I need a kick in the butt.

[PhillipV]

Hello everone,

I really need your help. The day after Christmas we reserved a week in March at the Grand Floridian. So, I decided to try to start the year off right and drop some tonnage. December 26th I weighed 416 lbs. This morning I weighed in at 405. I was 402 last Friday!!

I've been to the gym four times this week... I'm eating the right food... I'm drinking enough water to grow gills... WHAT'S THE PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a 43y.o., 6'4" guy who's about to "throw in the towel". Maybe I'm meant to be this weight? I'm really bummed out about this.

Can anyone help??

 

[Skatermom23]

Sometimes just eating right, exercise and water are not enough!! How about your portions? You really need to figure out how to fuel your body. I would suggest going to a program like Weight Watchers and getting some real help!
Don't be discouraged, just get help!

 

[goodeats]

But you're losing the weight, aren't you? I guess I don't understand why if you see it working that you don't want to stay with it?

You've lost 14 pounds in less than a month! That's great, all you need to do is incorporate these changes into your lifestyle and the weight will just fall off! They say it takes 40 days to make a habit. It's Ok to have a cheat meal every now and then, but don't over do it.

You didn't become 416 over night, you're not going to become 200 over night either!

 

[terryX]

But you're losing the weight, aren't you? I guess I don't understand why if you see it working that you don't want to stay with it?

You've lost 14 pounds in less than a month! That's great, all you need to do is incorporate these changes into your lifestyle and the weight will just fall off! They say it takes 40 days to make a habit. It's Ok to have a cheat meal every now and then, but don't over do it.

You didn't become 416 over night, you're not going to become 200 over night either!

This is a GOOD point! You didn't gain all this overnight...so you need to be patient in losing it. It is difficult but you are seeing results. Stay Strong! If you are indeed taking in less than you expend then you will lose weight.

Just don't go on some kind of "crash" diet since these are unhealthy and only seem to last a very short time.

Do NOt QUIT!

 

[Kimmumum]

In January 2005 my husband was 363 pounds. He woke up one morning and decided he needed to lose weight. In exactly 1 year he lost 180 pounds. He has kept it off for one year now. He eats really good food. He eats baked boneless skinless chicken, fish, fish, fish and a little turkey. He eats Fibre One cereal sometimes for dinner and snacks (and always for breakfast). He eats little meals through out the day (he actually eats ALL OF THE TIME). He gave up pop all together...none, not even diet....he only drinks water or black coffee. He would lose an average of 5 pounds a week. He also worked out 7 days a week for about 2 hours a day (to make it a habit). It can be done. Be proud of what you have done so far. It will take a while but if you keep with it you will see results.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Stick with it! If you are definitely making healthy changes it WILL show. There are many foods that have a higher salt content than you might think - and that may cause you to retain water (hence the extra 3 pounds...) One important thing that I've learned is to read nutrition labels. I'm mean REALLY read the labels - not just the calories. Quite often "reduced fat" items (crackers for example) have way more sodium than their full-fat counterparts. They need to do something to add flavor... Also, most deli meats & cheeses have a lot of sodium as a preservative.

Hang in there - know that no matter what the scale says today, if you are making an honest effort to consistantly have a healthier lifestyle you will reap the reward!

 

[PhillipV]

Just wanted to say that I really appreciate all of your support. I am really trying to change my attitude to the positive.

It's funny, at 23 I had enough drive & determination for 10 men... at 43 I've gotten "comfortable". Well, all I can do is try.

Thanks again!!

 

[denecarter]

Also... what are you doing at the gym?

There are two types of exercises you should be doing... cardio to burn fat and weights to build muscle. Muscle is denser than fat (weighs more but takes up less room). It is good to build muscle because even at rest, muscle burns more calories. The weights also will help tone your body. When I say weights, I don't mean body building like Mr. Universe with high weights, I mean several reps of a lower weight.

If you have been doing a lot of muscle building and not much fat burning, that may account for some of the weight gain.

As far as burning fat... walk and walk and walk and walk. And the longer the better.

I weighed 330 on Jan 1... as of Monday, I was down to 319. The heavier you are, the greater daily fluctuation you might have. Sodium can sneak up on you... are you drinking diet soda? I ate a can of soup... the whole can had 220 calories but a ridiculously high amount of salt. I could really "feel" the extra water the next day or two.

Eating several small meals, watching portion sizes, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, reducing sodium, toning, and burning fat... these are things we're going to have to do the rest of our lives. But if we do, those lives will be longer and more fulfilling.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I feel I need to come here to ask you to keep at it. Don't give up.

You are doing it, keep at what you are and maybe mix up a little. Sometimes our bodies will fight with us over losing and moving if it is the case for you, mix up your moving and eating routine. Keep your calories steady, whatever you have chosen as your daily intake seems to be getting you moving downward.

Come back and let us know how you are doing. Help us to help others getting through what you are. We all need each other.

Keep at it. You need to give yourself a chance to be healthier. Fight for it.

 

[PhillipV]

Thanks Tiger. It's tough, but I'll do my best.

 

[tiberius]

You have made a good start, don't throw in the towel yet.

Make sure you are eating the right amounts of the right foods, too little food can cause your body to slow down its metabolism, which will slow weight loss, and obviously, too much food puts on the pounds.

Keep active with a variety of exercise. I second the comments about doing both cardio and weightlifting.

Also, keep in mind, your body will not lose weight in a straight downward line, but you want to keep the overall trend downward. Also, remember muscle is denser than fat, so it is possible that during times your body is making mire muscle, that you will become both skinnier and heavier.

Whatever you do, keep it up. I often note at the gym that I am the fattest looking guy on the treadmills, but I am still in good enough shape to go more than 5 miles--it's just gonna take a while for my body shape to catch up with my activity level (whiich is really frustrating, but as the earlier poster stated, it will take some time to lose all the wieght that took years to put on).

Good Luck!