New from Oklahoma

Troy67

Hi everybody.
I came across this site close to 2 months ago and have been charting food, calories, etc but haven't posted until now.
I am 44 years old. Born and raised in Quincy, Illinois. Have lived in Oklahoma City area since 1997.
I have been heavy since about age 12. My max weight was 336 pounds (5 foot 6.5 inches) in September 2005. I lost 145 pounds and got down to 191 pounds in September 2006. BUT, I did it the wrong way. I was eating less than 1000 calories a day and doing like 90 minutes of cardio everyday at the Hospital's (where I work) fitness center. I lost a lot of weight but definitely lost not only fat but quite a bit of muscle.
I was dieting instead of changing my lifestyle. I would gain and lose the same 40 or so pounds every since then. Very hard to maintain something that feels like a punishment instead of a reward.
Last year I was having a lot of back and hip pain from all of the lifting patients and being on my feet, etc at work (Work on the Ortho/Neuro floor and a lot of getting patients in/out of bed, etc.) I'm sure years of being overweight also contributed to the problems. Turned out it was all muscular. Learned exercises (through Physical Therapy) to strengthen some muscles and loosen others. The 1st week in April (2011) my back felt ready to start doing real exercise again. By that time I was back up to 257 pounds.
My diet now consists of about 50 % Nutrisystem items and the rest is fruits, vegetables, etc that I provide. The Nutrisystem food is actually quite good and I seldom get hungry. I just make sure to eat several times per day to keep the metabolism going. Took 20 some years of dieting to realize that I could eat frequently (as opposed to starving my self), as long as I was eating the right things. I also reward myself at least once per week with someting I really like, but don't go overboard.
I purchased a recumbent bicycle while doing PT and rode around the area bike paths at the lakes, river, etc. Once I realized how much I enjoyed riding the bike (any exercise that seems fun to me is a miracle), I decided to spend the $1500 at the beginning of June and buy a recumbent Trike. I love it. I am up to about 80-90 miles per week. Although here in Oklahoma it has been so hot (105-110 degrees) that -on some days-I do an hour at the fitness center before work instead.
I have lost 44 pounds since April and am feeling great. I know that I am losing weight in a safer/healthier manner this time around as I am wearing the clothes at 213 pounds that I did last time around at 191 pounds. Have a lot more muscle tone (I didn't even know there were muscles under that flab. lol) and actually feel better and sleep better and have tons of energy.
Just wanted to give a background of my struggles with weight. Didn't mean to be so long winded.
Hoping to make some new friends and maybe encourage others with my story as well as be encouraged by yours.
Troy

ditzee

Welcome, You are at a good place with MFP. We are all in this together no matter how much weight you need to lose. You will Like this site, everyone is encouraging, helpful and motivating. Like you I have been on a roller coaster with my weight all my life. Take this one day at a time and remember it is a lifestyle change not a race. We can do this together. Friend me if you like.

bearsfan68

I am fairly new to MFP as well and I really like it. Glad to hear that your losing the weight the healthy way!! I too have given up on trying to find the "miracle diet" and am now relying on exercise and eating healthier. I don't know why I didn't figure it out sooner but the important thing is that we learned a lesson!

I used to ride approximately 10 miles a day but winter came and so I started going to a gym. Then Christmas break came and I never went back nor did I go back to riding. I used to love riding my bike so I understand the joy you get from riding. It helped me with reducing stress as well.

Feel free to add me if you want. Good luck on your healthy journey!!!

sheffiej34

Welcome, Troy! It's hot in East Texas too!! It sucks that it takes us half our lives to realize how easy (and enjoyable) a lifestyle change can be. Congrats on all your hard work to date!

My challenge was self confidence issues and school. As I advanced on my studies, I became more of a book-nerd and did little extracurricular activities. I was too shy to make friends and get involved. Over time I gained the weight. Wanted to lose for a while but never had real ambition until a co-worker of mine told me about her weight loss success. For whatever reason, I was inspired.

Took me 20 years, but I am 30 pounds lighter and working on the last 15-30. Not sure where I'll end up. I'm happy with what I see and I am feeling better about being me. That's the true goal I am aiming for.

Would love to friend you if you don't mind the pooches ...

ps: is Quincey near Shawneetown?? Forgive my geography - I suck at it.