A GOOD DAY

WEDNESDAY (8 days to go) -- My visit with Dr. K went well. I’m officially down a total of 44 pounds from my highest weight. She was appropriately pleased and said if I come close to my goal weight I will be able to stop taking insulin, probably stop taking all diabetes drugs and be able reduce many of my blood pressure drugs. I’m thinking that if I can get down to a dozen from the 2 dozen drugs that I take every day, then taking care of me might become a part-time job from the full-time career it is now. Already, I’ve had to reduce my insulin dose by 25 percent and it appears that it’s not enough.

I was tempted to raid the pretzel jar at work today but resisted. For dinner, I had Brussels sprouts, onions, red bell peppers, mushrooms and parsley steamed in water laced with salt, pepper, habanera pepper hot sauce and garlic. It seemed was really good. I think my taste buds are dying.

But the best part of the day was that four people actually and independently told me I looked thinner. And I was able to comfortably button and wear all day a pair of chinos that I have not been able to put on since 2003. Just one small downside: my best belt is on its last hole.

Stay tuned.