Success story - and caution about getting impatient close to

lowb35

Hello all, this is my first post but my husband and I have both been on MFP since last summer. I am "pretty much" at goal and my husband is within 7 lbs of goal. Prior to the end of July 2010, my husband had been threatening to go on a diet "next Monday" for years and years as his weight steadily went up. When we first got married, we both were very fit, but grad school and parenthood for me, and a fairly sedentary job for him took their toll. I was still "normal" BMI hovering just below 25 which allowed me to stay in denial even though I knew that I knew that I knew I was overweight for me--I'm not absolutely sure because I didn't want to know, but I more than likely was in the low 150s since I was 148 at the doctor last June and then we went on a cruise which was the last straw for both of us. My husband also started having health problems including borderline high blood pressure--he is a helicopter pilot so he absolutely has to stay healthy if he wants to keep flying.

So this time we started getting healthy TOGETHER rather than me just rolling my eyes whenever he promised to start dieting "next Monday." We were both ready, not just him this time, so we were able to support one another which has been fantastic. We had both lost about 10 lbs or so before discovering MFP--without which I don't think we could have effectively lost much more than that without MFP or a similar tool. As of today I am in the 120-125 range depending on the time of the month and at 23% body fat (I was over 30% when I started--"normal obese"). My BMI ranges just above 21 which may seem low for my age (47) but I'm small framed so that is about right for my age and fitness level.

I used to weigh 108 lbs as recently as age 34 (that was my normal weight in my early 20s but I became a fitness fiend in my early 30s after I had put a few pounds on) but in retrospect that was way too low for me and certainly way too low for my age now. Since my body fat percentage had to have been in the low to mid teens no wonder I was having horrible cramping even when ovulating--I likely was on the borderline of being amenorrheic. I've had to reevaluate what is healthy for me and while I'd love to take a few more pounds off my thighs and get down below 120 it may not be feasible or even healthy for me at my age. I am finally HEALTHY again, working out, active, and feeling and looking better than I have in years.

Recently my husband had his annual physical and his doctor--who had been getting on him for years to lose weight for obvious reasons--was amazed at how much weight he had lost and how healthy he was. However, he sold him on a "plan" to "lose the rest of the weight fast." I know there have been some posts on here about Medifast/Take Shape for Life which is healthy and effective IF you are sedentary and severely overweight and nothing else works short of gastric bypass. My husband wanted to lose the rest of his weight fast and decided to try it. He is now within 7 lbs of goal (180 lbs is his goal weight) but I was dubious about how good it would really be for two people who were now healthy, active and just trying to lose remaining excess body fat at this point of our journey. I tried it for a week and realized that I was going to lose more lean weight, water, and my mind since it made me really foggy and unable to focus (because it is a FAST). And this morning based on my calculations my husband has indeed lost fat but he's lost slightly more lean mass. Not good. He has no energy to work out like he had been, other than light treadmill, so no wonder. He will probably have some issues transitioning off this thing if he isn't careful.

My conclusion - MFP works. And be PATIENT, especially as you get close to your goal. At this point, I pay the most attention to my weight on a monthly basis (right after my period) and don't stress about small fluctuations on the scale otherwise as long as it isn't trending up and I know I'm doing what I need to do--working out, eating right, and logging my calories. And I had to make sure to keep my expectations reasonable and HEALTHY. There is no quick fix.

Elzecat

congratulations to both you and your husband for your weight loss. Even though I sometimes have the "quick fix" anxiety, I know that slow, healthy weight loss is what's best for me, especially at my age (I tries Slimfast and all that stuff when I was in my 20s, at a time when I did not even need to lose weight! go figure) . I'm a little disappointed that your husband's doctor suggested that kind of a thing, especially if he's so close to his goal! Wishing you guys continued success!

Ellen :drinker:

WolffEarl

There is no quick fix.

So very true. Somehow we allow ourselves to gain weight/become unfit over months and years but then turn around and want to see results NOW NOW NOW as soon as we do the least amount of exercising or changing what we eat. This weightloss/getting fit journey is no fast food restaurant:)

Allison4C

Congratulations on meeting your goals! I appreciate the advice to be patient, which is often difficult. Thanks

knewbill72

Excellent Post. Well put and congratulations to you both!!

lutzsher

This was always me, for years, always looking for the quick fix but still not able to even stick with that!
It has taken me almost 1 1/2 years to slowly change my lifestyle. It actually took me about 6 months using MFP before I lost any weight, but I kept faithfully logging everything, learning how each small choice would effect me and my daily goals. Until I could see first hand, right there in black and white, how my food choices effected my health I guess I was just in denial. My bad days taught me more than anything, love this site for that as well.
I hope your good example will help your husband transition to a healthier outlook on food. Great post!