Im a big guy, around 6'4" and somewhere between 300 and 350 lbs since 1995.
Im not very old, 39, and just got tired of it.
This is me at my peak a couple of years ago at around 350.
I do fairly physical work so I am not as big as some 350 lb guys.

I floated between 350 and 335 for a couple of years depending on season... got a nice thick winter coat.

This February I got a new job, and was doing decently physical work outdoors in New Mexico.
I looked at it as an opportunity to make a change.
I went to drinking mostly water and consuming smaller portions.
It was just after this that I found out I was diabetic also.
So yea, good time for a lifestyle change.
By doing nothing other than increasing water/decreasing sugared drinks... and eating a bit less, and working a little harder I started dropping weight.
Im not a gym kind of guy, really havnt used one properly since I stopped playing football in high school.
Its been about 7 months since I increased my physical activity.
About 5 months since I started eating less.
And 3 months since I cut out most sugared drinks and eating healthier foods.
I weighed myself at home over the weekend and am at 263 lbs.
My wife got tired of my clothes falling off of me and took me shopping.
I went from size 42s being too tight and needing 44s, to being an actual size 38... which is the size I was when my oldest was born over 16 years ago.
Me last Christmas, somewhere between 335 and 340.

Me at 275 2 weeks ago...


I tried all kinds of diets... none worked.
So, I just decided to cut back a little and be smarter about what I consume.
And dang.
Its working, blood sugar is also under control.
Sorry about the ramble, but I just wanted to share.


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

Wow - that's really impressive!

Not only looking good, but you're going to save yourself a lot of trouble down the road too. I'll bet your knees and back are already thanking you.

Thanks Barb!
My knees have been shoot since high school, on reason I am not a gym kind of guy, and anything I can do to help them... they GREATLY appreciate.


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

Boy, your looking good. I've lost/gained the same 40 about 10 times. Your my inspiration. Keep up the good work.

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beaver

Great job!

Great job. A lot of us need to do the same thing, I know I do.

Fantastic!! Keep up the good work.

......moon

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NRA Life Member

Great job Jim! I can tell you from personal experience that what you did will add years to your life. More time to enjoy your family and S&W's!

Looking good,How's the Pinto fitting now?

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Dum vivo cano

Got a new pair of Chippewa super loggers on my feet... so legroom is a little tighter


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

For the knees: Start taking Glucosamine Chondroitin daily. It turned my old knees into smooth working machines; I run 5.3km 3-4 times per week now and the knees don't complain anymore.

For the weight: You've done good; now add a very high fiber diet to your routine. The funny thing is, you can eat more food more often and loose weight. Just be sensible. Eat a high fiber breakfast, then eat a mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and then dinner. Just choose things like apples, bannanas, nuts (great for diet and your heart), etc. The key is to get your body used to being fed all day long so your metabolism goes way up. Just be sure you are eating the right stuff.

I've lost 20lbs just this summer and am running weekly. Before that, I was wearing size 40 jeans and barely ever did any activity. Just make the change.

Congrats!! You look great and your story is an inspiration. Keep up the good work!!

In just the last few weeks I've started doing some of the same things, smaller portions, more water less everything else and have taken off about 9 pounds and dropped below 260 for the first time in a couple of years. Now I'm comfortable with the portioning, it's time to add a little excercise. I turned 48 in June and I'm aiming to be back around 200 by my 50th birthday. I haven't been there in a decade or so, it should be interesting.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

Great job! Now if you'd lose another 30 for me....

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Insert short witty words here

That's fantastic! I've been edging back up to the far side of 250, and certainly not enjoying it. I've tried the gym (more than once) and it's awful hard to stick to the routine. I'm hoping walking the new pooch a couple times a day will help - we're starting with a mile twice a day, and will work up from there. Mid-January that may not be so true... "Dog, it's ten degrees below zero and there's a thirty-mile-per-hour wind. DO YOUR THING AND LET'S GO IN."

I hit the wall 1 month ago. 347 at the Dr., dressed. Started Nutrisystem for old fat diabetics, and it appears to be working. I like not having to decide what I'm going to eat and portion control. Knee's are gone too, we are injecting them to buy time before a double knee replacement.

Good job and keep it up. You just made my hero list

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

OUTSTANDING! Keep up the good work Jim!

Myself = trying to reduce intake and increase locomotion. We only get one body, and now at 43 I need to take better care of mine. I'm going thru junk-food and vending machine detox. It sucks to be tired all the time, and I'm going to do something about it! It makes me steaming !

Congrats, losing weight is never easy, but so worth it!

I turn 43 next month; I made my change this spring and haven't looked back. No vending machines. No junk food at all. No sweets (except I allow a modest piece of cake if at somebody's Birthday, etc. as long as it's only once a month or so). See my earlier post; I'm eating all day long (way more than I used to when I was gaining weight) and I've got energy to burn. Just eat fuel, not weight gain. Fiber, lots of fiber (you might want to ease into it; don't go 100% the first day if you know what I mean). I eat a TON of nuts; my favorite is the Planters nut-trician south beach diet blend; it's got lots of fiber and is also very heart healthy plus it tastes the best. (this is NOT the south beach diet, but what my professional nutritionist and doctor recommened). I also eat at least one bannna and one apple a day. A low-fat sandwich like turkey on a high fiber bread for lunch. I get the fiber one breakfast cereals with zero fat milk for breakfast. And then just a sensible dinner (no second helpings and no finishing somebody else's plate!). That's it, nothing magic, nothing dangerous. I've got pants falling off of me in just a couple of months and I'm running 5k runs and beating 20 somethings! One young 25 yr old sergeant was stunned when I ran right past him and left him in the dust last month. He tried to get me a couple of weeks ago by going out fast, but I reeled him in and left him behind again. I used to finish dead last every time as recently as this spring before I started this.

Hats off to you slim..Good to see your doing something about it at such an early age. What are you gonna do with the jeans you can't wear ??????????????

Congratulations! You are doing great. Keep it up.

Well done!!!
Good advise too.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

Great advice... will have to start working that in also.
As for the pants, they are going to good will along with the shirts.
I do NOT want the comfort of "Well, if I gain weight I will at least have clothes to wear."


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

Bully for you! You might look into a bicycle, they are easier on the knees than running. Also swimming.

I've started just in the last two weeks, on the same program you are trying. Not really dieting, just eating sensibly and smaller portions. Wifey and I are also starting to walk at least 3 days a week. Tough for me to do when I'm working do to the 12-14 hours a day schedule, but I'm getting to be used to it.

Seems like my body, at 47 this Friday, is wanting me to get it back in shape. Haven't weighed, but at the doc a few weeks ago I was 245 dressed, at about 5'8"'s.

Maybe we can all keep this thread alive with updates on what is working for us, and just moral support for each other!

The Highlander

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I hope I copied that right

Looking good!

Side benefit is that you'll live long enough to spend your children's inheritance.

FWIW, I'm almost 55, used to weigh 220 and after splitting my meals into 5, not the usual 3, and eating all the fruit and vegetables I desire in addition to my regular non vegan carniverous meals and excluding all sewage (chips, ice cream, chocolate, etc.) I am 190 today.

I exercise quite a bit too, but I know that a diet change along with activity is the answer and you're proof.

I am all about keeping this active with updates.
Over the weekend I picked up a used bicycle at a yard sale for $9.
Looked it up online... and its a Specialized P.2 single speed, sold for $500-600 new.
I need to drop $60 or so on a crank set and will be good to go.
I work telecom power, and spend a good part of my day lifting batteries and sweating my tail off... I think thats a big factor in the loss.


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

I am 6'2" and a few years ago I had gotten to 450 lbs.! I wore 6X shirts and 64 pants. I had high BP, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, back and knee pain and erosive esphagitis and episodes of irregular heart rhythm. I couldn't walk around the block. My blood sugar was at the borderline of Type 2 Diabetes. I realized one day when putting on my size 64 pants, that were getting a bit snug, that I had to chose between dying soon or changing my lifestyle, such as it was. I did much the same thing as you. I cut out fried foods, snack junk and fast food burgers and pizza, etc. I measured and weighed portions and had small snacks of high protein and fiber/ low fat foods, ie, tuna, whole grain bread, apples, carrots, etc. I stayed out of fast food places. I gave up all sugared drinks and sugar in general. A sweet treat became a banana once in a while. I started to walk as I lost enough to actually walk more than a few feet.

That was 4 years ago and I now stay around 220. I wear XL shirts and 38 pants. I can buy clostes in normal stores and don't have to go to big & tall places. I ride my bike and canoe most days each week and belong to a city rec center and do some light weight work 3X week. I actually enjoy doing these things and don't feel right if I miss a day. My mental state is completely changed. I no longer have the high BP, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, GERD, back and knee pain, irregular heart rhythms and my fasting blood sugar stays well under 100, usually under 90. I feel like a new person. I must say that keeping it off can be more of a challenge that losing it. It takes lots of work to not slip back to the old ways.

I went to a gun show last Sunday. I don't think I have ever seen so many guys my age or older and some younger, I'm 56, that were very overweight and limping on canes or riding in motorized scooters. It was shocking. Most of the young folks were also heavy to morbidly obese. As a nation we are killing ourselves eating this **** and sitting on our...well, you know. Congratulations to you and if a support thread developes for this, count me in!

Good for you. The older you get, the harder it is to maintain , so you are fighting your way back at the right time. If you had waited another 5-10 years...

Keep after it and best wishes for continued success.

Congrats to all of you! A life style change, not a "diet", can go a long way! While any & all exercise is great & can help, as long as your body can handle it, almost all weight loss can be achieved at the table!! My wife is Italian & a good cook!! Bad combination!! It can be hard to push away!! Keep up the great work guys! With the money yall save that would be spent on meds, you can buy more amo!!!

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~ "JJ"

Frizzman, I am VERY impressed!!!
I didnt really have much of a "goal" when I started, mainly just into size 38" pants and 1X-2X shirts... so I can shop in pretty much any store.
I hit that goal, so I am just going to see where my activity level and food intake level me off at.

This thread has a big smile on my face, great to see all the success stories on here.


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

I'm 45 and just about 5'7" tall. My Dad died when I was 29 and never explained the Facts Of Life to me. (No not THOSE facts, I already knew them). For those guys reading who are still in their 20s I will explain them (1) When you hit your mid thirties you can stand in front of a mirror and see the hair in your ears and nose grow right before your eyes. and (2) Everything you put in your mouth that tastes good will end up on your gut.
When I was 34 my Wife bought me a new pair of pants with a size 40 waist. Biggest favor she ever did me. I wouldn't even try them on. I immediately called a friend and we joined the YMCA. Started playing racquetball, a new sport for us both. Got addicted, weight dropped off in a few months. Still addicted to it today, I call it "running with a purpose". I HATE to run, I'll run when I'm out of ammunition, and that is NOT likely to happen. This is fun and it's good exercise. Makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
I'm glad for your success, Jim, you've probably added many years to your life, plus it makes it SO much easier to carry IWB.

EvilOne,

You are to be commended for your dedication. Good work and long life.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

Great job, and as Barb said, it'll help you out later in life. It's amazing what cutting out most sugar will do for the body.

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Sure you did

Evil One, you have my sincerest congrats! I know how determined one must be to do what you have done. Just one month ago, I was told by my doc that I was heading down that same road. I quit the carbs (white bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes), did not drink alcohol for the entire month, started taking very brisk 3 mile walks after dinner, and cut out most sugar intake. Lots of meat, chicken, fish, veggies, and fruit has replaced all the bad stuff!

I lost 25 lbs in one month, and got my blood sugar levels back to the normal range. Like you, my doctor told me that I would be facing some serious health problems later in life if I didn't make some life changes with diet, and lose at least 50 lbs. I saw him last Friday, and got an "atta boy". He said that I should continue to eat healthy and exercise, but to live my life, and not give up everything. All things in moderation, and keep an eye on the sugar levels.

I have another 25-30 lbs to lose, but reading your post has really inspired me to keep on keepin' on! Thanks, and once again, congrats on a tough job well done!


WG840

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Freedom above all else.

I have a few friends who are on the larger side, I figure most people do.
Lots are trying these different "diet of the week" things.
They all ask me how I did it, then dismiss it because I didnt use pills or supplements, or protein shakes.
I tried all different things, and what worked was the simplest.
I still eat most of what I like and want, just limited amounts.
I also treat myself from time to time. Makes it easier for me to stick with in the longer term.
My wife is behind me 100% on it and that helps a LOT.
What makes it hard for me, is that I live on the road with my job.
I dont generally get to have a kitchen and am limited to a fridge, microwave, and eating out.
BUT, I have adapted and its working well so far.


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

You are right on the mark with making healthy eating a life choice, and not just the diet du jour! Once you have identified what foods are bad, it's easy to avoid them. Drinking lots of water is also a key factor.


WG840

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Freedom above all else.

I sure am glad I dont have that problem!

Guy I used to know had a shirt that said "I beat anorexia"
He made me look tiny.


Jim

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Big bullets leave big holes

good for you jim...about a year ago i was at 250...and i'm 6'1"got tired of that and pretty much using the same techniques that you have...this morning i weighed 198....still a few to go but 36"waist pants are pretty loose...again...congrats!

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

I'll still say I'm impressed with you all.I'm not the big guy like some here.6'1"and180lbs.I always have eaten anything I wanted but now I have a gut at 50.Beer is my problem.Dang those empty calories and empty beer bottles.Every one here should take a better look at their junk food intake.Also look at your salt intake.Bless you all.

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Dum vivo cano

Sodas and other sugared drinks are pure poison. I admire your discipline. Great work.

Out
West

Outstanding! You are truly inspirational to me. Keep up the great work!

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Man of Steel

Congratulations!
I'm impressd. You should be very proud of yourself.

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Evil One,

You have made some outstanding changes. You've gotta feel tons better...no pun intended. Your results are phenominal. Common sense, discipline and persistency have taken you a long way. Congradulations!!!!!!!!!


Your post has come at a very meaningful time in my life.

I'm a big guy....6'5" and currently way too heavy.

I played football as a teenager and was very active throughout ,my college days. Knee reconstruction at age 18 was something I recovered from at the time. Football injuries have lasting effects...the echoes of those injuries and surgeries have resonated in my 30's and now 40's.

Unfortunately for me I let my college eating habits carry over into adulthood but my excercise habits tapered off. Extra weight on the beltline every year. I smoked for a long while, too. I quit the cigarettes for good 6 years ago. In that time I added a lot of weight.

Well time marched on and so did a few more pounds every year.

I made the decision two months ago that enough was enough. I was, by God, gonna loose the weight and get into shape. I pushed myself a bit too hard too soon, I'm afraid. I should have ramped into a program vs jumping into it too hard.

Pain resulted. Aches and pains, mainly in the knees ground my progress to a halt. I took some advice from a coworker and began glucosamine and chrondroitin loaded Osteo BiFlex daily. The results came within two weeks.

I then maintained my vigilance over no sugar drinks, tapered off the sugary snacks and junk food. I resumed lots of walking daily.

I was playing golf with my father a two weeks ago and felt something pop in my right ankle during my backswing. Couldn't walk without crutches. Got in to see an orthopedic surgeon last week.

I had my 42nd birthday last week. On that very day I was told he'd have to operate this Friday. We discussed what/how/when to take safegaurds against reinjury assuming I make a full recovery. The weight...the weight....the weight.....lose it....lose it......lose it. This was a reoccuring theme throughout the pre-op testing I did today from the nurse.

I grinned inside when she said this. What she didn't know is that I've actually lost a good deal of weight during this mess...even with limited mobility. Getting on the scales today proved it.

Zero sugar drinks (I used to love Mt. Dew) and almost no Diet Cokes. Lots of water when I wake up.....usually my daily coffee with Splenda.....then tons of water throughout the day.

Food.....well I've been really enjoying Lean Cusines. Tons of flavor and 250 calories. Also steamed brown rice and fresh vegatables with just a tad of teriaki sauce. Tuna and samon as well. Boneless chicken breasts with low sugar/low sodium marinade/sauce (Don's Seasoning Delight from Augusta, GA....look it up on the web and order some....outstading stuff).

Losing weight with very limited mobility. Cut out a great deal of sugar....severly reduced my sodium intake....no more fried foods. I can feel a big difference when slipping on clothes. I've got a long, long way to go but have reason to be encouraged. I'm looking forward to getting past this surgery and getting my activity level up. I think I'll really see the weight drop off more rapidly then.


The funny thing is my wife. This is the hilarious part of this. She's tall, slim and trim. Very fit. She works hard in the gym almost daily to stay this way. I tell her all the time she is more fit now than she was 20 years ago. Her job is in the wellness field. She assists people every day....smoking cessation, weight loss, designing healthy lifestyles and etc. She's never pushed or demanded me...knowing I'm the stubborn type that would have to come around on my own. She told me the other day she cold see a difference and was very supportive.


I'm grateful to have been on the right track but am aggravated by the injury slowing down progress. The pain that I've felt...and the post-op pain is gonna be a very powerful reminder that the weight has to keep going....going......gone and stay gone.




The journey of 1,000 miles take the first step. We'll mine is temporarily needing some crutches and limps...but still heading toward my goal.




Thanks for your post, Evil One. Good luck to you and keep up the good work.

OH GREAT!!!! As I'm eating my "Big Hunk", I stumble into this thread......I guess I'll finish it and a coors "light" and go off to bed depressed for me and happy for you..........................kidding.....Congratulations!!!!!!

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Go big or stay home

Great job on your lifestyle change. It suits you well.

I am in a very similar situation at 49 years old and over 260 lbs.. My job keeps me behind a desk and I don't get any exercise to speak of. I love sweets and food in general and eat way too much of what I like. I have been thinking in the last couple of months that it's time for a change as I have been buying 3XL shirts and 46 pants.

If I may I would like to join your support group. Maybe this thread will help extend the lives of a few people. I could use some folks to talk to about this openly.

Keep it up.

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AL
Pax Per Potens

About 2 years ago I went from full time 40 hrs. to 32 hrs. 4 days a week at work. I did it voluntarily and took SS at 62. (if you take SS at 62 MAKE SURE you understand the whole deal) Anyway I was 6'1 230 lbs. with loose size 40 jeans. When I went part time. I added 20 lbs in 6 mos. I read somewhere that for the average guy every additional 5 lbs means 1 additional inch at the waistband. That held true for me. So when I retired 4 months ago I weighed about 250, size 44 jeans. I am now eating only chicken (white meat) or turkey either one is broiled. Lots of vegetables. I'm comfortable eating only twice a day. I've lost maybe 10 lbs and am down to size 42. I'd really like to get down to a point where I can quit BP meds.

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SOS USA

Hi Jim,

Congratulations! You have done GOOD!!! It's not easy but well worth the effort.

I've been working on my health/weight and know how difficult it can be...I've had to fight to maintain my weight most of my life so what you are doing/have done is very close to home.

Bob

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"Onward thru the Fog"

I just got a few minutes to check out some posts and saw this one. What an amazing change! You should be proud Jim! I honestly wouldn't think it was the same person! Many good wishes for continued success and health!

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Misty

Be careful with that, only eating twice/day can get you some short term results, but your body will outflank you and change its metabolism rate to adjust. Then your gains will be more difficult. Both my nutritionist and doctor advised me it is far healthier (and more effective) to eat about 5 times/day in small amounts (see my earlier posts). That causes your body's metabolism to eventually get used to burning hot all day long instead of going into starvation mode where it conserves everything (by saving it as fat). When the metabolism goes high, your fat will drop off you in buckets. Just be sure your 5x day is smart and sized appropriately. Even if you take the exact same food quantity you ate yesterday in two meals and just space it out over the day into 5 snacks! That's far better for you. I used to eat only once/day at dinner and couldn't figure out why I wasn't loosing weight. Now I eat something every few hours and the pounds keep falling off.

Good Luck!!!!