I have a confession (long post)

[Sonic Misfit]

I really feel for you. About 10 years ago, I was hit with a disease that I didn't even know I had. Ended up having six surgeries before clearing things up. During that time I went from someone who was physically fit, (Ranger training, TKD, CQC, etc.) to a couch potato for three years. It took me seven years before I could get back to where I wanted to be. It wasn't an easy road to lose a third of my body weight, but I did it, and you can to.

Talk to your doctor, make a plan and stick to it. Let people around you know what you are doing. The ones who really care about you will support you and cheer you on. Not only that they will share their goals with you and you can encourage them back. One thing I learned in this experience, was that there are a lot of people who are also trying to improve themselvers and they welcome the support of other people who are doing the same thing. Learn to sincerely celebrate the achivements of the people around you and be surprised how much the feedback empowers you to move ahead with your goals.

If there is something that you want, (like a new pistol or an iPod) then tell yourself that when you reach a certain goal, that you will reward yourself with that. It makes the workouts so much easier when you can envision yourself with your new toy.

I used a lot of martial arts techniques, weight lifting, aerobic exercise, and dieting to get back into shape. Whatever you feel comfortable with is going to work the best for you. For instance, I had a friend whose passion toward getting back into shape was to play softball. It worked for him.

Keep us posted on your progress. I'd say "Good Luck", but it won't be luck that gets you where you want to be, it will be good old "Guts and Determination." There are a lot of us here who, I'm sure, would be glad to help you celebrate your success. Keep the faith.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Timmy Jimmy]

DWPA

My wife just had bypass surgery about a month ago and she has dropped over 30 pounds and is off her diabetes medicine, and the doc is talking about taking her off her zocor.

It was a drastic move but I think it will save her life.

I know you have heard about this surgery maybe you should take another look at it.

GOD Bless you and your family and I hope he gives you the strenght to do what ever it is you have to do to beat the weight.

[soundwave]

Just 2 ideas and some other info... First, I can guarantee you that a large majority of your weight is not just fat. It takes a lot of muscle (and energy) to move 400 lbs, period. I would suggest like others have to go to a doctor that specializes in weight loss to figure out your fat-muscle ratio.

The first tip that I'd suggest is using a combination of 1/2 apple juice and 1/2 water. Apple juice has the ability to make you feel "full". If used by itself it will make you feel like you just had Thanksgiving dinner if you drink too much. Having the 1/2 water-1/2 apple juice combination will get your water intake up as well as surpressing your appetite a little better without using drugs and "diet supplements".

The other thing I would suggest looking into is -- believe it or not -- Nutrisystem. Nutrisystem has long been associated with and directed at weight loss in women, but in the last few years quite a few men have tried it. It's been found by a lot of people that it seems to work a lot better on men for some reason. I'd check it out.

Cheers.

[pogo2]

About 20 years ago I decided that my weight was too high and my activity level too low, so I resolved to improve myself through more exercise and better diet. It worked, and my weight has been normal for many years and I am physically fit and active now. This is what my normal routine involves:

1. Go to gym 6 days a week for one hour per day - half an hour on the stair machine and half an hour on weight lifting. I do this from 5 to 6 AM.

2. Eat a diet that mainly consists of fruit, vegetables, chicken/turkey, rice, eggs, plain yogurt, tofu, etc.

3. Avoid alcohol, soft drinks, fried food, candy, pastry, cheese, most bread, potatoes, etc.

You just have to change your habits and then use discipline to stick with your new routine. It quickly becomes normal and second nature to you, and you don't even have to think about it. The weight loss and better health will follow.

[jimbthestripper]

Diet drinks usually contain a lot of sodium. May not be good for you
give this situation.

JimB

[dimmak]

Here is a list of what I eat as a basic menu:
http://www.combatcarry.com/vbulletin...3&postcount=12

I dont recommmend doing any "ab work" for weight loss - movements such as squats, pullovers and the like will increase core strength.... Heavy bag work is also wonderfully productive... Resistance training is terrific for weight loss as the added muscle will require more calories to sustain itself... Good luck with this new journey toward better health....

A gallon of water everyday should be no problem for a fellow your size...

[Arkie]

I found a site a while back for excersicing.

I've used it and it really works for building up the inner core and it really gives you a good workout without using weights.

Click Here...

[SammyIamToday]

I think most things have been hit on, but if you have to go to a fast food (mcdonalds type) place, get grilled chicken and no fries. Two grilled chicken sandwiches would be better than one combo. Get water and not soda. Soda is straight sugar, it's bad for you, drink water. Breading and the like really ups the fat/calories in a meal. Cheese usually has a lot of trans fat/saturated fat (fast food) so stay away from that.

If you can stand to eat the same thing every day, get some natural peanut butter (no hydrogenated oils, trans fat is bad) and honey. Eat peanut butter and honey sandwiches on wheat for meals. Tuna with mustard is also good. Lots of walking will go a long way. I would imagine that high impact cardio would hurt your joints (it hurts mine and I'm only 230, granted 30 miles a week in the MC never helped my joints), so walking, biking, and lower impact stuff should help more. You could also look into dragging a sled, that works wonders on conditioning.

I'd keep off the weights until you dropped some personally. Then I'd go for a higher rep, lower weight endurance type of training until you've dropped even more. Then look into powerlifting and become a beast. :) Westside Barbell is my personal favorite at the moment.

[jowgafist]

Some have already said it but walking is very effective. Also alternate your carbs, like one day eat high carbs, the next day eat about medium, third day light. On a high carb day make sure you walk/workout a little more than normal. Join a gym and force yourself to go cause once you're there you might as well workout, then next thing you know a couple hours have passed. If you really want to loose weight you can find time. You're not the only one that works crazy hours. There are gyms out there that are open 24hrs a day...Golds Gym 5a til like midnight...Find the time my friend.

[gunthorp]

All great thoughts here. Visualize your goals. Write them down. Make them incrementally easy to attain. Reference them as you measure your progress. Nothing succeeds like success.

If, as some believe, we live on more than the physical plane, we can excersize on them as well. Prayer was mentioned. Meditation is another. Visualization and mental concentration or focus on the clearly delineated goals is another. The intense emotional desire with a burning will to accomplish those goals is another. When we are hitting on all cylinders, we're in the passing lane.

Here's to ya!

[dimmak]

Westside Barbell is my personal favorite at the moment.

Louie Simmons is da man.....
Chains and bands definitely do the trick, huh?

[SammyIamToday]

Louie Simmons is da man.....
Chains and bands definitely do the trick, huh?

Nothing but non-stop gains. Every now and then I do a full band cycle Joe Average style, but mostly just Westside stuff. Although we've tossed around the idea of running a Metal Militia cycle or two, but that's really hard on the body.

[Leadslinger]

Eat Low Fat
and as "natural" as possible.... veggies, fruits, turkey, chicken & fish.
Grilled, steamed, or boiled. Reasonable portions.

Do at least 30 min of Cardio a day (everyday) Sometype. I ride a bike, then run, then ride a bike again. (breaks up the routine)
You have to do 20 min. before a single calorie of fat is burned.

and strength train (weights) 3xs a week or as you lose weight you will become flabby.
Don't count the Lbs. Worry about reducing the Body Fat %

I am speaking from experience, Ive done it.
It's hard but it is DO-ABLE.

Good Luck

[distortion9]

Get a job as a letter carrier and walk a 6 hour route....seriously. I dropped 25-30 pounds in less than a month.

Walk A LOT and drink water A LOT.

[Hobbes]

Yup, just keep moving. Walk everywhere I think it will make a difference. Eventually you may decide to start running. Buy some good shoes, expect to pay $80-$90 for shoes you can put a lot of miles on without hurting yourself, you may want a "stability" shoe (running store employee will hook you up)

You can microwave broccoli, which is one of the most nutritious veggies, I feel much better when I eat a lot of greens. Spinach is also good for you. Stay away from processed foods (white flour, refined sugar etc) no microwave dinners etc. Eat 100% whole wheat bread (this is different than plain old whole wheat) or better yet sprouted grain bread (I hate the stuff, 100% ww is much better tasting)
Good luck!