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talonius
12-13-2011, 05:10 AM
Howdy all!

I'm fat. Actually beyond fat, morbidly obese - currently 330 pounds, 5' 9". I started this year out with the resolution to lose weight and I have succeeded somewhat -- 14 to 18 pounds off depending on whether you're using my doctor's scale or mine. I firmly believe I would have lost more but a urethraplasty got in the way for about 4 months. I'm also a bipolar, depressed diabetic with LowT. (All intermixed - what caused what? Who cares!) I'm so out of shape that going up two flights of steps will leave me heaving for about eight minutes.

Before you ask all of my doctors (endocrinologist, psychiatrist, general practitioner) are in support of me pursuing an exercise regimen. My heart is healthy - exceptionally so for a man of my size, actually. My lungs are not but only prolonged work will fix them. (I quit smoking eleven years ago, but yes, I did smoke.)

My lifestyle is the primary issue. I'm a computer programmer and enjoy technology of all sorts. So I work on my ass all day and come home and sit on my ass to play games. Great, huh? I'm an introvert in person, extroverted online. But the introversion - and the paranoia of people laughing or snickering at me - keep me from pursuing an actual gym membership. (See above notes on mental health. ;))

I started really gaining weight (was ~240 lbs) about 6 years ago. This past month I was diagnosed with LowT and have started testosterone injections to help deal with the LowT. (Free floating levels were 168.) Now that I've been on them for about five weeks I've noticed I have a lot more energy and a desire to do something other than sit - so I decided to combine my love of technology with a desire to continue to lose weight and to energize my son into a competition. Right now he enjoys being able to beat up on me. Muahaha... soon he'll have to work out, or I'll be able to win our wrestling matches.

The Android app looked fantastic, for me mostly because of the animations and explanations of the exercises. I'm still looking to figure out the best exercise set. I have a BowFlex PR1000 and an elliptical - both purchased for my son but now being repurposed for me. If anyone has any suggestions as to exercise combinations I should pursue, or if there are any folks here who can serve as a guide for me (not quite a personal trainer, but someone who can yell at me and tell me how to proceed. Wait, that's a personal trainer..) I'm more than willing to pay.

Thanks, and hope to continue to see everyone around.

Brian S.

amcredle
12-13-2011, 01:15 PM
Welcome Brian. I see you from the Show me state !!!.. Im live in Kansas City !! Anyway welcome to the site. You have already taken the biggest step and that's to get motivated to work out. Many people know they have a problem but refuse to do anything about it. I have a friend who has the same issues as you weight wise. It was hard to get him in the gym. But in time he learned to ignore the other people.

Your Heart is healthy so thats a great thing. I would start off with some light cardio and work some strength training mixed. Im sure together the jefit family will help you reach your goals. just remember its a marathon not a sprint. its going to take time but you can do it

Deviation
12-13-2011, 03:17 PM
Welcome to the site. Glad to see you've decided to make that change.

The elliptical is a great piece of cardio equipment. I would definitely make use of that on a regular basis. Don't be afraid to lift weights either. Strength training is a great companion to cardio. The bowflex is a good starting point. Check here -> http://www.bowflexhomegyms.com/bowflex_home_gyms_us/bowflexheritage/bowflexpromise.jsp JEFIT doesn't have Bowflex exercises in their main database BUT you can add them as custom exercises to help you keep track.

Your diet will be key to your weight loss. Don't just cut crazy amounts of calories and hope for the best. I'd ask your doctor if they have a dietician they can recommend. You need to get a structured meal plan to drop that weight.

The community here is very friendly so don't hesitate to ask for advice/help.