My name is Mike and I weigh 400 lbs

donnat238

Welcome Mike! This is a great site for motivation! Walking is an excellent way to start!

pensierobello

Mike! My new friend! Do not do keto (extreme) and do not do all that cutting carbs out thing that guy who just joined suggested. Losing weight doesn't mean cutting anything out, it just means being more aware of what you're putting in and knowing what your body burns (approximately) daily and then eating under that And making sure you stay hydrated so water retention doesn't occur.

I'm not saying keep eating crap (I was hooked on ready meals six months ago) but you do NOT need to do anything crazy or cut things out completely (unless they're like crazy unhealthy restaurant food that comes in at ridiculously high numbers).

The forums will give you all kinds of suggestions - make sure you take them with a pinch of salt, if you take them at all Although everyone's totally right about the pool stuff - keep it low impact until your feet improve!

MynameisKimba

Welcome! I just joined MFP yesterday, so I'm completely new here, too. Feel free to add me, and I sure wish you all the best on your weight loss and fitness journey! I'm sure you'll do wonderfully with all the great people here supporting you.

afk1

Welcome to MFP.....it is a great place to come for motivation and support. You can count me in as a friend.....it takes time to put the weight on and time to take it off....be patient, take it slow. I have found that writing it all down makes me be more responsible and writing thoughts down when you can, allows us to look back see why it was a good or bad day.....what was going on, what we ate.....Good luck to you.....I promise I will be watching to see how you are doing.....feel free to do the same with me.......

atreides42

Hello Mike!
I myself am working to lose 100 lbs.
The people here are great.
Put any advice for extreme or fad diets out the window!
Set your activity level and weight in MFP then simply eat at or less than the goals.
Until I started logging my food with MFP I really had no idea how much I was eating.
You'll do great!

srd_23

Hi Mike! My name is Sarah, and I feel your pain. I have a sedentary job as well (reporting analyst), and I have a 2-5 hour commute depending on traffic. I can spend up to 15 hours on my butt each day! I am in the mid 200s at 5'3, and I only started dieting and excercising 3 weeks ago. I went from zero excercise to walking for an hour a day.

At first, it was fine. Now, however I am noticing a lot of pain in my knees, along with creaking, cracking, and all around unpleasant crunchy noises coming from that area. 2 days ago I started on the elliptical as I read its much more gentle on your joints. I'm already feeling some relief! I know you are probably feeling much more intense pain than I was, but I would see about looking for cardio options that avoid putting so much weight on your joints. Commercial models of ellipticals can usually handle between 250 and 400 lbs, so that may be a good option for you. Swimming is also an excellent form of cardio that puts almost no stress on your joints at all. I have a membership at the YMCA, and they offer a pool as well as a large cardio and weight room. You can also probably find gyms that offer the same or better facilities.

As for dieting, my recommendation is to not starve yourself. It will only make you miserable, and setting such strict calorie goals can be very discouraging if and when you exceed your limit. I've found that if you just make some healthy substitutions you can loose weight without feeling like you are starving. Replace soda with an alternative like zip fizz or even mio. Iced tea is a great source of caffeine, so is green tea, or even coffee with some vanilla soy milk. Instead of breakfast sandwhiches I eat scrambled egg whites, high protein oat meal, and/or light vanilla yogurt. Instead of yummy thai food I have sushi, which is still a great taste but is healthy. Dinners I just try to minimize the carbs. I don't cut anything out completely, I just lower the portions or substitute. Yesterday I had blackberry pie for breakfast and still came in under my recommended calorie limit.

Its such a difficult process, but stay motivated and keep at it. I know you can do it!

-Sarah

bdenitto

Mike you can do this! Move when you can and for as long as you can. I think giving up soda and tracking how much you eat is a huge step toward making healthy changes. Feel free to add me as a friend. I can't say enough about the support I have received from MFP friends as I work toward my goal.

Jen_1964

Hi Mike,

I am new here as well, under a month and have been lurking around myself. I started off at 357 pounds and like you have had to take it very slow due to joint, foot and ankle pain. I have made it up to 15 mins on a treadmill and push for an extra minute each day of use. I try to go every other day. I am also seeking accountability friends. I would love to cheer you on and maybe you could help me and others out as well.

**I know my picture is side ways, couldn't figure out how to make it land right. The original is right, but when I upload it it is sideways!** Oh well.....progress, not perfection!

You can do this! One day at a time!

Jen

Zaefandel

Hello Mike!!!

I sent you a request.

I am in a very similar situation as you are. I'm a bit older, 37, but I'm a 5 foot 9 inch female and I have a lot of weight to lose myself. I started out at 414 pounds. God that sounds terrible when you say it and see it in type. How did I ever let myself get that way? Unhealthy habits! That is how.

I'm down to 389 right now. I've been only focusing on food and just now starting to exercise as of August 1st. I started May 1st. I've tried it all. I've tried Atkins and while I lost a lot of weight fast as soon as I stopped I out it back on plus another 10-40 pounds depending which time I did atkins. Atkins is a very nasty cycle. Fast loss but as soon as you go off it out of maintenance phase you gain it back. I've lost a lot and gained a lot with atkins. It is no longer my friend haha.

I've found the best way is for the right way. Watch calories and try to do a little exercise. As for the walking.... I have found Asics to have the best support for us biggest folks. I never thought a brand mattered much. Until I found them. Most beans don't get better as you go up in cost. They just get pricier. Asics actually go up in comfort and support as you go up in cost. I have 8 pairs of them now. Different styles. Like I said, they're the best I've found for heavy folks. Gel Cumulus are a good cushy and supportive style they make. I on,y have one pair of their most expensive brand but the shock support is WELL worth it. They retail for $200 but you can find a bargain on amazon or ebay or ASIC outlet stores. They are style Kinsei 5 .... 4 was good too but no longer made. My shins and legs kill me. But my shoes really make a difference. If you want to know other styles or anything just ask me. I'm fairly knowledgable with them. (No I don't work for Asics either lol)

In the past 3 months I have learned to spread my meals out throughout the day and eat more. I was a starve myself then eat one big meal at night. It's taken me 3 months to make this a habit to constantly eat. In that 3 months I lost 25 pounds. However, even still after 3 months of empty new "habit" if I don't carefully watch myself I could easily slip right back into my old ways. I get busy and I forget to eat. Then by time I realize I'm hungry it was 3pm and I figured why eat now cause dinner is in a few hours lol.

I'm struggling every day with my own demons, we all have them. I'm not an emotional eater or a bored eater. I only drink water by the tons a day or tea and if I sweeten it I use liquid Kal brand stevia.

I read you have issues with the caffeine in the morning and drink black tea. Here's a helpful hint..... Add a Mate tea in with your black tea or just make Mate tea instead. It has as much caffeine as coffee!!! you can get them flavored in lots of favors.

I have been weighing everything and scanning every box code on my healthy choice meals or lean cuisines. Sometimes I'll add a garden salad to dress up my box meal.

The best thing I can give you as advice is if you want something eat it, example pizza, just don't eat the whole pizza. Have one slice with a salad and some fruit. You can still have everything you love, just in moderation.

I know I have only lost 25 pounds like this ... But this is the longest I've stuck anything out and I have made it a slow and steady life change. It took me 37 years to get here. It won't be an overnight change. It will take me years, but I'm going to be much happier and healthier. I already am much happier with just my small changes.

Please accept my request and we can motivate each other. I'd love to be your diet buddy!!!!

PS my name is Lynn .... Nice to meet you,

Gametris

Hi Mike! Your story is much like my own I am also 6 ft. I work with computers and spend a lot of time at a desk and at my heaviest I was 410. Honestly, if it hurts to much to exercise I would refrain from it until you're a lighter weight. Don't try to do anything extreme when it comes to your intake or you'll stall out because your body tries to horde its nutrient. I went to a nutritionist and she told me to set myfitnesspal settings to manual and set custom settings for dietary intake. 2000 Calories per day, a total intake of 230 grams of Carbs, 124 grams of Protein, 65 grams of Fat, 20 grams of Saturated Fat, and 2300 mg of Sodium. At your current weight your metabolism is very high you will find you lose weight just by sleeping and eating right. Once you start to slow down with the weight loss and your joint issues subside try some strength training. I've been doing this for almost a month now and I've lost 30 pounds with no exercise.

Think of losing weight as a troubleshooting process when working with a computer. You might not find the issue immediately and be able to fix it. This is a process that will take a lot of effort but you can do it!

OKfarmgal

So glad you're here!! Congrats ????

I gave up soda, though I sometimes slip, but if I do I get diet because it's gross and I never finish it. I really liked the carbonation best and I switched to club soda and Perrier. Sometimes I mix juice in with the club soda and it tastes wonderful!!

Definitely make some friends on here. I have been blessed to find some awesome ones!!

Have you considered doing sitting workouts until you lose some weight? Just to get you started. But of course if you can go small distances do so. I could barely walk to the end of my street when I started.

I'm on here daily and would.love to have you as a friend!!
Elizabeth

rubbersoul84

Welcome fellow redditor! You will find lots of support here. Feel free to add me if you need another friend for support! Good luck and good health to you!

donnylou

Have you thought about water aerobics? Or other water classes? I know my doctor said the water would help alleviate some of the weight, pain and stress on the bones, muscles and joints....it's also a lot cooler! Might want to check out the local YMCA or what the rec center has to offer. Otherwise, I walk in circles in my pool for as long as I can. It's harder than you think!
Baby steps! You're doing great!!

Leenda62

Hi Mike. Great victory with the soda habit. I am still trying to kick it. Feel free to add me! Anybody else reading this too feel free to add me. I am on here everyday and have only just started making MFP friends and it really helps!

skraus06

Keep up the good work and stay motivated, the only person stopping you is YOU!!! Good Luck!!

RWTBR

Hi Mike,

The biggest problem most people have with weight loss is inconsistency. They start on MFP and then either stop for a while and come back, or stop altogether. So, the best thing you can ever do for yourself is to stay consistent and log in every day, no matter what. Consistency is key! Feel free to add me if you have any questions.

kittee83

Go for it Mike! You'll be amazing

Add me if you'd like, have lost 79lbs since May 2013. Slowly but surely xx

kristarablue2

You can stick to it!!! Remember you only fail if you stop trying, there are lots of stumbles along the way, however stand back up straight, dust yourself off and continue, never and I mean never give up no matter what this thing we call life throws in your way. You got this!!!

Water_Gal

You have made the first step, Mike! You changed something that's going to make a BIG difference. You will be walking in no time. Feel free to add me and I will be happy to support you.

tmauck4472

Hi Mike I was in your shoes (except the ankle pain) 2 short years ago. So you can do it. This is a great place. Things to remember though.....Everyone here is an expert on their own diet so what works for them may not work for you. Always, Always do what works for you. Do your own research and there is some really good advice on here, it's just really hard to weed it out of the bad advice. All those damn experts ya know. There will be fights on us special "snowflakes", starvation mode, and clean vs. dirty. Also should you or should you not eat your exercise calories back. How much weight is "safe" for you to lose a week and how good or bad Carbs are. What is best to do IIFYM (if it fits your macros) or paleo. Should I detox or not? and my mom took my tv away for no reason at all (seriously, true story). Try not to get overwhelmed but be consistent and soon you'll be on your way to a healthier you.

jaymeebakerrr

Good luck on your journey Mike!

Cerakoala

Hi Mike!! Its nice to meet you! I have starting stats kind of like yours. I was 27 at the time and weighed 465 I have been on here about 3 years now and have made a lot of changes. This is a wonderful site full of so much help and knowledge and support! I cant say anything different that anyone has already so I will send fr and hopefully we can help motivate each other

ScottH_200

Hello,

I was referred here from a subreddit called "loseit", where I posted asking for exercise advice. As of my last weigh in I was 400-410 lbs. You can read it here if you really feel like it: http://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/2cq5w8/exercises_in_addition_to_walking_for_400_lbs/

I'm 26 years old and am a Software Engineer. I'm 6 foot even and have been heavy my entire life. I was raised drinking soda from as early as I can remember; soda with breakfast, lunch, dinner, when bored, when not bored. Cutting it out has been a real challenge but I am 2 weeks without, drinking black tea instead in the mornings for the caffeine.

I've already begun with the diet portion (no sodas, no fast food, etc), but am having trouble with walking due to intense pain in my outer ankles. I have started to apply some advice received there, and started walking in short periods of time multiple times a day, and I ordered a 30lb kettlebell to start using on Friday.

I'm hopeful that I can stick with my plan and lose a few hundred pounds! If anyone wants to add me to friends, I would appreciate it. I feel like if there's a chance someone noticed I didn't update, I would be more likely to stick with it.

Thank you.

Feel free to send me a friend request. 9 mos ago I couldn't walk from the parking lot into the store without my back killing me and being short of breath. I started losing weight and working out initially on an elliptical trainer because it was easy on my back. As the weight came off I started walking more. I now regularly walk 40 miles a week without any discomfort or shortness of breath. If you are truly committed to applying yourself to the process, the rewards are unreal. Good luck!

sharim1948

Hi Mike, I am Sharon and new to this forum, but not new to losing weight...
I see a lot of great suggestions and some not so good suggestions.

One thing I would like to add to the many suggestions is to remember this is a Lifestyle Change...You have already taken a huge step in the change. Giving up the Soda....it took me 45 yrs to give it up, but my gut feels so much better..


I am on a journey to loose in excess of 150 lbs and yes I have been down this road many times. I have done some homework and found that staying away from canned foods will also help...easier said than done, but it is something to ponder.

If you haven't been exercising be very careful...little steps as you lose because your joints will thank you in the end.
You can't run carrying 7- 50lb bags of potatoes...figure out how many you need to lose in order to run....

Add me as a friend if you would like. I am a great cheerleader..

Sharon

hearthwood

All that soda is calorie hell. You'll get used to diet drinks quickly. I have been drinking them for decades, and the real thing tastes weird to me now.

Welcome and good luck to you.

Calories in versus calories out, simply meaning eat less -- move more.

mrstanmicer

Hola,

Welcome and "high five" for being willing to start your journey. I know it takes a lot to make changes(like giving up pop) and not to give up(we slip every now and then). Truth is we all have great days and days we wish we could repeat over during our journey. Great thing is we can keep trying, have great tools on myfitnesspal and can get support here. WE CAN DO IT! Good Luck Sir and I look forward to sharing the journey with you on this board!

Thom78

I have heard this a lot "be the change you want to see".

You have support from follow MFP teamsters.

I suggest you seek medical consultation in relation to your training regime in order to optimize your training and compliment your lifestyle & dietary changes. Low impact exercises taking pressure off key joints (in the early stages) would be prudent. See what the doc or personal trainer recommends.

Your biggest supporter is yourself, keep your family & friends close by for much needed support and go get em' champ!

chadya07

hi.

my doctor told me today what she thinks is a perfect plan, which pretty much matches what i do already. . and its working. and i still eat a lot of what i like. it also matches what i learned in college nutrition class and from my other two doctors (this one was my endochrinologist and without going into detail... you dont really want to get to the point where you need one of those, if you dont already)

anyway she said

eat 500 calories below your TDEE (find this number easily with a google search) (although i do 25% below)
eat a lot of vegetables, beans, lentils and such to keep you full. minimal meat.
avoid an excess of simple sugars
eat good fats, but not too much.
avoid over processed food, as it will not likely make you feel satisfied...

dont starve yourself. all my doctors are thrilled when i tell them how many calories i eat.

basically. thats it. its what i would have told you too, but its nice that it came straight from the doctor today.

as far as exersize... i started with really low impact before i lost enough to handle more... and gradually increased. then i increased my workouts TOO fast at some point, and now i have been out of the gym two weeks with knee injuries. and its frustrating to say the least. so be slow. do what you can. if you push yourself too fast... it backfires anyway!

PaulaKro

Hi Mike,

Welcome to MFP!

Sixteen months ago, at 60 years old and 317 pounds, my mobility was disappearing. Severe knee pain led me to a surgeon who said my weight would ruin artificial knees. I've now lost 160 pounds; and even though my knees are still shot, I can move again (a lot).

Walking a little and cutting out soda are a great start! Baby steps will get you there. The more you do, the easier it gets!

Congratulations on the important start you are making to improve yourself!

Paula

dward59

Mike, If you make it to this post, I'm not going to join in the "religious wars" of how you should eat to lose the weight. I suggest talking to a Doctor about that. I think you have made a great start by dropping sodas.

I know exactly where you are coming from, and at my heaviest I could hardly move and was on 24 hour a day oxygen. I had, at my heaviest, 75 lbs on you and you are six inches taller. There were days I wished my kids would just tip me over and roll me down the street instead of making me attempt to walk.

To your question. I saw someone suggest swimming and that is a great exercise suggestion. If you don't have any type of reservations about being in the water, you might also consider water aerobics. As it was explained to me, the water supports us, allowing freedom of joint movement and giving those joints some relief from the stress of carrying an extra adult (or two+ in my case) in normal gravity.

Great idea! However for full disclosure, I ignored it because I did and do have reservations about being in a pool with large numbers of people. (Body shaming from a very early age left its scars.)

What I did, and if you don't try the water aerobics, check on this: I bought the correct type of new shoes for walking. I bought them often! At that weight I was destroying shoes quickly. Find some that get your feet in proper alignment and provide you the best support you can find. Go see the podiatrist and get prescription support insoles to finish the job, in fact, the doctor might be able to give you a line on what type of shoe might be best. This pairing allowed me to start walking and the weightloss really took the stress off my feet and knees.

I hope this answers your question. Best of luck to you in the meeting of your goals.

edit: Because I shouldn't attempt to type at this time of the morning. Spellcheck doesn't fix grammatical errors.