morbidly obese for years

Pannus
Pannus Posts: 3 Member
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I am a 67 year old man, 5'9" and 410 lbs...BMI in the 60's.  I started the Nutrisystem plan two years ago at 450 lbs and got as low as 395 quite fast before I lost my motivation and gained a few back...but I continued on the NS plan for most meals and that must have helped me stabilize somewhat even though when I ate out I went way off plan with steaks drinks and desserts.  Stupid me...it was almost like I lost control...even though I had a Panniculectomy  8 years ago due to an abdominal infection.  I promised myself back then I'd never go through that again.

I was so proud of my NS success that I bought a BodyMedia gizmo to measure my steps, what I ate, etc.  Didn't help.  I guess my head isn't there.

Even though I've lost over 40 lbs, because I was on prednisone for a blood disorder my top half looks pretty good but my abdomen is swelling out like a balloon.  My doc says prednisone side effects can be a huge shift of where fat is deposited.  My GP hasn't a clue what to do but the panus is back big time, reaching down to my knees and clothes look terrible.  

I don't exercise at all...even have a treadmill in my bedroom facing the TV.  I just sit and veg.  I would not consider my eating as overly excessive compared to early years but I continue to swell up.  I urged my GP to get a CT scan of the abdomen...the result showed a hernia with my intestines spilling out into my abdomen.  So the plastic surgeon is afraid to operate and a hernia surgeon afraid to help me too.  Even this doesn't make my mind take charge of me.  I doubt I could ever lose enough weight to have these operations so I seem to just give up and enjoy what time I have left.  Sad.

Maybe some of you have been there and can offer some advice.

Replies

  • grandmawantstolose
    grandmawantstolose Posts: 46 Member
    I have been in your shoes, still am kinda. I was close to 400 lbs, but I did have the hernia surgery. Has worked well so far. I finally decided to take matters into my own hands. I started MFP about amonth ago, I exercise a little at a time, most of it I do sitting in my chair but every little bit counts and helps. Now I can do 15 minutes of bike pedaling without too much effort. If you would like add me as a friend and I will support and encourage you along the way. Stick with it, track your movements and your food intake it helps and it works. Don't give up!!
  • Pannus
    Pannus Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks for your thoughts. What is MFP?
  • caramkoala
    caramkoala Posts: 303 Member
    MFP is My Fitness Pal (this site)

    I find it hard to get motivated to get off my chair too. I started with a resistance band and a list of exercises you can do with it SITTING ON A CHAIR. Resistance band cost me $10AU at Big W. Probably $5US at Walmart. Even 5 bicep curls is better than nothing. Once you get into the habit of doing something (exercise) every day, it will naturally build up.

    I think. the bigger a person is, the harder it is to get out of the chair and up on to the treadmill, so they are even less likely to do it (Which is kinda ironic and sucks), but having it there, out, set up, in front of the tv is a good start.

    Start with something small, lifting cans, and you'll make it to the treadmill :flowerforyou:
  • Partyofpugs
    Partyofpugs Posts: 105
    Would you prefer to live or would you prefer to die? Harsh, but that is your choice. I have over 100 pounds to go and am having lot's of weight related medical problems. I asked myself that question and decided I'm not ready to go yet. So I am willing my head to be in the right mind and I will do this. I did move my exercise bike into the living room. That way I am constantly reminded and my husband can watch TV with me. You can do this. You just really, really have to want it!
  • Pannus
    Pannus Posts: 3 Member
    Update...went on Optifast program in October 2012 and I'm down to 330 lbs in just a few months...under doctor supervision. Still not exercising as its too difficult with the pannus which continues to grow. Belly button has some oozing the doc doesn't like so he decided to operate on the hernia there and get a plastics doc to remove the pannus...this April. Getting scared but know the hernia won't fix itself and it will be so nice to be rid of this big heavy bag (pannus) forever...which he estimates weighs at least 25 lbs. if all goes well I should be under 300 lbs for the first time in many many years. Wish me well.
  • WBB55
    WBB55 Posts: 4,131 Member
    Good luck. Glad you didn't give up, and you're still with us. <3
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