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(my thread title should read "My Weight Loss Journey")
Thought I would share my experiences since I started to loose weight.
I just joined this site today. This really looks like a great place to get REAL info.
A little history on me ...
Age: 53 | Height: 5'7" | Starting weight: 420 lbs. | Current weight 311 lbs. | Current Goal Weight: 250 lbs. | My current short term goal: Getting under 300 lbs. on September 21st (The last day of summer).
At the end of December 2016, I had seen my internal medicine doctor and basically she gave me the business. My weight at that time was 420 lbs. I basically told her I have given up on losing weight. She didn't enjoy hearing that and asked me if I would consider Bariatric Surgery. I went to a surgeon she recommended and she and I had a big chat.
Not sure what happened, but for the next three months, I took to trying to lose weight, while trying to get my insurance to cover the operation. Three months later, just thru dieting (or, as I like to say, using my "New Eating Routine"), I lost around 70 lbs.
Now, the surgery option went out the door. The insurance didn't cover it, and even if it did, It would have been very expensive and I wasn't about to put my me and my wife into even more debt, especially since we climbed out of a lot it over the last few years. So, since the operation was not going to be my "edge", and knowing I can't do this just with dieting alone, I joined a local fitness center. It has a great combo of free weights, machines, and cardio equipment and a lively atmosphere, with very friendly people. I join at the beginning of April, 2017, and have been really enjoying myself. I used to work out a lot and stopped in my late 30s. Yes, that was a mistake. I'm currently workout 5 days week.
I mainly do weight lifting (cables, machines, and dumb bells), and I do a lot of walking with my *new eating routine*. Today is my 30th week. I am now down to 311 lbs. 109 lbs. down
On average I consume about 1,800-2,000 calories at day (at times a little more, like 2,100). I use a tracking app to log all my food. I think I'm burning about 300-500 calories a day
I gave up all fast food, but occasionally I have a turkey sub at subway. I gave up all "starchy" carbs like potatoes, rice, bread and pasta. I stick to meats like chicken, pork, beef, with lost of veggies and fruits. I use meal drinks, yogurt, and meal bars for snacks. I do have a few Healthy Choice Steamer meals during the week for lunches, etc, as they are convenient and low in calories. I try to keep my protein high, and keep my fats moderate.
To be honest, I have never really watched what I ate, ever. I mean, never. I scarfed down whatever I wanted to my whole life. However, reaching 420 lbs really gave me a wake up call. I won't begin to tell you some of things I was experiencing being that big (and make no mistake, I am still big for sure).
I know there's a lot of people out their over 50 who might be in my shoes (over weight, etc.), and frankly I'm the last person who ever thought I could do this, but it's happening. I am so "effing" motivated to hit the gym, and to eat right. I never want to go back to the way I was feeling 7.5 months ago.
I know I'm not doing everything perfectly (lifting, dieting, etc.) but I am doing things more correctly now than I ever have before.
Thanks for listening folks.
Thought I would share my experiences since I started to loose weight.
I just joined this site today. This really looks like a great place to get REAL info.
A little history on me ...
Age: 53 | Height: 5'7" | Starting weight: 420 lbs. | Current weight 311 lbs. | Current Goal Weight: 250 lbs. | My current short term goal: Getting under 300 lbs. on September 21st (The last day of summer).
At the end of December 2016, I had seen my internal medicine doctor and basically she gave me the business. My weight at that time was 420 lbs. I basically told her I have given up on losing weight. She didn't enjoy hearing that and asked me if I would consider Bariatric Surgery. I went to a surgeon she recommended and she and I had a big chat.
Not sure what happened, but for the next three months, I took to trying to lose weight, while trying to get my insurance to cover the operation. Three months later, just thru dieting (or, as I like to say, using my "New Eating Routine"), I lost around 70 lbs.
Now, the surgery option went out the door. The insurance didn't cover it, and even if it did, It would have been very expensive and I wasn't about to put my me and my wife into even more debt, especially since we climbed out of a lot it over the last few years. So, since the operation was not going to be my "edge", and knowing I can't do this just with dieting alone, I joined a local fitness center. It has a great combo of free weights, machines, and cardio equipment and a lively atmosphere, with very friendly people. I join at the beginning of April, 2017, and have been really enjoying myself. I used to work out a lot and stopped in my late 30s. Yes, that was a mistake. I'm currently workout 5 days week.
I mainly do weight lifting (cables, machines, and dumb bells), and I do a lot of walking with my *new eating routine*. Today is my 30th week. I am now down to 311 lbs. 109 lbs. down
On average I consume about 1,800-2,000 calories at day (at times a little more, like 2,100). I use a tracking app to log all my food. I think I'm burning about 300-500 calories a day
I gave up all fast food, but occasionally I have a turkey sub at subway. I gave up all "starchy" carbs like potatoes, rice, bread and pasta. I stick to meats like chicken, pork, beef, with lost of veggies and fruits. I use meal drinks, yogurt, and meal bars for snacks. I do have a few Healthy Choice Steamer meals during the week for lunches, etc, as they are convenient and low in calories. I try to keep my protein high, and keep my fats moderate.
To be honest, I have never really watched what I ate, ever. I mean, never. I scarfed down whatever I wanted to my whole life. However, reaching 420 lbs really gave me a wake up call. I won't begin to tell you some of things I was experiencing being that big (and make no mistake, I am still big for sure).
I know there's a lot of people out their over 50 who might be in my shoes (over weight, etc.), and frankly I'm the last person who ever thought I could do this, but it's happening. I am so "effing" motivated to hit the gym, and to eat right. I never want to go back to the way I was feeling 7.5 months ago.
I know I'm not doing everything perfectly (lifting, dieting, etc.) but I am doing things more correctly now than I ever have before.
Thanks for listening folks.
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