My name is Mike and I weigh 400 lbs

FoHunneds
FoHunneds Posts: 2
in Introduce Yourself
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.
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Replies

  • jsherrill0613
    jsherrill0613 Posts: 233 Member
    You have came to a good place for inspiration and motivation! I am on day 52 of MFP. I log everything I eat, every day. You absolutely can do this! There is nothing wrong with taking small steps and making shorter goals to reach those long term goals. I wish you much success!
  • thinpip
    thinpip Posts: 33
    Hi Mike. I'm Pippa .
    Just wanted to wish you well on your mission. I have only been here around a week so I don't have many friends on here yet. Feel free to add me. I will definitely notice if you stop posting.
  • pltjess
    pltjess Posts: 101 Member
    Hi Mike, and welcome to MFP from a fellow redditor! :)

    This is definitely the place to find the support you are looking for. I'm sure you'll get a bunch of friend requests from this post... be sure to stay active in keeping in touch with them through updates... I know it makes me feel more accountable.

    The best of luck, you can do this!
  • RollTideLisa
    RollTideLisa Posts: 41
    Good luck and congrats on taking the first step. Feel free to add me if you like, I try to motivate my pals on here, best wishes!!
  • Aerona85
    Aerona85 Posts: 159 Member
    Welcome! I am a software engineer as well...desk jobs can definitely make it a challenge to get activity in! Any activity is better than none at all, so I would take it easy to start and work up to more, especially if your ankles are bothering you. Don't do too much and injure yourself early on (been there, done that). :-)

    Congrats in the soda victory...I know that is a major challenge for many people. Good call substituting something else for the caffeine so you don't have to battle withdrawal of it as well.
  • blukitten
    blukitten Posts: 922 Member
    Hi Mike! I am Crystal.

    Welcome to MFP!! Definately a good place to find friends and motivation!!
  • thegreatcanook
    thegreatcanook Posts: 2,419 Member
    Hi Mike! You can add me for support and I'll cheer you on!!!
  • marcellomoo
    marcellomoo Posts: 107 Member
    Welcome to mfp! I will send you a friend request. I love chasing people down when they disappear.

    Also, I have a link for you:

    http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/full-length-workouts/

    If you filter their workouts, you'll be able to find a huge range of low impact workouts that might be useful with your ankles (don't be afraid to start on level 1 difficulty, their videos get HARD). Some of the stretching/ flexibility videos may also be good. Additionally, they have several kettlebell workout videos if you want some variety :flowerforyou:
  • phrazzledmom123
    phrazzledmom123 Posts: 7 Member
    Welcome! Soda is really hard to give up...as it's seen as an addiction...for some it's the carbonation, for other's the caffeine or sugar. I made the switch years ago to sugar free Snapple, which I get in packs and add to water. Still some caffeine, but not much. I just have always had a hard time drinking plain water, mainly because it's treated. I know I can get bottled water or filters, but can be costly too. You have made some good changes, that in time, will become habits. Hopefully good habits. Cutting out the processed foods will also help....white flour/sugar/rice...etc. Packaged foods like Hamburger helper are also laden with hidden sugars/ingredients. Also, portion control, start measuring your food. A diet high in protein...meats like chicken and beef, are low carb, and high in veggies, and save the carbs for the days you exercise more. And drink lots of water/fluids.

    As I see it, for exercise...and you have to do what works for you when your first starting out...any movement is good. Start out walking 5 mins, and work your way up...as you lose weight, it should be easier on your joints. As a person who used to weigh over 400lbs, I know this as fact. I no longer weigh that, thank goodness, my knees thank me for losing the weight.

    If you want to friend me, that is fine, we all need motivation as we lose weight. Best of luck to you! I should add, that having a pedometer or something that tracks your steps, will help you make goals for yourself. I just got a Fitbit yesterday and have been tracking my steps and calories burned, and I feel it will help remind me to get up once in a while.
  • stemmingthetide
    stemmingthetide Posts: 363 Member
    Good luck Mike! Add me if you want. You are in charge of you- make it happen for yourself!
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    Hi mike! Congratulations on beginning your journey! Your food scale will be your best friend! Weighing and measuring is very important. Good luck and you can do it!!!!!!
  • FrankiesSaysRelax
    FrankiesSaysRelax Posts: 403 Member
    Welcome! I also love reddit :)

    You can lose weight without exercise. If your ankles are really bothering you, focus on your diet for now and start walking once you've lost a bit of weight and can walk more comfortably. I'm on here pretty regularly, so please feel free to add me as a friend!
  • Bostonsoul
    Bostonsoul Posts: 151 Member
    Nice to meet another redditor..any of ya'll feel free to add me!
  • wizzybeth
    wizzybeth Posts: 3,578 Member
    The author of this thread may also be an encouragement to you:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1366510-how-can-someone-get-to-538lbs
  • melodiarentsen
    melodiarentsen Posts: 20 Member
    Hi, Mike:

    Feel free to add me as a friend. I will be happy to support you.
  • JSPictures
    JSPictures Posts: 13
    Hi Mike! I'm a fellow gamer and soda lover!! :) You have definitely come to the right place. Lots of great people on here! Please feel free to add me as a friend. :) You can do this!
  • ljminto
    ljminto Posts: 52
    Hey Mike. I'm Lisa. This is my 2nd go-round on this site and it is wonderful, provided you use it regularly. For me, it's all about calories and accountability. Doing this by yourself with no one pushing you or supporting you is hard. Most of the people here are good supporters! Add me if you want to. I'm always looking for good supporters/motivators. :)
  • mandyosetti
    mandyosetti Posts: 72 Member
    Good luck on your journey Mike! I am active on the site everyday. Feel free to add me! :happy:
  • LadyCouerlyn
    LadyCouerlyn Posts: 137 Member
    Welcome to MFP. :) I've only recently started my journey, as well, and only even more recently started to reach out the community, but even just lurking in the shadows I found SO MUCH inspiration here! I really wish you all the best, and I'll be right here to cheer you on!
  • kessler4130
    kessler4130 Posts: 150 Member
    Welcome Mike, we are all here to help. You may want to revise your macros from a better calculator, iifym.com has a decent one. Based on your stats you could cut weight at 3000-3200 calories a day for quite some time, I would set your fat at 80 grams to start, protein at 180, and the rest would be carbs (around 430 grams). Your current protein number is way to low. I would run those macros for 2 weeks and then drop the carbs some if you aren't losing. The best advice I can give you is, there is no magic supplement that will cut weight, fad diets are unsustainable wastes of time, learn your body, how it responds to certain macros, and track everything to the gram.

    Go to - http://karoshiethos.com/2013/08/13/javascript-bookmarklet-for-enhanced-macro-goals-in-myfitnesspal/
    follow the directions there, it will allow you to change your settings to grams instead of a %.
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    You've made the commitment to yourself - that's the most important thing. I never paid attention to what I ate, but just the act of entering every single item I ate made me stop and focus on the fact food has nutritional qualities that are just as important as tasting delicious.

    You'll be able to do this.

    Also - if you're craving the carbonation - sparkling water will give you flavor, fizzy's and no calories.
  • sunnyside1213
    sunnyside1213 Posts: 1,205 Member
    There are amazing people here who have lost over 300 lbs. It can happen. One day at a time.
  • ucalegon
    ucalegon Posts: 43 Member
    HI Mike! Fellow redditor here and long time user of reddit.com/r/keto, which I highly recommend. Feel free to add me if you'd like some support!
  • dwalt15110
    dwalt15110 Posts: 246 Member
    Hi Mike, Welcome! This is a great place to be. There are a lot of people who started out with food changes and doing Get Fit While You Sit, until they could actually do some walking without the pain. Congrats on giving up the soda. That's a tough one, but so worth it. I'm sending you a friend request. I am on here every day and am very supportive of my friends. Accept it, if you wish. I tell everyone that I am the old person here.
  • MaryACoffey
    MaryACoffey Posts: 6
    Hi Mike my name is Mary. I've only been on MFP for less than a month but already I am feeling better. Logging in all your food helps to keep you aware of what you're really eating - you know a cookie here a pepsi there it all adds up. I just wanted to say don't become discouraged - I have been very thin and very fat but you just have to decide you want to do it. I too have trouble exercising my advise would be take short walks a few times a day. I try to go out and walk for 15 minutes at least 3 times everyday. Also google chair aerobics there are some really good exercises you could doing sitting to reduce the stress on your legs (doing them myself they are great). Good luck and hang in there I am cheering for you.
  • TrainerRob1
    TrainerRob1 Posts: 1
    Hi Mike, I'm new here as well I have been involved in the fitness field for almost 18years. I have a lil starter food plan for you. Please try this for 2 weeks and let me know how you do and I will also try to send some workout for you to help. I hope I can change your idea of how you are now and know only you can change you.
    Here it is have a good week talk soon!

    30 Day meal Plan
    (No Bread, Rice, White Potatoes, and Pasta)
    1. Breakfast
    2 Whole Eggs either scrambled or 3 Egg whites Option#2 Egg White Veggie Omelet plus Fresh Fruit (Mixed 1 cup) or Banana, Apple, Orange
    Option#3 Morning Smoothie

    2. Snack(Morning)
    Greek Yogurt any Flavor (sugar no more than 20grms) W/Breakfast Bar
    3. Lunch
    Kale, or Spinach salad any additions (no croutons) Meat (Chicken Grilled, or Tuna Fish
    Option#2 Grilled Meat (any Choice, w/mixed steamed veggies, or 1Sweet Potatoes





    4. Snack(Afternoon + Pre-Workout)
    ½ Chicken Breast wrapped in lettuce wrap, Apricot/Nut Mixed ½ sandwich bag
    5. Dinner
    Fresh/Frozen Grilled or baked fish, w/ Salad and Quinoa

    Option#2 Grilled or baked Steak, or Shrimp (lite Sauce) W/veggies (asparagus, peas, broccoli, Cauliflower)

    Dressings: Salad (all under 20grams sugar, Sodium170mg). Lite Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard
    Drinks: WATER 4 12oz Glasses a day. Other: 2 Glasses Red Wine per Week Maximum. All fruit juices should be juiced. No Juice over 30grams sugar. NO SODA, NO BEER, NO other Alcohol Beverages(Mixed Drinks, Cognac,
    Desserts: Sorbet (sugar under 30grms) 1 day of Choice per week. 2 oatmeal/raisin Cookies per week (no other cookie) Always Fresh Fruit (Unlimited) Watermelon, Kiwi are Great choice (your decision)

    After 30days (WE) will Re-*kitten* Weight Goals.
  • kkay3182
    kkay3182 Posts: 90 Member
    Welcome Mike, baby steps in the right direction add up overtime. With a little effort and the desire you will accomplish your goal. weightloss for me at least has been hard and the progress slow. I slip up all the time but reminding myself that I took my whole life thus far to get to this size, makes me feel like if I dedicate a few years if necessary to lose the weight and make myself healthy then it is worth it. The people here are awesome, so if your desire is to become healthier you are in pretty good company!
  • Paula723
    Paula723 Posts: 1 Member
    Also walking in a swimming pool will help until you lose some weight and your ankles get stronger. Hang in there!
  • LaurLaur242
    LaurLaur242 Posts: 10 Member
    I wish you great success! This has been a good place to be accountable for what you eat and how much you move. It's definitely kept me on track without becoming obsessed with it.
    Please feel free to add me as a friend. I recently started on MFP and only have a few friends, but they it's nice to be supportive by people who understand. You can do this :happy:

    ~Lauren
  • lotr4000
    lotr4000 Posts: 25 Member
    r/keto

    This. A million times this.
    Drop a bunch of holy-****-I-lost-a-crapload-of-weight-eating-bacon poundage, and make that exercise easier on yourself. :)

    You can do it. With Keto, the weight just keeps dropping until you hit your goal weight. It gets slower the closer you are, but at your current weight you will see massive motivating weight loss, for sure. Just keep your carbs under 20g per day, and you're in!

    I'd wish you luck, but you don't need it. You're here, you'll do it, and by this time next year you'll be a completely different person.

    I believe in you~!

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