Weight Loss: Post Your Before and After Pics Here!
01-29-12, 08:52 AM
#951
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Been lurking for a while and decided to join to help me document the journey. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of my at my absolute heaviest (502lbs) but here's me two years ago at 460lbs:
And me last week before I rode off to work at 404lbs:
And me last week before I rode off to work at 404lbs:
01-29-12, 09:09 AM
#952
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Now that you've unlurked (de-lurked?), post in the Clyde-o-rama thread with some details about what you've done so far and what made you change, etc. Or start your own thread. You deserve it.
01-31-12, 10:49 PM
#953
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02-06-12, 09:28 AM
#955
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Thanks - I think your comment was for me, but it's 49, not 46. Anyway, all of these pics are pretty impressive testimonial how obese folks can turn it around if they really want to. I'm not saying it isn't seriously difficult for some people to do, but if one is seriously determined, it's far from hopeless. Even after hitting 162lbs. myself, I have yo-yo'ed up down about 7-8lbs. for the last 6 months. While I'm not dogmatic about a one size fits all solution for everyone, the carbs definitely do me in. I can smell sugar miles away like a shark smells blood. It doesn't seem like it takes but a few days of high carb meals, snacks and deserts and the needle starts to move north. Then it's four or five times as long of disciplined eating to get back to my ideal weight. This seems to be the case no matter how many miles I am riding.
So this leads me to my question, do all of you folks who shed mountains of fat think you achieved your weight loss through diet, exercise or both? Do you think it was from eating fewer calories, less fat or less carbs? I suspect that many of you, like me, changed all 4 variables and it's hard to really say how it happened.
So this leads me to my question, do all of you folks who shed mountains of fat think you achieved your weight loss through diet, exercise or both? Do you think it was from eating fewer calories, less fat or less carbs? I suspect that many of you, like me, changed all 4 variables and it's hard to really say how it happened.
02-08-12, 05:21 AM
#956
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Greetings...I just turned 52, hit 300 on the scales, and had quad bypass three years ago. I take a basket of pills, am diabetic, and coming to the realization that I will be lucky to live out the year. That's how it feels.
I have 7 wonderful grandchildren and a wife of almost 34 years and I am the sole bread winner. I bought my used Trek last year, found 1000 reasons not to get it down, and another 1000 reasons to not walk around the block. I eat pretty healthy, don't smoke, my cholesterol is less than 130 and A1C is just barely 7. I think I am salvageable.
How do you guys keep yourself motivated? Some days my knees hurt, my hips hurt, and I just can't seem to make it happen. Would love some motivational tips...as if my family isn't enough...what's wrong with me? Hahah.
Glad to be here, I have been working on my elliptical machine some this winter, way too little though. I really enjoy being outside more than in. What would be some realistic goals for me, I would like to lose at least 50 lbs this year, and 50 more next year. How many miles should I be targeting on the bike? Daily calorie intake? I am not a picky eater, and I am considering doing a vegetarian type diet for 90 days...anyone gone that route?
Thanks
I have 7 wonderful grandchildren and a wife of almost 34 years and I am the sole bread winner. I bought my used Trek last year, found 1000 reasons not to get it down, and another 1000 reasons to not walk around the block. I eat pretty healthy, don't smoke, my cholesterol is less than 130 and A1C is just barely 7. I think I am salvageable.
How do you guys keep yourself motivated? Some days my knees hurt, my hips hurt, and I just can't seem to make it happen. Would love some motivational tips...as if my family isn't enough...what's wrong with me? Hahah.
Glad to be here, I have been working on my elliptical machine some this winter, way too little though. I really enjoy being outside more than in. What would be some realistic goals for me, I would like to lose at least 50 lbs this year, and 50 more next year. How many miles should I be targeting on the bike? Daily calorie intake? I am not a picky eater, and I am considering doing a vegetarian type diet for 90 days...anyone gone that route?
Thanks
02-08-12, 07:54 PM
#957
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How tall are you Hike? It might be helpful for you to get an idea of how many calories you burn at rest and a rough idea of how many you burn in activity. There are online tools that can help, keeping in mind that the figures are going to be somewhat rough. Here is one such calculator: https://www.caloriesperhour.com/index_burn.php
Once you figure out roughly how many calories you need to maintain your weight at your general activity level, you can reduce those calories to start losing weight. The general rule is 500 calories less a day will bring you down a pound. That will meet your 50 pound goal. Exercise can also help bring down the weight as it burns calories. But not a lot, most calories are burned just maintaining your body. So, reducing calories is generally necessary. The general rule of thumb is to try to lose no more than a couple of pounds a week. You may lose more in the first few weeks as your body adjusts and often retains less water.
I often use this calorie counter to keep track of how much I am eating: https://www.livestrong.com/myplate/
There is some evidence that a high protein/ lower carb diet can help with appetite and blood sugar. A vegetarian diet can work fine but you may find yourself hungrier. One solution may be to eat more often but smaller meals. The "right" diet is the subject to much dispute and is not fully developed science. However, staying away from sugar is going to be a good thing.
A number of people here use weight watchers to help with keeping track of eating, how much to eat, and helping with motivation through accountability. I used this forum in part for the very same thing.
Motivational tips? That is tough because we are so individual. What motivates one person is meaningless to another. What helped me was being active doing things I enjoyed. I started a year ago on an extensive birding trip, doing a lot of walking and lugging around equipment. That got my mind off food and me moving around. My back hurt though from walking and carryuing the weight, but I enjoyed it anyway because I was chasing birds. Because walking and my back were not getting along I then started biking in the spring after I had lost maybe 20 pounds. My stubbornness was my primary motivation. Damn it, I was going to be able to ride 5 miles! Then 10! Then 25! And as the weight dropped off and the fitness increased I started loving it.
If you enjoy going outside, go outside. Walk. You don't have to push yet. Just move.
Oh, if you don't get many responses on this thread you may have better luck starting a brand new thread with your questions.
Once you figure out roughly how many calories you need to maintain your weight at your general activity level, you can reduce those calories to start losing weight. The general rule is 500 calories less a day will bring you down a pound. That will meet your 50 pound goal. Exercise can also help bring down the weight as it burns calories. But not a lot, most calories are burned just maintaining your body. So, reducing calories is generally necessary. The general rule of thumb is to try to lose no more than a couple of pounds a week. You may lose more in the first few weeks as your body adjusts and often retains less water.
I often use this calorie counter to keep track of how much I am eating: https://www.livestrong.com/myplate/
There is some evidence that a high protein/ lower carb diet can help with appetite and blood sugar. A vegetarian diet can work fine but you may find yourself hungrier. One solution may be to eat more often but smaller meals. The "right" diet is the subject to much dispute and is not fully developed science. However, staying away from sugar is going to be a good thing.
A number of people here use weight watchers to help with keeping track of eating, how much to eat, and helping with motivation through accountability. I used this forum in part for the very same thing.
Motivational tips? That is tough because we are so individual. What motivates one person is meaningless to another. What helped me was being active doing things I enjoyed. I started a year ago on an extensive birding trip, doing a lot of walking and lugging around equipment. That got my mind off food and me moving around. My back hurt though from walking and carryuing the weight, but I enjoyed it anyway because I was chasing birds. Because walking and my back were not getting along I then started biking in the spring after I had lost maybe 20 pounds. My stubbornness was my primary motivation. Damn it, I was going to be able to ride 5 miles! Then 10! Then 25! And as the weight dropped off and the fitness increased I started loving it.
If you enjoy going outside, go outside. Walk. You don't have to push yet. Just move.
Oh, if you don't get many responses on this thread you may have better luck starting a brand new thread with your questions.
Last edited by goldfinch; 02-08-12 at 08:08 PM.
02-08-12, 09:56 PM
#958
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The before picture. I turned 60 last summer and when I realized that I topped 300 lbs I knew that I had to rediscover bicycle riding. Although I haven't been able to ride as much as I had hoped, this before picture is at 280 lbs. I'm also 6'-4" so it spreads out quite a bit.
Feb 5, 2012 by Starbeagle, on Flickr
After pictures to follow soon, I hope.
Feb 5, 2012 by Starbeagle, on Flickr
After pictures to follow soon, I hope.
02-08-12, 10:45 PM
#959
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Well time to jump in.
Im 33 this month and 4 yrs ago when i purchased my first Bike i was near 210. not big but im 5'7.
7 months ago i was down to 160 than i had a major brain overhaul ( 3.5cm tumor ) not cancer
well im up to about 180 so after looking for some motivation and getting cleared to ride this thread is just what i was looking for
. i will post pics of me now later and in a few months will see what happens.
To start i will try my luck this saturday at the anual Tour de palm springs . Great motivational thread.
Thanks.
Im 33 this month and 4 yrs ago when i purchased my first Bike i was near 210. not big but im 5'7.
7 months ago i was down to 160 than i had a major brain overhaul ( 3.5cm tumor ) not cancer
well im up to about 180 so after looking for some motivation and getting cleared to ride this thread is just what i was looking for
. i will post pics of me now later and in a few months will see what happens.
To start i will try my luck this saturday at the anual Tour de palm springs . Great motivational thread.
Thanks.
02-11-12, 08:21 AM
#960
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Keep your head up - this forum is a great tool to keep you motivated.
02-14-12, 10:40 AM
#961
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This is probably the single most important piece of advice ever. When I weight 500+ lbs I never went outside and couldn't walk more than 100 feet or so before my back started hurting. I still have a LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG way to go but I just started out going to the gym, changing my eating habits, and obsessively tracking my food intake. I'm only eight months in, but I went from 500+lbs and a total sloth to riding at least 30 minutes every day and spending every free moment I have in the gym and working out. The key was that first step of getting active and going outside.
Keep your head up - this forum is a great tool to keep you motivated.
Keep your head up - this forum is a great tool to keep you motivated.
02-14-12, 10:49 AM
#962
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This to the power of infinity. Seriously, when I was at 500lbs I didn't do anything but live in misery. I've got a long way to go but every day I get outside (no matter what the weather is like) and take in the beauty of the world I'm fortunate enough to live in.
02-14-12, 11:14 AM
#963
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So when are you taking a long ride on the C & O?
02-14-12, 09:19 PM
#964
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April. I need to build up my endurance and shed a few more pounds and then I'm hitting it hard. I got pretty sick a couple of years ago when I was at my heaviest and lost a ton of muscle mass so I'm working my way back to biking shape.
02-14-12, 10:32 PM
#965
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I might be in the area later in the year. Ping me if you want to meet for a ride. Keep in mind I'll be out of shape and breaking in new knees, so I won't be particularly fast or strong.
02-15-12, 10:29 AM
#967
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02-15-12, 12:20 PM
#968
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If you are type II diabetic, that means your body has become insulin resistant from excessive carbohydrates. Do you know if you have hyperinsulinemia? If your Dr.'s have given you you dietary information, I must assume that it doesn't work or you aren't following it. I would highly recommend a dietary plan for carbohydrate addicts by the Dr.'s Heller's that helped me immensely:
https://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com/
I was able to lose weight and get off of my blood pressure medication by following this plan. Interesting enough, it's not the conventional low fat drumbeat that has been nauseatingly repeated for years.
First of all, you need to become a picky eater. Their plan can show you how. Secondly, the definition of insanity is trying the same thin over and over and expecting a different result. Therefore, you've got to leave the insanity behind and do something different. Finally, I used to be a vegan and became obese with high blood pressure because I bought the theory that animal fats were the enemy. The real enemy is sugar and flour which comprise most of the processed foods that everyone eats.
Just the fact that you're still probing with questions is a great sign and demonstrates that you've got the motivation - you just need the solution. Good luck in your efforts and blessings to you.
https://www.carbohydrateaddicts.com/
I was able to lose weight and get off of my blood pressure medication by following this plan. Interesting enough, it's not the conventional low fat drumbeat that has been nauseatingly repeated for years.
First of all, you need to become a picky eater. Their plan can show you how. Secondly, the definition of insanity is trying the same thin over and over and expecting a different result. Therefore, you've got to leave the insanity behind and do something different. Finally, I used to be a vegan and became obese with high blood pressure because I bought the theory that animal fats were the enemy. The real enemy is sugar and flour which comprise most of the processed foods that everyone eats.
Just the fact that you're still probing with questions is a great sign and demonstrates that you've got the motivation - you just need the solution. Good luck in your efforts and blessings to you.
Thanks for that link. I just got a book, and diet program from someone else on the same subject. I plan on reading it before I start doing any of it. I also found out my body has been fighting me my whole life...
They also have a list of things that run in my family ( I am boarderline with most of them)...
If your parents or grandparents had or have any of the
following, you are at risk:
heart disease, (mother)
high blood pressure, (Father, his parents)
accumulation of fat around the waistline, (Father, his parents)
elevated cholesterol, (Father, his parents)
elevated triglycerides and other blood fats, (Father, his parents)
type II diabetes, (Father, his parents, sister)
excess fluid retention (swelling of ankles). (Father, his parents, sister)
As you consider the health profiles of your familyfollowing, you are at risk:
heart disease, (mother)
high blood pressure, (Father, his parents)
accumulation of fat around the waistline, (Father, his parents)
elevated cholesterol, (Father, his parents)
elevated triglycerides and other blood fats, (Father, his parents)
type II diabetes, (Father, his parents, sister)
excess fluid retention (swelling of ankles). (Father, his parents, sister)
I never really took a look at how at risk I could really be. Time for me to read this book, understand it (overlooked thing by most is understanding soething), then and only then try it.
03-06-12, 02:05 PM
#969
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Great inspiration here!!
This is my first post, and I just bought my first bike to continue getting into shape! I started at 285 (I'm 5'8"), and am currently at 238.6 pounds. I just unpacked my new to me bike last night, a 2008 Specialized Roubaix, and have it in the back of my Jeep to hit the riverparks tonight!
I'll get pictures uploaded soon, and hope to keep it going until I get to my goal weight of 165.
This is my first post, and I just bought my first bike to continue getting into shape! I started at 285 (I'm 5'8"), and am currently at 238.6 pounds. I just unpacked my new to me bike last night, a 2008 Specialized Roubaix, and have it in the back of my Jeep to hit the riverparks tonight!
I'll get pictures uploaded soon, and hope to keep it going until I get to my goal weight of 165.
03-12-12, 10:08 AM
#970
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Thanks to all for the continued inspiration! Ive started this journey at 303# and a 46 inch waist and 3XLT shirts. I just bought some new clothes and now fit into 36 in pants and LT shirts. The first outside ride of the year went great at 75 pounds lighter... Much less wind resistance.
Last edited by ponzini; 03-12-12 at 10:12 AM. Reason: Adding Pics
03-12-12, 10:15 AM
#971
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You'll make it!!
Great inspiration here!!
This is my first post, and I just bought my first bike to continue getting into shape! I started at 285 (I'm 5'8"), and am currently at 238.6 pounds. I just unpacked my new to me bike last night, a 2008 Specialized Roubaix, and have it in the back of my Jeep to hit the riverparks tonight!
I'll get pictures uploaded soon, and hope to keep it going until I get to my goal weight of 165.
This is my first post, and I just bought my first bike to continue getting into shape! I started at 285 (I'm 5'8"), and am currently at 238.6 pounds. I just unpacked my new to me bike last night, a 2008 Specialized Roubaix, and have it in the back of my Jeep to hit the riverparks tonight!
I'll get pictures uploaded soon, and hope to keep it going until I get to my goal weight of 165.
03-12-12, 09:16 PM
#972
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I haven't been on this forum in yeeeears, last time I logged on was 2008, I had gotten a bladder infection from riding too much (something to do with holding it in on those long rides) and had quit biking for a while. I took up a workout program called Turbo Fire and lost 47 pounds, and since spring is near I'm looking to get back into riding again. I'm still an "Athena" but I went from 262 pounds down to 215 and I'm still losing weight. I'm looking to re-add cycling to my life to boost my weight loss and keep things from getting boring.
P.S. here are my before/after pictures so far... I guess I should call them before and during since I'm shooting for an additional 53 pounds gone for a total of 100.
P.S. here are my before/after pictures so far... I guess I should call them before and during since I'm shooting for an additional 53 pounds gone for a total of 100.
__________________
-----------------------------------------------
Big Beautiful Bicyclist - Athena til I'm not.
~My Art!~
-----------------------------------------------
Big Beautiful Bicyclist - Athena til I'm not.
~My Art!~
03-13-12, 12:50 AM
#973
Junior Member
I haven't been on this forum in yeeeears, last time I logged on was 2008, I had gotten a bladder infection from riding too much (something to do with holding it in on those long rides) and had quit biking for a while. I took up a workout program called Turbo Fire and lost 47 pounds, and since spring is near I'm looking to get back into riding again. I'm still an "Athena" but I went from 262 pounds down to 215 and I'm still losing weight. I'm looking to re-add cycling to my life to boost my weight loss and keep things from getting boring.
P.S. here are my before/after pictures so far... I guess I should call them before and during since I'm shooting for an additional 53 pounds gone for a total of 100.
P.S. here are my before/after pictures so far... I guess I should call them before and during since I'm shooting for an additional 53 pounds gone for a total of 100.
03-14-12, 11:33 PM
#974
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I signed up for these forums just to ask a question about biking in my area. When I was looking for the proper forum to put my question in, this forum section and this thread caught my eye.
WOW this is SO inspiring!
I'm a 265 pound female who wants to join the Air Force and I have 85 pounds to lose just to even fit into the weight requirement. I'm purchasing my first bike in 8 years since child hood this weekend which will be just a hybrid walmart schwinn. I hope someday to join the ranks of those who perservered through weight loss only I want to show MY before and after... with my after picture being a picture of me in uniform. This thread is a new source of inspiration for me!
WOW this is SO inspiring!
I'm a 265 pound female who wants to join the Air Force and I have 85 pounds to lose just to even fit into the weight requirement. I'm purchasing my first bike in 8 years since child hood this weekend which will be just a hybrid walmart schwinn. I hope someday to join the ranks of those who perservered through weight loss only I want to show MY before and after... with my after picture being a picture of me in uniform. This thread is a new source of inspiration for me!