Where I'm at also. 35 pounds down since mid January, and I have a pile of clothes that don't fit at all. I have 15 more to go, so I can't buy anything new yet.

That's awesome Zac. If you ever need a lift partner let me know. I can show you some different things that have worked for me.

I forgot to add to use pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts. Lots of benefit to eating a 1/2 cup a day and they don't have the fat that peanuts do.

Uh, this isn't gonna be like the time that you tried to teach me how to dance?

Well, even though my primary goal is improved lung function - higher lung capacity and higher O2% levels - it's also nice to have easier to measure targets, like 'how much can I lift?"

Have been able to manage 15-20 minutes at a time on the cardio machines before my o2 numbers start dipping too low, and interestingly, my % goes UP when I'm lifting weights. Am able to bench press 3 sets of 30 reps with 80 pounds, and actually did 3 reps of 200 pounds yesterday. Lots of back & 'core' exercises, but some days I've got more "oomph" than others.

But I'm still fat Hopefully that'll start changing too.

Saw your most recent fishing photos and you are looking hawt.

Sounds like you have a plan, stick with it Zac.

I was out of the country for a week but love to come back and read the progress! Keep on keepin' on!

Been seeing my primary care dr every 3 weeks or so, as she wants regular blood draws for labs as all this is going on. Some weird ups and downs on liver & kidney function, and it's distressing to see my weight going UP, but my dr says it's fine with the activity. More importantly, she's much happier with my blood pressure - 115/74 last week's visit.

Cardio activity up to almost 20 minutes at target heartrate before my O2% drops too low (like 86% or less). Getting more comfortable with high reps at higher weights, such as lat pulldowns 3 sets of 20 @ 100lbs vs two months ago doing 3 sets of 30 @ 40lbs.

But, oh, every few days I discover another unknown muscle that hurts like crazy ...

*edit* just got back from the gym today. My dr visit last week I weighed 306. The gum scale said 301 today. Maybe I'm finally starting to shed some fat!

Great report! BP is headed in the right direction. The weight and body comp will take time. You didn't gain it overnight.

Minor suggestion on your lat pulls....make sure you are pulling to the top of your chest and NOT behind your head. Nothing you will ever do in your life from this point forward mimics that movement (behind the head) and it's rough on your shoulders. Specifically the rotator cuff muscles (all 4 of them) including the secondary movers. .

Yes, I remember those 'behind the head' pulls as a kid and they seem stupid now. I'm doing the 'down to the chest' pulls.

My daughter poked at my arm yesterday while we were driving home and said "Dad, you have some muscle growing under all that fat".

Gotta love the tact of an eleven year old

Take her outa your will . . . .

Well, the scale has gone down from 306 to 297. Something's happening ....

Awesome! Rock on and stay consistent!

Cool but don't worry about the scale at this point. Focus more on how you feel and how your clothes fit. At some point you will weigh a little more because your bones and muscles will start retaining some water which is a good thing.