CAN YOU LOSE 100 LBS IN 1 YEAR -- IN A HEALTHY WAY?

Is it possible to get rid of 100 lbs of fat & flab in just one year, and do it in such a way that it is healthy and not harmful in any way? I'm disabled so can't exercise the way most people can. Not disabled due to being fat -- actually I got fat due to being disabled and not taking charge of my abilities in the very beginning. What I did was give in to my disabilities. Big mistake. But I'm working on correcting that. Over the past year I've gotten rid of about 52 lbs practically just by changing how I eat. Though I HAVE made it out of a power wheelchair and I'm now walking when I can, using a rolling walker with a seat so I can sit and rest when needed. So is there a possibility I can get rid of 100 lbs in the next year without starvation, deprivation, cravings, weakness, dizziness, or traditional aerobic exercise (which I'm not capable of -- yet)?

Specifically, how do I healthfully (and within my physical capabilities) amp up what I'm doing so I can have an average of 2 lbs gone per week, rather than the mere 2 oz to a lb that it's been?

Please feel free to take a look at my public logs to see how I eat and the types of exercise I'm capable of in order to give constructive advice.

Thanks a bunch!
workinit

Sat. Dec 1, 10:33am

You can lose 100 pounds in a year! And congrats on what you've lost so far!

Consider that if you average it out, you'd 'only' have to lose 1.9 pounds week to reach that goal, and you'll more than likely lose more that that initially.

You have to expect cravings, you just have to decide and learn how to deal with them.

You have to think of food differently so that your life changes don't feel like deprivation. If your mindset says 'I"m deprived!" your actions will compensate.

Can you do exercises from a wheelchair or chair? It's great that you're trying to get in all the movement you can; can you do thinks like lift weights are use exercise bands from the seated position? I'm not sure what you're capable of but you sound motivated.

You can do it, and it sounds like you have the determination to get it done! Go online and watch some of the people who were on Oprah this week - they lost 100-200, up to 500 pounds - all on their own :)

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 10:59 AM

op - are you doing strength training? that builds muscle which helps burn fat. and in turn helps prevent you from burning muscle instead of fat.

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 11:09 AM

I did read your profile and WOO! You are truly an inspiration! I am amazed at your strength and motivation considering what you have to deal with. I can't even imagine the pain you must feel on a daily basis. You have done an excellent job with your loss and attitude. Doctors are not always right. You should feel proud and I hope your doctors are awed by you. The only thing I can suggest is not to set your goals too high, you have come a long way and your next goal doesn't have to be the rest. I find that setting smaller, attainable, realistic goals work best for me. I aim for about 3-4 pounds a month. But that is what works for me. If I don't set realistic goals I find I get depressed and disappointed and end up sabotaging myself. 100 pounds in a years is definitely doable if you can manage to lose almost 1.92 pounds a week, every week. But you have already loss 52 pounds and at that weight I am sure your loss is slowing down a bit? This is normal. Since there is not a lot of exercise you can do right now it might be a bit tougher. I think a more realistic goal of about 60-75 pounds in the next year, which is 1.15-1.44 pounds a week, would be a better aim. If you could incorporate more exercise it could work. Have you've at all tried or thought about doing a water exercise program? The great thing about water is that you are weightless and if you have access to a heated pool by chance it can sooth your aches and pains. Since you are starting to walk a bit with assistance I would say look into what is available near you. That could make the difference of .5-1 pound a week and 2 pounds. But either way don't give up you have done an amazing job!

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 11:14 AM

Given your special set of circumstances, you would benefit greatly from speaking with a Registered Dietitian. They specialize in helping people with all kinds of medical challenges lose weight while meeting their individual energy and nutrient needs. They will also probably tell you that losing 2 lbs a week is a significant achievement that very few people manage to do consistently (let's face it, would we start a healthy diet that told us honestly that we'd lose 3 lbs a month on average?), so while it may be healthy as a rate of loss, it's rarely realistic. However, I'd love nothing more than to see someone like you defy the statistics!

As for getting physical activity, check Richard Simmons' sites and videos. Sure, he's an aging goofball, but I've caught a number of documentary-type pieces or chat show footage where he has gone into residential facilities for the disabled (whether it's from obesity or not) and met people who'd dropped 100 lbs - admittedly from 450 lbs to 350 lbs, so they weren't your typical before/after success stories, but still! - doing his diet and exercise programs, crying with them of course, and also leading them through a workout. Which makes me think he must have something to offer the wheelchair-bound.

Congratulations on taking charge of your life, and I hope you're proud as hell of that 52-lb loss!

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 11:15 AM

Yes OP, totally ignore 11:37, I read your log and you're eating healthy well balanced meals and doing what you can for exercise. Keep up the good work and the pounds will continue to come off!

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 1:16 PM

Can we ignore 11:37? Grammar, syntax, spelling, etc. mark her as the usual mean-spirited attention seeker that plagues a lot of these threads unnecessarily and undeservedly.

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 2:01 PM

I'm sorry 11:16 - I didn't realize it was necessary to do research before offering congratulations and encouragement that the OP could reach her goal!

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 2:04 PM

I'm sure you can do it safely. There's 52 weeks in a year so that's less than a pound a week. Over that period of time and if you exercise while your losing you prolly won't get that loose baggy skin syndrome that people who do the surgury get. Have you seen them? They drop 100 pounds in a couple months and all their excess skin is flopping around because it didn't have any time to tighten up while they were losing weight. That's sad.

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 10:16 AM

There are some not so nice comments in this thread. I know the op from one of my groups and she is sincere and motivated. Why does there have to be people who make unhealthy comments like stomach surgery and mean comments like stuffing your face? And the comment defending the op was a little exttreme too, even if she was right. Can we just be nice and helpful to each other?

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 10:30 AM

Funny 10:30 that you would say the defending comment was extreme. Personally I think it was a great defense.

10;16 I think you made a booboo, with 52 weeks in a year she would need to lose more then a pound a week or she'll only lose 52 pounds in the year. I think you meant it was less then 2 pounds a week. Either way OP I think you have the motivation and strength to do this. Even if you don't lose 100 pounds this year think of how much better and healthier you'll feel with having lost, say 60 or 70 pounds. No matter what I think you will find that the more weight you lose the easier it will become to exercise and the more you can in corporate into your life. The more weight that is gone the less stress on your joints also. Good luck to you!

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 11:01 AM

Wow I looked at your logs and you eat really healthy! How do you do that? I think I'd go insane if I didn't eat desserts or lasagna or spagetti and meatballs. And I love steak. Even if I ate as many salads and soups that you do, I'd still want a thick juicy steak with it. And how come I don't see any chocolate or pie or cake or candy, etc., in your snacks? Are you reporting every single thing you eat? If so I'd never make it a whole year like you did. More like maybe 3 days! lol! You go girl.

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 11:26 AM

workinit.. I have had the honor to get to know you a bit through the spotlight team.. I know your a strong lady.. you have lost all that weight in the face of adversity. your amazing!

I too have looked at your logs. your way of eating is so healthy and sounds so good. keep eating the right way..

as far as exercises I did do a little reasecrh and found some things you may find useful.. I know you need something you can do sitting or standing up to build those muscles back up so here are a few links I found while googling disabled exercises.

I believe in you girl.. I am so proud of how far you have come, but please dont put so much pressure on yourself to loose that 100 pounds.. try taking it five pounds at a time thats how I lost the 181 I have lost.. I am now 34 pounds from my goal weight. keep your big goal in mind, but make smaller goals to reach that.goal.

you have an amazing start.. wow lady look how much you have lost.. your incredible..

I will do everything I can to help you in any way possible.. I will help you cross that finsih line.

http://www.planetmobility.com/store/standingframes/altimate/6000glider/index.html ( this looks a little pricy but could be something you could use for a long time and build strength untill you can do all the things I know you dream about doing which I know you will accomplish in time. keep going girl!!

http://www.amazon.com/Chair-Standing-Ageless-Yoga-Disabilities/dp/B000G1GI6I

http://www.evolutionhealth.com/rebounder/bounce_back.htm

http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,109659,00.html

RICHARDSIMMONS HAS A VIDEO CALLED SIT TIGTHT. all exercises are done in a chair

also I would look into some light aquafit classes..

walk with your walker.. pretty soon you will be rolling all over chasing people with that thing * grins* I know you can do anything you set your mind to. you have proven that allready.keep believing in yourself.. I do.

if I can help in any way please dont hesitate to ask.. I will be here every step of the way.. hugzzzzzzzzzzzz

lynneta

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 12:07 PM

Lynetta, thank you so much for all the great links, positive support and awesome inspiration. It is SO appreciated! I can get that Richard Simmons tape from my neighbor's mom today. She used to use it but transferred everything to dvd so has no use for the vhs anymore. I'll use it!

To the poster who asked if I'm logging everything I eat: yes. I log it all. Some of those things you mentioned are foods I don't really care about, so that's why you don't ever see them in my logs. I'm not really interested in sweets, except for an occasional piece of dark chocolate. And then I like the real stuff. The 60% or more cacao with no milk and not much sugar. You'll see the chocolate listed in my logs if you look a bit further. It's just that I don't eat it every day, and sometimes not even every week. But I do eat almost everything I want, just about whenever I want it.

The things I have to be careful with are mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti and meat balls, and whipped cream cheese. I love those foods way too much! And I do eat them, but not very often. Sometimes I'll put whipped cream cheese on a celery stalk to justify to myself that it's healthy :) , and I try to keep my portions small whenever I do eat any of those foods. I guess it's called willpower, and that comes from not wanting to be permanently disabled to the point of being crippled or bedridden, or worse (i.e., not wanting to die). When you have a lot at stake, you'd be surprised to find how quickly you become self disciplined and attain willpower.

workinit

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 12:42 PM

workinit- I just read your long in the spotlight and you are just doing great. You eat well, and it seems as if you are getting there one step at a time. Imagine where you will be in one more year. You have already improved your health so much as it is. Well done!!

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 3:15 PM

there's a workout called t-tapp, (doesn't involve tapping, "tapp" is just the last name of the creator) and she has a tape, I think called "more" or "sit down t-tapp" for those with mobility issues. The program focuses on body alignment, lymphatic function as well as strenght and flexibility, but doesn't require wieghts. As an able bodied athletic person, I do her total workout and it kicks my butt everytime. I'd suggest looking into it.

Link

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 5:08 PM

Is this 11:37 again? Go away.

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 5:53 PM

Please please do not react to the teenage troll with the mental capacity and social skills of a 4th grader (which is the last time I could spell a big word like oxymoron without being able to use it correctly).

Back on topic.

If you set out to lose 100 but only lose 60 in that timeframe, would you really be THAT disappointed? I see so many people on this site set unreachable goals (they've never lost 10 lbs in a month before, why do they think they can now? that sort of thing) and beat themselves up for it, usually with a binge...just don't be one of those. ANY loss is a success!!!

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 10:21 PM

This comment is not going to be at all helpful because it's already been said so many times. But I'm going to do it anyway. (how's that for a disclaimer?) I was watching TV this weekend and saw a commercial for a DVD for a seated workout for seniors. I thought that I'd love to buy it for my grandparents. My gramma used to workout at Curves and got all kinds of lost mobility back, but now she's stopped and is again walking sorta crooked and hunched and can no longer raise her arms above her shoulders. Anyway, I'm all about moving more, no matter how it's done.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 1:44 PM

Thanks pp, I was just thinking about telling the doctors that the reason I can no longer climb stairs is because they told me with all the problems I have I couldn't, and shouldn't. So I didn't. If I had ignored them and kept trying to climb stairs a little, I could still do it. There's a lot of truth to the saying that if you don't move it you'll lose it. Or in my case, it feels like I rusted, kind of like the Tin Man from Wizard of Oz...

workinit

Tuesday, December 04, 2007, 9:42 PM

I looked at your logs and you eat more sensibly than anybody I ever met. It's hard for me to understand why you don't lose more weight, even without exercising. Some of your meals sounds really delcious! Do you think you'd be willing to share some recipes? I'd love to eat the way you do and feel satisfied. Of course I could do it, no problem. But I wouldn't feel satisfied so it wouldn't last longer than a couple weeks. I really need to eat a lot more meat than you do. And I see you don't do potatoes very often. I really love potatoes and you know they aren't that fattening. As long as you don't drench them in butter and sour cream.

So how ~DO~ you do it? You say a lot in your postings (I went back as far as July) that you don't have cravings and you eat what you want when you want. How is it that you came to only want the healthy stuff?

Anyway, you're doing GREAT!!!!!!! DOn't worry about how much you're losing every week. The point is ~YOU"RE LOSING~ !!!!! Keep it up, you are an inspiration to all of us.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007, 12:41 PM

nam myoho renge kyo

Wednesday, December 05, 2007, 3:45 PM

YES YOU CAN : =)

If you lose 2 lbs a week you can lose 104 lbs in a year. Exercise and diet can make it happen. Stay focused.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007, 4:13 PM

I just have to tell you, this lady is amazing. I am in one of her groups and I am so thankful to know her. She is one of the few people that really inspire me and make me want to post.
She is so kind to me and I really appreciate it.
As many of you know who have serious weight issues people can be cruel and I am so thankful that there are people like her out there that really do care about how you are doing.
Workinit I know you will make it. Day by day it will come off. I think there are a lot of great ideas out there. Looks like the majority of if comes down to adding more exercise and with your determination I am sure you will be able to. Like I said, day by day as you are able.
I wish you the best success.
Thanks for being my friend,
Fafa

Wednesday, December 05, 2007, 6:40 PM

Holy Moly! Your food logs are terrific! I looked at your workout logs too and see a lot of ordinary kind of things like housework. Maybe don't count the housework as exercise and do more physical things. Overall tho, looks good!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007, 7:16 PM

EMAIL THREADCAN YOU LOSE 100 LBS IN 1 YEAR -- IN A HEALTHY WAY?

Yes, you are an inspiration!!

And yes a person can lose 100 lbs in a year in a healthy way. I have done it twice, and maintained it for years. Alas, I have slipped again and have to learn this hard lesson one more time, but I have learned things from the other two times.

You are already working with lots of challenges. I also deal with a disability, not as severe as yours, but I have been in a wheel chair lots and know some of that challenge.

The first time I did it in a less healthy way, but for me , the second time with low carb, made it seem easier as I could eat a lot more.

I think it would be hard for anyone to say if you could do it or not.

The first time it was so intimidating, that I broke it down into 3 increments as I had lost 30 lbs many times in my life and knew I could do that. I found the last 30 pounds were the hardest both times.

I have never been good at weight training, but I think that is very good advice.

I am new, so do not know how to find your profile yet, but could you do an exercise bike? That worked best for me because I liked it best and I could read while on it. If that can not work for you, I think try to find the most fun way that you can to exercise.

I hope that helps a little!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007, 7:45 PM

Thanks Fafa, that means so much.

And 12/5, 12:41pm: I try to list all the cooking ingredients in my logs. Occasionally I list a recipe, but most are just the ingredients and a note about what I did, like baked, or steamed, or baked in the oven with broth instead of on the stovetop with water. That kind of thing. I'm sort of a freelance cook and don't use recipes. Also have a hard time writing down my recipes in traditional recipe style. But if you see something in particular that you'd like me to write out for you, just let me know in this thread and I'll be happy to do it.

workinit (check me out in the spotlight team)

Thursday, December 06, 2007, 3:58 PM

Well I checked you out in the spotlight and looks like you're doing good. More than 50 pounds lost. Way to go! Why put pressure on yourself to lose a specific amount of weight by a specific day? Just keep up the healthy habits you already started. Keep eating the good foods you are eating. Keep doing the exercise you are able to do. Soon you W I L L be able to do more. When more weight comes off it's easier to move even when you have disabilities. Stay positive and you'll make it! I'm rooting for you girl!

Thursday, December 06, 2007, 5:33 PM

Yes you can! It's just little bit less than 2 pounds a week on average. But why don't you just try to be the best YOU that you can be? Don't try so hard to lose 100 pounds by this time next year. Just keep doing whatever it is that's working for you. You'll be lighter weight by then, and healthier too. Who cares whether it's 50, 60 70 or 100 pounds? As long as it's something and it's gone! I've seen your logs and read all the great comments from people who know you and are supporting you. You're very lucky to have such great folks on your side, especially since it looks to me like you haven't even really met these people in person but they seem to love you. Too bad your groups are all full because I'd like to get in one of them with you.

Friday, December 07, 2007, 8:40 PM

I really appreciate an honest and simple thread like this one. Too many weirdos posting obnoxiouis threads almost made me leave pt. But then I saw this one. I myself have over 100 lbs to lose and was starting to think it was impossible. I almost just gave up and quit pt. But after reading all the responds to your questions and seeing how nice everybody is. I think I'll stick it out. It would be only 2 lbs a week for me too. I hope I can do it. I'd love to try along with you.

Friday, December 07, 2007, 9:52 PM

I've read your logs as well and agree with some of the people. You have done an amazing job and are truly an inspiration. You have changed your habits, found the strength to believe in yourself and followed through with what you want to achieve. Just sticking to the way your eating is working. You have lost over 50 pounds, thats more then I've seen anyone in any of my groups lose in the last 3 years. Even though 100 pounds in a year is attainable, why put that pressure on yourself? Even if you lose 50-60 more pounds you will feel and look better and more then likely the less stress on your joints will allow you to move more. Have you tried taking any of those joint supplements? I think one is called glucosimine? You are doing what your body needs you to do to try to make yourself whole again. Maybe you could try swimming and also working with a physical therapist to get your joints looser or as you said less rusted. Good luck and I am going to be sure to check in on your progress.

Saturday, December 08, 2007, 11:19 AM

I think it is good to have specific long term and short term goals and dates, that really works for me. No I do not always make them, but I do get closer that way than if I just leave it more obtuse and just do my best.

It might help to say 100llbs by such and such a date or as close as I can get to that. It might help to break it down to 5 or ten pound increments with monthly dates.

If you do not get there, it is simply feedback from your universe. It was too big of a goal to reach at this time, but you can still celebrate what you did lose if you did not reach the exact goal. I think the key is not to use it to beat yourself up, but to motivate and excite you.

Everyone is different, but for me, it really helps to have very specific goals with dates to shoot for and re-evaluate once I arrive about what worked and what did not. Perhaps the goal is too ambitious for your conditions, but if it excites you to know it is a possibility, then it may be worth going for. There is value in specific commitment.

I think of it like this quote:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

Monday, December 10, 2007, 11:11 AM

Why not... I mean a year is a long time. I cannot see why you cannot lose 1 lb to 1/2 lb a week when i glanced at your food logs. So technically, you should be able to lose 52 - 26 lbs a year just by portion control alone...

Thursday, May 22, 2008, 12:46 PM

Yes YOU CAN

You are an inspiration, you say that you became overweight through being disabled and not taking charge of your abilities yet you have decided to take control of your life and do something about it – I congratulate you – Absolutely amazing - Most able bodied people end up overweight and the excuses you hear are just pathetic, unfortunately it is only through an event that stirs one into action, for me it was losing the ability to walk.

2. 1/5 years ago I ended up on crutches / wheelchair, after a CT scan the doctors at the time diagnosed acute Bursitis, a condition that can be very debilitating and one which can stay with you for life, I couldn’t walk 10paces without crutches and pain killers, climbing a few stairs took me nearly 25mins!!
Then I decided to take control, I was convinced that there MUST be another way to get on top of this and get my mobility back again. So, I decided to do something radical, at the time I was 206ilbs in weight ( with a 36 going on 38 waste ) , I thought that aint helping so I went on a diet and lost 42ilbs in weight, this was achieved through counting every calorie in and every calorie burnt, they say one can lose 2 ilbs of body fat per week if you eat 500 calories per day less than you burn- well I can say that is absolutely true, I added some exercise , I started by going for a short walk ( very short ), at first just a few meters until I managed to walk around the block, then I was re-introduced to cycling Then swimming , over the next few months I lost 2ilbs every week consistently and began to get on top of the bursitis. By Autumn I was on top of it and back in control again , The rest is history, So I am a firm believer that you CAN lose the 100ilbs in a year. What you have achieved so far is amazing,
I am also a firm believer in setting Goals, no matter what they are as long as you break them down into small steps, I set a goal of doing a Triathlon as well as a Full Marathon – I have achieved both and more.
Hang in there , ignore the snide remarks from people who need to take along hard look at themselves.

YOU WILL lose the 100ilbs

And if one ever needs any added inspiration , just watch this video clip, I challenge you all not to shed a tear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY

Tuesday, December 09, 2008, 9:39 PM

11:50 we are removing your comments and suspending your account with PT. You just cannot use language like that here. We are all here for you, but you have to respect the community.

-Habib Wicks
PEERtrainer

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 9:20 AM

Thanks PT; that post was offensive and not at all helpful.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 11:39 AM

Great work pt, I didn't see even one of the offensive posts. Way to stay on top of it!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 12:22 PM

It looks like Workinit is no longer a member - did you change your username? If you are still around, how did the year go? Did you achieve your goal?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 2:48 PM

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