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2003/12/20, 07:15 PM
I began thinking about my health after spending 28 years as an obese, sedentary person. (I was fine until age 14, when, concerned that I wasn't growing, my parents referred me to a clinic and the doctors apparently injected me with steroids. This, combined with inactivity and overeating, caused me to weigh 150 pounds while only 5'3" at the age of 17.) Until May 13, 2002, at my worst, I weighed 252 pounds. The clinic helped me "grow" to an amazing (note the sarcasm here, folks) 5'6". What changed my motivation? Drew Carey's heart scare in 2002. (Angioplasty, I think.) I realized that Carey was taller than I was and I weighed more than he did! If it could happen to him...that did it. I succeeded beyond my wildest dreams! My doctor instructed me to get to 200 pounds "and we'll take it from there." Instead, today, I now weigh 147 pounds; yes, lighter than I was at 17! But I clearly went too far. I lost a great deal of strength, I am working out with very limited results. My doctor now wants me to GAIN 23 pounds (goal--170)and eat a 2000 calorie diet. I am leery. After working so hard, I don't really want to "go backward." But believe me, as hard as this is, I wouldn't go back to 252 for the world!!
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2003/12/21, 06:33 AM
Welcome to ft and congratulations on your weight loss. Don't be discouraged. Bump your diet to at least 2000 calories as your doctor prescribed. Keep it fairly clean (lean meats, complex carbs, good fats), divide your daily food intake into 5-6 smaller meals, establish and maintain a good exercise program (resistance training 3-4 times per week, cardio 3-4 times per week). Utilize the resources here at ft (a wealth of helpful info). Be assured you can achieve your goals with effort and dedication. Good Luck
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2003/12/28, 10:55 PM
I have done as both you and my "team" have suggested--I am now consuming 2000 calories daily. It is frightening how fast I am gaining weight! I am now 156.4 pounds (stripped). Considering that I weighed 148.2 pounds (dressed; stockinged feet)at my Wednesday Weight Watchers meeting, that's an 8 pound gain! I was afraid of this! How can I be gaining weight so fast?? I have to admit, though, that my body fat machine (a handheld impedence machine) is showing a body fat DROP since last week. Can a person put on so much muscle in only 1 week? It's interesting, though. The muscle and joint pain I always have is easing a bit. I hope that means that I "should" be heavier. I'll talk to my trainer. If he thinks it's positive, fine. If not, I'll go right back to 1600 calories. Thank you for your assistance.
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Quoting from agamble:
Welcome to ft and congratulations on your weight loss. Don't be discouraged. Bump your diet to at least 2000 calories as your doctor prescribed. Keep it fairly clean (lean meats, complex carbs, good fats), divide your daily food intake into 5-6 smaller meals, establish and maintain a good exercise program (resistance training 3-4 times per week, cardio 3-4 times per week). Utilize the resources here at ft (a wealth of helpful info). Be assured you can achieve your goals with effort and dedication. Good Luck
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2003/12/29, 11:07 AM
Your trainer and physician know more about your condition and should be listened to. Please keep one thing in mind. Body weight can fluctuate quite a bit from day to day, week to week, etc. Bodyfat measurements are more useful for our purposes. If your bodyfat % is dropping while you are gaining weight it can only mean that you are gaining muscle. True, 8 lbs is alot of muscle to gain in one week and I would be hesitant to suggest that. However, it would indicate an increase in lean weight. You should definately follow through and consult with your trainer. Nevertheless, I wouldn't be so quick to drop the calories back just yet. Give your body time to adjust, continue to exercise (this is the key), and divide your meals up. Your metabolism has probably been slowed due ti diet. Allow your metabolism time to catch up with your increased caloric intake. Good Luck
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