weight and I am too fat. It never really occurred to me that the fat is not just hanging off the outside of your body but your organs actually get a layer of fat as well and in order to have a healthy liver, your BMI should be around 23-25. That means I would have to lose more than 45 pounds to be an acceptable donor.
Since his liver could take a turn for the worse very quickly, I really need to be ready at any time. I could not lose 45 pounds immediately if he needs a new liver quickly. He could be listed for a cadaver liver but there is a shortage of organs and you never know the outcome of that.
So I have to take this weight loss thing seriously, extremely seriously, for the first time in my life. It's not a matter of just looking good in my clothes but it could literally save my son's life. I am going to post my progress here for everyone to see. Maybe that will shame me into keeping on track. I could use your support and advice.
2/1/13 - BMI 34.3
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