BOOKMARK

(pics open in new window, close window to return here!)

(Now here is an Inspiring story that shows you're never to old to get healthy!....Jeanine)

Took a Long "Before" to get to "After"

I am always ready to eat. It makes me feel better. This is a phrase that many people could say over and over again. This is what I feel like - even after losing almost 100 lbs. In the past, most of the time, I didn't care how much of something I ate.
 
Until at the ripe old age of 56, (March, 2009), I decided it was time to get healthy. My husband. Erik (age 54), decided it was time as well.  Our weights were at all time highs. Mine was 240.4 lbs (I am 5'8") He was at 536 lbs (he is 6'2"). His health was getting much worse, he has diabetes and hypertension. He also was almost falling asleep at the wheel and napping whenever he could - his energy was drained. We went on vacation - he scared me so badly with his driving, that I told him he had to go in for a sleep study (some of our friends and family had already had one done and had told him what a miracle it had been for them). He went to a pulmonologist and had a sleep study done, and was severely sleep deprived. The doctor didn't remember anyone ever stopping breathing as much as he did while asleep. It was SCARY. He had to buy the most sophisticated BIPAP machine on the market.  After a few days of using it, it was like a MIRACLE - he had so much more energy and didn't take naps or fall asleep driving anymore. The sound from his  BIPAP doesn't keep me awake - it is very quiet - definitely better than the sound of a train going through our house from his snoring.
 
We both were on healthy eating plans by then and losing weight quickly. But Erik had gotten a very severe case of the stomach flu. We were at a restaurant and it was difficult for him to walk to the table. Two of our three sons had to come and put him in the car to take him to the hospital. Everything was  haywire - his blood sugar was 32, His kidney function and blood pressure were abnormal. The doctor was saying that he possibly would have to have dialysis.   It turned out he stayed in ICU for 3 days and another 7 days in the hospital. After the hospital stay, a home health nurse visited for several more days. 
 
During this time, I also was menopausal - very, very nervous, couldn't sleep and depressed. I ended up being on bioidentical hormones (they didn't help me even though I know they help some women). The doctor prescribed Paxil (antidepressant), Ambien CR (to sleep), Xanax (for my nerves). Eventually I was able to discontinue the Xanax, but sorry to say, not the Paxil and Ambien CR. I also had several appointments with a counselor.
 
So our lives were very much in turmoil, but God saw us through it all.
 
Erik had lost 67 lbs before he was hospitalized and after the hospital visit, he had lost 29 more.  Talk about a fast weight loss. He continued to lose 10 to 15 lbs. per month. He logs his weight in his blood glucose book. I didn't start logging my weight till July, 2009. I kept track of it on caloriecount.com.
 
By this time, we were, of course, very dedicated to eating healthily. We knew that we wouldn't be able to be active with our (5 now 6) grandchildren if we continued to eat unhealthily. Erik eats about 1500 to 1800 calories per day and I eat 1200 calories per day. We have never been dedicated to an eating plan for this length of time - 18 months. We both usually have cereal for breakfast. Lunch is usually a lean lunchmeat sandwich, a green salad with either left over meat or lunchmeat in it or a can of lite soup. Sometimes Erik has leftovers. We even eat out just about anywhere and eat healthily - we split dinners and have extra salad and vegetables (we eat at home most of the time now, though). Dinners are about 500 calories. I don't snack during the day - but at night, we have fruit, sometimes a s/f ice cream or s/f pudding, we always have Laughing Cow Cheese and Crackers at bedtime to hold us over. We basically don't eat sugar, eat good carbs, no fried foods - lots of fruits and vegetables. I have about 3 cups of decaf during the day with s/f Coffeemate and Splenda. The weekends are a little different for us. We used to take one day off on the weekend. Lately, we have extended that to two days - we need to go back to our original one day. We still eat healthily - but extra snacks at night. Sunday, before church we go to Starbucks for a regular coffee and Banana Nut Bread. Weekends we usually have walnuts or almonds, sometimes s/f licorice or s/f taffy. We have also started eating more turkey products. We aren't super fond of baked fish - but eat it grilled once in awhile. 
 
Erik has exercised at a gym for more than a year. He doesn't do it every day and sometimes has to miss out a week. I exercised regularly at first. but I haven't been lately. I need to get back into it. I walked 5 miles and did weights, but at home. We are only human, though, its easy to get out of the routine.  I did find when I exercised too much - I was drained - I think because I am older, now.
 
I am at my goal and have lost almost 100 lbs. (weigh 141.2) Erik has about 80 more lbs. to lose. He has lost 243 lbs (weighs 293). This is the first time he has been under 300 lbs. in years and years). Together we have lost 342 lbs. We have replaced all of our clothing several times - I have also altered some of them.
 
Did I say our lives have changed in so many ways? Our energy levels are off the charts now. We run after the grandchildren. We bought new bikes. We have a goal to go on hikes together. We feel so much better. Erik's blood sugar is normal - we have both have gone off many of our medications. Our doctors are proud of us for once in our lives. Erik's BIPAP machine was also adjusted to a lower setting.
 
All of this, but we do have many ways to improve - even now.
 
Life hasn't been free from stress - Erik has since lost his job and was unemployed for several months before finding another job. My Mom was very ill this year. I went through menopause - but still have to take antidepressants and Ambien. We need to exercise more - we need to eat better on the weekends (yesterday was a bad eating day). But we are back to the healthy living again today. We forgive ourselves when that happens and keep on going. Even with the stress of it all, we are still staying on track.
 
We have been married 35 years in May, 2010. The after photo is from our 35th. So that was several months ago now - Erik has lost  27 more lbs.
 
Our lives have been transformed and the Lord willing, we will be healthy in our elderly years. We are so thankful.

Willa & Erik Eklund

back to top