My story (so far) and a couple NSVs

I've been using MFP since June, but have never posted here, so I thought I'd make a post to share my story, and a few NSVs that have happened recently.

I joined MFP in June, but I have been working out since March, so I’ve been at this weight-loss thing for about seven and a half months. When I started working out I was at my all-time peak weight of 329 lbs (I’m 5’10” by the way). Going by my MFP progress bar, I was 320 when I joined MFP, so by that time I had already lost 9 lbs. As of yesterday when I was weighed before a post-op doctor’s appointment, I weigh 270 lbs. That’s a total loss of 59 lbs, and a 50 lb loss since starting MFP.

The operation I had was a microdiskectomy on October 3rd. You see, I began working out in March because of back problems. Working out was part of my physical therapy. Basically, even though I am quite young (just turned 30 in July), the extent of my obesity was killing my body. I had a herniated disk, creaky knees, and no stamina.

My workout program consists of 30 minutes of stretching every day followed by a half hour (or more) on the elliptical. Every other day I also do a half hour to 45 min of strength training. On days I don’t go to the gym, I still stretch and either walk outside, do Wii fit, use resistance bands at home, or do a custom work-out on my 100 lb heavy bag (One of the most enjoyable workouts imaginable, and quite a good stress-reliever too. I recommend it highly, especially to the ladies. We're tougher than we think, and finding this out is a nice confidence boost).

I am not “dieting” per say, but I am practicing portion control, making an effort to choose healthy foods to eat, and NOT SKIPPING MEALS. For me, this has translated to me focusing on meat/protein (normal human sized portions) and fruits and veggies (unlimited) for every snack and meal, and limiting the carbs to rare complex carbs (whole grain breads/pastas) and potatoes. I’m trying to limit processed carbs whenever possible. Basically, if my cave-dwelling ancestors wouldn’t recognize it as food (I’m looking at you, Big Mac), I try not to eat it. Of course, if I tell myself anything is completely off-limits, I may start obsessing, so if I do eat something bad I forgive myself and move on.

So on to the NSVs: Yesterday, when they were prepping me for my appointment (you know, height, weight, temp, BP…) they brought the automatic BP reading machine over, and immediately grabbed the normal cuff! And the machine worked! You see, when I was at my biggest, those machines could never read my BP, and even with my pre-warning, the nurses always tried the machine multiple times until my hands turned blue before doing a manual BP. Also, as soon as they would set eyes on me, they would immediately grab the biggest cuff, sometimes having to leave the room to find one big enough to fit around my arm. Yesterday the nurse not only grabbed the normal cuff automatically, but the machine worked! I did a little mental happy dance.

Second NSV (possibly TMI, you are warned): My girlfriend (who started MFP at the same time as me) has also been working out (swimming for an hour every day, and weight training every other, plus she is a college student and walks around school all day). And we noticed a few weeks ago that not only is our combined weight loss allowing us to get our arms further around each other, but is also allowing us to…well, lets just say: get ourselves into some new positions that were not possible when out bigger tummies were in the way.

Well, the beat goes on, and I eventually plan on posting before/after pics, but I’d like to lose a bit more weight first. Also, unfortunately, I didn’t like my picture taken when I was at my biggest, so I may have trouble finding good before pics. If there is one thing I regret, it’s not talking before pics and not taking before measurements. If you’re just beginning your journey, take my advice and do both!

Future goals:

ONEderland, of course.
Being able to shop in any store I want to shop in for clothes, and not having to make a b-line to the plus size section.
Start doing C25K as soon as I think my knees will be able to take it.
Being able to wear the clothes in the boxes on the floor of my closet (my high school clothes)
I don't know what my goal weight is, since I'm doing strength training now and never did in high school. I'm guessing around 150-170ish.