Obesity Discussion Forums

[PassTheBypass]

Yes, I finally accomplished something, I got 100 pound overweight. My doctor says that moves me from just obese to the magic category of Morbidly Obese. I can now get that cool gastric bypass I have been hearing the cool kids talking about.

However, I HATE surgery, doctors, being unconscious, nurses pinching me for blood at 3am, etc. So, I have decided to lose the 100 pounds without the surgery. (Not knocking the surgrery, just trying to avoid it out of personal cowardice.) When I do other things, forums help me to learn, chat, compete, motivate, etc. I am hoping the same works here.

How did this "accomplishment" happen? Well, it took an eye injury (retinal detachment) to knock me out of active sports, weightlifting, or even jogging. So, exercise went down to near zero. However, my appetite remained the same. Perhaps, with the loss of sports, it even went up. So, I went from 210 to 280 in a 7 year span, never enough in one batch to worry, just slowly, creeping, quietly, until my scale didn't like seeing me in the morning. So then, I did slimfast, (can I mention diet methods here?), got down to 250, and then my mom died, and I said, what the heck, why should I starve when I could go any day anyway. Live for today, eat what I want, and the heck with tomorrow.

Now, I am gonna try to compete with myself to see if I can lose 100 pounds. I figure it is motivation to compete, even if it is against my own appetite. I want to avoid getting the gastric bypass, and do it all on my own. I would like to avoid the fad diets, and just go with low calories to drain the fat away. Reading about the folks on the bypass in wikipedia (can I mention websites here?), they go through fatigue, depression, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and muscle weakness. I figure I can do that without spending the money on the surgery.

So, am I in the right place to get pumped, motivated, and challenged?

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by PassTheBypass

Yes, I finally accomplished something, I got 100 pound overweight. My doctor says that moves me from just obese to the magic category of Morbidly Obese. I can now get that cool gastric bypass I have been hearing the cool kids talking about.

However, I HATE surgery, doctors, being unconscious, nurses pinching me for blood at 3am, etc. So, I have decided to lose the 100 pounds without the surgery. (Not knocking the surgrery, just trying to avoid it out of personal cowardice.) When I do other things, forums help me to learn, chat, compete, motivate, etc. I am hoping the same works here.

How did this "accomplishment" happen? Well, it took an eye injury (retinal detachment) to knock me out of active sports, weightlifting, or even jogging. So, exercise went down to near zero. However, my appetite remained the same. Perhaps, with the loss of sports, it even went up. So, I went from 210 to 280 in a 7 year span, never enough in one batch to worry, just slowly, creeping, quietly, until my scale didn't like seeing me in the morning. So then, I did slimfast, (can I mention diet methods here?), got down to 250, and then my mom died, and I said, what the heck, why should I starve when I could go any day anyway. Live for today, eat what I want, and the heck with tomorrow.

Now, I am gonna try to compete with myself to see if I can lose 100 pounds. I figure it is motivation to compete, even if it is against my own appetite. I want to avoid getting the gastric bypass, and do it all on my own. I would like to avoid the fad diets, and just go with low calories to drain the fat away. Reading about the folks on the bypass in wikipedia (can I mention websites here?), they go through fatigue, depression, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and muscle weakness. I figure I can do that without spending the money on the surgery.

So, am I in the right place to get pumped, motivated, and challenged?

You are absolutely in the right place!!! Welcome! The best way to get great support/encouragement for your accomplishments and goals would be to start a topic in the blog forum cataloging your progress, daily activities, etc. Our staff here knows exactly what you need and will give you great tips and pointers along the way!

Those diets are definitely not the way to go in the long run; they're only a short term fix, and what you need is a lifestyle change. Have you ever counted your calories? We suggest that to everyone looking to lose weight the natural way, with a goal in mind of creating a calorie deficit in order to lose weight. The first step is to determine how many pounds a week you want to lose, the second step is to calculate how many calories a day your body uses, and the third step is to calculate how many calories a day you should eat to meet your weight loss goals. The fourth step of course is to implement your goals on a daily basis.

You want to lose 100lbs over 19 months, that should be cake! That's a little more than 1lb a week. No sweat. If you make sure you consume about 550-600 calories less a day then you expend, and average that amount every day for the next 19 months, you will hit your goal!

Although you no longer compete in active sports, do you get other types of exercise? Weightlifting? Cardiovascular exercise? Those will help you acheive your goals even quicker, or can allow you to eat a little bit more and still lose weight.

To answer your other questions, we do place a restriction on new members, by not allowing them to post links or send private messages to other members until they have 10 posts. This helps prevent spammers from bothering us.

[PassTheBypass]

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

You are absolutely in the right place!!! Welcome! The best way to get great support/encouragement for your accomplishments and goals would be to start a topic in the blog forum cataloging your progress, daily activities, etc. Our staff here knows exactly what you need and will give you great tips and pointers along the way!

hmmm, I am not really the blogging type. I will hold off on that. I looked through some of the blogs, and I don't think I could get that detailed/personal.

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

Those diets are definitely not the way to go in the long run; they're only a short term fix, and what you need is a lifestyle change. Have you ever counted your calories? We suggest that to everyone looking to lose weight the natural way, with a goal in mind of creating a calorie deficit in order to lose weight. The first step is to determine how many pounds a week you want to lose, the second step is to calculate how many calories a day your body uses, and the third step is to calculate how many calories a day you should eat to meet your weight loss goals. The fourth step of course is to implement your goals on a daily basis.

I did that once through a wellness program at work. Little index cards for writing down every bite and sip. I will probably start off that way, and then let my wife "critique" me at the end of the day. We have tons of business cards that I can use for that.

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

You want to lose 100lbs over 19 months, that should be cake! That's a little more than 1lb a week. No sweat. If you make sure you consume about 550-600 calories less a day then you expend, and average that amount every day for the next 19 months, you will hit your goal!

Those plateus are the thing that gets me. I drop the first 30 (done it twice), and then get stuck. My metabolism is slow (not an excuse, just a fact of life now that I can't exhert or jostle too much), so I know that once I hit that plateu, I will need to break past it.

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

Although you no longer compete in active sports, do you get other types of exercise? Weightlifting? Cardiovascular exercise? Those will help you acheive your goals even quicker, or can allow you to eat a little bit more and still lose weight.

Pretty much all I can do is swimming, with goggles. Jogging can jostle my retina loose, sports like basketball (elbow to the head), soccer (ball to the head), and weightlifting (straining to lift can increase blood flow to the head, causing a tear in the retina), karate (blow to the head), and all the stuff I did as a kid are now out of the question. I did low impact aerobics for a while, that also works. Problem is being the only guy in the class gets tiring. I wish there was a "macho" rock and roll aerobics out there.(Led Zep, George Thorogood, Metallica, sports rock kind of stuff) I mean, they played a tiny bit of "The Immigrant Song" on Shrek III, and I was moving to the beat. I have a mix tape of my own, but it isn't the same when you know each song coming your way. But then, headbangers and aerobics is a rare mix, I guess.

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

To answer your other questions, we do place a restriction on new members, by not allowing them to post links or send private messages to other members until they have 10 posts. This helps prevent spammers from bothering us.

I was just kidding. i figure words like slimfast or wikipedia would be thought of as spamming.

Meanwhile, let's hear some solutions to hunger/cravings. I do water, as in LOTS of water. It works, but i think it keeps the stomach big. Is there a solution that uses less space? Just curious...

[William Wallace]

Originally Posted by PassTheBypass

hmmm, I am not really the blogging type. I will hold off on that. I looked through some of the blogs, and I don't think I could get that detailed/personal.


I did that once through a wellness program at work. Little index cards for writing down every bite and sip. I will probably start off that way, and then let my wife "critique" me at the end of the day. We have tons of business cards that I can use for that.


Those plateus are the thing that gets me. I drop the first 30 (done it twice), and then get stuck. My metabolism is slow (not an excuse, just a fact of life now that I can't exhert or jostle too much), so I know that once I hit that plateu, I will need to break past it.


Pretty much all I can do is swimming, with goggles. Jogging can jostle my retina loose, sports like basketball (elbow to the head), soccer (ball to the head), and weightlifting (straining to lift can increase blood flow to the head, causing a tear in the retina), karate (blow to the head), and all the stuff I did as a kid are now out of the question. I did low impact aerobics for a while, that also works. Problem is being the only guy in the class gets tiring. I wish there was a "macho" rock and roll aerobics out there.(Led Zep, George Thorogood, Metallica, sports rock kind of stuff) I mean, they played a tiny bit of "The Immigrant Song" on Shrek III, and I was moving to the beat. I have a mix tape of my own, but it isn't the same when you know each song coming your way. But then, headbangers and aerobics is a rare mix, I guess.


I was just kidding. i figure words like slimfast or wikipedia would be thought of as spamming.

Meanwhile, let's hear some solutions to hunger/cravings. I do water, as in LOTS of water. It works, but i think it keeps the stomach big. Is there a solution that uses less space? Just curious...

Good idea writing stuff down. Regarding the blog I think he just meant to keep track of weight loss, what you are eating each day and any exercise you do, nothing too personal. If you hit a plateau, sticking it out usually will be enough to get past it, but if not you can always adjust your eating exercise program to beat it. Have you tried a seated exercise bike or yoga? I for one would never complain about being in an aerobics class surrounded by women .

In addition to lots of water, lower your sugar/sweetener intake, eat more dietary fiber, and eat slower. Eating too fast doesn't let your brain figure out that you're full until you're well past that point. It prevents over eating. You can also space your meals out and make them smaller to give you the feeling that you are constantly eating, which may prevent hunger.

[PassTheBypass]

Originally Posted by William Wallace

Have you tried a seated exercise bike or yoga? I for one would never complain about being in an aerobics class surrounded by women .

I didn't complain, but my wife was in the class too. Can't let the eyes wander, and remember to agree when she says "that girl looks cheap, wearing that tight outfit and showing that much skin."

Originally Posted by William Wallace

In addition to lots of water, lower your sugar/sweetener intake, eat more dietary fiber, and eat slower. Eating too fast doesn't let your brain figure out that you're full until you're well past that point. It prevents over eating. You can also space your meals out and make them smaller to give you the feeling that you are constantly eating, which may prevent hunger.

Eating fast is definitely one of my problems. I mean, I don't use a shovel, it just seems like it.

[Irving]

Originally Posted by PassTheBypass

I didn't complain, but my wife was in the class too. Can't let the eyes wander, and remember to agree when she says "that girl looks cheap, wearing that tight outfit and showing that much skin."

Eating fast is definitely one of my problems. I mean, I don't use a shovel, it just seems like it.

back in my day the rule was look but dont touch. i love your tips though!

try eating slower and you will notice a reduction in the amount you end up eating i am sure. it worked for me.

glad to have you here welcome!

[Merle]

Originally Posted by PassTheBypass

Meanwhile, let's hear some solutions to hunger/cravings. I do water, as in LOTS of water. It works, but i think it keeps the stomach big. Is there a solution that uses less space? Just curious...

Hey there welcome to the crew!


Some of the things a lot of us do here is to write down what we eat (calorie wise) so we can see on paper exactly what we have eaten. I also put a picture up on my refridgerator of how I looked at my worst and how I looked at my best as a reminder that I want to get back to best. I sometimes look at it and do not open the refridgerator. I have heard of other people on this site putting scales by their refridgerator too. I think Obesity Discussion has chains and a padlock on his fridge with a guard dog inside

When you go shopping, only buy the healthy foods. If it is not in your house you will not eat it. Once in a while I have coffee which seems to stimulate my appetite, however I would not recommend a lot of it to anyone with heart issues because caffeine in large amounts is not good for you.

Stay on your feet and be as active as possible. When you sit down is when you may get bored and look for something to do (eat).

Lastly, and this helps me a ton, is I chew gum. Putting something in my mouth and the act of chewing I feel tricks me into thinking I'm eating a little something at times.

[William Wallace]

Originally Posted by PassTheBypass

I didn't complain, but my wife was in the class too. Can't let the eyes wander, and remember to agree when she says "that girl looks cheap, wearing that tight outfit and showing that much skin."

Eating fast is definitely one of my problems. I mean, I don't use a shovel, it just seems like it.

That is so true on the wandering eyes!! You sound like you know exactly how to play the game

Regarding eating fast, slow it down if you can, but maybe consider eating more smaller meals where you don't fill yourself up completely with each meal, but consistently eat throughout the day. That might let your brain catch up a little faster.

[PassTheBypass]

Originally Posted by William Wallace

Regarding eating fast, slow it down if you can, but maybe consider eating more smaller meals where you don't fill yourself up completely with each meal, but consistently eat throughout the day. That might let your brain catch up a little faster.

Slowing down has definitely helped!!! I take one bite, chew thoroughly (enjoy the taste of the food), wait 5 minutes, (drinking water in the meantime, you know, rinse the palate), and then take a bite of something different. Cottage cheese, followed by chicken, carrot, a bread, and a banana. One of each of the food groups, and I am no longer hungry. From there, no timer, but I eat less because I am already feeling full. That combined with the cards, has been doing great for me so far. I actually started on 6/1, with a goal in my brain of continuing to 12/2008. 18 months, slow and steady. I know I would have felt hungry had I had those five bites without the delays.

By the end of the day, I calculated my calorie intake at less than 1000 calories, and did not feel deprived. My goal was 1600 calories, so I am content with this start. 8 pounds in three days, without feeling deprived.

Exercise? Biking with my sons, the younger one finally getting off training wheels, playing "Shark" in the pool with them, and doing baseball throws with them, nothing too intense, but getting some energy going.

Thanks for all your responses folks. I might have patented this Five Bites Diet, but it was you guys that sort of suggested it. Plus, it is not so secret that I could make a book out of it like the Zone, South Beach, Atkins, etc.

[Irving]

Originally Posted by PassTheBypass

Slowing down has definitely helped!!! I take one bite, chew thoroughly (enjoy the taste of the food), wait 5 minutes, (drinking water in the meantime, you know, rinse the palate), and then take a bite of something different. Cottage cheese, followed by chicken, carrot, a bread, and a banana. One of each of the food groups, and I am no longer hungry. From there, no timer, but I eat less because I am already feeling full. That combined with the cards, has been doing great for me so far. I actually started on 6/1, with a goal in my brain of continuing to 12/2008. 18 months, slow and steady. I know I would have felt hungry had I had those five bites without the delays.

By the end of the day, I calculated my calorie intake at less than 1000 calories, and did not feel deprived. My goal was 1600 calories, so I am content with this start. 8 pounds in three days, without feeling deprived.

Exercise? Biking with my sons, the younger one finally getting off training wheels, playing "Shark" in the pool with them, and doing baseball throws with them, nothing too intense, but getting some energy going.

Thanks for all your responses folks. I might have patented this Five Bites Diet, but it was you guys that sort of suggested it. Plus, it is not so secret that I could make a book out of it like the Zone, South Beach, Atkins, etc.

i am glad that eating slower has helped and congrats on the progress! eating less than 1000 calories does not seem like a lot of food, especially if you are exercising too. i would only worry that eating so little could cause your body to eat muscle and fat for energy.

[PassTheBypass]

Originally Posted by Irving

i am glad that eating slower has helped and congrats on the progress! eating less than 1000 calories does not seem like a lot of food, especially if you are exercising too. i would only worry that eating so little could cause your body to eat muscle and fat for energy.

Understood. Using one of the calculations here, I am supposed to be pulling in over 1500 and still expect some weight loss. Since this is an 18 month plan, I don't expect the final result in a month.

However, I was feeling full, or at least sated, so I didn't feel the need for more food at that time. Last night for example, after a loooong baseball practice with my son, I went ahead and grabbed a TALL glass of milk, and then found out that I had just pulled in another 390 calories. Thanks for noting that though.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by PassTheBypass

Understood. Using one of the calculations here, I am supposed to be pulling in over 1500 and still expect some weight loss. Since this is an 18 month plan, I don't expect the final result in a month.

However, I was feeling full, or at least sated, so I didn't feel the need for more food at that time. Last night for example, after a loooong baseball practice with my son, I went ahead and grabbed a TALL glass of milk, and then found out that I had just pulled in another 390 calories. Thanks for noting that though.

Wow that's a HUGE glass of milk! At least your bones are now strong as steel

I agree that results take time, but the best part is you can choose you own pace.

[hollandoforange]

id say walking fast is better than biking

what i do is walk the bike much of the time

[William Wallace]

Originally Posted by hollandoforange

id say walking fast is better than biking

what i do is walk the bike much of the time

do you mean you walk while holding a bike? Race walking works great. It used to be really popular a few decades ago but I don't see many people doing it much anymore.

[hollandoforange]

yes walk it -wheel it around so to speak

you need the walk -the pressure of leg hitting ground etc
riding a bike doesnt work too well