Hello to Everyone! (Introduction)

Hello everyone! 

My name is Michael, I am 44 years old, and I live in Maumelle, Arkansas.  I am originally from Los Angeles, then I moved here for love (lol!) and I am very happy.

I started my journey on January 7, 2004 at 440 pounds (photo in my gallery), and then after a lot of trial and tribulation and an open distal RNY (and a few complications and a number of hospitalizations - however I would do it all again!), I got down to a very super skinny 150 pounds.

Now, for a 5'11" man, that is too skinny and ridiculous - and I looked like something the cat dragged in!  So, I friend of mine who is a semi-pro bodybuilder took me under his wing, and with his help, I managed to gain healthy muscle and get an actual body! (the other pic in my gallery) - that is me at 190 pounds.

Well, over the past year, I stopped going to the gym and lifting weights altogether from lack of time with my new job here in Little Rock, and I also ballooned up to 218 pounds!!!  I was miserable!

I decided that I could no longer do it alone.  I got onto the Back On Track eating plan, taking all of my supplements again, and being a more conscious person with not drinking while eating, and I am back down again to 200.  Whew!  Am I ever happy!

The only sad part is, that I have still not gone back to the gym and hit the weights again.  I really want to, but I have so much stress and pressure in my life - and on top of that, being strict on an eating regimen again, it all has my head reeling.

That is why I am back here finally.  Almost 2 years ago I decided that I no longer needed support (BIG mistake - how dumb of me!), and I closed down my OH account and stopped going to meetings.  Well, I am reaching out to our community again, realizing that this is a life-long commitment, and there will NEVER be a time in my life when I will not need support.

So, my goal is to get back down to around 180 (not too far to go!), and GET MY MUSCLES BACK.  I don't look TOO bad right now, but I am not as cut as I was in the photo from last year (in my gallery).

Also - I will then need to get my plastics still, I never got that far.  So I have the "apron" just like everyone else who has lost all that weight! LOL....

At any rate, I really look forward very much to getting to know some of you - and if any of you are in the Little Rock or Maumelle area, PLEASE let's connect and become friends!  I am really a great guy, and I could use the support!

With much peace to everyone,

Mike

Hi Mike,

Welcome aboard, and congrats on your weight loss - and for getting back on track. I hope that you are able to find the support you need here. Hang in there and make those gym visits. It'll help to boost your spirits, too.

Adele

Hey Mike,
Welcome back to OH.

I am sure your experience will be a great benefit to others. I appreciate what you shared as it shows me that this is a one day at a time thing just like alchoholism or drug addiction. As soon as we stop doing the daily things we must do like eating healthy and exercising, the weight will creep back which scares the hell out of me.

I wish you the best of luck and look forward to reading more of your posts.

Kevin

Thanks for your story.  It is helpful to hear from those further out.  I too am very scared about the weight gain.  In the last week, I've gone up 6lbs.  I recognize that weight fluctuates and is unlikely to be a big deal but I just don't want to lose control or focus.  I appreciate your back-on-track tips. 

Love the muscles by the way, Meg

Hi Meg, how are you? I have not been on here in a while. Hope all is well. You were so helpful to me when I was preparing for surgery. 
Kevin

 Hi Kevin,

I am good.  Been a stable weight since October - up and down between 146 and 154.  I worry when it creeps (or jumps up suddenly) like it did this week.   I am eating 1400-1800 calories per day.  I aim for 1500 calories/day, though tend to be around 1600 / day.  I keep wondering what everyone else is aiming for each day?  I track food and exercise.  I get to the gym 2-3 times per week and walk/hike 2-3 times per week.  

I went horseback riding for the first time in almost 20 years.  I rode tons as a kid (had a horse) but weight gain precluded anything serious after my early 20's.  It was amazing!  It came back so easily.  I really enjoyed myself.  I think it will be a good (though too expensive) sport for me to get back into it.  I love it and one has to wear tight pants . . . I wish the apron was gone but the tight pants will show weight gain easily.  

How have you been doing?

Meg

Hey Meg, I am doing well.  Glad to hear your weight is stable.  I am actually below my goal weight and have been for a few months. I have had to cut back on cardio as I don't want to lose any more weight and want to get more muscles. I used to be really big years ago when I was working out and doing steroids and I lost a lot of my muscle when I lost weight so I am working on trying to build it up again. I work out about 5 times a week and am only doing cardio 2 or 3 times.  I try to get in 1200 to 1500 calories a day but it is difficult sometimes. I still find it difificult to eat and if it were not for protein drinks and protein bars I would really have a hard time.

Horseback riding sounds fun, I used to ride when I was younger but it has been 30 years at least.

My vanity has set in and I have made a decision to go for plastics and have arranged it in June. Scared to death but going to go thru the fear and do it anyway. My life has changed so much this last year, never would have thought I would even consider plastic surgery but I am not happy with this skin. Its much worse in the mirror in my head than the one on the wall but I know I will feel bettter once its gone.

Have a great day!
Kevin

Hello! It really is great to hear from someone who's years out. I know we all fear the dreaded "bounce-back" but it's wonderful to hear that you BOT! Good Luck!

Hi Mike- Good for you for getting back on track. This is a lifelong journey. People trip, stumble and stray of course. It's just part of the process I think. That's how we learn. I wish I knew how to lift weights. I have a weight machine in my basement and I've been doing some exercises with it (bench presses, lat pulls and mid back rows) but I know I could do so much more.

It's great you're back and posting. Everything else will come when you have time.

Mick

Great post Mike. Welcome back. Having a veteran around is so great for the rest of us. Thanks.as well, for the generosity of your story as it gives insight and inspiration as I make my way in the beginning stages of my new life. Gotta take on that all or nothing thinking about perfect eating or complete failure if I can't stick to it. This really is a marathon and your share reminded me of that. Great to have you on board again!