DU, one of your members needs your support

[loyalkydem]

Hey guys. You've seen me post on here for a while and I'm here today to ask for all of your prayers and support.

let me tell you my story. 8 years ago, I nearly lost eye sight in both my eyes. Cataracts was the ultimate cause of my going blind. For much of 2003, I was a recluse. You couldn't get me to go out on my own because I was terrified and wondered how it would look like for a guy in public to be holding another man's arm. Ultimately, a friend convinced me to not worry about what other people think and he was right.

I slowly started working my way back to the confidence I had before I lost my eye sight. However,I was able to save my right eye hence he reason I'm able to share my story with all you wonderful folks on here. I failed to notice one thing, I kept gaining weight, and gaining weight ultimately to the point where I weighed at my heaviest 346 pounds.

I got approved for TARC 3 which is public transportation for the disabled here in Louisville, KY. They sent me a cab and to my embarrassment, I couldn't sit in the back seat. I had to sit against the door and lie on the back seat. I vowed at that moment, i don't care what it takes I'm loosing the weight.I don't care what I have to sacrifice, its getting done. My life is at stake.

Yesterday, I made the decision to hire a well known personal trainer who lives here in Louisville, Kentucky. When he herd my story, he agree to work with me at what ever rate I can afford. He normally charges 345 an hour for his services but he was so inspired by my story and the fact that he's on a personal quest to help fight obesity, he wanted to work with me.

We had such a good conversation about a lot of things. You see I've been depressed the past few weeks. At first I thought it was the pressure that school was putting on me. I'm attempting to earn my master's degree in Human Services from Capella University. So far I have a 4.00 GPA but for some reason instead of being happy, I been feeling depressed. Secondly, I feel pain constantly. Years ago, I slipped 2 disk in my back and the pain hasn't gone away since. My trainer is going to be developing a routine by which I can strength train. He say the ex cerises will address several things.

the pain in my back
The pain in my leg
he's going to address my nutrition (which I'm already making changes to on my own)


As of this morning, I can happily report that I'm down to 341 pounds which is down from 346 pounds from last Monday. I was very shocked and surprised I lost five pounds. It's giving me motivation to continue with my quest. I have 160 pounds to loose and some times I can get easily discouraged. So if you wouldn't mind, please give me your encouragements, put me in your prayers. Wish me well in this because I'm 34 years old and I don't want to look like this when I'm 40.

[tavalon]

1. Way to go!

It is wonderful that the personal trainer is helping you as well. It's great when we come across truly good, decent folk, isn't it?

[meegbear]

2. You can do this!!

With all you've been through, you've got the drive to do it!!

Keep us up to date!!

[CTyankee]

3. You have a lot to deal with and you are courageous to take it all on.

I am rooting for you. In a way, you are inspiring me to take courage with my own life. We sometimes get so wrapped up in our own problems we don't see the struggle of others. I see yours and how hard you are working toward your goals and it gives me strength to go forward.

Please keep us all posted on your progress. And thank you for letting us know about you. While I don't pray, I will be thinking about you in the days to come and wishing you the very best!

[abq e streeter]

4. I believe in you and I believe with a good trainer you'll accomplish these goals

my very best wishes for you:hi:

[shadowknows69]

5. As much encouragement as you want from me

I'm on a similar quest. Gained over 70 pounds due to some bad medicine side effects in a year and have managed to lose 40 of it back in the next year. And if I can do it anybody can. I'm down to 329 from 372 two years ago. And that's the first time I've told anyone my "numbers" so consider your thread very inspiring and you are in my prayers, if you'll put me in yours ;O)

[pleah]

6. Hang in there!

:hi:

[bdamomma]

7. you can do it, just takes alot of focus and motivation

and plus you have a personal trainer!!

[OneGrassRoot]

8. You can do this. You ARE doing it. Hugs of support.....

sent your way, loyalkydem!!!

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[JimboDem]

9. Best Of Luck!

You certainly sound motivated. Enjoy the pending changes/improvements and keep us posted, loyalkydem.
:applause:

[leftynyc]

10. You're going to keep feeling better

with every pound lost. It sounds like you're really motivated and that's half the battle right there. All the support you'll need can be found right here. Keep it up - I know you can do it.

[Deep13]

11. Have your had the cataract surgery?

Excuse me for askings, but I was under the impression that cataracts were highly treatable.

[MrsBrady]

12. I am proud of you.

My mother is a large person, and has struggled her whole life.
I see her frustration. She is pushing 65 now, and I worry about her all the time.
I try not to let it bother me. And when I'm feeling frustrated about her/for her, I make sure I stay compassionate.

She's gotten help for physical problems, and even two years ago, she almost died...but she's never been willing to deal with some emotional issues.
I know it's a physical problem as well as the emotional component. There are things she could do that she won't do, but I don't discount her difficulties.

I am proud of you for taking this on. Dealing with our personal BS is never easy, no matter what the problems.
I have seen my mother embarrassed before because of her size, and I've stared down people when they gave my mother nasty looks.
People can be so mean. It breaks my heart. I even had to fight to get her some help in the hospital. I'm glad you found a trainer who is sympathetic.

It will get harder to lose weight the closer you get to your ideal weight. My mother lost quite a bit of weight in the hospital, just in a week, even though that wasn't sustainable for her.
Don't get discouraged --if you fall off the wagon, just get back on.

Like I said, we all have BS to deal with, unfortunately people can see what your issue is. My issues are not visible, but they are there.
Don't let anyone ever make you feel like you are not good enough.

Again, I'm proud of you. I'm glad to know that you are able to do something my mother never has, and I'm glad you are taking care of yourself.
Maybe this is selfish, but I feel better knowing you want to fight it. I don't want anyone to have to go through what my mom has.
:yourock:

[QueenOfCalifornia]

13. Wishing you the best.

It isn't easy but just keep putting one foot in front of the other and do not give up.

Good for you. Making positive choices and changes can only bring positive results. :)

[TheCowsCameHome]

14. You WILL win. Once YOU decide to do it, the battle is won.

DO NOT give up. Everyone in the world can tell you what needs doing, but until YOU take action nothing happens.

I lost 88 pounds, but not before the doctor who assisted me (no crazy/fad/dangerous diets, just good, sensible eating) made ME set the goal. Not him, ME.

I eagerly await your post when your goal is attained.

And I know you will do it.

[Hepburn]

15. Hugs!!!

:hug:

Congratulations on taking control of your life! That is the first step to getting where you want to go.

Strong positive thoughts going your way! :hi:

[Bluenorthwest]

16. I've got similar back issues

and if it helps with the motivation, let me tell you there is nothing better than getting the weight off for the back pain. It is better than any treatment. Good luck and hang in there!

[peace13]

17. Energy and good thoughts to you.

Best wishes. Peace, Kim

[sandnsea]

18. What an inspiring thing to wake up to!!

Be sure and stop by the cooking group because a lot of people in there know how to cook good food that will meet the requirements your nutritionist lays out for you. Also, the exercises can really help your back, my son had terrible problems that have all but disappeared with exercise - and a visit to an acupuncturist.

Please give us weekly progress reports so we can keep cheering you on!

:grouphug:

[HillbillyBob]

19. Congratulations, the realization that

you NEED to do something is the first step in a long path to confidence, toward wellness and a sane approach.
You did not get out of shape (round Is a shape!)overnight, it takes years to get heavy and years it will take to get it off.

I know first hand. I will try to be concise and not my usual long winded blowin.

In 1993 I was 258 pounds, cholesterol 353, HIV+ diagnosed about 7 years at time(and more likely pos for abt 13 years) I was starting to have some real issues. My BP was 212/145, body mass 65. I know I could have been a lot bigger.
Dr said I would likely have a stroke by lunchtime and it was already 10:30.
I was married to hobby chef(mm large fatty tasty late dinners, and over the road food, I was a route sales man so I would eat when I could)
I started learning about eating more natural less processed foods.
I dropped things that were processed, had chemicals I could not pronounce, and if it had Corn syrup or hydrolyzed/hydrogenated oil of any kind.
I could not immediately drop all the bad stuff, it took me a long time and now and then I still have to have me a Quarter Cheese and fries!
Rarely though.

In the first year I got my blood sugar under control, dropped my BP to almost normal and lost 40 pounds and dropped from 46 waist jeans to 40.
I got a bike and rode it around the block, often. One of those heavy frame ones.
The it took me about 6 1/2 years to lose 90 pounds.
I took up mild exercise, our apartment building had a pool and I started swimming not laps, but just get in and keep moving slow, but steady.
By 2000 I had lost the fat (I also had had CMV and Cancer)
So also had lost muscle I got down to 120 pounds.
Once I got past those things I got another lighter framed bike, locking your bike up is a good idea, better to bring inside where I lived the other one was stolen. I started riding again and eventually reached about 10 miles a day a could times a week, weight training 4 days a week biking to the gym. I put back on 80 solid pounds over the next few years and had a body mass index of 18%
My balance is not good any more, I am looking to find an affordable trike suitable for dirt roads where I live now. I had an allergic reaction to mold in a house we were renting and then a heart attack and clots in my legs over the last several years. I go for surgery tomorrow and hope I can get back to exercise in the next few months..Any one want to coach me in rural Caswell County, NC? I have a gym, I just need the push!

[demmiblue]

20. Website suggestion: SparkPeople.com

This a wonderful site for everyone and anyone who wants to concentrate on their health, especially those who want to lose weight. They have so many tools, such as: nutrition tracking, activity tracking, exercise demos (including short workouts), health/fitness articles, message boards, groups that share health concerns (as well as other interests), recipes, etc.

Best of all, it is free!

Congrats and good luck... you can do it!

:hi:

[mdmc]

38. thanks for the link

:toast:

[undergroundnomore]

21. I'm so proud of you

This is a tremendous life changing thing you are doing for yourself. You are to be applauded for your efforts.

When I was turning 40 I suddenly gained a great deal of weight and I just couldn't seem to get it off. I was borderline agoraphobic, doing almost anything to avoid leaving the house except to go to work or grocery shopping. I was depressed and pulled away from family and friends. Fortunately for me one friend wouldn't abandon me and I was finally ready to hear her message of love reaching out to me.

I found that becoming involved with others who were doing the same thing gave me the encouragement to lose the weight and become more active participant in my life again. Have you investigated online support groups for people who are losing weight. I wish they had been around when I was losing weight. Starting your own blog about the struggles and successes in your journey might also be a way of gathering others together who see your strength and cheer you on as you meet each challenge life throws your way.

I admire what you are doing and I am definitely in your corner!!!!!!!!!!!

[mopinko]

22. be sure to post to your journal

good luck. i think you have a big fight on your hands, and it is wise of you to give yourself a reasonable amount of time to do it.

[loyalkydem]

23. Thanks everyone

This is indeed giving me the strength to fight. Keep those comments coming and as soon as I figure out how I will start a journal on here and keep you all updated.

[Bertha Venation]

24. You have my support. -- I suggest cross-posting this to the Lounge, too.

:yourock:

[bananas]

25. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tse

You asked for encouragement...remember this when you don't feel like exercising:

http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/24004.html

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu
Chinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)

Notes about this Quotation

* Although this is the popular form of this quotation, a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be "The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet." Rather than emphasizing the first step, Lau Tzu regarded action as something that arises naturally from stillness. Another potential phrasing would be "Even the longest journey must begin where you stand."

A song that express the same idea:
"Just put one foot in front of the other"
:hi:

[lonestarnot]

26. Can I ask about your cataracts?

[loyalkydem]

35. Of course

Ask away, if I can help one person on here I've done my job

[lonestarnot]

49. How did cataracts cause blindness?

[loyalkydem]

60. it damanged the

tissues behind my eye. I nearly lost both of them but thank god I did find some insurance to save it.

[cabbage08]

27. K&R

[sutz12]

28. Best wishes and best of luck...

You make my goal to lose a mere 20 pounds seem like child's play. I started a couple of years ago around 250 (pounds and blood sugar). I'm down to around 230 on the weight and have stagnated a bit there, but the blood sugar is hovering closer to 140 now. I'd like to lose another 20-35 pounds, and I'd love to have a "normal" blood sugar level(<120) some day. It can be enormously difficult, but it can be done.

Hang in there. Losing the weight should help enormously with the back and leg problems. Blood sugar is bad for your eyes as well as other key organs. Maintain a good rapport with a good doctor if you can.

In the final analysis, it all boils down to the old, boring diet and exercise changes. Certainly get medication for any medical conditions, but in the end it still is all about what you take in and what you burn off.

You're young. You can do this. :thumbsup:

[dionysus]

29. just keep at it and don't give up.i dropped 30 last year and it was the best thing i could have done

[satya]

30. You're earning a 4.0 GPA,convinced $$ trainer to work w/you at a reduced rate & lost 5 lbs in 1 wk!

Sounds like you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to do! You've obviously got what it takes, or the trainer would not have agreed to help -- his time is very expensive, he can't afford to spend it with just anyone.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted -- you've got a lot of people rooting for you!

:yourock:

[CrispyQ]

31. Good for you for taking action.

It's never too late & you're never too old! There's an exercise & fitness forum on DU. We don't get a lot of hits, but it would be great if more people checked in with daily workout sessions!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=295

Good luck to you!

[WilliamPitt]

32. My fiancee's brother was about your weight six months ago.

He was deeply depressed, very unhealthy, and at the end of his rope. He decided to make a change.

He took it very, very slowly. Changed his diet. Began swimming at the local YMCA. Did his program every day.

He has lost 75 pounds, and you've never seen anyone with a wider smile. He got married last month.

He did it, and is doing it. So can you.

:hug:

[area51]

33. (((((good vibes))))

:hug:

[OneBlueSky]

34. good luck, friend . . .

get that weight down, and then you can deal with the back problem . . . meanwhile, moderate walking three times a week will do wonders for both the weight and the back . . . good luck . . . :hug:

[applegrove]

36. You are an inspiration. I'm trying to loose weight too. Best of luck to ya.

[mdmc]

37. Thanks for posting

peace and low stress...

[foxfeet]

39. Good vibes en route!

[Kajsa]

40. Good for you!

As a fellow back pain sufferer,with severe sciatic
pain, I know how excruciating it is!

Best wishes on your weight loss, it's much harder to do
than many realize.

I'm rooting for you, 100%!

:applause: :pals:

[roguevalley]

41. as someone who has lost eighty pounds to beat off diabetes, I

know how hard the struggle is. for someone to do it, they are my hero. You can do this. don't let things get you down. you will win. You have a life ahead of you filled with dreams. The weight will fall, you'll feel better and as for the depression? Don't worry so much about keeping a 4.0. You already proved you can. Accept with gratitude your gifts, let go of your goofs and be happy. I am totally proud of you. :)

[loyalkydem]

42. Update:

I just found out that I might be borderline diabetic. Boy, when it rains

[EFerrari]

43. Great job! Wishes going your way.

:applause:

[Joey Liberal]

44. You can do it! n/t

[noiretextatique]

45. loyalkydem...you will be in my thoughts and prayers from this moment on

i am a breast cancer survivor and i found out yesterday that i am borderline diabetic. i need to lose some weight too, so i will be on a similar journey.
hang in there...you can do it!!! you have so much to look forward to. grad school is tough, but you can get through that too.

here's an affirmation we use at my religious science church (metaphysics, not scientology). whenever you are feeling discouraged, read this. i am not particularly religious, so i substitute "spirit" for god.

spirit is the only power in my life
nothing from without can touch the perfect life of spirit within me
i am a perfect expression of spirit
and nothing that anyone has ever done of said
can interfere with my divine inheritance
the power of spirit is great than any circumstance in my life
the strength of spirit of mine to use
turning away from all feelings of inadequacy
i discover that all the i need is
within me right now
as i forgive the past
i find that i have nothing to atone for
and nothing to run away from
casting off the old me
i discover my true self:
I TAKE DOMINION IN MY LIFE!!!

old habits have no power over me
conditions have no power over me
circumstances have no power over me
diagnoses have no power over me

I TAKE DOMINION!!!

i am whole
i am free
i am complete
now, and forevermore
and so it is.

[Hekate]

46. Good luck and God bless. You are an inspiration to the rest of us...

:grouphug:

Hekate

[yellerpup]

47. Good vibes to you!

You are taking yourself on a wonderful course. The runes advise us that: "Once the decision is made, the doing becomes effortless." (To be sure there will be times when it is not that easy, but hey--you are worth fighting for!) Keep your eyes on the future. It's just going to keep getting brighter and brighter for you. :hug:

[The Straight Story]

48. You are an inspiration

Facing what you must and challenging it. I salute you!

[livefreest]

50. you are a true fighter. stay strong

and feel the love

[Arugula Latte]

51. You can do it!

Yes you can! :)

Keep us posted on your progress, okay? :hi:

[hfojvt]

52. I don't think I can pray for you

until you join the 700 club.



Inside joke, and maybe mostly a lounge thing. Back in the day, anyone who had passed 700 posts was said to be in the 700 Club. Which we, of course, found to be metaphorically distressing. It was sort of a right of passage that made you no longer a n00b. Like Barry Manilow sang "I made it through the rain, and found myself respected by the others who got rained on too, and made it through."

The Lounge is the place to go for this kind of personal support for more than one thread. Although, just like in GD or GDP, you can make enemies there who will say mean things to you.

Good luck on your quests.

[Skittles]

53. my advice

don't tie your quest for fitness solely to that scale - regardless of what that scale says, exercise is good for your heart, lungs, bones, mental health! Go for it!!!

[ThomCat]

54. Good for you!

That's good progress. :)

I hope it goes well, and I hope you are able to stick with this until you reach a healthy target weight.

I understand the loss of confidence that comes with big losses. I've lost a lot of physical function, and I'm still losing. There are quite a few of us here at DU who understand. So you're definitely not alone here.

I hope you have a good circle of friends, and a supportive family. Having people around you who are good for you is the best thing for helping you maintain your self esteem, and for helping you adjust to your new capabilities.

:hug:

I am wishing you the best.

[Beaverhausen]

55. Give yourself small goals

don't get overwhelmed by the big picture- celebrate the little victories, like the fact that you lost 5 lbs is great!

Exercise is a great way to deal with depression.

I lost 50 lbs a couple of years ago. I feel so much better mentally and physically. Keeping up in the exercise (even simply walking) is so important.


The best thing you can do is remind yourself that you deserve to be healthy and happy. You are a special person and your own belief in that fact will take you a long way.

I believe in you, too, and I'm sending love and light your way!

[handmade34]

56. congratulations for starting the journey

keep posting and when the discouragement comes, kick it out the door...

keep in mind that continued weight loss w/exercise (and limited processed food) will most likely take care of the diabetes. A lot of people here to cheer you on...

[Earth Bound Misfit]

57. Sending (((((Good Vibes))))) Your way...

There are certain aspects of my life that need "changing" that I often neglect as being too difficult, too expensive, too inconvenient...

Your story helps reminds us that ultimately, changing one's life for the better is mostly DECIDING to do so.

Thank you for the inspiring post, and good luck!

Rec'd, of course.

[The Doctor.]

58. 345/ hour for personal training?

That's gotta be a typo.

Have your trainer coordinate with a physical therapist.

Good luck. The key is consistency.

[Dorian Gray]

59. Awesome!

You can do it!!!! You can!

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

I have lost 66 lbs myself, and I'm working on my final 20 lbs until I reach my goal weight. It's been a long road, and there were periods of discouragement, but in the end I feel better than I did in my 20s. (I'm currently 37!) You will appreciate that you took these steps when you feel a spring in your step and more energy than you've felt in years.

If I carry 66 lbs on me now, I get tired so quickly. And I used to carry that around all the time! Keep that in mind!