I have just completed my first week of diet and exercise training. I learned a few things in the process, which I would like to share with my minuscule, but faithful audience:
1. The gastroparesis dietary restrictions are HELL when you are trying to lose weight.
After consulting my doctor, I have gradually been increasing protein and limiting carbs to 50-60% of my diet. I am experimenting with tofu and soy milk to increase my protein intake, as meat products can sometimes cause great discomfort for me. Even before gastroparesis, I was not a big meat eater, so this is no real stretch. I will also be eating at least one "peanut butter popsicle" (peanut butter on a spoon - one of my mother's greatest "jokes" to get us kids to eat healthy) a day to avoid the carb trap associated with bread products. I am still trying to make 1400-1600 calories a day, which can be a bit challenging at times.
2. The running program I have set for myself seems to be doing OK. I did notice that I tend to run on the sides of my feet; it is quite involuntary, and I can't seem to correct it. My right knee joint has also been complaining a bit much, so I may have to go back to wearing a brace.
3. I have lost TWO pounds this week...I think. Our bathroom scale is a bit temperamental, so it could be as little as ONE pound.
Happy eating!
Definitely wear the knee brace. Don't cause yourself undue injury. Congrats on the two pound weight loss!!
ReplyDeleteActually, a brace is really not needed. Trust me, three years ago I was in the SAME position. What you need is shoes that correct your over/under pronation. You have to take care of your feet. Most people over pronate. This is totally common and corrected with shoes, not a brace. My knees hurt too, even after years of training, if I wear bad shoes. Go to a professional running shoe store, and ask for a test. You can google how-to tests on the internet. Start with a "wet" test. I recommend you go with a stabilizing and cushioning shoe. Running will show you where your joints, tendons etc, are weak. Weakness can be painful, but there is a difference between the pain with curing weak areas, and the pain associated with injury. :-)
ReplyDeleteAll my best. You can do this. I believe in you.
My pain is actually associated with an injury sustained in 2003. It is always good to pay attention to going UP stairs while gawking up at the mansion belonging to you boyfriend's friend...especially at night - BAM!
ReplyDeleteDue to the "Heil Kaiser!" (Permanente) system of HMO care I was under at the time, the nurse on the telephone would not let me see a doctor after my injury because a)my knee did not swell up and b) I could still walk on it...barely. Three days later, I got the swelling, blue tint, and inability to walk that was required to see a doctor ("Something doesn't feel right" doesn't count, apparently). The doctor then proceeded to yell at me for "not coming in sooner"(!) and sent me immediately to x-ray.
The knee was not broken, but every last bit of tissue, and possibly parts of the ligaments, was torn and/or damaged in some way. I walked with a cane for awhile, and the damn thing still causes me grief at inconvenient times (esp. climbing stairs) even to this day.
How was Week 2?
ReplyDelete