August 02, 2003
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Order 500 Low-Carb Recipes from Amazon.ComReader Success Story!
Reader Laura "Gooch" Sircher sends this ebullient success story:
Say! I don't think I told you my Low Carb success story, so, bear with me! Here I go:
In 2000 I nearly died from Lupus Nephritis! I had to get a kidney biopsy (with the 6" scar as proof). I've struggled with illnesses since '77! I first decided to challenge my willpower late '76 when I graduated High School (yipe!). I'm 5'9" so weight wasn't really a big deal. I started at 146. I went down to 109! First and only time I was in a Juniors.size 7! When my Doc saw me, he suggested I "put on a few pounds" & I went back to 150! I had anorexia before it had a name. Lived on 500 calories a day. But anyway:
In '94 I had Lupus of the joints. Do you think the anorexia nervosa did this?? Who knows? I was okay for a while even though my life was in turmoil. - I got divorced in'97, my Dad got ill and I had to put him in a home.
I remarried my best friend, and things were good. Then the 2000 attack! Kidneys only functioned at 10-15%. I was placed on aggressive meds, blood and "pee" tests and 12 chemos to boost my immune system. As a result, there were side effects: edema, high blood pressure and fatigue, plus I lost my hair, my mind and my self esteem. I went into early menopause as well. To top it off, I shot up to 199 lbs! EW! (1X-16-18) Gross!
Well, after my last Chemo/Doc visit, I decided to begin my version of Atkin's. Cleared out the pantry (no white flour or sugar in there!) Read and altered recipes, and today it is 71 weeks since I started. Proud to say I lost 80 lbs. and I'm in a Juniors .9! My Hubby is so happy for me, and HE's cutting his carbs even though he doesn't need to! He lost 2 pant sizes!
I still have residual effects (tired/can't drive-depression), but I've come a long way, and Ed is a saint for putting up with me! To make a long story short, I'm on maintenance! I've experimented with food show recipes and I made a TERRIFIC LC Worcestershire Sauce which I altered from the Burger Meister! Yesterday I made a LC Hawaiian Salad and it turned out fabulous!!!
Well I rambled enough! You take care! Even though you're busy I hope to hear from you soon! All the best.
"Gootch" Laura Sircher
PS: Saw the Rheumy on a follow up & he was amazed! Blood pressure is great! Kidneys are back to normal (that's about the only NORMAL thing about me) LOL!
So glad you're better, and thanks for sending in your story!
Speaking of success stories, folks, we're looking for folks who will send in their success stories, and share their before and after photos, so send 'em in! You may see them here, or on the website, or even in a national magazine or two! feedback@holdthetoast.com