Get rid of that spare tire, who's up for the challenge??

[Tele Fan]

Hey just want to say best of luck on dieting and try to hide from fad diets. I got back into hiking and I've dropped about 10 and I'm going for another 20.

[TeleBits]

Just to play Devils advocate , I'm 64 , 5' 9" and have weighed 143 to 150 since the early 60s .. I eat well, I exercise a lot , I walk 3 or 4 miles a day .. I've actually tried to gain weight .. On the other hand , I love my Teles , too , lol

[TeleConvert]

Hey y'all! Checking back in. Since I've started on the low carb diet, I've now gone from a rather portly 229 lbs down to 190. Four or five more pounds, and I can move into a maintenance ohase which will allow me to start raising carb content by degrees untill I find a level where I don't lose any more weight, but don't gain any more either. Anyone considering low-carb approach, I would recommend it. But I would recommend doing some research and finding a solid, published plan (there are several) and following that. I've lost 39 lbvs in around 2 1/2 to three months, and feel great. The plan I have has detained charts which list various foods and carb-content. You'd be surprised how much carbs are in some vegetables that you wouldn't expect. Spinach is a good example. Best thing is, that I haven't really had to cut caloric intake, I've just had to substitute other foods for the carb laden ones.

[Hockey Rocker]

Okay, I’ve intentionally avoided this thread for long enough. I'm taking the plunge and part of the drill is stating my goal to all those around me. I’ve already begun the process this weekend. Thanks to the administrators of TDPRI for this aspect of the forum. It gives me the opportunity to share my intentions with everyone thereby adding more leverage in my effort to achieve improved health.

5’11”, 178 lbs, 118/75 blood pressure and cholesterol <200, that was me for decades. In the past, my doctor was actually anxious to see if I was still 178 when I showed up for my visits. Not any longer. Now that I've stopped all forms of strenuous exercise for almost four years, I'm feeling the flab. I'm a weak POS. For the past couple of years I've settled into 192 lbs, 135/77 blood pressure, with my cholesterol remaining <200. I'm mostly worried about the blood pressure, which spikes even higher when I’m stressed. Also, I would like to feel a little stronger and could do without the slight gut that makes my jeans feel too snug when they first come out of the dryer.

So, it's less salt & more salads, less TV/computer surfing & more treadmill, less alcohol & more water. This is my routine for the next thirty days. My wife has maintained her healthy lifestyle throughout, so that makes it easier for me. The second phase of my plan is to abstain from alcohol for Lent, which arrives early this year, a month from Wednesday I believe. By the time Easter comes I will be strong enough to hit the rail trails with my mountain bike early Saturday mornings. If I wasn’t so afraid of breaking a another finger on my left hand I’d even consider skating again.

The first thirty days is the toughest. Plus I've never gotten in shape before without the goal of competing on a team. There's a first time for everything.

Treadmill... Despise the treamill and the stationary bike.

[a.miller]

Originally Posted by TeleConvert

Hey y'all! Checking back in. Since I've started on the low carb diet, I've now gone from a rather portly 229 lbs down to 190. Four or five more pounds, and I can move into a maintenance ohase which will allow me to start raising carb content by degrees untill I find a level where I don't lose any more weight, but don't gain any more either. Anyone considering low-carb approach, I would recommend it. But I would recommend doing some research and finding a solid, published plan (there are several) and following that. I've lost 39 lbvs in around 2 1/2 to three months, and feel great. The plan I have has detained charts which list various foods and carb-content. You'd be surprised how much carbs are in some vegetables that you wouldn't expect. Spinach is a good example. Best thing is, that I haven't really had to cut caloric intake, I've just had to substitute other foods for the carb laden ones.

Can you mention that plan? Feel free to PM me. Thanks.

[dino]

...and diving in. What a great service for us fattys!
This is my first tdpri post, but been lurking awhile. Quick bio:
Age 55
weight 240 - need to lose at least 30.


BTW - I own just a Frankencaster ( parts of at least 2 teles) and play it lousy.

[Bangbang]

Well.......I just noticed this topic after starting one on this topic. I had my leg crushed when I was 21.......I weighed in at 165 then and it was all muscle. I shot up to 240 in a year. I did loose it all by the time I was 23 but when I retired ain 1997 I slowly got up to 285. Christ.....I went from doin 8 2 minute rounds of kick boxing to a point when I would have trouble just tying my shoes. Two years ago I was diagnosed with a cardiomyopathy(weak heart) and told that I would die in a short time if I did not quit drinking(quart or more of vodka) per day. It took me 6 months to get serious and go to AA. Since then I went on the atkins diet and loss 55 pounds. I hope to stay on this track. I go in for a stress test monday.

[jmintzer]

Might as well post my progress here...

January 11th, I started trying the Nutri-System meals. It seems to be working great!

I started out at 260, and as of this morning, I'm 239. I've lost 21 lbs and I can honestly say that I haven't been 'starving' once. They have you eat small portions 5 times a day. I heartily endorse them...


Jamie

[Hockey Rocker]

Just checking in. I'm down five pounds and on the wagon for Lent. I've been walking, jogging and using my wife's elliptical machine. So far, so good. My blood pressure even dipped to 113/73 last week after walking around sunny Anaheim for a couple of days. One day back in the office and I was clocking 134/73 again. It's time to pick up the pace a bit.

[timgreene]

Keep it up guys, you are all doing great.

I started with walking less than a year ago, and just finished the Austin Marathon yesterday. I watch what I eat and the exercise really reduces the pounds.

Gone from around 250 to 208 today, got just a few more to go.

[chaddukes]

I just found this thread, but was about to start something like it until I found this one.

I'm 5'10" and was at 240lbs. until my doctor recently told me that I had to go on a serious diet. He even called me "obese." The nerve! Well, I also started a new job, so it took we a few weeks to get started but I got serious at the start of Lent. I'm down to 228 as of today.

I've tried dieting before, including atkins, but nothing seems to work long term. Like someone said before, I don't think diets work. I think that changing habits do. With Atkins I lost almost 40 lbs, but I couldn't maintain that diet. I'm trying now to develop good habits and replace bad habits. I've been drinking a big glass of water before every meal. And I've been getting up from the table when I'm still a bit hungry. When I do get hungry I drink a big glass of water. If I'm still hungry 20 minutes later I eat a granola bar. Other than that its three meals with what a normal person would call medium sized portions....and what I would call "Not enough."

But, a little incentive never hurts!

I've been eyeing a 69 RI Thinline for quite a while. We can afford it but with little ones in the house we can always find a better use for $600 than a new guitar. So, my wife and I decided to set $600 aside and we are going to buy that guitar....as soon as I get below 200 lbs. When I'm thinking long term health benefits v.s. a meaty cheeseburger, the cheeseburger always seems to win. Now I can think meaty cheeseburger v.s. new guitar!

Well, thanks for this thread!

[TeleConvert]

I've finally made it to my target weight of 185lbs and feel good. I've been slowly increasing my carb intake to include a little pasta and some things like crackers, but I doubt I'll ever go back to regular sodas or sugar sweetned tea. I've been holding at this weight for several weeks now.

[shoebox22]

You don't want me to play. I cheat. I'm on chemo and just lost 8 lbs. in the last week.... and my hair.

.... but I AM proud of all of you that are doing this!

[Stefan]

cottage cheese and meat! LOTS of protein that´s he key!

[strat64]

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I've found a "plan" that really works...... Diverticulitis. It hit me at a gig right before Thanksgiving, I finished the gig, thought I had constipation (really, really screwed with my lower back), but was headed to see my folks for the holidays , so I didn't pay too much attention to it.

So I got to my parents house, and was just miserable.....needless to say since Thanksgiving, I've been hospitalized twice, and had 4 trips to the ER (the pain was unbelievable), and am probably headed for surgery within the next few years, if it keeps coming back

The end result (I'm still getting over it), is that I've dropped 40 lbs since Thanksgiving (280 to 240). My blood pressure is way down, and my lower back is not nearly as chronic as it was.

So, I "highly" recommend the Diverticulitis diet (please note I'm being as sarcastic as possible)!!!! I did want to lose weight, but not this fast, and not under these circumstances......but it has started me down the road to better things

[Just-Jim]

Well, I decided to get in on this and try and see what I can do about changing a few things in my life, and this is just one of them.

I am now into day two of cutting back my food intake. My question to anyone here that can give me any advice on this question would be greatly appreciated. I really believe this is mostly mental. I have replaced all my snacks and a couple of my meals with fruits and vegetables. I am into day two, and even though I am not really hungry (because I just ate a piece of fruit), the craving for junk food is still there. I understand this is normal being used to Quarter Pounders with Cheese, Taco Bell burritos, etc., but how do you talk youself down, and get your mind off of giving in to that urge. Very tough. It makes you wonder how bad you really want to be skinny and healthy, when it would be so easy blow it off and call Pizza Hut for a delivery right now.

FYI, for the record, I am 6'-0", 235 as of Monday.

Thanks,
Jim

[Michaell]

WOW

lotta concern over overwight

thats good

read the labels / choose less fat content or NO fat in foods. LOTS of these
products on the shelves in America.

eat more fruit / vegetables

you feel better if you're thinner

that motivates me

3 back surgeries tends to keep me in the flat strong abdominal muscle supports the spine mode

AND

women do like guys that are NOT morbidly obese

Good luck to all on the battle of the bulge!

it's constant

[jenton70]

Originally Posted by shoebox22

You don't want me to play. I cheat. I'm on chemo and just lost 8 lbs. in the last week.... and my hair.

.... but I AM proud of all of you that are doing this!

Best of luck with your chemo treatments. Judging by your ability to keep your humor, I'm sure your attitude will help loads. My dad beat it the same way - positive attitude.

As for weight loss - the time is now for me to start, too. I'm in my late 30's, 6'0 and 203 lbs. Prior to turning 30 I weighed 165 for 10 years. I'm going to cut sugar soda and start walking every day. I've been inactive and chugging the Mt. Dew - getting too old for that.

[Bswailes]

Originally Posted by strat64

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I've found a "plan" that really works...... Diverticulitis.

So sorry to hear of your newly found familiarity with diverticulitis. Me old mum had it, had the surgery. Everything worked out well.

Best of luck to you.

[strat64]

Originally Posted by Bswailes

So sorry to hear of your newly found familiarity with diverticulitis. Me old mum had it, had the surgery. Everything worked out well.

Best of luck to you.

Thank you!! I'm mostly likely headed for thhe surgery (doctor said I'm to young for this to have developed). ow long was your mom's recovery? Glad to hear everything worked out well for her!

[chaddukes]

Sorry, to hear about you guys who are losing weight for unpleasant medical reasons. Best of luck to you.

Originally Posted by Just-Jim

I am into day two, and even though I am not really hungry (because I just ate a piece of fruit), the craving for junk food is still there. I understand this is normal being used to Quarter Pounders with Cheese, Taco Bell burritos, etc., but how do you talk youself down, and get your mind off of giving in to that urge. Very tough. It makes you wonder how bad you really want to be skinny and healthy, when it would be so easy blow it off and call Pizza Hut for a delivery right now.

Well, that's why I haven't been able to do it until giving myself a prize to look forward to. This way I can decide between a cheeseburger or getting my guitar.

Also, I've found that drinking lots of flavored water, powerade option (only 40 calories in a 32 oz. bottle) and Cherry Coke Zero are helping my to get over the sweet tooth. The diet soda still isn't good for me, but its better than junkfood and has less calories than coffee. Plus, the excess fluids keep me full. But, be prepared to be constantly in the bathroom.

BTW, down to 220. Was down to 217, but I pigged out on Easter. The first 10-15 pounds wasn't too tough, but each pound is getting harder and harder to lose. I'm just now starting to incorporate a little bit of exercise into my diet.

Chad

[Bswailes]

Originally Posted by strat64

Thank you!! I'm mostly likely headed for thhe surgery (doctor said I'm to young for this to have developed). ow long was your mom's recovery? Glad to hear everything worked out well for her!

She's pretty tough old bird. It wasn't as bad as she thought. I don't remember the details, truth be told. The pulmonary doc came in, right after she woke up post-surgery, and told her:

"Ma'am, you have COPD."

She called him names, but he was right. She does really well, all the same, and will turn eighty next January, God willing.

Surgery was very successful for her.

Best Wishes if/when you have a procedure.

[Just-Jim]

BTW, down to 220. Was down to 217, but I pigged out on Easter.

Well Easter was my last slip up as well. But if you are going to break it, a holiday is a pretty good reason I think.

[gibsonjunkie]

My car doesn't have a spare tire.... no room...

[Intonator]

I've seen this thread, but never read it.
I'm 55, 6'3" and am 245 lbs. (up 5lbs since December)

I see I have alot of post reading to do, but am curious to read what everyone else is doing to lose weight.

I have to admit, that I honestly have no will power.

But....I really need to do something before I have a doctor telling me how a heart attack could have been avoided.

[strat64]

Originally Posted by strat64

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I've found a "plan" that really works...... Diverticulitis. It hit me at a gig right before Thanksgiving, I finished the gig, thought I had constipation (really, really screwed with my lower back), but was headed to see my folks for the holidays , so I didn't pay too much attention to it.

So I got to my parents house, and was just miserable.....needless to say since Thanksgiving, I've been hospitalized twice, and had 4 trips to the ER (the pain was unbelievable), and am probably headed for surgery within the next few years, if it keeps coming back

The end result (I'm still getting over it), is that I've dropped 40 lbs since Thanksgiving (280 to 240). My blood pressure is way down, and my lower back is not nearly as chronic as it was.

So, I "highly" recommend the Diverticulitis diet (please note I'm being as sarcastic as possible)!!!! I did want to lose weight, but not this fast, and not under these circumstances......but it has started me down the road to better things

as a follow up, I'm now down 65 lbs.......thanks to the rapid weigt loss from the diverticulitis, it triggered problems with my gall bladder....that's being taken out Thursday. Well, I wanted to loose weight, and I guess you could say I succedded!!! Not the best way to do it, but doc thinks once my gall baldders out, my stomach problems should ease up, and I can go back to a somewhat regular diet.

[Scotland]

You guys are an inspiration. Sorry to the guys losing weight through medical problems, hope it works out okay for you and glad to see the humour is still there. My weight is okay, it's just that I should be 7' 9" tall !!
I intend to lose 30 lbs before my next holiday in August, I just came back from holiday and the holiday photos shocked me considerably. First thing I am going to do is cut out all the chocolate I eat..and I eat it a lot.
5 April 2008

[Caper]

I'm glad this thread is still going and for many including myself, it's provided much inspiration.

For those just getting started, a good rule of thumb is to look at how much white is in your diet. By that I mean white bread, sugar, pasta, and yes even potatoes. Switch to whole wheat, whole grain, or multi-grain breads and pasta. Substitute sugar for Splenda or Sweet and Lo. You have to look at how much beer you consume; it's very difficult to loose weigh as long as you are sucking suds. Gotta read those labels, compare you'll be amazed at the fat and sodium contents we consume. Make up your mind to stay away from the fridge after supper; a healthy snack won't hurt.

[fltpkr]

This thread is an encouragement. I just started Weight Watchers and lost 5 1/2 lbs. my first week. Hope it keeps coming off, I need to lose a total of about 50. In addition to following their "Flex" plan, I hit the treadmill 30 mins a day, five days a week, which I've been doing for about a year and a half now. Proves to me that exercise alone doesn't do it if you want to lose weight. It does have lots of other benefits, but if I'm going to feel healthy at all as I get older (I'm 59) I've got to drop some poundage. I'll post my progress (or lack of) once a week or so.

[strat64]

Originally Posted by strat64

as a follow up, I'm now down 65 lbs.......tanks to the rapid weigt loss from the diverticulitis, it triggered problems wit my gall bladder....that's being taken out Thursday. Well, I wanted to loose weight, and I guess you could say I succedded!!! Not the best way to do it, but doc thinks once my gall baldders out, my stomach problems should ease up, and I can go back to a somewhat regular diet.

Well, surgery went well, and I can already tell a difference in my stomach (since I've lost the weight, I've noticed a huge improvement with my back as well). Once I get through the recovery, it's time to start exercising, to keep all the weight off I've lost.
Final weight loss as of this morning:
Thanksgiving I was 280
Today 205..........
75 lbs in less than 6 months......
Chris

[Tim Armstrong]

I just weighed in and I weigh 242.5 lbs... Exactly what I weighed last year, and the year before, and the year before...

I reckon that's what happens when you don't change diet or exercise habits!

...damn it!

Cheers, Tim

[timgreene]

congratulations to all you guys.
I am now 195, lbs, with about ten to go. Works out to an average loss of a pound a week for the last year. I was around 245-50 last year at this time.
I thought those recommended BMI weights were bull, but now I can see they are pretty much correct.

[strat64]

Congrats on the weight loss!!!! You definitley did it the "right way". Much less of a toll on your body, and it will be much easier to keep it off. Nice job!!!!!

Chris

[fltpkr]

Thursday will be my fourth week completed in Weight Watchers and I'm down 9.3 lbs so far. Long way to go, but I'm feeling pretty good about it.

[fltpkr]

Weighed in yesterday, have lost a total of 11.8 lbs in four weeks. Not bad.

[emu!]

Well, I've started to walk a couple miles a day on the out-door hiking/biking trail close to where I live. Not to lose weight, but because there is this really hot young lady that walks her dog there almost every evening. So, exercise DOES have its benifits. ;>)

[fltpkr]

Yesterday's weigh-in wasn't so great, but at least it's still on a downward trend. I lost another 1.2 lbs for a total of 13 lbs. in five weeks.

[timgreene]

broke through 190 this weekend, these last few seem to be the hardest.

[david henman]

...the whole food thing has been an eye-opener, for me.

we have been seriously bamboozled, and completely brain-washed, by big business and big marketing, into believing that the poisons they manufacture and market are food.

they're not.

but, we have been eating these poisons and, worse, feeding them to our children, for decades.

the results are disastrous.

i'm sixty and in good shape, but only because i can afford to be.

i also live alone and have complete autonomy over what goes into my refrigerator.

and i don't spend half my life commuting, so i have time to exercise.

obesity and other health problems related to the utter crap we eat are going to get much worse before they get better.

i have a 4-yr-old grandson who is already completely addicted to "non-food", and i'm totally helpless to do anything about it.

-dh

[fltpkr]

June 19 weigh in at Weight Watchers - I've lost 19.2 lbs. in seven weeks.