massindex

pasmilton - let us know if you any questions. We are here to help. The one piece of advice I have is remember the end game. It makes it ALL worthwhile.

I got told by TSA that I need to get a new drivers license because I've lost so much weight, I don't look like my picture!

Rootman, I'm with you. I fly nearly every week and when I see a larger person coming down the isle, I think "that was me a year ago". I have a lot more empathy for larger people though. At 6'4" and also within "spitting" distance of 200 lbs, my latest NSV was putting on 32 inch waist pants, something I hadn't done since my wife and I were married 35 years ago. It's a fantastic journey and I'm going to make sure that it will never happen to me again.

I'm sure you have done some research but at this stage, I'd go with this (also try to include some Protein shakes in): High-protein foods: - eggs (cooked with minimal fat) - Light or low-fat yogurt - Low-fat cottage cheese - Soft fish (baked, broiled, grilled) - Small or baby shrimp, scallops, crab - Tuna fish (fat-free mayo is okay) - Tender cooked or ground poultry - Tender cooked or ground beef or pork - Bean and lentil dishes and Soups - Fat free refried Beans - Low-fat luncheon meats (turkey, roast beef, sliced thin) - Shredded or soft low-fat cheeses - Tofu (soy) mixed in Soup or vegetables Other foods (Not as recommended because lower in protein): - oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits (thinned) - Softened cold Cereal - Cooked, soft vegetables - Soft fruits without skin or canned in natural juices - Crackers and pretzels chewed well - Potatoes - Low-fat soups - Very dry toast - Soft lettuce (green leaf or Boston Bibb) Soft foods to avoid: - Sticky foods - Bread (may tolerate if toasted) - Sticky rice - Pasta (especially overcooked or large noodles) - Melted stringy cheese - macaroni and cheese - Peanut Butter Crunchy fibrous foods: - Raw vegetables - Fruit and vegetable skins - Nuts - Popcorn - chips - Coconut - Iceberg lettuce

I've found that most cramps are caused by our lack of having sufficient energy stores, specifically lack of complex carbs, Mine are in my legs and toes but there is no reason that they couldn't be elsewhere. Just keep an eye or it make note of when it happens, how long into the hike/jog and anything else you can think of. There aren't a lot of resources for us as we push our capabilities so we have a small community we bounce things off of here.

55 and 2 lbs from my goal weight. Just finished my second triathlon and I've completed 2 half marathons. Have some wrinkles but I own each and every one of them. Nobody is taking them away from me. Rock your sleeve!

I think that schedule is just about right, in my estimation.

I soaked in a tub to make my skin more pliable (I was pretty overweight so it was already pliable but i found the smaller amounts of water I was taking in kind of made my skin dry). Then I used tweezers and sharp, curved tip scissors to get the one I had below the skin.

Grieving food is something we have to go through. You made a decision to change your lifestyle but now the consequences of that decision are more real. It's good to grieve and you almost have to expect it. You're in Stage 4 which is depression, reflection and loneliness. The next stage is the upward turn, where you start to adjust to it. You are perfectly normal. I'll let you in on a secret. You will enjoy those outings with your family and food again, eating smaller quantities, only you will be so happy with your new self that you'll do it even more than before. No need to hide from our weight embarrassment and it will be time to get out and enjoy your new life!

Good stuff above. If you want to add complex carbs to your diet without the calories, try dill pickles. Low calories (almost nil) and cucumbers are great source of carbs. Just have to watch the sodium levels a little (hence I make my own).

Probably still experiencing the shooting pains from gas. Remember, they pump you full of gas to expand the stomach area and make the surgery easier. You'll feel gas pain for 1 to 2 weeks likely.

Mountain, cruiser or hybrid bikes would be best. Probably cruiser or mountain bikes would be the most comfortable. You can buy gel seats that will support you and at your weight, flattening the tires shouldn't be an issue. Above 350 is really when you have worry about that.

Here is the definition I was given. "Lactate Thresholds determine at what level an athlete can continue at for an extended period of time without having to slow down, usually an hour or longer. As long as the athlete maintains this effort level, his or her lactate level will remain constant. At small effort levels above this point the athlete's lactate level will rise, and he or she will be forced to stop, sometimes within a few minutes, sometimes a bit longer". My swimming sucks too but there are two things I'm trying. First, during my swim, I ended backstroking for a lot of the swim after I sucked in Water. It's easy to get off track through and I ended up swimming probably an extra 250 meters because of that but it got me through that part of the race. Secondly, I just got a swimmer's snorkel (a front facing snorkel so I can have my head in the water, face down, without worrying about my breathing technique. This I think will allow me avoid the extra distance and it's legal according to the USAT because it doesn't assist in propelling me. It looks dorky to be the only one out there with the snorkel but I'm so past what anyone else thinks, You might have to be careful with overdoing half marathons. Four sounds about right if they are spaced out sufficiently. I have a tendency to not let my body recover sufficiently between races.

No weight loss for 4 months? Just shooting in the dark but maybe thyroid or food choices come first to mind. How much time do you spend in the gym and is it aerobic?

No kidding. I went for a followup with my nutritionist and she's got me reading about "Lactate Thresholds' and heart monitoring. Geez, I never had any of this information 40 years ago wen I was in high school and running. This might be TMI in the real sense of the words.

First, I'm not a nutritionist so this is based on my experience. This will depend on your workout routine. Starting out slowly, you can stay on protein and calorie count for as long you feel you are achieving goals. For example, if you keep the same diet and start walking and building up exdurance while in weight loss mode, it will accelerate the weight loss. Once you get close to weight loss goals and you want to start challenging yourself (1/2 or full marathons for example), you will need to increase calories and start increasing carbs for energy stores. Converting protein to energy is harder that converting carbs once your have emptied your energy stores. Listen to your body and talk with a nutritionist if you have questions. You will lose muscle mass initially so that's why the protein is really important at this stage. Good luck!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/gallery/image/7146-preparing-for-the-swim-portion-of-the-desert-triathlon/ My wife snapped a couple of pictures, including me grabbing a banana 45 minutes before the race...

I'm back from my Sprint Triathlon over the weekend with some observations. Spending a week and a half before the race changing my diet from Protein based to carb-based helped. I feel like I had sufficient stores to complete it and without any cramping in the legs or toes. I tried to maintain atleast 200 carbs per day and went all the way up to 400 carbs two days before the race before I tapered off leading into the race. I did gain 2 pounds before the race but I lost it during the race. oatmeal, raisins and bananas were my primary sources for carbs but also tried graham crackers (that could become a slider for me so I might avoid that in the future). The 60 degree Water was enough to shock my system and start my heart racing at 7:30 am in the morning and the 750 meter swim kicked my butt but I made up time of the 20k bike ride and 5k run. Even with a cold (did I forget to mention that I came down with a cold two days before), I was only 2 minutes off my projected goals and most of that was because the transition area was further from the swim area than I had on my other triathlon. I want to thank everyone for their input. It's a wild ride but now I'll include nutrition as part of my training plan and goals.

That heavy heel strike will lead to shin splints and sore knees every time. Sounds like you are on your way!

I actually feel less hunger when I work out. I think Rootman is correct in that boredom is usually our worst enemy here. When I feel that coming on, I try to hit the gym or get out for some exercise one way or another. After I've finished working out, hunger is not really what I feel. I've had to try and force myself to eat to restore what I've lost. If I'm burning 600-700 calories on a 30 mile bike ride, it's hard to consume those calories in one sitting so I have to spread it out over time which is a more 'controlled' snack method. But I think I might be in the exception here in what I feel.

It could be... I'll take a look at that and see.

I had mine done in Mexico ($4.5K) also and I'm more than happy with it. I have heard of a North Texas operation (http://www.mybariatricsolutions.com/lapband-bariatric-pricing-specials) for a little less than $11K.

Globetrotter - Glad to have you join this discussion. I always start where John Wooden said. "You begin at the bottom and work up from there." The most common cause of injury happens because of poorly fitted shoes. You have to go to a knowledgeable store or expert and get checked for your foot type and running style. Especially important for us because of the stress and damage we have put on our knees because of our weight. Next move up. Try compression socks on your calfs. The pain in your knees may have started from one of these two things. Without more information I hesitate giving advise. There are a lot of good running programs (C25K for example) that can help you keep to a proven routine. Moderation is the key and allowing for recovery time.

Thanks fern for the update. That's really good information. I'm up to 275 carbs today leading into my tri on Saturday because of your post. It sounds like you had a good race. One question... I was experiencing cramping in my legs and toes which started this discussion. Did you experience any physical issues?