Oct. weight loss challenge

[Lynn]

Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies :) ):

Goal for the month:

Overall goal:

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report:

Plan of Attack, Diet:

Plan of Attack, Exercise:

Biggest Challenge:

[DarinM]

My meeting with my doctor went well.
He thinks the lap band procedure would help me tremendously. He said he will fight with my insurance company to make sure they will cover it with minimal delay. I'm sure Humana will have other ideas.
So he started looking for other health problems due to my obesity.
Blood pressure - fine. Cholesterol - fine. Liver functioning - fine. Kidney functioning - fine. Blood sugar - fine. And so forth. Sucks to be healthy, I guess. Good genes from my mom's side of the family. This doesn't help my case to get help.
I do have bad knees and some circulation issues, especially with my left leg - due in part to a severe injury years ago that required removal of three deep veins - and in part to my weight.
So all my paperwork has been turned in to Southwest Bariatric and they will be working with my doctor on getting insurance approval.
In the meantime, I'm trying to change my eating habits and see what I can do on my own.
My goal for the month is to continue to work with my doctor and the surgeons to jump (or crawl) through whatever hoops I have to do to get the help I need to lose weight.
My overall goal is to become 1/2 the man I am. I'm shooting for losing at least 200 pounds by the time it's all said and done.
Plan of attack, diet - Portion control, no sodas, more vegetables, less junk.
Plan of attack, exercise - ehh... not so much just yet. Started taking glucosamine again for my knees - seems to be helping already. If it continues, then there will be walking in my future.
Biggest challenge - making the choices consistently that I should make - eating, walking, etc. It's way too easy to live life in my comfort zone. Changing that is a challenge.

Best to all y'all. :bowdown: You continue to inspire and encourage.

[FlyingWen]

I'm In!


Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies ): n/a

Goal for the month:10lbs

Overall goal: 40-50lbs

Day of weigh-in and progress report: Monday

Plan of Attack, Diet: less carbs and less diet soda, up the veggies and protein

Plan of Attack, Exercise: I usually hit the gym 3-4 times a week for cardio and weights... continue routine

Biggest Challenge: 6 surgeries on rt foot. Still recovering from latest one and experiencing pain when walking. No running for me.. yet.

Reply With Quote Let's go big or go home!

[mountainpete]

I go to the doctor this afternoon. Since I'm doing pretty good health-wise right now, I'm hoping he'll give me permission to join. :)

[Maddmatt]

Good luck to everybody - keep up the good work!

Darin,
Congrats on the positive news from the doctor - good luck with insurance.

Be careful of the Glucosamine trap - I had a pretty complete knee reconstruction nearly 20 years ago (ACL repair, meniscus removal, one screw implanted) and have been a somewhat faithful believer in glucosamine for quite awhile now.

A couple pills a day is pretty easy to take, and pretty easy to forget as well. In my case, the benefits of glucosamine are so subtle, and take so long to really kick in, that's its easy to loose the faith and "forget" to take them. Especially when you start doing the math, thinking "these pills are costing me $1/day....."

In my case, one week of not taking them will take 2-3 months to recover from. If I take my pills I pretty much go through my day with little to no knee pain, but if I miss a week all of a sudden its hard to get off the couch, hard to walk down stairs, etc.... and it takes quite awhile to build it back up.

Just my unasked for advice for the day - Short story: Glucosamine good - don't forget to take it.
-Best
-Matt

[offroad_nomad]

Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies :) ): 216 lbs. at 6'0"

Goal for the month: I'll be happy if I lose 5 lbs.

Overall goal: get weight down to 185 lbs (-30 lbs)

Day of weigh-in and progress report: Sept. 30

Plan of Attack, Diet: Eat in moderation and reduce my sugar intake.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: I purchased a Schwinn 230 Recumbent Exercise Bike (http://www.schwinnfitness.com/schwinn-fitness/equipment/recumbentbikes/prdcdovr~370004/Schwinn+230+Recumbent+Exercise+Bike.jsp) when it was on sale and have it set up downstairs next to the TV. The plan is to use it 5-7 days a week.

Biggest Challenge: I tend to procrastinate.

Besides the overall long term health benefits, I'll be able to lower my life insurance premium if I loose the weight, lower my blood pressure a bit and reduce my slightly elevated cholestrol.

[the dude]

Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies :) ): 315

Goal for the month: lose 10 lbs

Overall goal: 260 within a year

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Monday

Plan of Attack, Diet:Eating less more often

Plan of Attack, Exercise: I am thinking about cross country skiing when the snow flies

Biggest Challenge:Home office with kitchen so close...on going.

[lowenbrau]

Oct. Starting Weight 193lbs

Goal for the month: down five to 188 lbs

Overall goal: One lb a week from Jan 18, 08 to Jan 18, 2009. Currently 35 weeks in and 28 lbs down

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Monday seems to be the worst day.

Plan of Attack, Diet: Smaller portions, less junk, more protein, more breakfast, less supper.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: Training for the 5K run at SnT. Running/walking for 45 min, 4 times a week now.

Biggest Challenge: Beer. Its still on my ok list but as I eat less I drink more. I'm going to have to limit it.

[SEREvince]

Oct. Starting Weight: 203

Goal for the month: 198

Overall goal: 175

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Wed

Plan of Attack, Diet: I need to figure out some healthy, filling, fast and easy breakfast ideas.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: Tomorrow I meet with a personal trainer to start weight training, I'm already running, and spinning 2-3 days a week.

Biggest Challenge: Food! It seems the more I stress about food and my weight the worse I eat!

Good luck to everyone!

Vince

[Rockcrawler]

Okay, I was watching from the sidelines last month... I have been thinking for awhile that I need to do something about the ever expanding waist line. I eat pretty healthy for the most part, but like "the dude" I too have a home office with the kitchen all too close. In addition to that, when I'm not home working, I'm out with clients, often at lunch or dinner. I finally stepped on the scale a few weeks ago (thanks to the sept post for the weight loss challenge) and was 219... I'm happy to say though that this morning, I was only 212... woo hoo!

Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies ): 212 at 6' 3"

Goal for the month: 207

Overall goal: 190

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Monday

Plan of Attack, Diet: I already eat fairly healthy, but move more towards fresh fruit and veggies, less meat, smaller portions.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: I have been using my Schwinn Recumbant bike (similar to the one offroad Nomad just purchased) about 3 times a week for several months now and will be increasing that to 5-7 days a week. I'll add taking the dog on longer walks now that it is cooling off too.

Biggest Challenge: Home office/kitchen and entertaining clients at lunches/dinners.

Good luck to everyone... off to ride the bike!

[Spikepretorius]

Oct. Starting Weight: 242

Goal for the month: 232

Overall goal: 230 (until further notice)

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Monday

Plan of Attack, Diet: Blah blah blah

Plan of Attack, Exercise: Blah blah blah

Biggest Challenge: Food and hours spent sitting on my fat arse driving my computer

[Lynn]

Guess I'd better get in on this, too!

Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies :) ): 237

Goal for the month: 230

Overall goal: 190

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Tues.

Plan of Attack, Diet: Continue ice cream ban, get serious about WeightWatchers points system.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: Joined Y last Monday, so 3X30min/week on treadmill.

Biggest Challenge: Exercise.

[Nullifier]

Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies ): 252 (already lost 13lbs in the past 2 weeks)

Goal for the month: 20

Overall goal: get down to 205

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: friday

Plan of Attack, Diet: a limit of 1800 calories per day but right now I am averaging 1700. Typical day breaks this up into 3 meals and 2 snacks Meals are good solid healthy meals with portion control and snacks are usually things like an apple and cheese.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: MWF ride bike to and from work 20 miles round trip. Hit gym for upper body wieght training. Tuesday and thursday ride one way to work. Also get in a minimum of 10 miles per week of paddling into the mix. Right now my week ends are slammed but I am also trying tog et in a little "play time" as well which could be taking the dog for a long walk etc.

Biggest Challenge:Keeping the time I have allocated for all this a top priority. I have alot on my plate right now so not allowing myself to say "well I'll just skip the bike this morning so I can take care of _____".

[Grim Reaper]

I'm in.

Goal for the Month 10lb

Starting weight 206

Wednesday weigh in.

Over all Goal 190lb and see where I am from there.


Plan of attack.

"Eat Less, Move more"
Continue Bicycle commuting for excercise with weekend rides.
Portion control.

[Rockcrawler]

I was a slacker last week... I did pretty well with smaller portions and more fresh fruits/veggies, but slacked off on the exercising. I did weigh in at 211 this morning though, so 1 pound somehow snuck away. This week will be better!

Hope everyone else is making progress with their plans and goals.

Kyle

[lowenbrau]

Oct. Starting Weight 193lbs

Goal for the month: down five to 188 lbs
.


I'm blaming the running, I'm up to 194 again. :(

[Spikepretorius]

OK I don't feel so bad now. I'm up as well. 245lbs dammit

[the dude]

Steady as she goes. 315lbs It was a rough week for me. Out of town 5 out of seven days and worked on the weekend. Lots of eating out...

[a.mus.ed]

Suit fitting for my wedding started me thinking yesterday (actually, it was my sister's taunts at said fitting...). This could be the help I need.

Oct. Starting Weight: 224

Goal for the month: 220

Overall goal: 200

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Monday

Plan of Attack, Diet: Smaller portions.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: Continue walking to work everyday, add morning walks with the fiancée/dogs 2-3x/week.

Biggest Challenge: Getting started...and sticking with a plan.

Thanks for the motivation and support, everyone!
-cayce

[Lynn]

Down from 237 to 234 this AM.

Two trips to the Y this week: 25 min. and 30 min. on the treadmill, plus one 30-min. session on my mini-stair stepper.

In last month’s thread someone asked for suggestions on healthy snacks, and (not too surprisingly :) ), no one seemed to have any. Well, I discovered last night that Doritos Lite corn chips are only two weightwatchers points per serving, and salsa is 0 points.

Plus, I’ve been eating a lot of apples and grapes.



Welcome aboard, a.mus.ed!

[SEREvince]

Starting weight:203

As of today: 203!

I've been hitting the gym HARD! I started a total body weight lifting program 3 days a week and hitting cardio on the off days, cept Sunday. I'm doubling up on some days, since my trainer wants 5 days of cardio a week. I am in a permanent state of soreness, not too bad though, just enough to let me know I did something!

Diet has been suffering a little this week, but nothing terrible, except maybe that Sunday brunch, MMMM!


Good luck to everyone!

Vince

[Grim Reaper]

Looks like a bad week to quit sniffing glue.
5 Birthdays and meals going with them . Oldest Kid aug 26th, Wife oct 3rd, coworker the 7th, me 8th and my mom the 11th. We have been eating good! :steak:
Lost nothing but gained nothing either.
205.

[Nullifier]

Oct. Starting Weight (optional for the ladies ): 252 (already lost 13lbs in the past 2 weeks)

Goal for the month: 20

Overall goal: get down to 205

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: friday

Plan of Attack, Diet: a limit of 1800 calories per day but right now I am averaging 1700. Typical day breaks this up into 3 meals and 2 snacks Meals are good solid healthy meals with portion control and snacks are usually things like an apple and cheese.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: MWF ride bike to and from work 20 miles round trip. Hit gym for upper body wieght training. Tuesday and thursday ride one way to work. Also get in a minimum of 10 miles per week of paddling into the mix. Right now my week ends are slammed but I am also trying tog et in a little "play time" as well which could be taking the dog for a long walk etc.

Biggest Challenge:Keeping the time I have allocated for all this a top priority. I have alot on my plate right now so not allowing myself to say "well I'll just skip the bike this morning so I can take care of _____".

Ok so my body has hit a wall. I knew it would happen. I only lost 2 pounds this week. However I did for the first time have to tighten my belt up a notch so even though wieght loss was minimal my body shape is changing which is good. Of course I did set myself back on diet. I had 2 b-day parties for my wife. One I had 2 red stripes :friday: and the other I had.....cake :chef: . THis week I am going to return to my normal diet plan. I think what has been the most difficult challenge I am facing now is actually eating enough. My Stomach has shrunk so much I eat a sandwich and feel like I am going to explode LOL! I am trying to eat 5X per day but might have to reevaluate this. I may have to go to 6 meals and decrease portion size again.

On my way home tonight I will actually hit 80 miles this week on the :bike_rider: ! I will be going for 100 next week. The following weeks goal is to ride 100 miles 3 days, and then have 3 days doing other upper body conditioning :REExeSquatsHL1: . Hopefully this will snap my body into "shock" again and I'll again see large weight drops. We will see. Still have to drop 18lbs to reach the mothly goal so 6lbs per week :yikes: .

[a.mus.ed]

Typical week for me, it seems. Started out at 224, and hit my goal of 220 within 2 days. Unfortunately, now I'm up to around 226.

I did what I planned, however - cut down my portions, added walks before work (I also walk to work everyday).

I blame the weight gain on yesterday. My sister had a birthday party, and every time I tried to take small servings someone said "Come on, Cayce - we made extra for you! You can eat more than that!" (repeated at side dishes, main dish, dessert...Bastards.)

Oh well, huh? If I can get myself below 220 that will be a major coup. I have fluctuated between 220 and 240 for several years now, but never drop below. So here comes another week, and a better goal: Drop below 220 and stay there through the rest of the month.

[Lynn]

Only able to eek out a pound this week, to 233.

Actually, I was really lucky not to have gained, they restocked the break room this week, and there are the dark chocolate / pomegranate things... I may never eat anything else.

Building on last week’s snack tip, I took the lite chips and salsa, added some Kraft Mexican mix low-fat shredded cheese and pre-packaged grilled chicken breast strips (from the sandwich meat section), and had some killer nachos. ‘Course, I put some store-brand avocado dressing on it that probably overpowered any low-fat properties…

[lowenbrau]

Last week's effort yielded results this week. Down from 194 to 191! That's surely the lightest I've been in at least 15 years.

Unfortunately, we hit the road on Wednesday for Expo Trophy and I will likely OD on biscuits and gravy :drool: (no such thing in Canada) during the road trip. We'll see what the results of that are.

[Spikepretorius]

I've been avoiding this thread because it seems that going on diet motivated me to eat crap everyday that usually I wouldn't have eaten.
Any psychologists on ExPo?

[Lynn]

Only lost 6/10ths of a pound, but I'm rounding down, darn it.

232#.

My wife and I bought bicycles last weekend (and a trailer for the girls), and are going to try to put them to good use. Neither of us can commute (even if we were in good enough shape), but we'll be pedaling around the neighborhood.

It’s funny, we bought Schwinn ‘beach comber’ type bikes, and riding around really makes me feel like a kid again. Reminiscent of all the miles I put in while earning my Boy Scout Bicycling merit badge. I’ve had a few mountain bikes as an adult, but didn’t get that feeling from them. :)

Challenge: Staying out of that break room. One of the things that the stocked last week are bags of these chocolate/pomegranate things that are really hard to walk past.

[a.mus.ed]

224 this morning. i feel better and see more of my toes, but damn the scale.

[Overdrive]

Plan of Attack, Diet: I need to figure out some healthy, filling, fast and easy breakfast ideas.

Try this: 5-minute type (not 1-minute type) Quaker Oats. Get water boiling then throw in a handful of raw almonds. Add oats and cook as normal, and at about the 2-minute remaining mark, add a handful of raisins. When cooking is done, sweeten with honey and add some Smart Balance (butter substitute) and milk if desired. Ummmm, good!
Scott

[Rockcrawler]

Lost 2 more pounds... down to 210... Still shooting for my goal of 200 for now... eventually 190 would be nice, but that will take quite awhile, I'm sure. Same plan of attack, smaller portion sizes, more fresh fruits and veggies and exercise bike every morning. Taking the dog out every night hasn't been happening... I also had a moment of weakness at Costco and got a bag of Cape Cod potato chips... mmm... good! They are 40% reduced fat... so that means I can eat 40% more... right? :)

[jim65wagon]

I suppose I should post up. I was originally under the mistaken impression that the original thread was going to continue for a longer period of time and not be broken up into months. Then I started October off with a beach trip...in the meantime I'm still going to the Y five nights a week, busting my behind as hard as I can for an hour each night.

Results: still weigh about 206 meaning a 3lb weight loss from my original last month!

However; I'm slimmer, well not slim really, just less of me. My clothes fit looser. I don't die in a wheezing fit when I exercise hard for the time I have.

I still want to acheive a 180lb goal, but I'd settle for a 200 if I could kick a younger me in the rear for letting myself go!

[Spikepretorius]

I can't take part in this thread right now cos I'll mess my custard slice on the keyboard.

[lowenbrau]

I'm a few days late for this week's check in and a couple lbs heavier. After the disappointment of the canceled trip to Expo Trophy, we jumped on a plane to Montreal and spent the week eating cheese fondue, chocolate filed crepes and Montreal Smoked Meat.:26_34_3: :eatchicke :chef: Frankly I'm surprised I gained only a couple lbs. I'll go shopping today and fill the fridge with fruits and veggies and see if I can recover by next Monday's check in.

[the dude]

Down 4lbs this week. Working like a dog but stayed away from the fast food while on the road.

Bruce, are we going to get an update on your border crossing adventure?

[Grim Reaper]

205 again.

[lowenbrau]

Well, Montreal wasn't as bad as it seemed. I recovered by this morning to tie my all time low of 191 though my 188 goal for the month is looking unlikely. Still, pretty happy with the results overall. I got fat by gaining less than one pound a month, losing at that rate is pretty easy.

[the dude]

Down two more... 309 this morning.

Not sure how. Beer night on friday with Vern's Double Double on saturday...I think I am going to pay for that this week.

Fowl suppers are starting out here... I am in trouble.

[Lynn]

Rough week. I'm back up to 234 (+2).

[Connie]

I haven't posted to this thread because I was afraid to fail, but I've kept it in the back of my mind and keep checking back. I lost 4 pounds this month. My goal was only 3 because I usually set my sights too high and then tank when it becomes obvious that I'm not going to make it. So I'm with you next month.

[Spikepretorius]

This month was quite bad for me. I pigged out and put the lbs on but i checked yesterday and was surprised to see I'm back to where I was at the beginning of the month. So I'll scratch this month and continue again where I started.

By the way when i posted a comment about the custard slice a few days ago that was genuine. I was literally stuffing my face with a custard slice when i stumbled upon this thread and had to make do with one finger typing.:o

[jim65wagon]

This month was quite bad for me. I pigged out and put the lbs on but i checked yesterday and was surprised to see I'm back to where I was at the beginning of the month. So I'll scratch this month and continue again where I started.

By the way when i posted a comment about the custard slice a few days ago that was genuine. I was literally stuffing my face with a custard slice when i stumbled upon this thread and had to make do with one finger typing.:o

Likewise a bad month for me. Starting out with a beach vacation (meaning, FOOD!), having my Dad visit for a few days (meaning FOOD! and WINE!), having Beths parents out for a few days (meaning more FOOD! and more WINE! and APPLE DUMPLINGS!). I managed to gain a few pounds back and missed more than a few days at the Y, but now with company gone, we're getting back on track, and I feel the weight gain will be a very temporary set back. I'll be back down to 206 in no time!

[Lynn]

Looks like we're having a bad month, overall.

Get with it!!! (with a finger pointing back at me, as well)



By the way when i posted a comment about the custard slice a few days ago that was genuine. I was literally stuffing my face with a custard slice when i stumbled upon this thread and had to make do with one finger typing.:o

That's rich! I was wondering what you meant by it.

[Grim Reaper]

Oct was a bad month for me for sure, several Birthdays, work parties, taking people out where were changing positions and leaving. Vendors coming buy and taking us out to lunch.

I did manage to loose a pound and down to 204.

Had a cardiologist check up on Monday. Overall he was very happy with the 35lb I have lost this year. Wants me to shoot for 190lb. Wife was with me and she has decided to get me off the plateau I have been on for the last couple months and taking the reins in on my eating.

I'm on vacation starting today and all next week. We decided how to break where I am stuck at and how. She is going to calorie count for me and keep me around 1200-1500 calories a day. Cut out all the sugars and other bad stuff and bump the protein intake in their place. I'm going to try to put 20 miles a day peddling since I won't get my normal 9 mile commute in. I have a nice little loop that is a quick 10 miles with a could medium hills. So one loop in the morning one in the afternoon. Tomorrow I want to hit the Silver comet trail (http://www.silvercometga.com/)l and run about 20-30 miles maybe more. Probably drop in at Rockmart run back to the tunnel at Brushy and then run back out Don Williams or Grady trail heads and back to the car for any locals that are interested.

I do feel accomplished in that despite us hitting freezing a couple days this week I rode everyday. :bike_rider:

With that said I need to go get 10 miles in before rush hour starts. See ya!

[lowenbrau]

Overall he was very happy with the 35lb I have lost this year. Wants me to shoot for 190lb.


Congratulations on that! As of this morning, I'm right behind you with 30 lbs lost taking me to 189 and for the first time in a long time the calculators are saying I'm in the 'normal' range and not 'overweight'. I was on the cusp of 'obese' when I started at the end of January. Next challenge for me is to get to 180.

[Nullifier]

Well I have not been as strict as I needed to be this month. I have not eaten as well as I should have and to make maters worse my bike was down for 4 days and I had to go out of town to a 4 day event which only afforded me one day to get out and ride the bike.

Despite all that however I have dropped a shirt size and pant size this month and as of friday (weekly weigh in day) I am officially under the 250 marker! This has been my nemesis. Wieghing in @ 248lbs was a big morale booster. I have decided that I am switching up the routine a bit. Bike 20+ miles mon wed & fri then hit the gym Tues thurs sat for light cardio and wieght trining the upper body.

My New goal is to break 240 by thanksgiving so I can pack on 10 lbs thanksgiving day and not be above 250 again LOL! No seriously under 240 before thanksgiving and I will be happy.

[Lynn]

Looks like it's time to start a new month... I'll try to generate a Nov. thread later today. In the mean time, Post up your Oct. successes, so we can give out the 'biggest looser' trophy.

Maybe we should post up progress-to-date, as well?

[jim65wagon]

HAHA! I ended the month weighing more than I started with! Not much more but still more! I'm thinking with the holidays I'll be lucky to maintain my current weight. No stress though, still going to the Y every weeknight, just not stressing when a delicious opportunity presents itself!

[Lynn]

Sorry guys, the last couple of weeks have been a heck of a month for me, and it won't let up 'til the end of the year.

I'll try to get some time soon to review this thread and determine the winner.

Probably hold off 'til Jan. to start a new monthly challenge.

[gearguywb]

I need to get in on this. I am an avid cyclist and my goal this year is to do the Assault on Mt Mitchell(again) and hopefully get drawn for the Leadville 100. I climb ok for a big guy but suffer like a dog doing it so the weight needs to come down!

Nov Starting Weight (optional for the ladies ): 224

Goal for the month: 219

Overall goal: 199

Day of weekly weigh-in and progress report: Wednesday

Plan of Attack, Diet: Continue to watch what I eat but need to cut down quantities.

Plan of Attack, Exercise: Riding the trainer 2x week, mountain bike on Saturday and road ride Sunday.

Biggest Challenge: I like to eat!!!!