Anyone start out over 500lbs?

christi72767 · 07-01-2008, 06:46 AM

Is there anyone out there who started out their journey over 500lbs?

msmoon · 07-01-2008, 07:31 AM

Yes there have been a few people here that have. Check out the 300+ support group as well read past postings in the "sticky" section that was started by BonBon. Very helpful!
You can do it. Don't give up.

**Lola** · 07-01-2008, 10:40 AM

Yes, you can do it Christi. Definitely keep reading and keep posting. One day at a time.

oobatooba · 07-01-2008, 11:00 AM

I started at about 500lbs. Maybe a little more or less. I could hardly take care of myself. I had chairs in every room (like bathroom, kitchen, garage) because my back could not support me for more than a minute or so. My best advice is to not even think about how much total you would like to lose. I remember getting so depressed thinking that if some how I could actually lose 100 lbs (which seemed impossible) I would still be 400lbs. Take baby steps, make mini goals, I remember feeling so much better as early as 475lbs. I now weigh 338 lbs, and can best describe the feeling as being brought back from the dead, and given a second chance at life. I would be more than happy to answer any specific question here or through PM. Good luck.

MaryMary · 07-06-2008, 05:51 PM

I was up to 376 when I started Atkins back in Jan 2001. I was 52 and using a cane. I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, panic attacks, depression, anxiety and attention problems. I didn't care if I lived or died. I would say that within 2 months of starting Atkins I felt better. I didn't lose fast because I was on so many medications, but getting off the sugar and grains totally cleared my thinking. I could focus better. Once I started on sleep medicating and lost the first 20 lbs, the sleep apnea started to get better. I honestly think I am allergic to sugars and grains and by staying away from them, the swelling in my body, my joints, my breathing tubes and mouth, could function better. With better sleep quality, I eventually was able to start reducing the blood pressure and anxiety medications. My doctor wanted me to have the weight loss surgery and I seriously considered it twice in my journey. I kept telling the doctors if it turns out I can't do this without surgery, I will have it, but I was patient and kept plugging away. Eventually, in 2003, I hooked up with a 12 step program that supported my low carb lifestyle and taught me some discipline around the food and for the first time helping me deal with the feelings behind the compulsive eating in my life. I have been in GSA for 4.5 years and lost the rest of the weight, maintaining for the last 2 years. I never had the surgery. For me, it would have been another tool that was at my disposal but not a tool I needed to access. Instead, I got in tune with God in my life to assist me in my life. I listen to many motivational speakers and read and write/journal every day. I meditate and pray and get to stay centered today on what's important. I get to do the next right thing whatever it is and I know that something good is going to happen for me today. We have all heard that laughter and humor heals the heart and soul, the physical and emotional. Sometimes I have a hard time laughing at home. Recently, I read, "If you want to hear God laugh, give him your plans for the day". In other words, I might make plans but end up living God's plan for me.

Bottomline, today, life is better. I have two great support systems. This website and the GSA community. I am not alone and isolated today. I can reach out and help another. It's not all about me today. But my primary focus is to not take the first compulsive bite and to stay away from the foods I am allergic to.

Healthwise, my Blood pressure is 115/65, sugars are 83, cholesterol is 138, HDL is 58, LDL is 87, no sleep apnea, no panic attacks, no anxiety issues, mild chronic depression and No cane. I am 60 today and feeling better than I did at 35. Thank you God!

NMW ... Mary

christi72767 · 07-06-2008, 06:07 PM

Mary, I too have sleep apnea and after losing 32 lbs I can tell a difference in my sleep. I started at 531 and I am at 499 so I feel good just getting under 500 and now I'm shooting for the 400 mark. How was your surgery to remove the loose skin? I know this is a procedure I will have to have.

Thanks,
Christi

MarblesLongGone · 07-06-2008, 06:15 PM

Save one "Bad garment" and make sure that you have one bad before pic. Most people are afraid to take one, but they help to motivate you when things slow down, or you hit an obstacle. You can look at then and now, and just say, "Wow, that was me, this IS me, WOW!!!" That can help you through tough days, plus if anyone gets nasty about your eating plan, you can show "Hey, I went from <a> to <b>! Which is better to you?!?!!?" I used to keep my bad before pic on my clipboard that I used at the gym!

4gotn1 · 07-07-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarblesLongGone

Save one "Bad garment" and make sure that you have one bad before pic. Most people are afraid to take one, but they help to motivate you when things slow down, or you hit an obstacle. You can look at then and now, and just say, "Wow, that was me, this IS me, WOW!!!" That can help you through tough days, plus if anyone gets nasty about your eating plan, you can show "Hey, I went from <a> to <b>! Which is better to you?!?!!?" I used to keep my bad before pic on my clipboard that I used at the gym!

ITA!!!! I didn't take any at the beginning and am now wondering if I would have noticed the 20 inches gone. Hoping to get DD to help me w/ getting some this week!

MarblesLongGone · 07-07-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4gotn1

ITA!!!! I didn't take any at the beginning and am now wondering if I would have noticed the 20 inches gone. Hoping to get DD to help me w/ getting some this week!

Oh! You are incredible woman! You keep it up!

amm · 07-12-2008, 07:11 PM

I started at 400lbs... so not quite 500, but still really heavy.

Zer · 07-12-2008, 07:50 PM

No idea what my top weight might have been, as so many doctors I saw did not have scales that weighed me, until my HMO got a heifer scale that folds down flat to the floor for a wheelchair to wheel right onto it. I saw 508.7 on 9/9/04 - but I think I was heavier before and after that date. Just no official record of it. That weight is one that is recorded in my Atkins' DANDR. What I do know is that I have weighed 400 or more for more than half of my 64yrs. When I came to SoCal in 1970, I weighed 230# and got into WW where a fast 50# came off, leaving me at 180#, 5'10" and scared to death of the attention I got at 26yrs of naivete. Sad to say, I turned to food. I built a solid wall of fat in short order, to protect me from unwanted attention. Did not work well, for I still met too many folks who wanted to find out how anyone as old as I was could be so foolish. Ah, what if I had turned to a support group instead of turning to food! But back then I was not able to talk about what eats at me, as I can today.

I think you will find great support at LCFriends. I've had more success here than I can take credit for - and I gladly acknowledge my LCFriends as being instrumental in helping me learn more about nutrition and LC/Atkins eating.

Do check out Pam's "300+ Support" and Ilpirata's "Eat to your BMR, no matter what!" threads. Others are valuable too, but I just adore these two.

fancyface · 07-13-2008, 06:35 AM

Quote:

"If you want to hear God laugh, give him your plans for the day".

I love this quote. Mary you are so motivational.

Best wishes to you, Christi. Become active with this support system. I have found that it has helped me tremendously.

clmoore · 07-13-2008, 07:15 AM

MaryMary, you are so inspiring and humble.

Good luck to us all and may God bless!

07-01-2008, 06:46 AM	#1
christi72767 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: alabama Posts: 34 Gallery: christi72767 Stats: 532/449/200 WOE: Atkins Start Date: restart june 2008	Anyone start out over 500lbs? Is there anyone out there who started out their journey over 500lbs?

07-06-2008, 05:51 PM	#5
MaryMary Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: New Hampshire BMI:57/24-Maintaining Posts: 4,837 Gallery: MaryMary Stats: 376 lbs/155 lbs//Age 60// 5'7" BF%:47+%/28.4%/25% WOE: GSA Cambridge Greysheet "www.greysheet.org" Start Date: Atkins 1/22/01; GSA 12/23/03 - Total Loss 221 lbs.	I was up to 376 when I started Atkins back in Jan 2001. I was 52 and using a cane. I had sleep apnea, high blood pressure, panic attacks, depression, anxiety and attention problems. I didn't care if I lived or died. I would say that within 2 months of starting Atkins I felt better. I didn't lose fast because I was on so many medications, but getting off the sugar and grains totally cleared my thinking. I could focus better. Once I started on sleep medicating and lost the first 20 lbs, the sleep apnea started to get better. I honestly think I am allergic to sugars and grains and by staying away from them, the swelling in my body, my joints, my breathing tubes and mouth, could function better. With better sleep quality, I eventually was able to start reducing the blood pressure and anxiety medications. My doctor wanted me to have the weight loss surgery and I seriously considered it twice in my journey. I kept telling the doctors if it turns out I can't do this without surgery, I will have it, but I was patient and kept plugging away. Eventually, in 2003, I hooked up with a 12 step program that supported my low carb lifestyle and taught me some discipline around the food and for the first time helping me deal with the feelings behind the compulsive eating in my life. I have been in GSA for 4.5 years and lost the rest of the weight, maintaining for the last 2 years. I never had the surgery. For me, it would have been another tool that was at my disposal but not a tool I needed to access. Instead, I got in tune with God in my life to assist me in my life. I listen to many motivational speakers and read and write/journal every day. I meditate and pray and get to stay centered today on what's important. I get to do the next right thing whatever it is and I know that something good is going to happen for me today. We have all heard that laughter and humor heals the heart and soul, the physical and emotional. Sometimes I have a hard time laughing at home. Recently, I read, "If you want to hear God laugh, give him your plans for the day". In other words, I might make plans but end up living God's plan for me. Bottomline, today, life is better. I have two great support systems. This website and the GSA community. I am not alone and isolated today. I can reach out and help another. It's not all about me today. But my primary focus is to not take the first compulsive bite and to stay away from the foods I am allergic to. Healthwise, my Blood pressure is 115/65, sugars are 83, cholesterol is 138, HDL is 58, LDL is 87, no sleep apnea, no panic attacks, no anxiety issues, mild chronic depression and No cane. I am 60 today and feeling better than I did at 35. Thank you God! NMW ... Mary __________________ 2001/2002/2003 - Lost 105 lbs. on Atkins & exercise 2004/2005/2006 - Lost 116 lbs. on the Cambridge Greysheet & GSA (www.greysheet.org) - A 12 Step Program for Carb Sensitive Folks 2006- Panniculectomy - Surgically removed 6 lbs. hanging skin 2007/2008 - Maintaining Free from Compulsive Eating Abstinent since 6/21/2004 by the grace of a Power greater than myself My Journey in Pics from Jan 2001 to June 2006 --LOST 221 LBS. - PEACE !!!-- Last edited by MaryMary : 07-06-2008 at 05:55 PM.

07-06-2008, 06:15 PM	#7
MarblesLongGone MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hamilton, OH Posts: 2,387 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: MarblesLongGone Stats: 248.5/206.0/190 6'0" WOE: Atkins / Carb Addicts / Schwarzbein / SB / Paleo / Start Date: April 1, 2008 (back on the wagon)	Save one "Bad garment" and make sure that you have one bad before pic. Most people are afraid to take one, but they help to motivate you when things slow down, or you hit an obstacle. You can look at then and now, and just say, "Wow, that was me, this IS me, WOW!!!" That can help you through tough days, plus if anyone gets nasty about your eating plan, you can show "Hey, I went from <a> to <b>! Which is better to you?!?!!?" I used to keep my bad before pic on my clipboard that I used at the gym! __________________ Goal: 190.0 Height 6' 04/01 248.5 GoneToGo\| 06/30 218.0-30.5 28.0\| 08/18 208.5-40.0 18.5 04/30 230.5-18.0XX.X.\| 07/07 217.0-31.5 27.0\| 08/25 05/26 226.5-22.0 36.5\| 07/14 212.0-36.5 22.0\| 09/01 06/01 222.5-26.0 32.5\| 07/21 211.5-37.0 21.5\| 09/07 06/09 221.5-27.0 31.5\| 07/28 208.0-40.5 18.0\| 09/14 06/16 220.0-28.5 30.0\| 08/04 208.0-40.5 18.0\| 09/21 06/23 216.0-32.5 26.0\| 08/11 210.0-38.5 20.0\| 09/28

07-12-2008, 07:50 PM	#11
Zer Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SoCal (Orange County) Posts: 6,028 Blog Entries: 42 Gallery: Zer Stats: 5'10"; 64; 508.7/394.4/199 WOE: Atkins: <5%Carb; BMR:2423cals; 182gProt; 128ozH2O Start Date: 432.4(2/8) 413.2(4/8) 402.2(6/8) 8/8/08:388.8+5.6	No idea what my top weight might have been, as so many doctors I saw did not have scales that weighed me, until my HMO got a heifer scale that folds down flat to the floor for a wheelchair to wheel right onto it. I saw 508.7 on 9/9/04 - but I think I was heavier before and after that date. Just no official record of it. That weight is one that is recorded in my Atkins' DANDR. What I do know is that I have weighed 400 or more for more than half of my 64yrs. When I came to SoCal in 1970, I weighed 230# and got into WW where a fast 50# came off, leaving me at 180#, 5'10" and scared to death of the attention I got at 26yrs of naivete. Sad to say, I turned to food. I built a solid wall of fat in short order, to protect me from unwanted attention. Did not work well, for I still met too many folks who wanted to find out how anyone as old as I was could be so foolish. Ah, what if I had turned to a support group instead of turning to food! But back then I was not able to talk about what eats at me, as I can today. I think you will find great support at LCFriends. I've had more success here than I can take credit for - and I gladly acknowledge my LCFriends as being instrumental in helping me learn more about nutrition and LC/Atkins eating. Do check out Pam's "300+ Support" and Ilpirata's "Eat to your BMR, no matter what!" threads. Others are valuable too, but I just adore these two. __________________ 432.4#(2/8/08; I got a talking scale) Feb -5# March -13# April -5.8# May -6# June -6# July -5.8# August +6 ...391.0(8/1) Sept -2.6# ...397.0(9/1) 395.8(9/5) 401.6(9/10) 394.6(9/12) 394.0(9/14) 394.4(9/22) 392.0(9/29) October -3.8# ...394.4(10/1) 392.8(10/2) 390.6(10/6) Interim goals: 432.4 430 420 410 399 390 380 370 360 350 340 330 320 310 299(2/5/09) 290 280 270 260 250 240 230 220 210 199 5'10"; 64yrs; Your feedback is welcome at my blog Tango, anyone?

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07-01-2008, 07:31 AM	#2
msmoon MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 2,884 Gallery: msmoon	Yes there have been a few people here that have. Check out the 300+ support group as well read past postings in the "sticky" section that was started by BonBon. Very helpful! You can do it. Don't give up.

07-01-2008, 10:40 AM	#3
Lola Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 590 Gallery: Lola Stats: 380-313-160 (#67 gone) WOE: F-Factor	Yes, you can do it Christi. Definitely keep reading and keep posting. One day at a time.

07-01-2008, 11:00 AM	#4
oobatooba Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 551 Gallery: oobatooba Stats: 1/4 ton/264.5/250 M 6'0" WOE: Moderate carbs / Lean protein Start Date: 11/20/07	I started at about 500lbs. Maybe a little more or less. I could hardly take care of myself. I had chairs in every room (like bathroom, kitchen, garage) because my back could not support me for more than a minute or so. My best advice is to not even think about how much total you would like to lose. I remember getting so depressed thinking that if some how I could actually lose 100 lbs (which seemed impossible) I would still be 400lbs. Take baby steps, make mini goals, I remember feeling so much better as early as 475lbs. I now weigh 338 lbs, and can best describe the feeling as being brought back from the dead, and given a second chance at life. I would be more than happy to answer any specific question here or through PM. Good luck.

07-06-2008, 06:07 PM	#6
christi72767 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: alabama Posts: 34 Gallery: christi72767 Stats: 532/449/200 WOE: Atkins Start Date: restart june 2008	Mary, I too have sleep apnea and after losing 32 lbs I can tell a difference in my sleep. I started at 531 and I am at 499 so I feel good just getting under 500 and now I'm shooting for the 400 mark. How was your surgery to remove the loose skin? I know this is a procedure I will have to have. Thanks, Christi

07-12-2008, 07:11 PM	#10
amm Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 498 Gallery: amm Stats: 400/253.5/175 WOE: healthy carbs, healthy fats,& exercise like crazy! Start Date: 4/1/07	I started at 400lbs... so not quite 500, but still really heavy.

07-13-2008, 07:15 AM	#13
clmoore MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,096 Gallery: clmoore	MaryMary, you are so inspiring and humble. Good luck to us all and may God bless!