Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

bumping to mark my place :flowerforyou:

Duplicate post. I usually lose them, not double up. Darn computer!

Hi, I'm new to this thread. I'm 43, a father of 2 teenagers. It says on Sunday to write about myself. I hope this so ok to post here. Desperate to start this weight olds thing for the millionth time.

I'm 43 and need some kind of plan. I've been out of work with a herniated disc, pinched nerve & spinal stenosis. I'm 378 lbs and have been binging. I had been down to 368 but when we grab something to eat I have the mindset of getting grilled chicken and then I end up thinking I'm missing out on the good fatty foods and it depresses me so I get the fatty food and then after I eat I feel depressed anyway. Does this sound familiar to anybody? Am I the only one? I can't lift weights or bend due to my back problem. Walking starts hurting my back after 5-10 min. I can do it in intervals though. Does that still burn fat? I'm from Connecticut. Anyone else here from Connecticut? I'm not a salad person and when I have tried it I don't like dressings. I'm hopeless. I was 220 lbs 20 years ago. I miss it! how do I get started????

Nothing is hopeless. If exercise is painful, don't do it. Set MFP to lose 2 lbs. per week and stick to your calorie goal. If you want the fatty food, eat it. Just log it so you're accountable. You need nothing more than a calorie deficit to lose weight. What you cannot do (and nobody can) is out exercise a calorie surplus. Getting your eating in line is the most important step. You can always add exercise later when you're lighter and it causes less (or no) pain.

Just do it one day at a time.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this thread move so slowly. Must be that everyone is out and about enjoying spring (and after our winter, we deserve it). Although apparently winter is hanging on. We’re warm enough to only be getting rain (so far, knock on wood), but the northwestern edge of ND got something like 7 inches of snow overnight (and it sounds like parts of Canada got it too).

@Katrena…hope things begin getting better fro you.

@Shadow…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! That’s awesome with your son – what a great moment! You did make me cringe a bit with all the reptile talk. I can’t stand reptiles or rodents. We do have a turtle but he’s in his aquarium and while I enjoy watching him, I don’t need to touch him at all. If you ever vacation to western SD, make sure to stop at Reptile Gardens.

@Bdoug…One day at a time. It sounds like it might work to give yourself permission to eat some of those fatty foods on a certain day (not necessarily a cheat day…you can still work it into your calorie goals). That way you can eat the grilled chicken and tell yourself that on “Friday, I am going to come back and get that cheeseburger with fries.” Maybe Friday comes and you think..don’t need it anymore. I am a single Mom (well married, but my husband works nights and weekends) with two kids that are pretty active and there are times that I eat fast food still. I’m focused on the total calories at this point, not necessarily eating clean. I hope to move on to eating cleaner as I go, but for now, I’m happy when I meet my calorie goal regardless of how I do it. And yes, even walking 5-10 minutes at a time is better than nothing at all but as L2T indicated….exercise isn’t needed to lose weight, just a calorie deficit.

@L2T…You made me laugh…7 year diet break. :laugh: I wish for you a calmer week. You’ve been rocking the calorie goals this month!!! Awesome – especially with the busy time you’ve been having.

@Robin…thinking of you today (I believe today is the day of the surgery) My prayers are with you.

AFM…Sunday was a pretty busy day. We were at church from 9—11 and then my sister, the kids and I went out to Denny’s afterwards. Even did pretty well with Denny’s as my meal was under 800 calories (but I did splurge and had OJ – I usually forgo fruit juice). Then our choir performed at a fund raiser. It was a very moving event. We had 6 churches sing/play bells to do a joint fund raiser for two groups. One assists prisoners get re-established after release (I think they said normally 80% of inmates find themselves back in jail after being released). Of the 8 that they worked with over the past two years, only 1 has gone back. It was started in 2012 by a local nun (although I’m not sure if they are called that anymore). The other is a program to help troubled youth that come out of rehab/detention. We listened to a 19 year old tell her story just before we sang – we were still wiping our tears as we headed toward the front of the church to perform. They are hoping to make it an annual event – Echos of Easter. Then it was picking up kids from babysitter and basketball. Dropping Jacob off at youth group and then Emma and I did shopping. I finally got home at 8:20 and didn’t do anything else. :ohwell:

Saturday: Gym with Sister DONE
Sunday: Walk NOT DONE
Monday: Water Aerobics
Tuesday: Gym with Trainer
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Gym with Sister
Friday: Walk

@catecholamine- I've never heard of that surgery. Why can't you have any veggies?
@ jezz94 - welcome!
@lauriek- I'm so glad special olympics went well!
@susan- we have ALL been in your situation where clothes that fit great one week make you feel blah and fat the next. You're beautiful though, and you've come a long way already!
@ushkii- I'm glad your ankle is doing better!
@nettie- yay about the position!
@BDOUG2371 - You may not want to hear it, but you HAVE to track your eating because you're unable to exercise. It's tough, but true. I went from eating out every day to not at all. It sucked, but I'd rather be happy in the future than have that hamburger today. Also, have you tried water aerobics? Also, don't ask us. Ask your doctor what type of exercises you can do that won't hurt your condition.

I 110% agree with Lives. "Nothing is hopeless. If exercise is painful, don't do it. Set MFP to lose 2 lbs. per week and stick to your calorie goal. If you want the fatty food, eat it. Just log it so you're accountable. You need nothing more than a calorie deficit to lose weight. What you cannot do (and nobody can) is out exercise a calorie surplus. Getting your eating in line is the most important step. You can always add exercise later when you're lighter and it causes less (or no) pain.

Just do it one day at a time."




AFM: Thank you for the congratulations, friends!
I'm down to 201.8, which means I'm officially not obese anymore! I'm hoping to drop to at least 199.9 by the end of the week, but my body never agrees with what I want.

I'm setting my next goal to be at 165 by my one year (Aug 19). I figure 35# in about 3.5 months is pretty attainable, but I'll be happy with 175 too.

I went on an 11 mile hike with Aaron yesterday. He pooped out after about 5 1/2, but he's not used to walking as much as I am. We're going to stick to a shorter, but more difficult trail from now on.

Told him I loved him this morning. Makes me a little nervous, but he said it first about a month ago, and I've been wanting to say it for a while now. We're happily planning a camping trip next month, and our vacation to North Carolina and Virginia for the end of September. If anyone lives in that area feel free to make suggestions for what we can do!

Monday Check-In: Happy Monday MFP friends! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was good, but always WAY too short. I’m pleased to say I’m down 10 lbs this week. I’ve changed up my eating and focusing on a fast metabolism program. I hate to call it the “D” word even though that’s what the book is called, but so far so good. Plus, I went one week without Diet Coke, which is a HUGE accomplishment for me. I still can’t believe I haven’t had one. I do miss my morning beverage and I know my addiction is not over quite yet, but I’m pushing through. I’ve already had 100 oz of water and its only 12:40. Woo Hoo!! Second week of the new program and I’m excited to see my results after 28 days.

@ Kaye – I’m so glad your event went well and what a walk yesterday. You go girl!!!!

@ Ushkii – I’m so glad the ankle is getting better. Don’t push though because you don’t want to strain it again so be careful with exercise.

@ Katrena – HUGS!! I know it’s so tough battling what life throws us and then to try and focus on our weight loss at the same time. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

@ P1X – Thanks!! I can honestly say this is my first day without a headache. A few days ago I didn’t think I was going to push through, but I did.

@ Heidi – Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Heidi, Happy Birthday to you!!!! Your family had better remember or I’m coming up to Canada and kick some patooties!!! Also, I smiled reading your post about your son. Asperger’s and ADHD are not easy and they have so many other things to deal with. What a nice boost of confidence this hopefully gave to your son and his potential (for the parents too). Great NSV!!

@ L2T – I would love to say I’m glad to be back, but I could go back to the Virgin Islands tomorrow!! I did miss you guys and it was great to post again. I was out of pocket most of last week as well trying to catch up, but finally things are on track. Have a great week and let’s get you past 192!!

@ Doug – Welcome!!! You found one of the best if not most supportive groups in my opinion. We have a couple guys on here like Ushkii and Morgori. I don’t believe we have anyone from CT, but that’s OK. I use to live in CT years ago in Ridgefield when I was a nanny out of college. All I can say is baby steps. I try to tackle one thing at a time. Like L2T said, logging and accountability is crucial. It’s so important to log every single BLT (bite, lick, taste) because they add up so fast. Since exercise is tough right now, I would focus on your calorie intake. If you can, try to log onto this website every day for support. We will help push you through and give support online the best we can, but as you know you’re the one who makes the ultimate decisions what to eat. During the week, this group moves pretty quickly, but the weekend is much quieter with posts. Again, welcome!!

@ Kelly – I can totally relate about the weekends. I’m going to try and do a little more during my weeknights so I’m not as swamped, i.e. laundry, cleaning, groceries, etc. . . I just want my weekends for fun in the sun and total relaxation!!! Dreaming I know. On the soda, I still can’t believe it. I don’t think I’ve gone a day without Diet Coke in 20 years. Breakfast/lunch/dinner and everything in between. This is really a huge accomplishment for me. Luckily, I never smoked and even tried one so never had to break that habit. The next addiction is this food journey, which I’m working on.

@ Tlh – I was thinking the same thing. Everyone must be super busy. The weekend was really slow, which helped me get caught up so that was a good thing. I couldn’t believe there’s still snow out there. Crazy!! I was sitting at the pool yesterday catching up on some magazines. I’m so spoiled. It sounds like you had a lovely day with your church activities. It always helps me so much when others share their testimony and I realize truly how much I have to be thankful for that’s for sure.

@ Aimee – I’m so happy for you. Love is a beautiful thing and I’m so glad you’ve found someone to share that with. Even though my marriage ended (10 years), I still believe in love one day. I know things I would do differently is more communication, more date nights, compatible activities, and better financial control. I think because Aaron lost weight as well you both understand this journey and the ups and downs that come with it. Again, I’m so happy for you and Aaron both!

Thanks Morgori.....it's hard but going to TRY......

doug--calorie deficit is what makes you lose weight. the amount that you're able to walk isn't going to add up to enough to compensate over-eating. You need to eat at a deficit.

Thanks for the message. I did it again today at Friendly's. I have 664 calories left but maybe shouldn't even use them. I did get a grilled chicken sandwich instead of the fried tenders. Didn't need the appetizer though. Do you really think staying under calorie goal for day will enable me to lose weight? Without exercise? I can walk in short intervals which feels good after I do it. Physical therapy stretching feels good and I work up a sweat but how do I deduct stretching as an exercise?

I know it will. I did NO exercise for the first 6+ months and still lost 78 pounds. At your weight, 2 pounds per week is perfectly safe. Set MFP to that loss per week and sedentary. Let it calculate your calories. Get a food scale, weigh everything and log it. IF you do any exercise, log it and eat back half your exercise calories (since MFP estimates calories burned very high). It's truly no more complicated than that.

That sounds encouraging. I noticed the exercise calculator here is higher compared to what the treadmill says. Thanks for the reply. 103 lbs lost!! Great job.

Doug, I started with MFP 6 weeks before a total knee replacement. I couldn't exercise until after the surgery, then had to work up to it. That first 6 weeks I lost 15#. You can do it! Many have suggested that you do just one thing at a time and work up slowly. For me it was better to just dive in with both feet. Do what works best for you. Logging everything is really key. Just eat fewer calories than you burn each day. Just keep in mind that whatever you do has to be sustainable for the rest of your life.
Onward and downward. Kaye