A slight change for GB

[Gaybutton]

I haven't said anything about this. And since I haven't been to the bars, few - if any - of you have seen me lately. The last time most of you who know me did see me, you saw quite an obese GB.

5 months ago I was diagnosed with fatty liver. At first the doctors told me they think is is cirrhosis of the liver. I was shocked. I asked how this could be since I don't even drink? The doctor said other factors can cause it, including being obese. To confirm what was going on, they did a fibroscan, which I had never heard of. It is similar to an ultrasound, but specific to the liver. It confirmed that I don't have cirrhosis, but do have a high level fatty liver, which is dangerous.

The doctor told me fortunately fatty liver is totally reversible if I lose weight and put myself on a liver-friendly diet.

That is exactly what I did and have been doing ever since. It hasn't been easy, but I have very rigidly stuck to the diet.

As of this morning I have lost 50 pounds - just under 23kg. I don't mind saying I am very proud of myself for accomplishing this - and I still am working on losing at least10 more pounds. When I started I weighed 245 pounds - 111kg. As of today I weigh 195 pounds - 88kg.

Last week I was in for another fibroscan. The doctor told me I am well on my way to fully reversing the fatty liver. I am now halfway to the doctor's goal. Last week I was also in for a routine scheduled cardiac exam, which includes a blood test. The doctor said, using these words, "These numbers are fantastic". He also said I am now in diabetic remission. He said there is no cure for diabetes, but as long as I keep these kinds of numbers, it is as if I am not diabetic at all and I will suffer no ill effects diabetes can cause. My favorite part was when the doctor said it is rare to see a patient who has accomplished what I have. Again, I am proud of that and don't mind bragging about it.

Both doctors told me it is perfectly ok for me to go to my favorite restaurants twice a month an eat whatever the hell I want. That is what I am going to do. I have become so used to the kind of diet I have been eating that I plan to just stick with it. I am not going to permit myself to ever gain back the weight I have lost.

I hope going public about this encourages any of you who also ought to be losing weight to do so - and maybe get a fibroscan of your own to make sure where your liver health stands. Folks, believe me - if I can do it, anyone can.

By the way, Wednesday I will be eating with a friend at the Pepper and Salt restaurant - on "The Dark Side", not to be confused with the Salt and Pepper restaurant familiar to many of you. I am going to have their shrimp ravioli appetizer, am deciding between their pork cordon bleu or their lamb skewer, and tiramisu for dessert.

https://www.facebook.com/PepperandSaltPattaya/

Next day, right back on the diet.

[Dodger]

Congratulations!

It sounds like your disciplined diet is doing the trick.

Eating healthy takes some practice for most of us as we move forward in life but the payoff is tremendous.

Being an Italian American growing up in Chicago I gorged myself on tons of pizza...pasta...Vienna hot dogs...cheeseburgers... gyro' sandwiches...and Italian roast beef sandwiches. Best food in the world...I miss it terribly, but have to admit that if I was still eating like that I would be overweight for sure and probably in poor health right now.

We can't do a damn thing about our chronological ages - but we sure as hell can do something about our biological ages - and diet and exercise are the absolute keys to success.

I quit smoking and consuming alcohol when I retired and replaced the time I spent drinking in the bars with a rigid daily exercise routine. Hated it at first, but it's now a routine part of my lifestyle and I really enjoy it. Eating right took some practice but with my partner Jai's influence I've transitioned to eating much healthier. And he's also to be credited with helping me burn those unwanted calories when the lights go out...555

Keep up the good work.

[Gaybutton]

diet and exercise

Exercise? Exercise?!?! I'll put it this way - at my age if you see me jogging it only means the laxative is working . . .

(Joke stolen from Rodney Dangerfield)

[Jun]

Congratulations.

In the last few decades, obesity seems to have really caught on in many countries. It's not just westerners any more. The average Indian or Chinese visitor to Pattaya is overweight.
The gene pool hasn't changed, so it's all down to the choices people make.

I'm glad to see you are successfully reversing that process.

As for exercise, walking is a good start.

[Gaybutton]

As for exercise, walking is a good start.

But I do walk - usually from in front of my TV to the bathroom - and I walk back too . . .

[Dodger]

But I do walk - usually from in front of my TV to the bathroom - and I walk back too . . .

You've done such a great job so far by losing 50 lbs....just think how great you'd feel if you did a little light walking each day to firm up those muscles and get the cardio benefits.

Unless you have a medical condition which prevents you from walking you really should consider it. Evam just 30 minutes a day at a mild pace is proven to reduce heart attacks and strokes, improves balance, strengthens the immune system, and the list goes on and on. I'm sure you're well aware of this but sometimes things like this bear repeating.

Give it a try. You'll be wearing tight-fitting spandex pants and swinging around the pole like a 20 year old in no time...LOL. Ok...OK...maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but at least you'll live longer.

[Gaybutton]

a little light walking each day

Thank you, but I was only kidding. Actually I do a lot of walking. And with my dog, I don't have much choice . . .



That's 33kg (73 pounds) of dog you're looking at. And he is very protective of me. Good boy!!

[richsilver]

Congrats! Keep up the good work.

[khuntst]

What a cute pup!

This is an amazing story and you are right to share it. Well done indeed.

[Gaybutton]

What a cute pup!

This is an amazing story and you are right to share it. Well done indeed.

Thank you very much. I hope it inspires others who also ought to trim down. Again, if I can do it, anyone can. I figured out my diet simply by going on Google, making inquiries about foods good for fatty liver and also checking specifically.

Here is an example:

Inquiry: Is salmon good for fatty liver
Response:

Yes, salmon is very good for fatty liver (MASLD) because its high content of omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce liver fat, lower inflammation, improve liver enzymes, and may even slow scarring, making it an excellent choice for a liver-friendly diet alongside other healthy fats and proteins.

Benefits of Salmon for Fatty Liver

Reduces Inflammation: Omega-3s are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that calm liver inflammation.
Lowers Liver Fat: These healthy fats can decrease the amount of fat stored in the liver.
Improves Liver Function: Omega-3s help improve liver enzymes and may prevent fibrosis (scarring).
Provides Healthy Protein: Salmon offers lean protein, which provides essential building blocks for liver repair and function, without the unhealthy fats found in some meats.

How to Incorporate Salmon

Frequency: Aim for at least two servings (3-5 ounces each) of fatty fish like salmon per week.
Preparation: Bake, grill, or pan-sear salmon with healthy oils like olive oil.
Pair with: Serve with leafy greens, vegetables, or whole grains for a complete, liver-healthy meal.

Other Liver-Friendly Foods

Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts (walnuts), seeds, and olive oil.
Antioxidants: Berries, leafy greens, and green tea.
Lean Proteins: Chicken, beans, and tofu.

Always discuss dietary changes with your healthcare provider, especially if you have advanced liver disease, as needs can vary.

And my dog is a pedigree Basset Hound. He says he appreciates the compliment . . .