Thank you for your replies.
SlimmingSi: Thank you for the ideas for alternate exercises. I think though, that the cartilage research is further along than you imagine. There’s a doctor in Chicago who has been doing this type of thing already (except he’s restricted it to young people in the experimental stage). He’s been at it about five years – so I imagine he’s pretty close to concluding his research and clinical trials. I tried to qualify for the trials when I first injured my knee, but unfortunately was deemed “too old” for his study. Anyhow, I’m on his patient list – so as soon as it opens up to the old folk – I’ll jump at the chance.
Findingfawn: There is method to my madness – but it has more to do with psychological aspects of dieting than weight loss per se. A total fast (five shakes only with weekly drawn blood work) doesn’t really bother me as long as I know it’s going to be a limited period. I know I can do anything for a month. I’ll lose about 14 lbs if I stick to it religiously.
By the time the end of the month rolls around, I’ll be feeling sorry for myself. So much so, that when I move to a partial Medifast (5 shakes [or alternate prepared foods] plus a lean and green meal) – it will seem to me like a veritable feast. Seriously, I’ve done this before and it’s amazing how bountiful a 5 oz. piece of meat and green vegetables seems after having nothing but shakes for four weeks. I’ll do that for two months. And I’ll be happy with my single meat and veggie meal…but human nature being what it is, ventually I’ll feel restricted (around about two months).
At which point, I’ll move to a calorie controlled diet. Which will mean more food (instead of less) and I’ll truly feel like I’m in heaven (even though I doubt it will be 1500 calories, if that). It will either be Seattle Sutton (it’s my understanding that diet takes the glycemic index into consideration) or I’ll recruit my daughter (who took a required nutrition course for her university degree) to write a glycemic index diet up for me. I have time to think about this aspect.
That’s my plan for this year. On Jan. 1st, 2011 --- I’ll simply repeat the process and try to lose another fifty pounds.
As insane as this sounds, mixing diets up this way works better for me because after an initial short period of deprivation – things seem (due to the fact that more food gets added) to get better as the months go on.
So it goes from approximately 450 calories in phase one, to around 875 in phase two, to somewhere around 1500 in phase three. I estimate I’ll have to do each phase three times.
MissKog:
Thank you for your sympathy. I feel like a “bad daughter” because intellectually I know she couldn’t help being the way she was – she had borderline personality disorder (actually almost a textbook presentation). There were some DID aspects present as well. And yet, knowing this as I do – I am unable to reconcile myself on an emotional level.
I saw a therapist after she died and he told me that it is more difficult to come to terms with the death of a parent when the relationship wasn’t good. It’s only been a few months since she passed – so I’m not worried that I haven’t reached resolution yet. The therapist told me it would take considerable time given the circumstances. But thank you for your kindness and understanding.
If you ever feel you need to vent about your demanding parent – feel free to contact me for emotional support.
Lovemyboy: Thank you. I’ll probably make some adaptations as time goes on (as we all do).
I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and giving mutual support.
-- Rainbowmyst
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