I have been doing free and machine weight training for the last three years. I had surgery in Sept of '02. My weight loss halted at 268 for over a year, then it started creeping up again. It seemed the more I exercised the more weight I gained. I am now hovering at 295 (my original presurgery weight was 435) I am very physically active, and I am now in training for power lifting. I work out 6 days a week, for no less than 2 hours a day. I eat 5-6 protein shakes a day, plus a meal, maybe two of chicken or beef strips in a low cal tortilla. I usually eat less than 70 carbs a day. I burn tons of calories. I am working with a Strength conditioning coach, I trust him completely. I am starting to up my weight ability drastically, and I do the elliptical and bike as well as going a couple of rounds of boxing daily for my cardio. I love what I do, it's become a passion. Who'd have thought a serious fat girl, could be such a gym rat..and proudly display her callouses! My main frustration is that i'm not dropping weight..I am losing inches, slowly. I have about 80 #'s to go, before i'll be comfortable having my plastics done. I was never looking to be thin, just healthy..and healthy I am. But..i'd like to be a nice 180 or so..fit..strong. Anyone else into heavy weights? Any suggestions? or..Any Comments at all?

Good luck!

Mike, CONGRATS! Thanks for the inspiration. I've been lacking on my workouts with it being winter. Now that the sun is out and looking more promising my motovation is coming back. Hope all is well! Michelle O. 339/197/15 lbs left to goal.

You have already done the hardest part.Now when you go back into the gym take it easy and than start doing thing more difficult as long as it does not bother you.Before you know it you will be back to doing your routines and your abs and your body will be one finely tone machine.bob

Check out www.exrx.net - it has great info for everybody, including beginners. It's all backed up by research, unlike many of the nutty bodybuilding sites out there. Congrats on your success so far, and good luck to you.