mike734

Well, I knew when I upgraded I'd be a bastard captain, (in some eyes), but I didn't want to a Fat Bastard Captain. Well, it's too late. As of now I am at my heaviest ever. I am 6'2" 251 lbs and 33% Body fat. Holy S!!!!

I'm issuing a challenge to all of you concerned about your weight. Join me in a weight loss program. Over the next few months (year) I'm going to try to get down to my fighting weight of 210 pounds. Oh sure, the charts say I should weigh about 185. That's not going to happen. I would be very happy at 210.

Four years ago I did lose 40 pounds and made it to 210. I went from a 39 inch waist to a 36. and still have lots of clothes I would like to wear again. This time I need to drop from 251 to 210. How did I do it last time? Atkins and exercise. I started last week and this morning I weighed in at 246. That five pounds is mostly water but I already feel better.

Who is with me? Let's post our results monthly and keep each other honest. I'm going to do it anyway but it would be nice to share in the experience.

vagabond

Holy Mackerel, Mike! But count me in! I need to lose 15 pounds. I bike and do the Nordic Trak everyday and hope to lose it (the 15 pounds) by Valentine's Day.

Puppyz

i'm actually back in the gym to gain weight. Looking to pack on about 15-20 lbs of muscle. Mike, I used to wrestle so i've had to change my weight quite a few times. I'm not familiar with atkins but I can tell you if you dont make a lifestyle change that weight will probably come right back. The most important thing for me was sticking to a diet and living in the gym.

HSLD

A shameless plug for one of the Airline Pilot Central's contributors, Dr. Kari Hamrick.

Kari's practice "...focuses on the unique needs of each client and fosters partnerships that help clients achieve realistic, long-term nutrition and lifestyle changes...".

Check out her site at: http://www.navigatenutrition.com/

She does web/phone consultation and accepts insurance from most major providers for office visits.

I've heard her say that a 10% decrease in body weight can result in (up to) a 60% decrease in risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes (recalling this off the the top of my head, don't quote me on that). One recurring theme I hear for weight loss is to do it safely. Don't create new health problems at the risk of shedding weight.

Also, here is a BMI calculator that provides a snapshot of risk: http://www.navigatenutrition.com/content/view/18/31/

Skygirl

I was unlucky enough to have developed gestational diabetes during both of my pregnancies back in the 80's. (if there is a complication, it will be an OB-GYN's wife!). He immediately sent me to a registered professional dietician, and I have to say that the standard diabetic diet that she put me on is the healthiest way to go. No fad diets! They don't work! I only gained 25 pounds during my pregnancy and my son weighed 9 1/2 pounds at birth, so little fat was gained and I lost it all within 6 weeks. Have to admit though that I was still in my 20's then...haha. Still, shameless plug or not for Kari, I have come to believe that proper nutritional counseling by a professional works best.

Mike, hard to believe that you weigh 250, but good for you for being motivated to take it off! I've gained a few pounds since I shredded my knee at the gym, and the subsequent surgery, so maybe I'll join you in your challenge. Although, with remodeling my kitchen, moving, and putting my house on the market, (not to mention Christmas and working!) all in the next 8 weeks, I may lose it on the stress factor alone! I haven't been able to work out like I'm used to since my knee surgery, so a little challenge is a good thing.

If nothing else, maybe the challenge will at least keep us motivated to behave during the holidays.

Best of luck to all!

iflyjets4food

I've lost 95 pounds in the past 2 years and 57 in the past 6 months. Still have 26 to go. I'll throw in a shameless plug as I'm not ashamed to admit that I've been doing weight watchers. It's great and works well.

Skygirl

Truly folks, if any of you are having dietary or weight loss issues, you really might want to consult with a registered dietician. They are not "fly by night-get rich on the fad diet" folks - they know their stuff. I spent 25 years with my ex - he's a bright physician from Johns Hopkins, but he will be the first to admit that physicians really don't know as much about nutrition as they should. They spend very little training time on that, because they have so much to learn. In recent times, they are learning more, but the truth of the matter is that because they have SO much to learn, that they don't know the diet stuff like an educated dietician does. A good physician will send you to consult with someone who truly knows nutrition.

The most awesome thing about having my ex send me to a registered dietician, was that she was so cool and not at all condescending, and taught me so many practical ways to eat and still enjoy life...portion control is one of the the most important things....master that, and you might find that you can still eat forbidden foods! You won't feel deprived and denied!

Now, I just need to take my own advice!

fedupbusdriver

Throw me into the mix. 5'10" , 238 lbs. Joined weight watchers yesterday. Good luck to all.

mike734

Man that is awesome. It must be like a new body. I'm sure you don't need the encouragement now but go to a pet store and pick up tow 50 pound bags of dog food, (if you can), that is how much weight you are not carrying around anymore. Great for you. Keep us informed on your progress. BTW, what size pants did you start out out and what are you now?

Cosmicharlie26

I'll have to throw a plug in for Weight Watchers as well... about 3 years ago, I joined and lost 47 pounds; I've managed to keep most of it off over the past few years, though with my love of all things sugar, it is a challenge at times........
I had to throw exercising into the mix and I still try to walk every day that I'm home ( bike riding is my favorite...)