500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

[BabyDreamer]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Ruben,

I was just checking on you this evening. How are you doing?

Deb

Hi Everyone,

My name is Ruben and I am 35 Years old. Up until is was 17, I always been in decent shape. I use to go to the Gym and walk around with friends allot due to not having a car. During this time I was living with my mother and we moved far away out in the woods. After we moved, I was stuck in the House with no car and no friends in the middle of no-where and that is when the weight started to pack on.

Right now I am 496 lbs. & 6' 2" Tall. I am a pretty active person at this weight, I do a bit of construction work and go out daily. But my main job requires me to sit behind a computer (at home) for most of the Day.

I use to sleep till 2 pm and go to bed at 5am. I did this for many years until recently. I now go to bed around 12am - 1am and get up around 9am.

I use to drink allot of soda as well, but I stopped soda about 2 years ago and started drinking Spring Water. I thought the Stopping of Soda and consumption of spring water would help take weight off, but it didn't.

I also Stopped eating McDonalds, Domino's and other Fast Food for a couple years too and that didn't help me lose weight.

Right Now my daily Menu is Raisen Bran Cereal with Low Fat Milk for Breakfast. A low Fat Yougart for Lunch, and usually 12 oz. Steak or Half Chicken and Shrimp Cocktail for Dinner. We usually eat out every night for dinner. For Snacks, I usually eat the Low Carb Russel Stovers Chocolates.

At this point in my life, I don't know what to do. I really want to do allot in life and being 500 lbs. stops most of it. I have set a goal for myself to help me lose this weight. That goal is to be able to ride a rollercoaster one day at Disney which is always something I wanted to do and can't due to the size of me and the size of the seats.

I am looking for any help possible. Being that I am a big guy, I realise my Intake of food might have to be different then a person that is 50 lbs overweight. I am willing to do anything to make this happen.

Thank You for taking your time to This.
Ruben

[Jasmain]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Okay, haven't heard from you in the last few days Ruben, let us know what's going on, and how you're feeling! Doesn't matter what's going on, we want to know! You need support right now, and this is a great place to get it. No matter what, don't give up! Everything gets easier with time. Don't stay away, even if things don't go as planned for the first few days. IT'S HARD, and we know it.

From Kricket and I.

[RubenO]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Thanks Everyone for keeping me on my Toes!

I started the Atkins Induction on Tuesday 11/29/05, as of Today I've lost 11lbs. When I Said I was 496lbs I was wrong, I weighed Myself The Night Before I started the Induction and I was 500 on the dot

Well This morning I weighed in at 489lbs (thats before using the Bathroom) 11lbs lost in 5 Days

Here is what I been eating...

Breakfast - 10am
Bacon & Eggs (Fried or Scrambled with no Milk)
Sometimes Sausage
Sometimes Omlet with Cheddar Cheese, Onions, Red Peppers and Tomatos
Glass of Water

Lunch - 2pm
2 Sugar free Jello Cups
Couple Slices of Ham
Glass of Water

Dinner - 6pm - 8pm
For Dinner I usually have a mix of the Following.

Blackened Steak (Ribey, Strip) 8 - 12oz
Pan Fried Mushrooms
Shrimp Cocktail
Grilled Shrimp (I usually have Shrimps every night because I love Shrimp)
Salad with Oil and Vinegar
Lobster with Butter
1/2 Baked Chicken
Chicken Ceasar Salad at Fridays with No Dressing or Croutons.
Chicken and Shrimp Atkins Plate at Fridays
I tried the Atkins Cheesecake one night at Fridays as well.
Water

This Is pretty much what I use to eat on the regular in life, except I use to also have Bread, French or Ranch Dressing on Salad, Potatoe, Soups (Clam Chowder, Lobster Bisque, etc) and other Sauces like Gravy etc. Also would eat Fried Shrimps or Coconut Shrimps.

For Snacks (I know I was told not to do this) But I occasionally have Those Russell Stovers Low Carb Candies (like 4 Chocolate Medalions). I must have this to stay Sane and stick to this.

I also have a coke Zero once in a while. I drink Water all throughout the Day.

So By cutting out my Carbs I am Taking weight off as I can see

Thanks Everyone!!! I will update my thread every Week!

Ruben

[2big4mysize]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

weigh to go.

Try adding some of your veggies carbs every day to your breakfast. That way you are getting some carbs some protein and some fats every time you eat sort of like if your car runs on super you can't add regular this tankful and then premium on the next tank and expect the balance of the too to run your carb right. Happy low carbing.

[RubenO]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

I also want to add, that I don't feel like I am Suffering by cutting out my carbs. I pretty much feel the Same as when I was eating Carbs more heavily.

I just lost 11 Pounds in 5 Days with what I am now eating. Will I really Lose 40lbs a month, or will it slow down?

Thanks
Ruben

[BabyDreamer]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Ruben,

Weight loss is different for every person so no one can predict how much you will lose in a month. With that said, since you have a good bit to lose (so do I) I think you can expect a good loss in the first month. Every pound lost is a win for your life. It all begins with baby steps and soon you will be on top of the mountain.

Debbie

I also want to add, that I don't feel like I am Suffering by cutting out my carbs. I pretty much feel the Same as when I was eating Carbs more heavily.

I just lost 11 Pounds in 5 Days with what I am now eating. Will I really Lose 40lbs a month, or will it slow down?

Thanks
Ruben

[Starmaker]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Ruben! Ruben! Ruben! Hi buddy! Welcome to ADBB! Thats amazing progress so far but I must tell you, having 2 sugar free jello cups for lunch is not what Dr Atkins had in mind when he said eat a good lunch! You may have lost large in the first 2 weeks, (water) but that loss generally slows and things like jello cups could be one of the culprits. Also..I KNOW you THINK you are going to DIE without candy but trust me, the longer you hang on to this security blankie (sweets) the harder its going to be for you to give them up. You didn't get fat from broccoli!

Anyway, enough bad cop, you heard from the good cops, welcome welcome welcome {{{{HUG}}}}

[Labarum]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Very well done, Ruben. You're doing great. Just need to trim the sails a bit to keep you on course and running true.

I am surprised 2Big didn't raise the issue of the Jello at lunch. She is extremely well informed and a lovely lady, but she is "The Chief of Ploice" (Shhh )

Lunch should be more balanced - three good legal meals a day - all with green vegigies - then you won't feel the need for snacks and sweetie substitutes.

And the advice about killing the sweet tooth as soon as you can I offer again - others have said the same.

Trust us - we are FANATICS

But it's fun to eat as Atkins directed, and IT WORKS.

[RubenO]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Should I do a Low Carb TV Dinner for Lunches?

I really Don't know what to eat at home for lunch, besides TV Dinners.

Thanks
Ruben

[BabyDreamer]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Ruben,

The goal is to get you away from processed foods and TV dinners are all processed. You need to work in protein and fat and carbs at lunch. For example, eat tuna fish, mayonnaise and mixed greens or you can eat chicken baked with Ranch dressing and hot sauce with 1 c. of cucumbers. Baked or fried pork chops with some broccoli and a slice of cheese could be another choice. If you can turn on an oven you can make these things (my husband uses the "I can't cook" excuse". Eat fresh foods that are not overly processed and you will see not only bigger results, but you will be able to accurately track your progress. I suggest trying fitday.com so you can track what you consume and your exercise. Try looking at the link in my siggy and you can see everything I have eaten today.

Debbie

Should I do a Low Carb TV Dinner for Lunches?

I really Don't know what to eat at home for lunch, besides TV Dinners.

Thanks
Ruben

[Labarum]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Well said, BabyD.

Tuna-Mayo Salad is one of my favourite lunches, Ruben.

Fresh Salmon and scrambled eggs is another - both done in the microwave - add some greens if you can.

And forget any convenience foods as BabyD says. Fresh is nice and dead easy to cook simply.

A stir fry might work for you - you can probaly buy the greens ready prepared in a sealed plastic bag. Slice a chicken breast and fry it. Add a couple of slices of bacon, if you like, and maybe some mushrooms if they aren't in the bag. Toss in the greens and way-ho!

Look carefully at the stir fry bags for a low carb one - nothing with noodles, but bean sprouts have alovely crunch. Avoid one with carrots if you can.

What do you think about a dash of soy sauce at this stage, 2 Big?

There are lots of realy tasty dishes you can rustle up in minites, Ruben.

[brabea22]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Ruben I am glad to see that you are still trying to change your life. If you haven't already, you should hop over to the Century Club. All of us have either lost at least 100 pounds or have to lose at least 100 pounds. This would be a great area for you I think because superheavyweights tend to have some specialized needs (I know this one from experience).
If you decide against popping over, that's cool. I still have an eye on you. Trim up your work, and do your clean induction. You will be rewarded for what you put into this. Believe that.
I was a candy freak myself. Couldn't go half a day without something chocolate or very sweet. Didn't think I would last a single day without it, but I promise you if you put those down and work on doing a clean induction, the majority (if not all) of your cravings will be gone after two weeks.
Once again, glad you are still working at this. Take it easy.

[presidentholmes]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Hi Ruben

I started at 266lb and was panicing about it.
I worked at a desk all day and came straight home to another desk.
I blame this lifestyle and also my love of sweet things.
I gave up my full time job and started Atkins and the weight started to come off, very muchly.
I started during the summer, which helped me to drink lots and lots and lots of water.
All waters don't taste the same!!! Some taste way better than others, so try a few different ones. Some are so bland that I can't drink them, and others are so great I can't get enough.
I find that with Atkins the cravings for sugar go and as long as you've good items in the fridge, doing this needn't be a chore.
I used to hate diet sodas and now I love them. I drink a lot of diet 7up and Pepsi Max, I also enjoy Atkins Advantage Bars.
So, good luck my friend. Get a perspective of the big picture, but take it a day at a time. Every day is a great victory for you.

[alpha_wolf_1966]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

Ruben, Best of luck. You've found a forum that will keep you on track if you let them. These people know what they are talking about, and will help you a lot. Whatever you do, don't give up!

[Analog6]

Re: 500 Lb. Man Needs Help to Lose Weight

You need to eat more veggies!

"Lunch - 2pm
2 Sugar free Jello Cups
Couple Slices of Ham
Glass of Water"

This is a terrible lunch! Awful! Here is what I eat from day to day. (Stir fries have already been suggested and they are the best thing you can do.)

EVERYTHING IS FRESH! Be kind to yourself and knock off the processed food. It's the trap thsat got us all here in the first place. My big sinner was potato crisps, I'd eat 'em at breakfast and snack on 'em ALL through the day, and then eat hot chips or potato bake at night! I was BAD. That's how I got to look so revoltingly FAT!

Breakfast: 6.30-7.00 am
Combinations of: bacon, minute (thin) steak, eggas & mushrooms, with herbs for flavour. Usually reserve omelettes for the weeknd when I can spend more time on them.

Lunch: 12.30 -1.00 pm
Protein (meat/chicken/fish/cheese) and a BIG salad. Usually lettuce, tiny tim tomatoes, green beans, snow peas, celery, mushrooms, baby carrot, and sometimes a little pineapple or some baby beets (2 or 3 only). It takes me an hour to chomp through this lot!

Dinner: 6-7pm
Protein as at lunch.
Stir fried beggies. Usually green beans, snow peas, leek or red (spanish) onion, yellow squash, zucchini, occassional baby carot, cauliflower, broccoli, sometimes some cabbage, mushrooms. My plate is basically covered in vegetables.

I have dessert of some fresh strawberries (4 or 5 cut into halves or quarters) and a couple of spoons of cream once or twice weekly, when I've not had as much food that day.

I assure you there will be no hunger pangs between meals. Your desire for sweets WILL fade if you can keep off them. The other day I was eating lunch and the celery tasted SWEET! My tastebuds have really changed (for the better!).

KEEP A JOURNAL! I cannot stress this enough. I have an exercise book. The left hand page is divided into 2 columns. These are for my exercise and comments on what went on throught the day. The right hand pages have 5 columns, a date one (or day), 3 columns for my meals, and a total carbs for the day. At the top it has the week number, date, and my weight on Saturday morning (weight in day for me). I allow 3 lines per day (rules right across the 2 columns. I've also set up an Excel spreadsheet with my weight record and a chart so I can view my progress graphoically. For me it is an encouragement. If you'd like a copy (you can hust alter it to show your details) send me a PM with your email address and I'll send it to you.

And don't forget the exercise. I started the gym 5 weeks ago and wprk out 4-5 days weekly for 45 mins (only on cardio machines so far - will get to weights and so on down the track a bit). You may not want to do gyn yet but try to go for a walk each day, and aim to increase your distance every week. Measure the distance to a few 'landmarks' round your district when you are out driving and then you will know how far you've walked.

You can do it - this WOE is a fabulous discovery for all us fat folk who cannot succeed any other way. here we have the self-fulfilling dream of being slimmer and happier people. I used to be lethargic and depressed and now I am full of energy and find myself SINGING! Haven't done that for 10 years, since the accident that damaged my ankles and caused me tp put on all this weight.

Good luck! We're all here to help.