Biometric Testing Results

Feel free to comment!  I asked the DS board about what the lipid panel means. Perhaps you guys can shed some light on it for me too?  Seems like the cholesterol is in horrible shape, but what does that really mean? Age: 28 Blood Pressure:
    Systolic    -   134     Diastolic   -   89 Body Composition:     Body Fat %  -   39.5     BMI         -   47.7 (That doesn't add up...)     Height/Wght -   5'7" @ 305lbs Lipid Panel:     Total Cholesterol   -  226     Triglycerides       -  126     HDL (good)          -  19     LDL (bad)           -  182     Ratio               -  11.8     Glucose             -  62

Hello - as someone with hypercholesterolemia I know a bit about high cholesterol.  Your HDL is way too low, should be 45 or better.  Your LDL is way too high, should be 70 or less.  My doctor says that the total number is not as important as the HDL and LDL. 

I know your glucose number is good, but your BP the 89 is a little high.  It should be closer to 80. Brenda

My BP is in excellent shape compared to what it was at 330 lbs.  The doctor put me on BP meds at that time and they got it down to the levels I'm at now. I quit taking them last year after losing 30 lbs. I spoke to my PCP about this at last visit and he agreed I didn't have a need for the meds anymore but that I still needed to continue the weight loss, otherwise I'd have to go back on them.  My BP before was around 180/99.  But yes, you are correct I need to get it under  complete control!

I went to the doc last week and I was a little nervous.  My BP was 136/88 and she said the 88 was on the high side.  That's where I got that from. Brenda

Oh you and your doctor are absolutely correct.It is on the high side! It needs to be around 80. It's not high enough to have a dire need to medicate though. Thank God!  It's best to lose the weight and make better food choices to get it lower.

Your good cholesterol is really, really low.  But the good news is this is an easy fix.  By eating a ton of fruits and veggies it will go up.  Mine went from low (I think 35ish) to in the healthy range, all because of the veggies and fruits.  It is easy for me to maintain because when choosing a meal I'm always focused on veggie, protein, and fat, so the natural fix is in.  I found that when I ate starches like breads, etc., it was too hard to focus on getting enough veggies in.  Try making just one meal a day a big veggie meal and make sure you get your fruits for snacks.  Really, most Americans don't eat enough fruits and veggies all because we're too busy loading up on carbs, IMO. Your BP is prehypertension, but this is now just due to the weight.  It will go down as you lose more.  But use this # as a warning and heed it, my friend.

I have never seen my cholesterol at these levels before.  It used to be really good then it got a lil worse but only borderline.  Now, these numbers are telling me that I'm at a high risk for heart disease.  This ****** me off because I eat a LOT better now than I ever did!! What gives? My recent though has been to focus on protein and cut out bad carbs and starches. I think the results here are further evidence that I need to do something.  So I guess I'll see what I can do about cutting out the pasta my wife is in love with and the rice that I hold so dearly.  I actually did make the choice the night before on cutting out the rice when we had mexican but the tortilla chips and soft tortillas kind've canceled that out.  Anyways.. it's time to do something about this.. Weight loss is becoming imperative for my health and vanity is losing it's appeal.

Well, the good news is YOU KNOW.  And that knowledge can be motivating!  I know you're considering WLS, but until then, make a plan and just start moving toward your goal. I do agree, of course, that protein focused diet will be a good way to get things moving for you.  And when some weight moves and you feel better, you won't be kicking yourself over the journey before you, just moving toward your goal. Putting the emphasis on protein is a challenge, at first, but it does get easier.  For every meal, just focus first on protein, then veggies, then fats and compliment it with fruit snack (I'm nibbling on blueberries right now).  You'll find ways around the things you liked.  Like when I'm t hinking pasta or pizza, I do something like chicken, marinara and mozzarella.  Then the thought of the other is gone.  And when you see the changes start, like getting yourself to the 200s, you'll be feeling better about yourself. Now, what's your exercise plan, hmmm???? : )

Jerz you're slacking! lol. You haven't posted anything in your blog..I always check it and see what you have written...and there is NOTHING! Come on...at times I like reading it. lol