HalFitness

Down to 222. 2 pounds to go to hit the goal weight that I told my wife that I'd be "happy with" back when I was a couple pounds shy of 300.

Decided to have a cheat day, because I heard the ice cream man. Ate a choco-taco, and decided to go whole hog on the cheat day: about a dozen ritz crackers, 2 Martin's potato rolls.

Of course, that's nothing compared to the kind of carbs I used to eat, but if I were to eat more, it'd just be for spite. I feel well satisfied.

Blood sugar at 150 for this evening's test. I expected in the 200's. Woot.

Still, I don't expect to be at 222 in the morning. Heh
That is an impressive amount of carbs. We've been letting the moving stress get the better of us, much to our diets' detriments. Sugar levels still good, but I just can't eat fast food all the time and not feel run down and sickly.
 
Not sure if my pace times are going down because I'm getting in better shape, or if it's because I can push a little harder because it's getting a bit cooler. Well, whatever:minionhappy:
 
Me: Hm. I've learned how to really engage my core during yoga. What's a good way to challenge that? I know! Let's do a weight loss yoga practice on YouTube that greatly focuses on your core!

Nick's Core, After: I hate you. So much.
 
So I learned something about myself recently: I have duck feet.

Basically, duck feet is a posture misalignment where you feet stick out sideways rather than straight when you're standing, walking, or even sitting. I've always been somewhat aware of it, but I never put it into words until a recent yoga class. I told the instructor afterwards that every time I step forward from Downdog into a Lunge that I can never get my foot to point forward. He said it might be an internal hip rotation thing.

So I looked it up online, learned about "duck feet" and discovered that it's actually something fixable with certain exercises!

So I've been following this video. Tonight, I did the DDP Yoga Below the Belt, really paying attention to how my feet and hips were aligned. WOW. What a difference. My hips are actually sore as hell from working them that much.

I've also been trying to walk with my toes pointed straight. As weird as this sounds, I feel like I'm learning how to walk again. It feels so awkward!
 
My evening blood sugar count seems a lot more dependent on how hard I work out that day than on how much carbs I eat.

I had a 6-pack of Tasty Kake pumpkin spice mini donuts the other day, but walked 6 miles that day. Blood sugar in the 130's.

Had very few carbs yesterday, but only walked 1700 steps all day, because I was feeling like a lazy slug from work stress. Blood sugar in the 190's.

So, I guess I'll be doing the exercise bike every day when the weather gets colder. Or while there are bears roaming the neighborhood, like this week.

On a positive note: 1 pound from my original goal weight. Woot :)


Of course, now I gotta revise it down, and shoot for 200
 
I’ve started DDP Yoga. There’s an online version which runs you through a scheduled program. The app recommended that I start with the Limited Mobility program, probably due to my age, weight, and I flagged nearly every joint on the pain map due to fibromyalgia. Limited Mobility uses a chair as a prop for balance, and there’s also some seated exercises. The seated exercises are fairly easy so far, but the standing exercises (mostly lunges) have been really working the legs.

I’m liking the app. It has a set schedule (currently 3 times a week) and achievements, which I really need for motivation. I know health and fitness should be my goal, but my gamer brain is more interested in the free t-shirt for getting 100,000 points. The results are the same, though, so yay for gamification. :D

I totally get why @ThatNickGuy loves this program so much. I like DDP as an instructor. Yoga programs can often be annoyingly woowoo, so I like the down-to-earth style of focusing on getting fit. Also, he’s an old guy who has experienced disability and pain, and he seems to treat modifications more seriously and respectfully than other programs I’ve tried. And he’s fun and cracks jokes, which you really need when you’re pouring sweat and trying not to fall over.
 
I just want to point out that this post continues the trend of being substantially improved when read in Slappy's voice.

--Patrick
 
I’ve started DDP Yoga. There’s an online version which runs you through a scheduled program. The app recommended that I start with the Limited Mobility program, probably due to my age, weight, and I flagged nearly every joint on the pain map due to fibromyalgia. Limited Mobility uses a chair as a prop for balance, and there’s also some seated exercises. The seated exercises are fairly easy so far, but the standing exercises (mostly lunges) have been really working the legs.

I’m liking the app. It has a set schedule (currently 3 times a week) and achievements, which I really need for motivation. I know health and fitness should be my goal, but my gamer brain is more interested in the free t-shirt for getting 100,000 points. The results are the same, though, so yay for gamification. :D

I totally get why @ThatNickGuy loves this program so much. I like DDP as an instructor. Yoga programs can often be annoyingly woowoo, so I like the down-to-earth style of focusing on getting fit. Also, he’s an old guy who has experienced disability and pain, and he seems to treat modifications more seriously and respectfully than other programs I’ve tried. And he’s fun and cracks jokes, which you really need when you’re pouring sweat and trying not to fall over.
Hey, I'm so sorry I didn't respond to this sooner. It's been a really hectic weekend with my first weekend of yoga teacher training.

I'm glad you're enjoying the DDP Yoga, though. I'd get the app, too, but the billing system is all screwy because I live in Canada. And you're right, DDP is an amazingly addictive instructor. When I first started doing his videos, I had to pause because I was laughing so hard. One of my favourites is, "Squeeze your glutes. If you don't know what the glutes are, it's your butt!"

Since you have some physical limitations (for now!), remember three big things: modify, modify, MODIFY. If those lunges are hard on your leg muscles, don't be afraid to drop your back knee. I'm also a big proponent of props. The DDP Yoga videos I have don't show them much, but you can use props for literally every pose, some in multiple ways. I recommend buying two cork yoga blocks and a strap. I say "cork" specifically because foam ones sink in under your weight, so you don't get the same benefits. But, say for example, twisting lunge? Instead of trying to get your hand on the floor (it's not easy at first), you can use a block for balance and get a deeper stretch. I started using a block for it, myself, and getting a REALLY deep stretch/twist out of it now.
 
In mid-April, I set out to lose all the extra weight from not dieting or exercising since the depressive spiral I went into when my immigration situation was at its bleakest point (and I had lost my job). Starting point was 217lb at April 12th, with the goal being weighing 160-180lb on December 1st (going home on vacation that month, hoping to mitigate the 15lb+ I'll gain there...). Reached the upper bound of the goal today (I'll probably rebound, but hey).

progress.png


Dietary goals are 1550cal/30cb a day (never feeling hungry except before meals takes priority, though), and some form of exercise at least once a week (been doing SCA, pell, and calisthenics).

Next year I'll be aiming at 160lb with the complementary goal of 10-15% BF.
 
Hey, I'm so sorry I didn't respond to this sooner. It's been a really hectic weekend with my first weekend of yoga teacher training.

I'm glad you're enjoying the DDP Yoga, though. I'd get the app, too, but the billing system is all screwy because I live in Canada. And you're right, DDP is an amazingly addictive instructor. When I first started doing his videos, I had to pause because I was laughing so hard. One of my favourites is, "Squeeze your glutes. If you don't know what the glutes are, it's your butt!"

Since you have some physical limitations (for now!), remember three big things: modify, modify, MODIFY. If those lunges are hard on your leg muscles, don't be afraid to drop your back knee. I'm also a big proponent of props. The DDP Yoga videos I have don't show them much, but you can use props for literally every pose, some in multiple ways. I recommend buying two cork yoga blocks and a strap. I say "cork" specifically because foam ones sink in under your weight, so you don't get the same benefits. But, say for example, twisting lunge? Instead of trying to get your hand on the floor (it's not easy at first), you can use a block for balance and get a deeper stretch. I started using a block for it, myself, and getting a REALLY deep stretch/twist out of it now.
Do you have an iPhone/iPad? I bought the subscription as an in-app purchase (so it's managed through my Apple account). Maybe that would work better in Canada?

I have blocks and a strap from my previous attempts at yoga programs. My blocks are foam, but I'll get cork if they need to be replaced. Limited Mobility and Beginner Beginner use the props. The "Chair Warrior" vids that he does with Arthur Boorman start out completely seated and they use the blocks, too. And he's really good about pointing out modifications, even modifications of modifications. Arthur was doing the chair exercises and DDP demonstrated modifying them even further. In the Beginner Beginner vids, it's pretty much all modification all the time, and DDP drops his knee on the lunges and uses the chair for stability.

I love "Hulk it out!" :D
 
Do you have an iPhone/iPad? I bought the subscription as an in-app purchase (so it's managed through my Apple account). Maybe that would work better in Canada?

I have blocks and a strap from my previous attempts at yoga programs. My blocks are foam, but I'll get cork if they need to be replaced. Limited Mobility and Beginner Beginner use the props. The "Chair Warrior" vids that he does with Arthur Boorman start out completely seated and they use the blocks, too. And he's really good about pointing out modifications, even modifications of modifications. Arthur was doing the chair exercises and DDP demonstrated modifying them even further. In the Beginner Beginner vids, it's pretty much all modification all the time, and DDP drops his knee on the lunges and uses the chair for stability.

I love "Hulk it out!" :D
I love hulking it up. When I do DDP Yoga with my niece, that's one of her favourite parts (the other is shouting "BANG!" at the end).

And wow, they really expanded on the DVD videos I downloaded. Lots of modifications and use of props.

I have an Android phone and had the app when I had the 30-trial, but I never used it. I don't like using videos on my phone. I prefer having a big screen so I can see the poses better.
 
I love hulking it up. When I do DDP Yoga with my niece, that's one of her favourite parts (the other is shouting "BANG!" at the end).

And wow, they really expanded on the DVD videos I downloaded. Lots of modifications and use of props.

I have an Android phone and had the app when I had the 30-trial, but I never used it. I don't like using videos on my phone. I prefer having a big screen so I can see the poses better.
Can your phone stream to a Chromecast? I stream the vids from the iPad to the AppleTV, so it's on a big screen.
 
I guess this is the place for this. I did my measurements with my trainer today and I'm down 33 pounds since I started in mid-June and down 7 percentage points of body fat. I really want to be below 200 by the time 2018 rolls around and as long as I stick with it, I don't see why I wouldn't be. Just nice to see the progress :)
 
Decided to try and make some protein fluff for the first time. The flavor didn't turn out great but the texture was actually pretty good, kind of like mousse. And as advertised, it's quite filling. Personally I'm not sure if it's worth the effort, but I can see why it's popular.
 
I’m really loving DDP Yoga. I’m at the end of my third week and I’m already noticing a difference in strength and balance. And that’s after doing mostly seated chair yoga sessions. He added the standing lunges again this week and I did so much better with them than my first week!

DDPY has me on a three times a week schedule, so on the two days between I’ve started riding my exercise bike. It uses an iFit sensor, so I can load in rides from Google Maps that uses the elevation data to adjust resistance and I follow along on my iPad in Streetview, which makes it a bit more interesting and fun. I’m currently doing a program that sends me around the world doing 6-10 mile rides around lakes. That’s at the Beginner difficulty. In the Advanced programs, you can do sections from routes used for Tour de France. So my goal is to someday make it up Alpe d’Huez. :D
 
Wilford Brimley update:

Went in a couple of days ago for updated blood work. My A1C started at 11.8, and is now 6.5. The doctor was amazed, and told me that I've made better/faster progress than any patient he'd ever had.

The dietary changes have also had a very positive effect on my LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, so I get to stay off the statins. Which is good, because one of the potential side effects is elevated blood sugar.
 
It’s a big step.
Then again, you’ve already had LASIK, so you’re not averse to direct body modification.
Remember - for the best microbiome, you want gastric bypass, not lap band.

Are they going to do the thing where they first force you to try exercise/diet (to see if that works) before they approve the surgery?

—Patrick
 

GasBandit

Staff member
It’s a big step.
Then again, you’ve already had LASIK, so you’re not averse to direct body modification.
Remember - for the best microbiome, you want gastric bypass, not lap band.

Are they going to do the thing where they first force you to try exercise/diet (to see if that works) before they approve the surgery?

—Patrick
I'm getting a sleeve gastrectomy, not gastric bypass. It's even better.
 
Aww, that means you can’t say you had a GB. ;)

I’m interested in knowing how that method affects the microbiome, since the MB has been strongly implicated as a factor in weight loss on its own. I’ve only seen studies showing how band and bypass affect the biome, but nothing about sleeve or switch.

—Patrick
 

GasBandit

Staff member
Wow. St Joseph's is where my son was born. Small world.
The only other choice in the area, after all, is the CS Med Center, and it'd be kind of silly, given that I work less than a block from St. Joe's, and live within 2 miles.
 
Started exercising again - I have no goal weight I want to hit, I don't own a scale. Just a look I would like to acquire, I'm sick of looking so doughy - and HOLY SHIT. Don't forget to stretch after guys. Don't be like me. I'm normally so good because I love stretching, but I forgot on Day 1 and now I'm FEELING IT. :/
 
Started exercising again - I have no goal weight I want to hit, I don't own a scale. Just a look I would like to acquire, I'm sick of looking so doughy - and HOLY SHIT. Don't forget to stretch after guys. Don't be like me. I'm normally so good because I love stretching, but I forgot on Day 1 and now I'm FEELING IT. :/

 
In mid-April, I set out to lose all the extra weight from not dieting or exercising since the depressive spiral I went into when my immigration situation was at its bleakest point (and I had lost my job). Starting point was 217lb at April 12th, with the goal being weighing 160-180lb on December 1st (going home on vacation that month, hoping to mitigate the 15lb+ I'll gain there...). Reached the upper bound of the goal today (I'll probably rebound, but hey).

View attachment 25629

Dietary goals are 1550cal/30cb a day (never feeling hungry except before meals takes priority, though), and some form of exercise at least once a week (been doing SCA, pell, and calisthenics).

Next year I'll be aiming at 160lb with the complementary goal of 10-15% BF.
Fucking impressive. I need to do exactly what you did. Except I need to be around 175. Job well done!
 
Fucking impressive. I need to do exactly what you did. Except I need to be around 175. Job well done!
One day at a time! Daily weigh-ins are a very good motivator/accountability, for me at least. Down to 172 at the moment, though I expect to finish the month at 175~ thanks to an SCA event this weekend and Thanksgiving the next.
 
One day at a time! Daily weigh-ins are a very good motivator/accountability, for me at least. Down to 172 at the moment, though I expect to finish the month at 175~ thanks to an SCA event this weekend and Thanksgiving the next.
Would you mind sharing an example of a 1500 calorie day?[DOUBLEPOST=1510859685,1510859538][/DOUBLEPOST]
Also - check this fucking data out!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3102524/
Evidence is mounting for the use of bariatric surgery to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients whose body mass index (BMI) is 35 kg/m2 or higher. In obese patients who also have type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery sends it into remission (defined as normoglycemic control without the need for diabetic medications) in more than three-fourths of cases, with higher rates with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure than with the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure.
 

GasBandit

Staff member
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3102524/
Evidence is mounting for the use of bariatric surgery to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients whose body mass index (BMI) is 35 kg/m2 or higher. In obese patients who also have type 2 diabetes, bariatric surgery sends it into remission (defined as normoglycemic control without the need for diabetic medications) in more than three-fourths of cases, with higher rates with the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure than with the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure.
Thankfully I'm not diabetic (through no fucking effort of my own, I must say), but I'm hoping to head that off at the pass with this act as well.
 
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