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Between late September and November of 2017, I was taking steroids. I was getting them in various forms to try to overcome the bronchial inflammation and infection. Consider I am not young and I have taken steroids on several occasions --for example when I had back surgery after an injury. Each time dramatic weight gain followed even though I was not eating more calories or doing anything different. I would just pack on the weight. The doctor told me it is only water weight. Is this when I can say whatever? This is my story whether it aligns with their bias or not.
In October and November, I virtually lost nothing except inches around the middle. I was happy despite the fact that the scale just sat there and did nothing. Having been down the road before, I just did what knew what I had to do. I stuck with the program, and I didn't worry about doing anything out of the norm--except to adhere to the Keto program. Okay--there are challenges. My husband is Gluten-free, but not sugar-free. He loves junk food--Cheetos, Chips, Carmel Corn, Candy, etc. I give him credit for being Gluten-free, but I do envy the potato chips, and I would love a couple of the other items too. Nevertheless, I am not touching them. The only non-Keto thing I have done is using a Gluten-free Flour Tortilla to wrap the Christmas Egg Roll, and I had the sweet n sour sauce, too. Sometimes when dining out, I order the baked potato and load the top with sour cream and butter--I eat a few bites with this fat lavished topping. Oh--and during the football season, when Boise State was playing, we would make a pizza using the Gluten-Free tortilla. Yes, I have tried the other crusts--all sorts and I prefer to make this one cheat. It works for both Cliff and me. If we watch the Super Bowl, I am sure we will make this.
In December, I hoped not to gain weight and to lose a bit would be excellent. Well, I dropped another pant size before Christmas--that was three sizes -- an excellent Christmas Gift for myself. I lost four pounds in December. I suppose in comparison to others it might seem like hardly anything. To me, it was outstanding. On this last day of January, I discover that I have lost eight pounds this month, and two additional pant sizes. That means I am down five pant sizes and I bought the last two pair off the Junior Rack--I cannot remember when I did that. I still have a long way to go, but in late January I dropped below the low weight I had achieved before I was diagnosed with cancer in 2014--it was even before the pre-cancerous condition and major surgery in May of 2012. I do not remember exactly when but some time before then. I am four pounds lower than that weight now.
My eyes are set on maintaining this weight and losing more. There is no significant pressure, but I have the hope of losing another three pounds--maybe a little more if possible by Valentine's Day. Not for any reason other than we all know that is February 14th. I don't think I will need to purchase jeans anytime soon. I do look forward to wearing one size smaller. I wonder now if I am addicted to buying the next size down--achieving that positive outcome. I've had worse addictions--not drugs or alcohol-- food was an issue. I think I am addicted to my husband--not as bad as I once was, but OMG the fear of being without him was dreadful. Of course, I cannot bear the thought of losing him, but I don't get ill when he is gone for a day or two. Being dependent upon anything or anyone for your survival is a slippery slope. In my opinion, the only exception is my faith in God. Otherwise, friends, family, and acquaintances have various levels of investment in my well-being. I cannot link my success to that which might not last--even my husband, whom I adore.
Well, I don't journal often. I do write a lengthy post every day on Facebook. I maintain Websites and write a Blog, too! So I share my thoughts a lot, but not so much here. Thanks for your support and encouragement. I will try to get a photo soon. ~ Shela
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