A Cry for Help

[30andDying]

I been reading these forums for over 3 years now, and alot of you are good people that take the time and effort to help out us unfortunate ones. So please bear with me, this will be long, painful and truthful. I am in tears as I right this.

Where do I begin???

Well I am 30 years old, and just lost my job yesterday because I failed the physical at the doctor's office. My blood pressure is 155 over 99, 112 heartbeats per second. I am 6 feet 1 inch tall, weight 268 pounds. Been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Great way to start my mid-life with all these problems.

Doctor suggests I lose weight, and quick. But theres another problem I have, I have sleep apnea. I can never get a full nights rest. I always wake up tired and hungry. People say to get the CPAP machine or to get surgery, which I was going to, but now I have no job and no health benefits. I won't be able to afford the machine or surgery.

I have been trying to lose weight for the past 7-8 years, I've done nothing but gain weight, I have been averaging around 15 pounds over the past 8 years.

It gets a worse. People say to eat more fruits and veggies, which I agree. But ever since I was an infant I would eat fruits and veggies, just to throw it up in a matter a seconds. To this day I can only eat them blended up with water and ice or juiced.

Later on today I have an appointment with another doctor to find out if I am depressed or not. I gonna go ahead and say YES to. I just lost all desire and will power to even try anymore. 8 years of failing would take a toll on just about anyone.

I need help and guidance, but I can't afford $100 per hour

I am at a lost for words. I don't know what to do or say.


If you read this, I appreciate it, you at least took the time out of your day to listen to some shmucks problems.

 

[H_T_]

jesus.

 

[DaPit26]

try doing cardio. when i feel like shit and lazy i'll push myself to run or workout and then feel 1000 times better after words. Clenbuterol could help the weight issue pretty quickly. I have a few friends who are on it and had awesome energy gains and their motivation levels went up tenfold! I have formed sleep apnea throughout the years. I can barely breath through my nose and i keep my girlfriend up all night. i also have insomnia but started taking ambien and that helped a ton! i was in the best shape of my life this past month and then threw out my shoulder and now i'm feeling kind of depressed. Keep your head up because someone out there has it worse than you. I'm not working right now because i'm waiting for the union to call!!! It sucks not working. Just set a goal in your life and push yourself to doing it. That's the bottom line, you've gotta beat the odds and be dedicated to what you want.

 

[Karmic Pendulum]

I also have insomnia. The very first thing you must do is force yourself to think positively. Never, EVER, let the negative thoughts overcome you. So you fell off the wagon, shit, your dog died...tomorrow will be better. There is always a way out, another job, and time to lose the weight. The docs say fast...we stay calm and steady. This isn't a call to sit down and relax. It is a call telling you to bear yourself. As bad as you have it, someone out there has it worse. You WILL lose the weight, regain health, manage your diabetes, get a new job and afford everything you will need to. Cardio is definitely the way to begin. Run outside - it's free and extremely effective. Jog at a stready pace, speedwalk, anything that you can handle. Jump rope, do jumping jacks, carpet bike (lay on your back and cycle as if you're biking). If you run, do push ups, pull ups, sit ups, squats, lunges, etc. for a year straight you'd get all the benefits of a gym and better. Utilize parks to your advantage. #1. there is a way to overcome EVERYTHING you're experiencing #2. Write down all of your goals and look at them every single time you get a negative thought. Write them as if you have achieved them, i.e. "I have lost 50lbs," "I am a healthy, happy human being."
As of right now you need to focus. You have NO time to be depressed. NONE. Kick it to the side and get everything straight. We will help you with your diet, do you need the help?
Remember - everything happens for a reason and you're being tested. Many go through this most of their lives. Compare that to 8 years. Think of your unemployment as a break, a rest, a chance to focus on your health. Move in with a friend or family.

 

[KillzwithPillz]

bro you can lose that 68 pounds, things are not hope less , since you are low on cash try walking at fast pace, for about 20 min to sart off on empty stomach and work your way up, try keeping your breathing to a point where you could have an winded conversation with someone. but make sure you dont eat before doing so as this will surely help you lose those pounds, and once you can afford it join a gym. I feel bad for your tears man, but with your determination they will dry up and youll be happy again, best of luck to you. also all these people have good suggestions..

 

[alex2678]

You're only 30 years old. Don't let your weight and unemployment get you down. My boss was 32 years old, living at home with his parents, and delivering newspapers in the morning as his only job. He's now a multimillionaire thanks to good real estate investments. (Buying foreclosed homes, remodeling, selling at a higher price) Associate yourself with friends and positive people. Join a club, take up a sport or martial arts and have a good time with it. And laugh as much as possible. T.V. movies, do whatever you can to forget about your problems and get your life back on track.

 

[newbiebynature]

yo dawg i got a CPAP machine....its never used in this house...personally bro...i used it for one night...i couldnt even sleep with it...so ur not missing anything

 

[pintoca]

Man, you are physically where I was just a short while ago. Getting out from there is quite simply (there is a sticky in this page title "How I lost 50lbs in 5 months" check it out, my whole story is there).

It all comes down to 2 things:

1. Motivation: The real one, not the "I want to look good"... that is not strong enough. You need something that will keep you going even when it looks so hard... For me was knowing I was going to be a father and wanting to be the best for my son and being able to play with him without feeling tired.

2. Knowledge: You cannot know too much when it comes to the things you have to do to transform your body. You will need to learn a lot about diet, training and how your body works.

PM me and I will send you some good reading material (but read the sticky first).

On the bright side, life can only get better right? don't live in your current slumo but strive to see the way out.

 

[H_T_]

i lost 50 pounds in 8 months. but you'll have to date a crazy stripper if you want to replicate my results.

 

[rbtrout]

Dude, 30 isn't mid-life. I'm 42 and I feel better than I did at 30. Unemployed? You've got the time, then to get back into shape and lose the weight. If you don't have access to any free weights, then start doing body-weight exercises - pullups, pushups, squats, etc. Start doing cardio. Go rent the original Rocky and get the eye of the tiger going. You can do anything you set your mind to. Elite Fitness is full of guys and gals who have done exactly that.
Pintoca's recent history is pretty incredible, he can help you out.

 

[The Red Dragon]

Clenbuterol with someone with 155 systolic? :S

You were fired because a bad physical? That's so fucked up.

Do you have enough money stored up? If so invest in a gym with free weights, whatever time period you can afford, you need to increase insulin sensitivity through weight training...and you'll have access to those cardio machines. The faster you get weight training and cardio, the faster your results will come, the better your physical/social/psychological health...and the more money you'll have since you'll be doing things efficiently from the start.

Have you assessed yourself financially...how long you can survive on emergency savings?

I can see how your predicament is dire and difficult to escape (given energy levels and monetary resources) but you have to take action now before it lingers on. It'll be hard to be hired with decreasing physical health and decreasing funds...The way I see it objectively, you don't have a choice but to move now.

Fruits/veggies are pretty expensive (I forego them with results), I usualy aim for cheap/nutritious food like tuna, oatmeal (not sure how you'll respond to this), whey protein. Hmm I'm also wondering if low carb/ketogenics will be a danger since you're at higher risk of ketoacidosis...or is that for type I's?

Good luck man. Don't give up. Think about the gym, it might be the best investment you make...and I know its kinda sad that it costs a lot to live healthy. But if you do some research, put the necessary motivation (think about doing this for the sheer thrill of it, not a means to an end...although ultimately it is a means for an end), I'll have no doubt you'll succeed.

 

[KIAN]

Age: 30
Weight: 268
Height: 6'-1"

RMR: 2440

Welcome to EF mate

Since you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, this is the first thing you need to address before you begin an exercise program. The following are some of the things you need to do:

• Smoking - you will need to quit
• Alcohol - eliminate or use it in moderation.
• Coffee - eliminate or use it in moderation
• Have a thorough look at the foods you eat and eliminate any which are high in sodium (ie: packaged meats, prepared meals).
• Reduce your weight (I'll get to that bit in a sec)

In order to make a significant change in your current physique, you will need to know what you are putting into your body in terms of protein, carbs, and fat. Keep a daily journal of these values for one week so that you can see exactly where your diet is letting you down. It is very important to do this or any attempts which you will make to lose weight will just be based on guesses and more likely to fail.

one gram or protein = 4 calories
one gram of carbs = 4 calories
one gram of fat = 9 calories

A reduction of 500 calories per day (3500 total calories over the span of one week) will result in the loss of one pound (minimum) in bodyweight per week. This can be achieved through reducing your caloric intake, increasing your level of physical activity, or both.

Your Resting Metabolic Rate is 2440 so this is the number you should be targeting. Your daily caloric intake should not excede this value if you wish to lose weight. Split up your meals into smaller portions spaced out throughout the day. Your protein intake level should be high, carb intake level should be low, and fat intake level low to moderate. The carbohydrates you consume should be low to moderate gycemic sources (ie: large flaked oats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables). Low Glycemic foods are ones which will take longer to digest, raise your blood sugar levels slowly, and will leave you feeling fuller for longer periods of time. This is also important since you have been diagnosed with Type II diabetes. You will want to keep your blood sugar level as normal as possible. If you are consuming highly processed foods or foods with a high sugar content then your blood sugar level will spike throughout the day and will contribute to your health concerns in addition to increasing your bodyfat composition.

Glycemic Foods Database

Your protein should be at a level of one gram per pound of lean body mass. If you are able to, purchase a protein supplement (whey isolate) and throw some fruit into it (hopefully this will help you over your problem with fruit) and mix it in a blender with some water. Add some ice if you wish and make a nutritious smoothie.

Try to keep your fat intake to under 60 grams per day. Limit your consumption of saturated fats and avoid trans and hydrogenated fats completely.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself properly hydrated.

Exercise: To lose bodyfat, you are going to have to increase your cardio activity and perform it at a high intensity level. BUT due to your current high blood pressure, you will want to ease yourself into this and judge your own performance. If you feel you can push yourself further, then do so ... just take it slow at first. Cycling will be your best form of cardio. When you are more comfortable you can introduce running into your cardio routine. Ideally, your cardio should be performed first thing in the morning for 30-60 minutes followed by a healthy breakfast (ie: oats, fruit, fresh juice, smoothie). Try to perform cardio activity atleast 4x per week, if you can manage that.

To help retain and define the mass which you currently have, you should also set up a weight training program for yourself. Again, easy yourself into this and pace yourself. Your workout should last no longer than one hour. Below is a possible routine for you:


Training Program First Month

Training split 1 on, 1 off

Day 1: Chest/shoulders/arms
Day 2: Rest
Day 3: Back/legs/abs
Day 4: Rest
Day 5: Chest/shoulders/arms
Day 6: Rest
Day 7: Back/legs/abs
Day 8: Rest


You will also find that once you get a better eating routine in place with a solid workout program, your sleeping patterns will become more stable and you will be able to get the rest your body requires.

Supplements: If you are going to use any supplements to help you with your diet, then just stick to a quality protein powder (make sure it is not a protein/weight gain powder). Read the labels before you buy.

DO NOT purchase or use any thermogenic type supplements (ie: Clenbuterol) as they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure.


Since you said you have been viewing the boards for 3 years, I am guessing that your motivation is practically zero, otherwise you would have been using some of the great information on EF. I know it can be hard to start something and when other things in your life don't go your way then it just makes it more difficult. But you are going to have to take the first step. As was already mentioned, you have plenty of free time now so you might as well start looking after number one. Once you start feeling better about yourself and the way you look, the other things will start to fall back into place.

If you need some motivation, have a look at this thread:

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=405662

Have a good laugh at what you see but relise that it is possible to make significant changes to your physique. It does take time and alot of hard work but you can do it too.

Keep posting questions here and educate yourself as much as you can. I hope to see you post a similar thread to the one above in a few months from now so that we can have a laugh and see the results of all your hard work.

Keep your chin up 30andGettingSlimmerAndStartingToLiveAgain

_____________________

KP -- Fitness Basics

 

[pintoca]

Kian, I'll get you later for this post man. Outstanding.

 

[The Red Dragon]

Keep in mind that this may be a huge change in lifestyle...but trust me, it becomes second nature when you get into it. It just requires that you take that first step in initiating it...after that its easy. Shit...I followed a diet that involved less than 50 g of carbs a day and I was just sucking down whey, flax oil, tuna, chicken breast and brocolli every fucking day...but it felt normal throughout the time I was doing it. Like I haven't felt like I made a huge change at all...but I'm glad I did get into this lifestyle, and I'm sure you'll be thanking yourself everyday for having initiating this.

 

[HiDnGoD]

I feel you Bro. I'm 42. Diabetes Mellitus (typeII), I have sleep apnea & I weighed 280 lbs at 5'9" when I became diabetic 7 yrs ago.
I've been working out for 12 years & never really made any gains until I went to my doc 4 yrs ago about diminished sex drive & lack of energy. It was found I have low Test levels. When I started supplementing I actually started making gains. My levels are still low normal, but I feel much better.
There are proven correlations between low test, diabetes, sleep apnea & some type of depression.
Just realize you're not alone & a lot of us here can empathize. When you do the exercises mentioned above, realize it will take time for some improvements to be noticeable. Others will happen faster. Everyone's physiology is different so your results may be different.
You're still young so, don't despair, 6 months or a year from now you'll be helping some other noob.
Any questions, feel free to contact me. Good luck.
Oh, don't let anyone interfere with your program. This is your life & your future, not theirs.

 

[wallcrawler]

You can do it, bro! This site can help!

 

[Childish///AMG]

Wow, you guys gave some "Good" advice. Today is the day to start
a healthy eating, exercise, spiritual way of life. I work in the OR, and I can't
count the number of amputations and such I have been involved with
due to individuals not being complient with their diagnoses.

Read this board everyday and just take it one day at a time. You due have the fact that you are only 30, so you do have the time to recover. Our
thoughts are with you.

 

[HiDnGoD]

Kian's post was excellent, but one thing you should watch out for, being diabetic, don't OVER do it with the fruit.If you feel you need the fruit, take whole fruit's (for the fiber) rather than juice. The juice will have vitamins etc, but the fiber helps with digestion.
A few things I didn't mention. I was on 20 mg Glyburide pd, & 1000 mg Metformin pd.
I have a CPAP. I'm on Test. & I do 5 hrs cardio per week & 3 hrs weights.
I've been able to drop down to 2.5 mg Glyburide every 1 1/2 days.
It's hard to say which treatment has helped the most, but my greatest success has been my attitude.
Still have to work on my weight, but it's coming slowly. My exercise comes before anything else. My family knows this & my work. & my wife is finally coming on board with the food.
You may be able to lose fast, or you may be slow. Remember, even if it takes 2 yrs, In 2 yrs you'll be in better shape than when you started.

 

[EnderJE]

I mean this is the nicest possible way...but that's your first post and you haven't responded to any of the following posts give you advice?

 

[newbiebynature]

lol i dont think hes ever coming bhack

 

[30andDying]

lol i dont think hes ever coming bhack

No, I've been reading the posts daily. I have just been overwhelmed it has left me speechless. I appreciate the positive feedback. It means alot to me that there are people out there willing to help me improve my well being.

As for clen, it does nothing for me as a type of thermogenic. I take it during windy days for asthma to help me breathe.

Yeah, I got fired because the limo driving world you need to pass a physical. Usually they put you on a 3 month suspension, but my physical was pretty bad.

My finances are ok for now and should be even better at the end of July.

I have been going through my fridge and pantry, getting rid of all my junk food. I have slowly been replacing it with chicken, oatmeal, lots of veggie and pea soup, frozen fruits , and lots of water.

I do have a gym membership that I have been going to for the past month or so. I am lifting weights, and afterwards I walk everywhere from 4-8 laps around the track. I have been going 4-5 times a week. I plan on doing cardio in the morning before I eat. I am in the process of buying a treadmill and going to replace it my lazyboy in the living room with it so I can walk/jog/run while watching TV.

My doctor advise I eat 4 to 6 meals a day. Right now I am only eating 4 due to the time I wake up at and I try not to eat past 9-10pm.

Maybe someone can improve this for me, but here's what I have been eating the last 2-3 days:

1 - Fruit Smoothie (Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, ice, water, soy protein, all blended up)

2 - Pea Soup (with carrots, potatoes, celerey, ham) or Veggie Soup (with green beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, beef) 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 10oz nonfat yogurt.

3 - 1/2 boneless chicken breast, 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 10oz nonfat yogurt.

4 - Fruit Smoothie (Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, ice, water, soy protein, all blended up)

I plan on getting a juicer to increase my veggie intake. Please remember that I have a difficult time eating raw fruits and veggies, I end up spitting them out within seconds. So I find it easier to blend/juice since it's the only way I can hold it down.

My hardest part is staying motivated. I have failed myself the past 8 years trying to lose weight, the odds are against me to succeed. I don't know how you all do it, but I envy you all that somehow stay focused and motivated.


Anyways, I'm gonna do my best to improve my lifestyle. Thank you all, you have been kind and very helpful to me. I will do my best to keep you updated with my progress and results.

Thanks

 

[pintoca]

No, I've been reading the posts daily. I have just been overwhelmed it has left me speechless. I appreciate the positive feedback. It means alot to me that there are people out there willing to help me improve my well being.

As for clen, it does nothing for me as a type of thermogenic. I take it during windy days for asthma to help me breathe.

Yeah, I got fired because the limo driving world you need to pass a physical. Usually they put you on a 3 month suspension, but my physical was pretty bad.

My finances are ok for now and should be even better at the end of July.

I have been going through my fridge and pantry, getting rid of all my junk food. I have slowly been replacing it with chicken, oatmeal, lots of veggie and pea soup, frozen fruits , and lots of water.

I do have a gym membership that I have been going to for the past month or so. I am lifting weights, and afterwards I walk everywhere from 4-8 laps around the track. I have been going 4-5 times a week. I plan on doing cardio in the morning before I eat. I am in the process of buying a treadmill and going to replace it my lazyboy in the living room with it so I can walk/jog/run while watching TV.

My doctor advise I eat 4 to 6 meals a day. Right now I am only eating 4 due to the time I wake up at and I try not to eat past 9-10pm.

Maybe someone can improve this for me, but here's what I have been eating the last 2-3 days:

1 - Fruit Smoothie (Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, ice, water, soy protein, all blended up)

2 - Pea Soup (with carrots, potatoes, celerey, ham) or Veggie Soup (with green beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, beef) 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 10oz nonfat yogurt.

3 - 1/2 boneless chicken breast, 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 10oz nonfat yogurt.

4 - Fruit Smoothie (Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, ice, water, soy protein, all blended up)

I plan on getting a juicer to increase my veggie intake. Please remember that I have a difficult time eating raw fruits and veggies, I end up spitting them out within seconds. So I find it easier to blend/juice since it's the only way I can hold it down.

My hardest part is staying motivated. I have failed myself the past 8 years trying to lose weight, the odds are against me to succeed. I don't know how you all do it, but I envy you all that somehow stay focused and motivated.


Anyways, I'm gonna do my best to improve my lifestyle. Thank you all, you have been kind and very helpful to me. I will do my best to keep you updated with my progress and results.

Thanks

Hold on long enough till you see the first results. It will be like a drug after that. I keep on every week because of my Friday "fix" (when I get to weight myself and test for BF%).

Obviously, look for a really important goal, one that means a lot to you. This is very personal, so in that regards you will have to find it on your own.

 

[HiDnGoD]

I have been going through my fridge and pantry, getting rid of all my junk food. I have slowly been replacing it with chicken, oatmeal, lots of veggie and pea soup, frozen fruits , and lots of water.
My doctor advise I eat 4 to 6 meals a day. Right now I am only eating 4 due to the time I wake up at and I try not to eat past 9-10pm.
Maybe someone can improve this for me, but here's what I have been eating the last 2-3 days:
1 - Fruit Smoothie (Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, ice, water, soy protein, all blended up)
2 - Pea Soup (with carrots, potatoes, celerey, ham) or Veggie Soup (with green beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes, beef) 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 10oz nonfat yogurt.
3 - 1/2 boneless chicken breast, 1/4 cup rice, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 10oz nonfat yogurt.
4 - Fruit Smoothie (Strawberries, Blueberries, Peaches, ice, water, soy protein, all blended up)
My hardest part is staying motivated. I have failed myself the past 8 years trying to lose weight, the odds are against me to succeed. I don't know how you all do it, but I envy you all that somehow stay focused and motivated.
Anyways, I'm gonna do my best to improve my lifestyle. Thank you all, you have been kind and very helpful to me. I will do my best to keep you updated with my progress and results.
Thanks

That sounds good. Just watch out for the fruit. Being diabetic, only 1 or 2 per day. Plus I would up the protein a bit more, whole chickem breast.

QUOTE=30andDying]
My hardest part is staying motivated. I have failed myself the past 8 years trying to lose weight, the odds are against me to succeed. I don't know how you all do it, but I envy you all that somehow stay focused and motivated. Thanks[/QUOTE]

Just do it one day at a time. I've been trying & getting frustrated for the past 25 yrs. It will be more difficult, being diabetic, but even if the weight is slow to come off, your diet & exercise can help control the other issues.
My family needs me, yet at times they have been my ggreatest challenge. Like Pintoca said, find a goal, short term & long term, & do it for you.

 

[tdringo]

great thread, there are a lot of good bros out there that are very knowledgeable and more than willing to help, good luck and keep us updated on your progress.