Greg's Transformation Thread (Comments Welcome)

[gppnj]

Hi, all. My name is Greg. In a future post, I'll talk a little bit about myself. For now, I'll just say that I'm a very large man who needs to lose quite a bit of weight.

I wanted to keep an on-line journal to chronicle my thoughts and what I'm going through. I decided to do so here because people who are Disney fans tend to be some of the nicest people.

Sometimes, overeating really doesn't seem to be that bad of an idea. The first thing I wanted to do was post a list of my reasons why I want to lose weight. (I'll update the list whenever I think of another reason.) The idea is that I'll refer to this list whenever I need to remind myself why I'm doing what I'm doing.

Reasons I Should Lose Weight:

1. Health. Fortunately, so far I've avoided the most severe health-related effects of being extremely overweight. However, if I don't change, it's just a matter of time before I face conditions like diabetes.

2. Companionship. Although I have had one romantic relationship, and I have met some additional people who are attracted to the extra-large version of me, I'd have many, many more dating options if I were in good shape.

3. Back pain. My back hurts when I stand up for a prolonged period of time.

4. Clothes. I hate having to shop at the Big and Tall Store. And the clothes I buy there don't really even look good on me. If I get much bigger, I will be larger than the largest size that the local Big and Tall store even carries.

5. Endurance. I hate getting winded just from walking up a flight of stairs.

6. Knees. My knees are already starting to go, and I'm only 40. Losing weight will prolong the time until I need knee replacements.

7. Thighs. I hate that my thighs rub together when I walk. Pants don't last me long because between the legs they wear out fairly quickly. Sometimes the skin on my inner legs gets so irritated from rubbing together that I bleed.

8. Waist. When the weather is warm, I frequently get skin infections along my waist line because the tight fabric around my waist doesn't let the skin breathe.

9. Self consciousness. I hate walking around and thinking that everyone is looking at me and making fun of me because I'm so big. Usually I'm just being paranoid, but sometimes I'm not.

10. Chairs. I hate having to worry if certain chairs are going to buckle under my weight.

11. Flying. I can still fit in an airline seat - but just barely. If a stranger is seated next to me, I feel bad that I'm uncomfortably close to that person.

12. Disney. I can still fit on all the rides at Walt Disney World, but if I get much bigger, I won't. (I've been unable to fit on certain rides at Universal and Six Flags.) I'd hate to not be able to ride something I want to ride at Disney because of my size. I am far too heavy to take one of those Segway tours at Epcot, which I'd like to do someday.

13. Summer. I won't take off my shirt at the beach or pool. I'd like to be able to take off my shirt and not feel self conscious.

14. Money. When I'm overeating, I can spend a small fortune on food. My finances aren't bad, but they'd be better if I did other things with all that extra money.

15. Job. In general, I am doing well with my job. I'm right at the point where I could cross from middle-middle management to senior-middle management. I wouldn't want to be looked over for a promotion because of my appearance.

16. Life. I don't want to die prematurely because of my weight. I want to outlast my DVC contract!

17. Sleeping. Sleep apnea is one of the worst things in the world.

18. Bathroom. Wiping is difficult. If I get much bigger, it could become impossible.

19. Exercise. I love the high I get after exercising.

20. Outdoors. I love to do things like hiking and canoeing. I'd like to be in good enough shape that I could do those things again.

OK. Well that was slightly painful. But I'm glad I did it. More another time.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Good luck Greg . You sound motivated! Just make sure you celebrate the small victories along the way. And your best friend will be exercise...if you can get out there and walk or hike a little even, it will really help. I know it's a difficult journey, but you really do sound like you ready to take on the challenge. Best wishes!!!

 

[tbstein]

Hello Greg.

I wish for you the best in your quest. I too have had several of the same reasons for a healthier life style. My family is a big one! I want to be there for them, and 15 months my BMI certainly wasn't giving me any indication that I would be. I am out of the danger range, but not out of the woods. So often reality gets in the way. I keep on plugging on.

Sending lots of pixie dust to get you started. For that is the hardest part. Well, next to sticking to it!

Best of luck!

Wendy

 

[gppnj]

My thanks to both Amy and Wendy for the feedback and well wishes.

Things are going well so far. I remain highly motivated - possibly more motivated than I've ever been before. My second week ended yesterday. I lost about eight pounds in the first week and three pounds in the second week. To put things in context, this is just the smallest drop in the bucket compared to what I need to lose, but it's a good start.

I had a great victory on Saturday. I was out, and some friends and I were looking for somewhere to eat, and they decided on a Chinese buffet. (It was the only place around, so we really didn't have much choice.) This might have been someplace that I could have let trip me up, but I handled it splendidly. I went up there and got a medium-sized plate of food. I ate it slowly and then assessed what to do. I didn't tell myself I couldn't have anymore. However, I just considered how I felt, and I honestly wasn't hungry anymore, so I decided not to have anymore. I was just trying to listen to my body. If I was still hungry, I would have gotten more food. But I told myself I could have as much as I wanted as long as I was hungry, so I didn't feel deprived. By contrast, every other member of my party (even the skinny ones) went up for four or five plates of food.

And your best friend will be exercise...if you can get out there and walk or hike a little even, it will really help.

Truer words have never been spoken. I haven't yet started doing any real exercise. I lost three pounds the second week, but I know I won't have that same good result this week unless I put exercise into the mix. Exercise is so critical for me right now.

In the past, I've responded to decreasing weight losses primarily by decreasing my food. I now think that this is what did me in. I think what happens is that my body starts to think it's starving, and then the survival part of my brain takes over and tells me to start eating. So the solution, at least for me, is not to keep cutting food but to drive the weight loss mainly through exercise. I am going to start this evening after work. For me to reach my long-term goals, I'll need to have about a three-pound weight loss every week.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Awesome job Greg!!! You have to be so proud of yourself for a successful two weeks .

And that really was a MAJOR victory at the restaurant over the weekend ! It really sounds to me that you have truly set yourself up for success with the way you are approaching this journey! Stay inspired and don't give up, you are doing super! And one thing to remember...don't beat yourself up if you have a bad day....give yourself permission to make mistakes and just start each new day with a fresh perspective and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Good luck with the week ahead...I know you'll have another successful one.

 

[tbstein]

Amazing job Greg. You should be very proud of yourself. The weight loss is very very good. It is a very positive note on the long journey we all have.

Please keep up the good work.

Wendy

 

[gppnj]

So far, I've lost about 20 pounds. Although this is good, sometimes I tend to dismiss this accomplishment because I still need to lose somewhere in the neighborhood of 170 pounds.

Something happened yesterday that made me appreciate how far I've come already.

Everyone gains and loses weight differently. With me, in the past, I've lost up to 40 pounds without my pants size changing one bit. This seems like it should be impossible, but it's true. On the other hand, as soon as I lose even a little bit of weight, it shows up in my face immediately.

Last Friday, I attended a party where photos of me were taken. I saw these photos yesterday, and I was shocked. After just a few weeks of watching what I eat and exercising, suddenly I have a jawline again. Suddenly my face has shape and definition. I usually cringe when I see photos of myself. Although I was not completely delighted with what I saw in these most recent photos, I cringed a lot less than I used to.

I just wanted to put out there than I am grateful for this bit of progress. I hope I will have more moments like these as I continue.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Keep celebrating those victories Greg. That's a wonderful thing...to be able to see the progress you've made thus far.

You're doing great!!!

 

[goldcupmom]

Welcome to WISH, Greg!

Everyone's right...Celebrate the little victories! We didn't put this weight on in a short time & it's not coming off in one either.

You're doing WONDERFUL!!!

Have a great weekend!

 

[tbstein]

Great Greg!

To see a difference makes a big difference. And, when someone comments on it, it adds to the good vibes and just adds to the dedication.

20 pounds is great. Those 20 pounds with double and triple, and you will reach your goal. Do not loose your great mental attitude you are developing. I have slipped, and it really hurts with the focus and morale. You can do it and will do it.

Take care Greg and keep up the positive attitude.

Wendy