So...i'm new here.

[doug_ryan]

So i'm new here...a little education.

26 Y.O......5'11"........300 pounds as of this morning.

A little life history...

I started noticing I was getting 'bigger' then most kids my age, when I was around 3rd grade (8y.o.). I noticed that this little bulge of SOMETHING was gathering around what we now call, flanks.
And mind you not, while I did have a Nintendo as a kiddo, I didn't do it that much. I spent entire summers, weekends, after schools riding bikes, playing football, etc. But I continued to grow, continued to eat....what most parents find convenient to their kids; Pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, etc.

I continued to grow (duh!), then I got into middle school, when I realized my weight would help me in football. So I was a lineman. I also realized something else...when I lifted weights, I put on amazing strength/muscle mass.
So around 13-14 y.o. I really started to accelerate from my classmates as far as strength and muscle mass. And I used this to justify my eating habits. Hey, if I could throw someone like a ragdoll, really who is going to mess with me?
I want to be straight forward with everyone, I have always been self-conscious about my flanks. I always had fairly powerful legs, shoulders, etc. Even at one time, I nearly had a six-pack....with these gargantuan flanks behind me. It was strange; nice abs, built upper body, and yet...these darned flanks.
So I continued into high school, and became one of the strongest kids in school. State High school champs, weight lifting guru, track and field, etc. I could even walk into other local towns..and get respect from them.

And then I hit college. Having no more interest in football (long story, some other time), I did what all college students, do, right? DRINK, pizza, etc.

I grew from 235 to 310 pounds. and since, my flanks are no longer flanks, as a massive gut has 'just happened'.

We all know that feeling, right? Busy with life, look down one day at the mirror, and while you want to act shocked, you know deep in your heart that you've really screwed the pooch?

Mind you not, I never really stopped lifting weights until about a year ago...when I got a new job (okay, i'm pathetic enough to use this excuse. Please forgive me)

So....what are my goals? 195 weight, bench 400, squat 550, clean 350, and dead lift 550.

Who knows if this is possible? I dunno. I will try though.

A few pointers:

I'm not sure if everybody out there is as jaded as I am...but I have always been self conscious of my body image, especially my flanks. I can remember even as a little kid, staring at them, asking, "what the ****?!?!"....and just moving on. And then as I started to get older and a little pudgier, after all, football justified it...I became the 'big' kid. And then the girls didn't like me, because I was bigger then most other kids. Rightfully or not, i became the 'chubby' kid.

Yes, I was pigeon-holed, but I justified it whatever means possible. Self-protection, perhaps?

So...where does this leave me with my past dieting experiences?

I never really dieted in high school.
In college...i've tried several things.
I think my far most effective (and ineffective, we'll get back to this) was a highly orchestrated regiment of hard-core lifting twice a day: before work (10AM) and at lunch (3PM). And I wouldn't eat anything for 2-3 days. I would then wait for the first really painful hunger pain..wait 6 hours, and gorge. And boy oh boy would I gorge. I'd make the nice ladies at the Chinese restaurant be freaked out about how much I could pound down with a few friends and a nice pitcher of ice tea.
I went from 275, to 245. And I looked reasonable, EXCEPT FOR THE FLANKS! This was during college, so I started to wear nice slacks/shirts/ties to class...and something really strange happened.....girls started to notice me. Holy. Cow. (for future reference, as my wife is going to read this, I had been dating my wife for years before I went from 245 to 275, she just has a heart of gold and looked past my physical...disabilities? screwups? how would YOU define them?)

Second: So...I got married......and my cycle failed. big time. Got to 275 again. Then started to do a whacky no-eating period thing. And then i'd gorge. and then i'd fail. This happened for I dunno...a month or two.

A funny insider story, we've all been through. Many of my friends would absolutely throw fits at my stupid diets..and I didn't listen to them, as i was SO determined to get past this weight issue. They were right.

Third: I tried a half-baked attempt at atkins. Worked GREAT.....but then I got real bad sick with flu. and then (fill in excuses) and I got off. And then the weight continued to balloon, to where I am today.

So. 26Y.O., 300 pounds.
195 lbs, and my weight lifting goals. and maybe run a sub-7 minute mile. Ha. Now i'm joking.

Any comments? Suggestions? questions?

[Debi2007]

Welcome to the site! This is a great way of eating. I find quite a bit of motivation from people's before and after pictures - it makes me realize that many have done it! If you haven't already see the forum of before and after's you should take a look. It sounds like you are determined and that is what is most important. This site has a huge amount of support, encouragement and information to help you get to your goal.

[OzLover]

Welcome to ADBB Doug. You'll find a wealth of knowledge & support here~~use it ot your advantage. Remember Dr. Atkins says to go no longer than 6 hours without eating! Check out the board & get familiar, join a challenge or two & start a journal to keep track of your progress.

Good luck on your journey!

[AOT]

Dear Doug! Welcome and thanks for sharing your story. I laughed when you would call yourself on your excuses just because I saw myself in them... I could hear myself saying the same things.... Thats the thing about this board, there are so many people out there like us. This boad is so full of information and support that it really helps, a lot... I tend to agree with Debi, the before and after section is really inspirational. Going through them on top of the supportive members really keeps me on track too... Good luck and feel free to hollar if you need more support. You can do it... btw, I used to be an athlete too so I completely understand you... Good luck and Happy New Year!

[mitzimarie]

Hi, Doug

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm very glad that you've found this board, because I see great potential in you and am sure that you will thrive with the Atkins way of eating.

My best advice is to read the 2002 version of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution and follow it to the letter. A lot of people fall into the trap of thinking that if fewer carbs is good, then no carbs must be better. Not true! It is important to learn how to do Atkins for a lifetime, and not just view it as a means to lose weight. Until you can get your hands on the book, check out this link. http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-new-read.html (If you are NEW, READ THIS!)

We're pulling for you, Doug! Keep us posted on your progress, and don't hesitate to ask any questions that you may have.

[ceemarie]

Hello,

I also enjoy lifting weights and I am a former athletic that has had many knee and foot surguries. Weight lifting is a fantastic form of exercise and if done correctly will benefit your health and body in many ways. One suggestion I have for you is to try to lower the weights you are lifting and go for more reps to tone, define and burn fat rather than build just strength. Once you have the definition you want, you can build up the weight and start building more muscle mass - if that is your goal. When I started doing more reps at a lower weight, I really saw the difference and felted leaner. I reccommend books by Joyce Vedral, she has some great programs and ideas.