The GI Diet Blog and Board

So while this topic isn’t necessarily GI related, it is one that’s close to my heart: morbid obesity.

I watched a program a couple of days ago that really made me sad even though the outcome was somewhat positive for the people involved.

The CBC followed the progress of three people in Montreal, who chose gastric bypass surgery as an option to lose weight. Two males, one female. One of the males really impacted me. He had to have been over 500 lbs if not 600 lbs. At the start of the program, he was barely able to walk, requiring not one but two canes just to be able to move. He was in constant pain, extremely obese from his ankles to his neck. He also suffered from Type 2 diabetes.

The program also discussed the significant increase of people waiting for this surgery in Canada. It reminded me of the time when my ex-girlfriend was interested in having Lap Band surgery performed when we lived together in Nova Scotia. She was a good candidate for the surgery, weighing over 300 lbs, but with no comorbid complications such as diabetes or heart disease.

While this was happening, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes the previous year and began to wonder if I should consider this surgery as well. Although I didn’t have any heart disease, my blood sugars were higher and my pain from weighing over 450 lbs was impacting my life. My hope was dwindling, even though I was adament for years that I wouldn’t consider it. Although I was just starting to make conscious changes to what I ate by quitting regular pop, sugar, breads and fruit juices, I wasn’t very hopeful that I was making that much of an impact. When my new girlfriend (now my wife) asked me if I’d consider this option, I seriously thought about it. Luckily, my ex was going through the process so I was able to see first hand what it would be like for her.

After weeks of consultations and exams my ex met up with a weight loss surgeon in Halifax. For whatever reason, the lap band option was no longer available in Nova Scotia, which led her to see the gastric bypass surgeon in Halifax. When he told her the waiting list for this “life saving” surgery was a 2 year waiting period he told her straight up that several of his future patients were trying the Atkins diet and that it was working for them.

My own doctor wasn’t a fan of Atkins, but suggested the Glycemic Index diet. This made more sense for me. My blood reports came back that I had a higher level of triglycerides so the idea of a diet with high saturated fat wasn’t terribly appealing for me. I didn’t want to risk going against my doctor’s advice.

These were the choices that surrounded us 3-4 years ago. My new girlfriend had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1997 so she knew the drill of choosing a healthier lifestyle and following a diabetic diet. My ex was trying out the surgery option, but between 2003-2004, some 18 months of waiting and meeting two surgeons the options for her were also somewhat bleak. I mean who wants to go through all that rigamarole only to be told you’re on a 2 year waiting list?

I didn’t want to wait. While she chose Atkins, I chose the GI Diet - and exercise, with tremendous support from my partner.

By late 2005 our choices away from gastric bypass surgery were obviously successful. The ex lost over 60 lbs. And incidently, at 270 lbs, she was no longer qualified for weight loss surgery. As for me, I lost roughly 100 lbs following the GI diet in combination with exercise, plus the initial 30 lbs I lost when I was first diagnosed.

Two amazing success stories. At least we’d like to think so!

I confess I got a little competitive with mine and early on we had many atkins vs low GI diet debates but these days, I consider both options for weight loss and blood sugar control as close cousins.

I’m no longer interested in gastric bypass or lapband surgery for myself. The biggest reason is seeing the success and ease in following a moderate food plan that makes sense to me. I think that’s why my blog is filled with news articles that mentions GI. It’s starting to make sense to the general masses. Why? Because it works. GI for me, is the kind of plan that will work beyond weight loss. It’s a formula for the rest of my life.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, I’m not one to talk against this proceedure. Frankly, if I had reached the 500 or 600 lbs mark (and I was pretty close lemme tell ya!) I’d have seen someone to help. But the truth of the matter is I have a certain amount of pride in being able to get to where I am now in a more traditional way.

So I guess the point of this entry really is to let my readers know that there are many options to consider once you finally decide to change the course of your life. In my case, the low glycemic index diet was my choice which is probably why I’m so passionate about it.

I hope if there’s anyone reading this that I’ve provided some encouragement to what’s possible no matter what you ultimately decide to do for yourself and your family.

Watching the program was like looking in the mirror. Oddly enough it was the successful ending of that story that prompted me to get back on track with my goals today. Writing about GI in this blog on a regular basis is about getting back on track too.

Thanks for reading.