I think I've hit the bottom in my life right now, I'm 18 years old and I weigh over 400 Lbs probably close to 420. I am unemployed because of my weight, not because I couldn't do a job, but because my self-esteem is just so damaged from all the years of emotional abuse in school etc that I do not feel comfortable around people of any amount. I've become a shut in over the past year after I graduated high school using the internet and online gaming to occupy myself. It is really the only place I can converse with people and not have them judge me by my size, and I really like that.

Out in the real world, whenever I leave my home I can become extremely self-concious and think that people are looking at me, or making fun of me. I've tried to lose weight before but I always fail. There was one point in my sophomore year of high school, where I lost a good 20 pounds (I was about 350 or so then), got a girlfriend and had some great friends but I ended up putting it back on and then some. My problem stems from not excersizing and not eating regularly. When I get absorbed in a game or something, I can't tear myself away from it, to the point where I will eat 2 meals a day but they are more like binge meals, and I will be in my computer chair for at least 12 hours out of the day. But not anymore! I am ready to turn my life around now, I don't want to end up not being able to walk or perform everyday activities because of my weight. I'm ready to buckle down, start eating normally and healthy, and excersizing daily, morning and night.

I decided all this today, just a few hours ago, then I found this forum. I thought if I join here I can get some great support, increasing my chances of losing the weight. I hope to really join the community and try to help all of you as well. My plan is going to be the 1200 calorie diet mixed with the 6 small meals a day, because I've heard that that is the way to go. Right now I'm going to start doing some work out tapes and a little bit of walking around
on a trail in my town. I would just like to lose a little before going into the public to walk because I am still self-concious. As I said I weigh about 420 (Can't tell for sure, I have to buy a scale that can actually weigh over 300lbs) and my goal is 180 lbs. So wish me luck!

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Hello Chris and welcome! I am a new joiner like you and have already found this forum very motivating. You are sounding very positive which is great! That is half the battle won, and when your positivity faulters, just come on this website and chat to people who know all about the situation you are in, and can offer advice, or just support if that is what you need.

So good luck, and I look forward to chatting to you around the forum!

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Lands End to John O'Groats by Xmas




SW: 182 - CW: 169 - GW: 153

5 days in a row binge free
5 days in a row sugar free

OOOH i want to give you a big hug...

congratulations on your decision to do this... YAY and we're here for ya... (Ok, so I'm new here, but I can say we i think

For your current size, that's not enough calories in a day for you... I'd hate to see you fail.... you really want to start off more relistically with calories...

Check out www.fitday.com - where you can record your calories consumed in a day.. and it also will give you a suggested calorie intake...

oh and check out the diary section here - it'll give you a good place to record your successess and get some motivation..

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Chris, I'm so glad that you've joined us on our quest for a healthy, happy life! It's nice to have you here! You're going to find a lot of great motivation here and I hope that you can find some motivation in those of us that have committed to this new lifestyle.

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"You make people realize that there exists other beauties in this world"

hey chris.... Im about your weight and i was taking in about 6000 calories a day. depending on your height It should be close. At 1200 calories you would basicly be starving your body. Just a sugestion but id start with maybe alil less that half of what your use to. Then downgrade it from there. Its seems to cut out the munchies. Id go for about 4-6 meals a day. Once I stopped eating sugars I was surprised how few calories I needed. On the calorie count think of it this way. Your body uses say 6000 calories a day(estimated number) to maintain your weight. so if you cut it in half it has to pull the extra its use to from your reserves. If you dump your fuel down to say 1200 cals right away it could put your metab into starvation mode and itll try and hold on to your reserves. If your like me you want your reserves gone lol...... There are some good people on here and I havent found anyone who wouldnt stop to give thier help. A good thing to do is start a diary where you can list your food. the calories you take in or you just want to vent. Im around and so are the others. Just remember to take it day by day...........lee

Like the other have stated you need more calories. I think 2800-3000 seems like a place to start, you will loose some weight just by doing that, add two walks a day in there and you will be cruising

Once you get in a bit better shape you can cut your calories and maybe walk farther in the same amount of time.

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[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]




SW: 278 lbs June 11th 2006
CW: 268 lbs
GW: 180 lbs

Hey Chris,

Welcome aboard. I'm 465 pounds and 37. I remember being in high school and absolutely hating it for the reasons you mention. As I got older, it got better. You can do this. You have to start slow though. Don't expect to lose 200 pounds in a week. If you can stick it out you'll do great. Try exercising in the morning so even if you do play a video game your workout is all done. Losing weight can take time, but its nowhere near the grind of some of the epics on Everquest or getting to level 60 on World of Warcraft.

HI Chris. Welcome to the forum. Always have a plan and stick to it. Im sure the great people on this forum will motivate you to do so. Good Luck!

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Hi! I just wanted to wish you good luck in all your efforts, and tell you to stay positive and make changes you can live with for a lifetime! The others are right that you should probably be eating quite a bit more than 1200 calories. You want to lose the fat - not kill your muscles, including that big one, your heart. If at all possible, see your doctor and get a checkup as soon as you can. That way, your doctor can help you determine the right amount of calories you should consume for healthy weight loss, and also check you to make sure you are good to go on a moderate exercise routine.

Walking at least 30 minutes a day, at least 3 or 4 days a week is a GREAT way to start, and is something you CAN do. Don't worry if you only make two blocks in 30 minutes to start. Every step you take will make you stronger, and in no time you will be walking farther and faster in those 30 minutes!

I wish you all the best!

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I was the same way my entire school career, and I hated it so I completely understand! I found this forum today too, and I am thrilled. So many times I have started a diet with a friend or co-worker only to have them quit and lose motivation, which in turn loses my own motivation. But here you have soo many people who are going through the same thing, and want the same outcome as you.

It is so wonderful to have such awesome support. GOOD LUCK Chris! Maybe we can follow up with eachothers progress!

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Andrea

Welcome to the forum! This place is very motivating. There are lots of clubs and usually a few challenges going on. You should start a diary. It is a good place to keep track of your calories and exercise and also for us to get to know you and offer ideas and support. Good luck!

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"You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there."
~ Unknown