[Okiecruffler]

I've been meaning to do this for quite some time now, and since the computer is going in the shop tomorrow, now is as good a time as any. I enjoy coming here, I think this is probably the best board on the net, but I've sit here on my wide load butt for too many hours, and the butt has gotten much wider. I've topped 300lbs, and I'm only 5'9''. Next week, due to some rather worrisome chest pains, I get to have my very first angiogram, a month before my 34th B'day, my son's 17th B'day, and My 10th wedding anniversary. Needless to say, there are a few things I'd like to do before I take the Big Nap. So I'm swearing off the internet, along with alot of other things I love, until I lose at least 50 pounds. No fad diets for this boy, I'm doing it the old fashion way. I started walking today and found out that I can only walk about a mile before I'm out of breath, and my heart is beating like a jackhammer. This may be a rough journey. Anyhow, I hope everyone keeps well, and I hope I've shined at least alittle wisdom, or at least brought a few smiles during the past few years here and on TFL. Hope to be back soon a lean mean fighting machine.

[Tierhog]

Good luck and best wishes.

[jsalcedo]

All the best.

Hope to hear from you soon!

[ReadyontheRight]

Okiecruffler -- A bold and wise move.

There's a lot to be learned by just taking a walk around your neighborhood and keeping your eyes open. It certainly beats TV and the Internet (excepting THR of course.)

Best of luck! And thanks for all your wisdom here on THR.

[cdbeaver]

Best of good fortune to you, Okie, and don't sweat the angioplasty. I've had it three times now (but not at age 34; I waited until I was 59).

Take care of yourself (wish I'd taken that advice; 50 years of smoking has taken a heavy toll). Enjoy your family. Exercise; eat right. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning.

[Lennyjoe]

Okie, take care of yourself first.

We will always be here for you so check in from time to time.

[Ala Dan]

Dang Okie, I hate too lose you buddy!:( But I understand
fully, the situation you are in. :eek: Best wishes are in
order, and hope to see you back on THR real soon! :D

Respectfully,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Dave Markowitz]

We'll miss you. Get better and come back when you're ready.

[BamBam-31]

Good luck with the procedure, and thanks for sharing your knowledge, insight, and experience here. Looks like you've got your priorities straight. We'll be here when you decide to come back.

:) ;)

[harpethriver]

My thoughts and prayers-along with those of many other THR members will be with you. Good luck!

[bogie]

Okie, think about this...

The Atkins diet, or something similar. Before you reply that it's a "fad diet," consider that our forebears ate essentially that way up until the 20th century brought us all the prepared crap that we eat every day... I topped out at 380, and in about 8 months dropped 100 pounds. That was the first part of 2001. I weighed 295 this morning, but that's mostly because I got really stupid between Thanksgiving and New Years, and I'm working it off. Recent articles in the JAMA and other publications are confirming what Atkins said for years - it's a good way to eat. FWIW, I got turned on to the diet by the then head of R&D at a pharmaceutical company - I figure if he liked it, it must be good.

My blood work looks good, my triglycerides are good, and I'm of blood pressure meds.

Lift weights - your joints aren't going to like a lot of running or jogging. You'll get almost as good a cardio workout too. Muscle burns more calories too. And since the Atkins diet, and similar diets, spare muscle loss, you'll lose fat but not muscle.

And let's lose the word "diet." This has got to be a lifestyle change for you. Too many people think that diets are temporary. Then they wonder why they've got health problems after they've lost 2000 pounds - it ain't healthy to gain/lose weight all the time.

Good luck, and get in shape. You'll be more "tactical" that way.

[Brian Dale]

Okie, we'll miss you while you're gone, and look forward to more of your insight and humor when you return. All the best to you in the meantime; take good care of yourself and your family.

You can do it. :)

[dairycreek]

Best of luck and work hard to get better. Good shooting;)

[Mulliga]

*sniff* Good bye and good luck!

[chaim]

Good luck. Luckily no heart trouble (yet?) but I understand the weight issue. I'm 33yo, 5'11" and between 260 and 270 (used to be 250-260 but recently I've noticed some pants getting tighter so I'm guessing I've gained weight). I am no where near the physical condition that I used to be in and I am planning to work on it.

Setting goals and rewards is a good way to motivate yourself. I'm not sure though about cutting out some things altogether until you lose 50lbs. I'd break the goals down into smaller "bite sized" peices that will be easier to reach as well as smaller "bite sized" rewards (you'll be less likely to get discouraged as you'll get regular rewards as you make progress). For the internet for instance, instead of nothing until 50LBS I'd say maybe you should allow 30min a day (or maybe every two days would be better) for every 10 LBS. That way you have an hour every two days, enough time to get some use out of the net, but not enough to lose time you could use for other calorie burning activities. Also, if you are careful about how you use the net it can help, there are several fitness sites online for support and advice (there was one made up of people from here that I was going to give the link to but apparently it is gone- I'm getting some Jacksonville, FL doctor on that URL).

[IrvJr]

Okiecruffler -

Best of luck to you on your quest! Make sure to exercise regularly, even if on some days it's just going for a walk. Start slowly, but keep at it and don't give up!

IrvJr

[bogie]

Yeah, there are defininitely some GREAT diet support groups out there. It's a bitch going this alone. Being able to communicate with, and get encouragement/tips/tricks from, folks who are going through the same thing that you are doing is a real benefit.

[cool45auto]

Take care of yourself, Okie, we'll see you soon.

[DJJ]

Take it from me:

37 years old
5'-9"
Went from 275 on 10-1-02 to 165 and holding since c. 12-1-03.

It CAN be done, and it need not be unpleasant - but you have to want it.

Feel free to PM me, and good luck to you.

[Legionnaire]

We'll expect you back with some 'fore and after pics. God bless.

[michiganfan]

Good Luck and my admiration to you.

[sm]

Okie my friend, my best to you.
Ya Know...nothing says you can't take a walk with a .410 and rustle up something...so you are excercising with a four-tenner...makes sense to me. :)

[Kendra Pacelli]

Good luck Brother....Happy Anniversary! Hope all goes well for you. Please, keep us posted on your progress.

[MikeJ]

Wise move on your part and I wish you the best of luck. I highly recommend the Weight Watcher's program as a way to take the lbs. off. It isn't a fad diet, just a lot of common sense. And no, I don't have any vested interest in it. Mike

[MagKnightX]

About Atkins, I think that there are several types of metabolisms out there, some respond well to Atkins, some respond well to low-fat diets. For example, my brother lost twenty-five pounds on Atkins in a few months, and he never exercises.

Also, definitely lift weights, and other weight-training. Maybe try swimming, too. It's an excellent work-out, and it gives you the added incentive of trying to look good in a swimsuit.

I been startin' exercising more, too, because being 270 at 6'3" ain't good, especially for someone under 18. I can tell you, walking is actually very good; it's hard at first, but in a couple of months you get used to it, and can start jogging, et cetera.

And remember: Richard Simmons used to weigh a lot as well, so his programs probably work, no matter how akin to a three-dollar bill he may be.

[Bruce H]

I've thought that mounting a keyboard and monitor on a treadmill would really be cool. With some of the discussions at different web sites a person might do fifty miles before they realized it. Time to go second hand shopping because I need it as bad as anyone.

[Tropical Z]

We'll be waiting for ya Okie.Im sure it wont be easy but it will make a huge difference in your life.

[Stand_Watie]

I like SM's advice, take a walk with your .410. If you're still reading, good luck!

It can be done, I lost 80 pounds in 2000 and have maintained since - excercise and calorie counting. However you do it, you'll feel a lot better.

[Quartus]

Recent articles in the JAMA and other publications are confirming what Atkins said for years - it's a good way to eat.


Our grandmothers knew that "starches (carbs) make you fat" long before modern "science" "discovered" it.


They were right.


Best wishes to you! Don't neglect the weight training, and please DO research cayenne pepper for your heart.

[Hawkeye755]

Good luck to you. I noticed that the pants were starting to get a bit tight myself recently. At 32 I decided that getting any more out of shape was unacceptable and started the Body For Life program. It is a book written by Bill Phillips. A lot of good common sense information about eating and exercise. I started it the first of the year and have been seeing my weight drop ever since. I feel better and am starting to see the results. It is worth checking out. I wish you the best.

[Safety First]

Wish you well, I hope you are able to reach your goals.
Good Luck

[P95Carry]

Okie ... I suspect you are gonna be ''conspicuous by your absence'' round here :p.

Does sound like you need some revitalizing!! Hope all goes well for you, and despite your mention of staying away until you have gotten things down a bit .. if there is any way you can ''report in'' .. even hijack someone else puter!! Do it!

All best wishes to you and thx for all you have given here.

Hurry back - y'hear!:)

[VaughnT]

Best of luck to you, friend. Losing weight isn't the easiest thing in the world, believe me. But it isn't the hardest thing, either.

Take your time, get lots of protein, and realize that you might be improving your health by building muscle, and hence, not lowering that number on the scale.

We're here if you need support!

[joonya187]

As one who hath trodden that sobering path, I offer best wishes. With any luck, you shall be gracing this forum again, soon.

Incidentally, I went the route of Kajukenbo. it worked.

[4v50 Gary]

Hey Okiecruffer: less surf time = more trigger time. Carry some ammo cans around the house - one in each hand. Get a workout at home and it gets you ready for the range too. :)

We'll save a spot by the campfire for you.:)

[MrAcheson]

Okie,

Good luck losing the weight. I used to be rail thin but have been getting less skinny as I age and my metabolism slows. I'm trying to put the breaks on now and gain good healthy weight instead of being a skinny guy with a belly.

If you have potential heart problems I would advice against Atkins. My father and grandfather both have had heart surgery in the last 18 months and the Atkins diet would probably kill both of them at this point. The higher carb, lower fat/protien diet is really healthier if you can commit to the exercise to get your metabolism back up and burning the carbs off. If successful you end up thinner and in shape as opposed to Atkins where you are thinner and still very much out of shape.

Good luck.

[BluesBear]

Hurry back, we'll save a place for you.

Maybe you could drop in and say Howdy every 10 pounds or so.

[MLH]

Just be holding a gun so that's it's on topic!:D

Good luck and may God hold you in his hand. By losing weight you make his job a little easier.;)

[bogie]

Uh... Get your science straight... Most cholesterol, tri-crap, etc., is created in the body, not ingested. Usually created from sugars (flour, rice, potatos, etc., are sugars) when the body has a surplus and needs to store. Insulin also gets rocked by the sugars. A _normal_ protein (which Atkins really is...) and _normal_ fat diet, sparing the carbos, results in a maintenance of lean body mass (muscle) and a loss of fat. The body needs protein to survive - you die without it. The body needs fat to survive - you die without it. You cut off carbs, and do you die? Nope. You just get leaner.

[riverdog]

Working out and dieting isn't something you do when it's time to lose weight; you need to make working out and eating right a part of your life.

I'm 52 yo, 5'9" and weigh 155#. I work out three times a week minimum, but I don't drink sodas or eat potato chips. I drink water and snack on nuts. I eat well, but I don't eat junk food ever. I don't eat at McDonalds, BK or any other fast food unless there's no other option (there are always better options). Wendy's isn't too bad but I haven't eaten there in years.

Although wheat, dairy and sugar are a mainstay of the typical American diet, studies are finding that they are problematic and contribute to weight gain. Pizza? Forget it. The bread and cheese are killers – sugar and fat.

Most of my diet consists primarily of either beef, chicken or fish,and green vegetables (string beans, peas, broccoli et al). Japanese and Chinese cuisines seem to work well, although the jury is still out on white rice. I used to eat lots of fruit but the sugar was keeping weight that I wanted to lose. I reduced the fruit and lost 8 lbs.

Working out is a combination of weight training and aerobics. My routine is mostly weight training, but I’ll put in an intense 20 minutes on a stationary bike before I get to the weight room.

The above is way over-simplified but that’s the gist of my regimen.

Good luck.

Edit: Bogie, I missed your post before I started typing. Right on.

[Okiecruffler]

I had no idea that so many people cared, it is appreciated. I also didn't mean to start a low carb vs. low fat diet war. Just for the record, I'm going low fat, being a vegetarian it gives more choices than a high protein diet. Someone mentioned a weight loss group started by members of THR, but danged if I can find it. If someone has a link they'd have my thanks. As far as excersize, I've never stopped weight training, but with the offspring moving away, I have slowed down a bit. I can no longer bench press my weight, but like I said, I'm up to 300lbs. There was a time when I could bench that, oh to be young and spry again. Anyhow, maybe I can come up with a whole new plan, write a book, and make millions. We can have the first ever THR get together and make some noise party. Ammo's on me.

[Jack19]

Okie....you CAN do it.

You're right about the old fashioned way of losing weight....excercise, eating lean proteins (fish and chicken/turkey without skin, soy, etc.) and complex carbs (fresh fruit and veggies,) is all you really need. Portion control is also a huge factor. Don't over eat.

The fad diets all have their risks. Stick to the basics, get yourself moving, and you WILL be thinner. Bodyforlife.com sticks to the basics and is a great way to lose weight.....ask me how I know. You don't have to do the body builder routine if you don't want to but the weight WILL come off.

Jack

[Brad Johnson]

Good luck on the weight loss. The "no fad" route is the best way. Eat sensibly and exercise more. I lost 65 lbs that way back in the summer of '95 - from 255 to 190. I ate regular meals while limiting my calorie intake to no more than 1500 a day and treadmilled a mile every evening. It took me about 6 months.

My secret weapon was Hershey's Kisses (on the suggestion of a friend who had lost over 100 lbs). I would pop one in my mouth 20-30 minutes before meals. I would let it melt instead of chewing. It was amazing how much my appetite would diminish by the time we sat down to eat (not to metion how it "full" it made me feel).

I also found it much easier to make breakfast the biggest meal of the day, then have a sensible lunch, and go light on dinner.

Once you get into the "groove" you will be surprised at how much you can eat and still meet your calorie goals. You can make a whole gallon pot full of a veggie-based soups or stews that has fewer than 1000 calories in te whole pot. Skinless chicken can be prepared about a zillion ways with different spices for a ton of mealtime variety. Turkey based lunch meats combined with different kinds of mustard, lots of fresh veggies and low-cal whole grain breads can make for some monster sandwiches.

In fact, when I made up my mind that what I was doing was not dieting, but making the choice to begin eating right and exercising, it became second nature and the pounds just started melting off.

Good luck!

Brad

[bogie]

I guess I should feel guilty about what I'm planning for dinner... Figuring on bacon cheeseburgers...

[Griff]

Best Regards, Sir

Rmember, all the plans in the world boil down to "Eat less, Exercise more"
Just take it easy to start.

[Russ]

Okie,

Seems to me that Derek Zeanah, our computer guru on THR, had started or knew about the site you mentioned about members of this board and weight loss solutions. I went there once but I can't remember the site. You should PM Derek and I'm sure he can direct you there. Good luck to you.

Like Bogie, I've had great success with Atkins. I am 6' and was over 300 for a time. I went on Atkins and went down to 215 in about 6 months in 1999. Been able to keep it off. Worked great for me but you have to do what makes you comfortable. It's a life style change. Once you go on it you can't go back or you end up where you were.

[riverdog]

being a vegetarian Don't take this personally, but my other half is a nutrition consultant and of all groups she works with, vegetarians are generally the least healthy. They don't get enough proteins/amino acids. If the body doesn't get what it needs when you eat, it wants more and you're still hungry. The result being that you consume a lot more calories than if you had a more balanced diet. In general the only folks that do okay on a vegetarian diet are those with type A blood types (something about the blood type evolving in an agrarian society).

I'm not real big on Atkins because the diet is too acid, but it probably okay as a jump start. You need to eat and work out for the long haul.

[bogie]

Well, being a carnivore and all has its positives and negatives... I've noticed that I now eat a lot more "good" veggies than I used to... I mean, I'd go out to dinner, and get a bacon cheeseburger, fries, coupla buds, etc...

Now I go out to dinner, and I'll get the bacon cheeseburger, no bun, no fries, coupla michelob ultras, and a salad... Or just get a chef's salad.

Dude, you've got a good support group here - don't feel like you've gotta tough it out.

[Russ]

I have been on a low carb (Atkins) diet for 4 years now and I have found that "acid" and the stomach upset and heartburn that comes with it went away almost immediately. That is one of the first things most people on the diet for more than a few days notice. No more Tums and Rolaids. I have found it to be the only thing that I can stick with. It has saved my life. How's that for a testimonial?

My father was a chemical engineer and specialized in bio-chemistry. He said it was extremely difficult to be a true vegetarian and get all the amino acids and necessary proteins the body needs. If you go that route you may want to add some meats now and then to make up for any deficiencies.

[Valkman]

You take care of yourself, Okie, cuz we want you back! You'll need our advice about who to punch in the nose! :)

Seriously, I went through alot in my 30's also. Had a liver transplant, and it's all about getting healthy again so you can do what you want to do. So get your butt in shape and get back here! :D

Don

[inventory0297]

You're making a good decision for you and your family's future.

Whatever you decide to try, make sure its something you can stick with, does no good to give up in 6 months, this is a LIFETIME change.

Best of luck.......

[XLMiguel]

Take care of yo'self and best of luck to you. Hope to hear from you soon, and remember, bending over to pick up your brass is good exercise.:D

[echo3mike]

Good luck and via con Dios, mano!

S.

[Bigjake]

ditto what everyone else said, best of luck to ya man, hope to see you back here real soon!

[R-Tex12]

Hang in there, Okie. We'll be looking forward to your return!

R-Tex

[geegee]

Best wishes, Okie! You can do it. Stay focused on your goal, and be content with the small daily victories as they mount up. geegee