*** Big Fat Weight Loss Thread ***
- Thread starter AndyCr15
- Start date
No one took me up on it or id be 90kg by now.I'm sure you owe someone some money by now... where were those posts?!
All your fault I’m fat!
First time posting, but wanted somewhere to keep track of my progress.
A little about me:
Just turned 44 and a full-time wheelchair user since a nasty crash in 2005. I battle with chronic pain and arthritis in my knees and hips.
I also have an inherited bleeding disorder, needing Factor treatment from 1982 (when literally every dose was tainted with either Hep-C or HIV).
I'm one of the "Lucky Ones" - I dodged the HIV bullet and cleared Hep-C around 1998, but not before the virus did untold damage to my system. I have non-alcoholic fatty liver syndrome and early cirrhosis, despite being tee-total for most of my life. I have severe PTSD and chronic migraines (likely from long-term opiate dependency), which can see me bedridden for days.
After the car crash I had multiple spinal surgeries, physio plans, hydrotherapy & rehab, desperately trying to return to work.
In 2015, my firm decided to call it a day and medically retire me. I haven't been able to work again.
In 2019 I cut all opiates except Tramadol, which I've been gradually reducing since October.
I'd always managed to stay relatively trim, especially as I can burn 8-10,000 calories a day from my chair, but since I turned 40, I've found it harder and harder to keep the weight off.
Last year's family holiday to Mallorca was the first time I'd not taken my wheelchair, but hired a mobility scooter instead. In every single photo I look enormous and genuinely "fat". At my heaviest, I was 115kg at 5'10.
I decided to make some changes to my diet - no more huge bowls of cereal, cut out the pastries/danishes. Smaller portions and only eating during daylight hours.
I lost a couple of kilos, which felt good, but I seriously struggled with hunger, particularly on days when I was more active in my wheelchair. I found it difficult to judge how many calories I needed, but staying within healthy boundaries.
In terms of what I'm able to do for exercise, I can walk very short distances. I try to go swimming, but the cold triggers muscle spasms and arthritis flare-ups.
I have to be really careful how much energy/pain levels I burn through.
Despite best intentions, my weight dropped to 107kg and stayed there.
On 21st January, I started Mounjaro injections, having spent months looking into whether it would fit my health and lifestyle (and clearing it with my specialists).
The immediate effect on my hunger/appetite was impressive.
By week 5, I was under 100kg for the first time in years.
I'm currently using Huel meal replacement shakes for breakfast and eating balanced, homemade meals for dinner (I cook a lot of Thai/Korean food, so Tom Yum soups & Bibimbap noodle bowls, heavy on veg & protein).
If I need to increase my calorie intake for using my chair, I'll grab a banana or a low sugar nut bar.
My second round of Mounjaro starts next week, with the increased dosage. I'm starting to feel more hunger at the end of the weekly dose, so I'm hopeful it'll stay effective.
Currently looking for gym with a heated pool, so I can increase my fitness without overdoing things.
A little about me:
Just turned 44 and a full-time wheelchair user since a nasty crash in 2005. I battle with chronic pain and arthritis in my knees and hips.
I also have an inherited bleeding disorder, needing Factor treatment from 1982 (when literally every dose was tainted with either Hep-C or HIV).
I'm one of the "Lucky Ones" - I dodged the HIV bullet and cleared Hep-C around 1998, but not before the virus did untold damage to my system. I have non-alcoholic fatty liver syndrome and early cirrhosis, despite being tee-total for most of my life. I have severe PTSD and chronic migraines (likely from long-term opiate dependency), which can see me bedridden for days.
After the car crash I had multiple spinal surgeries, physio plans, hydrotherapy & rehab, desperately trying to return to work.
In 2015, my firm decided to call it a day and medically retire me. I haven't been able to work again.
In 2019 I cut all opiates except Tramadol, which I've been gradually reducing since October.
I'd always managed to stay relatively trim, especially as I can burn 8-10,000 calories a day from my chair, but since I turned 40, I've found it harder and harder to keep the weight off.
Last year's family holiday to Mallorca was the first time I'd not taken my wheelchair, but hired a mobility scooter instead. In every single photo I look enormous and genuinely "fat". At my heaviest, I was 115kg at 5'10.
I decided to make some changes to my diet - no more huge bowls of cereal, cut out the pastries/danishes. Smaller portions and only eating during daylight hours.
I lost a couple of kilos, which felt good, but I seriously struggled with hunger, particularly on days when I was more active in my wheelchair. I found it difficult to judge how many calories I needed, but staying within healthy boundaries.
In terms of what I'm able to do for exercise, I can walk very short distances. I try to go swimming, but the cold triggers muscle spasms and arthritis flare-ups.
I have to be really careful how much energy/pain levels I burn through.
Despite best intentions, my weight dropped to 107kg and stayed there.
On 21st January, I started Mounjaro injections, having spent months looking into whether it would fit my health and lifestyle (and clearing it with my specialists).
The immediate effect on my hunger/appetite was impressive.
By week 5, I was under 100kg for the first time in years.
I'm currently using Huel meal replacement shakes for breakfast and eating balanced, homemade meals for dinner (I cook a lot of Thai/Korean food, so Tom Yum soups & Bibimbap noodle bowls, heavy on veg & protein).
If I need to increase my calorie intake for using my chair, I'll grab a banana or a low sugar nut bar.
My second round of Mounjaro starts next week, with the increased dosage. I'm starting to feel more hunger at the end of the weekly dose, so I'm hopeful it'll stay effective.
Currently looking for gym with a heated pool, so I can increase my fitness without overdoing things.
Great work all round really, but also great going on this specifically. Must've been tough after such a long time on it. My wife also didn't like the idea of being on it long term and came off it which was a lot of work as she's also in constant pain, so the decision to choose pain over the side effects is massive.
For me (and this seems insignificant to the above!) but yesterday i think i've either broken or badly bruised my toe from stubbing it on the kickboard on the island. Walking barefoot is ok, but any shoes are really aggravating it which is annoying. Need to try and be pretty careful with food now as i can't do my usual 5000kcal of exercise a week like usual so need to be more considered with food.
Thank you for your kind words...
My biggest issue after my car crash was my appetite; I was training (Muay Thai, Jujutsu) Mon-Fri, downhill mountain-biking on a Saturday and sailing competitively on the Sunday.
When I was first paralyzed, I still ate like I was burning 8-10k calories a day and I totally ballooned. I still have trouble managing "good" sources of calories for using my chair.
I've been using Huel meal replacement shakes whilst I figure out what I'm doing fitness-wise. Just subscribed to yFood as it's 40% cheaper and their shakes are higher in protein (36g, over Huel's 20G).
Will see how it goes..
Down to 98.0kg as of this morning.
My Mounjaro dose goes up today - 5mg.
I was initially concerned as the price increases with the dosing (£120/4 weeks to start, £149-189/4 weeks for the step-up doses 5mg - 10mg, then £199/4 weeks for the maintenance doses of 12.5mg & 15mg), but my Starling account has shown we haven't ordered a takeaway or drive-thru since before Christmas.
We'd easily spend more than £300 a month on takeout & eating out before starting the treatment, so we're effectively saving money.
Feeling positive; pleased with the progress (and not spending so much on junk!)
My Mounjaro dose goes up today - 5mg.
I was initially concerned as the price increases with the dosing (£120/4 weeks to start, £149-189/4 weeks for the step-up doses 5mg - 10mg, then £199/4 weeks for the maintenance doses of 12.5mg & 15mg), but my Starling account has shown we haven't ordered a takeaway or drive-thru since before Christmas.
We'd easily spend more than £300 a month on takeout & eating out before starting the treatment, so we're effectively saving money.
Feeling positive; pleased with the progress (and not spending so much on junk!)
Nothing had really moved for the last 10 days then a sudden 2lb drop this morning which is pretty normal from when I've lost weight in the past, just need to keep to the plan while my body plays mind games 
Nice round 20lb down now since the week before Christmas, 8.5 weeks until my first proper holiday in the sun in about 15 years. Hopefully should be able to shed the 14lbs to hit 200 by then, to then put at least half of it back on at the buffet
Nice round 20lb down now since the week before Christmas, 8.5 weeks until my first proper holiday in the sun in about 15 years. Hopefully should be able to shed the 14lbs to hit 200 by then, to then put at least half of it back on at the buffet
Similar for me really. I’ve started to take charge after settling down from the wedding.
Initial 2KG loss and then spikes every time I work out.
This time I’m incorporating more walking and kettlebell work. Last time I did nothing so suspect I lost a lot of lean mass (which is why 115KG at the moment doesn’t feel like 115KG this time last year when I’d lost 5 kilos)
Initial 2KG loss and then spikes every time I work out.
This time I’m incorporating more walking and kettlebell work. Last time I did nothing so suspect I lost a lot of lean mass (which is why 115KG at the moment doesn’t feel like 115KG this time last year when I’d lost 5 kilos)
Just finished my second 1 hour uphill fast paced walk on the treadmill this week following a slow ramp up to 1 hour walks in previous weeks. The pace keeps me in my aerobic zone and with peaks higher for the majority of the hour.
I have started to feel better which is my first goal. Next week will switch with a third session but introducing intervals for that midweek session.
I'm lucky that I bought the treadmill years ago (it's a Reebok One), it never really got used but this winter Mrs has actively been using it for her marathon walk training too and I've started using it in earnest. It's both convenient and the size of the platform allows me (being a 6'4) to run properly.
I used to be very very fit unto my mid 30s, so I'm deliberately not measuring my weight. I already know the feeling of inside fa, etc so I'll gauge myself based on that. My water consumption varies too much so my weight fluctuates what I do know is I'm not eating that much but I do find myself desiring a bag of chrisps but instead it's really water etc so that's the plan.
I have started to feel better which is my first goal. Next week will switch with a third session but introducing intervals for that midweek session.
I'm lucky that I bought the treadmill years ago (it's a Reebok One), it never really got used but this winter Mrs has actively been using it for her marathon walk training too and I've started using it in earnest. It's both convenient and the size of the platform allows me (being a 6'4) to run properly.
I used to be very very fit unto my mid 30s, so I'm deliberately not measuring my weight. I already know the feeling of inside fa, etc so I'll gauge myself based on that. My water consumption varies too much so my weight fluctuates what I do know is I'm not eating that much but I do find myself desiring a bag of chrisps but instead it's really water etc so that's the plan.
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Figured I would chirp in....
We run an annual weight loss challenge at work based on % weight lost, started on 6th Jan, down a little over 38lbs so far. Started at 268.6lbs, now sitting at 230lbs.
Intermittent fasting, usually 16/8, with a 1400cal daily limit. Been terrible on weekends for alittle bit though so have been doing some 3 and 4 day fasts to ofset that. Moving to zero carbs as of monday for the last 4 weeks! Hoping to end at/under 220lbs. Then see if i cant hit sub 200lbs by Jun.....
We run an annual weight loss challenge at work based on % weight lost, started on 6th Jan, down a little over 38lbs so far. Started at 268.6lbs, now sitting at 230lbs.
Intermittent fasting, usually 16/8, with a 1400cal daily limit. Been terrible on weekends for alittle bit though so have been doing some 3 and 4 day fasts to ofset that. Moving to zero carbs as of monday for the last 4 weeks! Hoping to end at/under 220lbs. Then see if i cant hit sub 200lbs by Jun.....
Funnily enough, i'm now at almost 3 weeks since i've been able to do any exercise and yet my weight hasn't really shifted even though i've probably not changed my diet at all. Bizarre considering i was generally around 7-10hrs of activity a week!
Have a bad feeling it's all going to hit at once, although hoping to start doing little bits on the indoor bike starting next week.
Have a bad feeling it's all going to hit at once, although hoping to start doing little bits on the indoor bike starting next week.
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I’m totally off the boil at the moment. Been busy!
Confusing times for my scales - had a birthday celebration at the weekend which resulted in fluid retention in all the wrong places, two cycling sessions this week so far, the latest has improved my FTP which is unexpected. Felt knackered so ate an entire chocolate lobster. Scales said 89.7kg this morning which isn’t as bad as I had expected. Who knows! I’m heading to the USA at the end of the month, so RIP to any progress
Confusing times for my scales - had a birthday celebration at the weekend which resulted in fluid retention in all the wrong places, two cycling sessions this week so far, the latest has improved my FTP which is unexpected. Felt knackered so ate an entire chocolate lobster. Scales said 89.7kg this morning which isn’t as bad as I had expected. Who knows! I’m heading to the USA at the end of the month, so RIP to any progress
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I’m totally off the boil at the moment. Been busy!
Confusing times for my scales - had a birthday celebration at the weekend which resulted in fluid retention in all the wrong places, two cycling sessions this week so far, the latest has improved my FTP which is unexpected. Felt knackered so ate an entire chocolate lobster. Scales said 89.7kg this morning which isn’t as bad as I had expected. Who knows! I’m heading to the USA at the end of the month, so RIP to any progress
Fingers crossed, you've been too much of a success story
Rest of the family has been ill this week meaning I'm running on fumes and just throwing whatever is in the cupboards and easy together for meals, but still managing to squeeze 30 minutes exercise in most days even if it's just jumping on the treadmill watching a series.
Still weight is holding, down to 211.8lb so 22.2lb down since Christmas just under 2lb a week which has always been a nice sustainable rate for me.
Still weight is holding, down to 211.8lb so 22.2lb down since Christmas just under 2lb a week which has always been a nice sustainable rate for me.
Without being too graphic, what are you experiencing? I've seen a few others on It that don't seem to have been affected.
I've been on Mounjaro since the middle of January - currently on week 2 of the 5mg dose.
The morning after the jab I woke with muscle cramps and joint pain (which isn't unusual for me), felt similar to early flu symptoms/hangover-type feeling.
Appetite was very much surpressed; couldn't finish my morning cuppa.
By Day 3, felt much better, but very constipated - I'm using Yfood meal replacement shakes for breakfast & lunch, with a high protein, low carb evening meal (cooked from scratch - usually a Bibimbap style noodle bowl, or Pho with glass noodles). Have increased fibre intake to assist, but last three visits were unsuccessful.
This morning's result was a tear-inducing, bust-a-vessel King Kong's Big Toe, with several Teddy Bear's Noses for the faecal equivalent of an ellipsis... I may have left a hand print on the stainless steel towel rail.
Long story; short - I'm down to 14st 11lb, for the first time in over 15 years.