first weigh – in; shock & horror

Snudgie - You had me at "well this was day one." I literally just read every single reply to your OP (original post, in case you're not up on the MFP lingo).

Everyone has been telling you that you can do this.....believe in yourself and us.

I will be following your posts to make sure you stick with this! We have all had some pretty horrendous food days....log every morsel no matter how ugly the Food Diary page looks. It's important to take responsibility for your actions.

Do you live in the US or the UK?

Great Advice !!!

You have a lot of support here with this program , and your 1st step was getting on the scale and realizing that you need to make a lifestyle change . No one can help you if you do not take the initiative to help yourself . Good luck on your journey, and use this site to your advantage. There is a lot of people offering some good advice!!!

Lots of good stuff already said here - not much more advice to add I don't think. So I'll just say welcome and well done for taking that first step - and the following steps by coming back again. As one poster alluded too, so many people don't come back. You can do this - you just have to want it enough. It sounds like you have a great support network with your wife - do it for both of you and don't be discouraged - it won't always be easy but it will be so very worth it. Sent you a friend request

I know I've been in similar shoes, and I'm so glad I decided getting healthier was worth my time and effort. Give yourself a break; you've come to a great place to get started. I had never topped 220 lbs at 5'5" and last fall I weighed in at 258. Until the last 10 years I'd never been over a woman's size 10-12. To be 258?! How the hell did that happen?
I was in a lot of denial, depressed, sick, not in tune with my body. I have hypothyroidism, deg disk disease, RA, possible lupus, osteomyelitis... I get that it hurts to move. If you can do a tiny bit it's better than nothing. If you have to sit in a chair and do arm exercises you'll be increasing your blood flow and not stressing your joints. When I lived in FL I did a lot of pool exercise; even if I was crippled with pain I could do the pool.
I'm down around 14-15 lbs now since the beginning of Jan. It's not a diet but a lifestyle change. I need to account for everything I eat, so the food diary here helps a lot. I walk at least 2 miles every week. Once you're able find something you love and stick with it. I love to walk. I also love chocolate, so the calories I burn allows me to have it. I'm stubborn as hell and if told I can't have this or that I will want it more. I eat everything I want to, but in smaller portions. If I want a treat I have to "pay" for it by creating a calorie allowance with exercise. I do like eating healthy so that was a plus. Being male and having a fair amount to lose you will see results quickly. If you can't do it for you at first do it for your wife. Know you have support here whenever you need it.

For me, my first shock and horror moment was the first day i logged my food and saw I was out of calories by 11am! I was so shocked but it was a good shock. MFP has completely changed my life. Good luck in your journey!!!!!

Hoping there's an update! Let us know how things are going with you, Snudgie!

I am so proud of your courage, and I will be rooting for you every day! Don't forget to periodically take photos and measurements. They will motivate you on dark days. God bless!

If you want a place to start working out, try launchpad. You can find the workouts for free on youtube. They are split into 3 stages and are meant for those who can't handle jumping into "normal" workouts right away due to weight (350lbs+) or joint problems. All of the exercises are done from a chair, and are about 30 minutes long usually using body-weight as resistance.
Links to the 3 stages on youtube:
Stage 1 (episode 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-iKrlw00Dw
Stage 2 (episode 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDxtfDR9io8
Stage 3 (episode 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMrlFow-JWY

I've been a member of the main site the workouts come from (liveexercise) for a year now, and its a good company. Blake (the owner of the company that makes the bands used in the workouts) leads many of the workouts himself. I don't work for them, but I've come to really enjoy the workouts and the energy they put into it. Sadly, few people know about it so I try and spread the word.


Aside from exercising more, the only advice I can give is to try making little changes. I started losing weight after I started slowly cutting out pop. I lost a little bit more after I began drinking more water. A little more came off as I made more time to be active. A bit more after I limited myself to two helpings of food instead of three. Then only one, instead of two. Don't try everything at once, and take it one day at a time. Anyone who says that little changes can't change your life hasn't tried it. Feel free to friend me and message me if you need anything.

im in the same boat i was your exact weight now im 419 probably water weight lost but still im loving using the MFP app scanning food labels inputting my servings and all for me its fun lol

You've made a huge step~ God BLess you on your daily pursuit of good health!!

Yes! get your wife or a friend to keep you motivated and walk together. . .I know it's hard. . . the first time I walked/jogged after gaining like 40 lbs I justr about died and then cried because it made me realize how much my body had changed. . . running used to feel good. . . now it was torture! But don't fear! just keep walking, and your body will start changing. . . and don't overdo it or the pain will keep you immobile from then on. . . go easy and slow. . . you can do it!