Hello -- I need some advanced help!

[roo1]

Hi there everyone.

Where to begin... on October 8th of 2007 I went to the doctor and was surprised that he came back and said I was 392 lbs. I figured that I was closer to 350 but was genuinely shocked into action.

As of today I weigh in the mid 230s, having lost probably 170? 180? lbs. from my heaviest (I was heavier before I went to the doctor and had cut out soda weeks before, but I don't know by how much).

I'm in an odd place right now because I don't really know anybody who's gone through something similar on this level. I have not had surgery, but I guess I am one of those lucky people who are able to shed like there is no tomorrow. I'm 32 years old, male and almost 5-foot-8.

I currently strength train 3 days a week and excersize nearly every other day, usually running/power walking with some cycling thrown in. I am pretty good about maintaining my diet, in a realistic way and have obviously figured out the system for getting myself there.

This week I started amping up my running a bit and have been discouraged by the fact that I have been hovering at 4-7lbs. higher than my low of 231 that I hit almost two weeks ago, despite no noticeable change. I have been on plateaus before obviously but am somewhat discouraged by my body's reluctance to "get over itself". Also the skin issue is now starting to become bothersome.

Anyways, I thought I would introduce myself and my experience and see if anybody had any suggestions for getting over these hurdles.

 

[keelynn414]

wow- that's a lot of weight in a very short time and I think that's why you're starting to see a loose skin issue. I would definitely focus some more time on strength training to help tighten the loose skin. From everything I've read, it seems that when you lose over 100 pounds, especially in a shorter time frame, it can take the skin a lot longer to catch up because it can't regain its elasticity as quickly as you lose the fat. I would lower the amount of fat burning you're doing and focus more on muscle building for a little bit and see if that helps. Also, since you mentioned that you are spending some time doing more strength training these days, I'm guessing that's why you've seen a little bit of weight gain or plateauing- you're most likely building muscle which weighs more than fat, so don't focus so much on the scale- I found a great method for me to keep in check when the scale doesn't show as much of a loss as I would like- I take weekly measurements of my arms, calves, thighs, hips, waist and chest. This lets me see progress in inches lost every week even if the scale shows minimal change in weight. You can pick up the type of tape measurers they use for sewing at any fabric store or even Wal-Mart for about 2 dollars and they work great. I would highly recommend it because it helps keep me from getting discouraged or too focused on the pounds. Also, since you've lost so much weight, your body's metabolic rate has also slowed down (it naturally decreases as you weigh less) which might also account for why your previous rotuine doesn't seem to be shedding as many pounds as before. You can calculate your BMR & daily calorie needs on lots of internet sites and use that to determine a healthy calorie/workout routine for losing weight and recalculate it every 20 pounds or so since it changes as you lose weight. Congratulations thoguh on such a huge change- don't get too discouraged by the loose skin- you're still young and chances are it will tighten up over time with more muscle & strength training routines and I personally believe it's better to have some loose skin and be healthy than to carry around all those extra pounds. I am also fearful of any loose skin issues as I lose my weight, so I'm trying to take it slowly and do 3 days a week of muscle building exercises. Good luck!

 

[roo1]

keelynn, that's great advice about the measurement. I will try that.

It's true that I'm beyond seeing 5 lb. week losses, I expect 1 or 2 though and it's a little discouraging to see gains when I'm doing everything "right" to at least maintain. I don't have a problem with temptation or sweets or fast food or anything.

I'm playing with my diet a bit this week based on what others have said. I ate close to 1800 yesterday (veggies, fruit, salmon, whole grains, etc.) but I'm going to try to do few carbs today and see if that helps trick my body or anything. I dunno.

It was nice to go from 3X/4X shirts to buying XLs and my first Large the other day. I even bought a (slightly tight) Large coat for winter last week, by the time November rolls around, I expect to be closer to 200 and it should fit brilliantly

 

[motivateMEpleze]

That is fantatic. very encouraging for others to read too.

however, MALES burn fat faster than women because they carry more muscle mass. and, you are still young.

KEEP up the good work! As, it will only get harder as you age. Keep that 'new & improved' metabolism UP by walking, at the least. Walking is quite easy- low-impact.

don't give up!!!

 

[motivateMEpleze]

measure ypur body - dont' use a weighing scale

It's true that I'm beyond seeing 5 lb. week losses, I expect 1 or 2 though and it's a little discouraging to see gains when I'm doing everything "right" to at least maintain.

don't look for a 'mistake' in your plan.
YOU'RE NOT MAKING ONE!

what is happening, is that you are building new muscle. and, since muscle weighs more than fat, the scale is showing you that.

If you measure your waist once a week, you will see that you are losing fat. Can't you tell in your clothing? Keep working out/walking.

Calories in = calories out. No magic solution.

 

[keelynn414]

I agree completely- you have not done anything wrong or made a mistake- and I still believe you're gaining muscle now which is why you're not seeing as much weight loss. Try taking measurements, it really could help with your motivation. I went on vacation last week and took a break from calorie counting (without splurging) and haven't weighed myself yet this week, but I can tell you I did a little happy dance after taking my measurements last night and finding out I had lost another inch from my hips, 1/2 from each thigh & 1/2 inch from each upper arm- sometimes that's more rewarding than the pounds because getting too focused on the pounds is sometimes stressful. Don't get too hung up on weight- and remember to come to this forum for inspiration every time you hit a low because I can tell you I love this place! Who better to come to than people going through the same thing, right??