Posts by brightlynx11

Yeah, sure, working out. Throw in some heavy cream and you're golden. 😉

😉

steelsailor8 said:My "diet" has been my way of life for years now. It basically boils down to doing an hour of cardio at the gym four times a week. Whether it's cycling, the stepper, or rowing... that’s really the secret. That’s only four hours a week, minimum, and I eat whatever I want. Of course, I don't overindulge after 7 or 8 PM. If I get hungry, I'll grab some fruit, a yogurt, or just load up on fresh lemonade or a nice tea. To me, that is the healthiest way to lose weight. I don't see why someone with a BMI over 40 couldn't use a stepper, a rower, or an elliptical. I didn't mention running because if you're carrying significant extra weight, running puts way too much stress on your joints, especially your knees. So, running is a "no," but everything else is on the table. Just cardio, though—don't even think about heavy weights! Plus, there's L-carnitine, which really kicks things into gear by boosting your metabolic rate; you'll end up soaked in sweat, which is great for burning off excess fat. Forget restrictive diets. You just need to lean toward eating healthy: plenty of fruit, veggies, fiber, and protein. Use carbs in moderation, even though they're important, and keep fats and sugars lower. I still treat myself to cake or ice cream whenever I feel like it. Regular exercise keeps my body healthy and my weight steady. Beyond that, staying fit actually helps your mental health, too. You should try exercising 😉

My buddy was sitting at nearly 400 pounds before he started using the slimming strips. How is a young guy that heavy even supposed to use an elliptical? Most gym equipment isn't built to handle that kind of weight. 😬

steelsailor8 said:My "diet" has been my way of life for years now. It basically boils down to doing an hour of cardio at the gym four times a week. Whether it's cycling, the stepper, or rowing... that’s really the secret. That’s only four hours a week, minimum, and I eat whatever I want. Of course, I don't overindulge after 7 or 8 PM. If I get hungry, I'll grab some fruit, a yogurt, or just load up on fresh lemonade or a nice tea. To me, that is the healthiest way to lose weight. I don't see why someone with a BMI over 40 couldn't use a stepper, a rower, or an elliptical. I didn't mention running because if you're carrying significant extra weight, running puts way too much stress on your joints, especially your knees. So, running is a "no," but everything else is on the table. Just cardio, though—don't even think about heavy weights! Plus, there's L-carnitine, which really kicks things into gear by boosting your metabolic rate; you'll end up soaked in sweat, which is great for burning off excess fat. Forget restrictive diets. You just need to lean toward eating healthy: plenty of fruit, veggies, fiber, and protein. Use carbs in moderation, even though they're important, and keep fats and sugars lower. I still treat myself to cake or ice cream whenever I feel like it. Regular exercise keeps my body healthy and my weight steady. Beyond that, staying fit actually helps your mental health, too. You should try exercising 😉

A BMI over 40 isn't just being "15 or 20 pounds overweight." It’s way more than that. 🙄
That’s like 110 to 130 pounds extra, depending on how tall you are. 😉

When doctors see people with high BMIs, they basically tell them to just walk, walk, and walk some more. It’s all about those endless miles. A buddy of mine actually dropped 80 pounds in a year just doing that—treadmill and walking. No intense workouts or crazy gym stuff. He used to trek from downtown all the way to the suburbs every single Saturday. Simple as that. 😉

steelsailor8 said:My "diet" has been my way of life for years now. It basically boils down to doing an hour of cardio at the gym four times a week. Whether it's cycling, the stepper, or rowing... that’s really the secret. That’s only four hours a week, minimum, and I eat whatever I want. Of course, I don't overindulge after 7 or 8 PM. If I get hungry, I'll grab some fruit, a yogurt, or just load up on fresh lemonade or a nice tea. To me, that is the healthiest way to lose weight. I don't see why someone with a BMI over 40 couldn't use a stepper, a rower, or an elliptical. I didn't mention running because if you're carrying significant extra weight, running puts way too much stress on your joints, especially your knees. So, running is a "no," but everything else is on the table. Just cardio, though—don't even think about heavy weights! Plus, there's L-carnitine, which really kicks things into gear by boosting your metabolic rate; you'll end up soaked in sweat, which is great for burning off excess fat. Forget restrictive diets. You just need to lean toward eating healthy: plenty of fruit, veggies, fiber, and protein. Use carbs in moderation, even though they're important, and keep fats and sugars lower. I still treat myself to cake or ice cream whenever I feel like it. Regular exercise keeps my body healthy and my weight steady. Beyond that, staying fit actually helps your mental health, too. You should try exercising 😉

I'm putting in the work. I hit the elliptical for an hour straight every single day without stopping. But hey, my BMI isn't sitting at 40 anymore. 😬

Mark Stewart4 said:Man, you guys are really going at it... 👍 Let me give you the quick rundown on the trip. I won't get into family drama, but honestly, everyone there is obsessed with food, even if they aren't overweight—people just work a lot. When you visit, you HAVE TO EAT, whether you want to or not. I was there for two and a half days and I don't regret a single bite. You can't exactly tell a 70-year-old auntie to just whip up some plain chicken breast or she'll send you straight to hell! Even my boyfriend, who is a total foodie himself, said he couldn't take another bite! But the kicker was that after those massive lunches, we didn't eat anything else all day!
Anyway, I’m not stepping on the scale for another week because I set a two-week rule for myself, but I feel and think I haven't gained weight.
Once we got back Sunday night, I jumped right back into the routine I set for myself.
Sam Alvarez29 says I'm being irrational. Okay, fair enough. But hey, Sam, did you consider that when I first started this "diet," my body actually needed a reset?! Out of that 3.5 lbs, I think I truly lost maybe a pound or so, and my next goal is to drop about a pound every two weeks. And the best part? I didn't deprive myself of anything, nor was I starving. Sure, I cut back a little on the oil and cheese and stuff, but that's just how it works, right?! Come on! 😛
About that... thing... the measuring tape... I have an opinion too 😬 brightlynx11, I am so happy you dropped those heavy pounds. I wasn't in quite your shoes, but I know that incredible feeling when you look in the mirror and you aren't standing five feet away from it just to see yourself 😉 I’ve been following your posts, and no offense intended... but it seems like the measuring tape has started calling the shots. I get the impatience, and I might have even cheated a bit once I hit a certain weight—and again, I'm not saying that's bad. But now that you've hit 190 lbs, I don't know how much more you want to lose, so why not ditch the tape and just transition to eating a bit healthier? You aren't, as people say, morbidly obese anymore; you can handle the rest on your own, and it seems like a better way to go.
I mean, seriously, how healthy is it for your body to just have one tiny yogurt every 5 or 6 hours versus living off a single slice of cheesecake all day? That doesn't sound right to me. Maybe for a short burst, but what kind of long-term damage are you doing to your system? I'm asking because nobody else seems to be talking about that... 🙂
So, folks... for the first time in a long time, I don't feel miserable about myself. I'm pushing forward because I can feel the results—more mentally than physically—but that's what matters. The rest will eventually fall into place...
Cheers... 👋
P.S. Laura Davis62, I'm not from some small town in the middle of nowhere 🙂

Another 33 pounds. For someone my height, that wouldn't even be a dent. 😬
If I take this strip off now, all those pounds are coming right back. Why? Because my metabolism hasn't even stabilized yet. 😉
LOL, since when did everyone decide that a simple headband isn't healthy? What, like surgery is actually good for you? 😬
You don't pull the gastric band until you've hit your goal weight, maybe 2 or 3 years down the road. Why? Because that’s how long it takes your body to actually adjust to the food intake and get your metabolism steady. And for the record, nobody's ever died from a band—they've been using them since 1985. 😉 People used to drop dead just from getting their appendix out. 🤣

Mark Stewart4 said:Man, you guys are really going at it... 👍 Let me give you the quick rundown on the trip. I won't get into family drama, but honestly, everyone there is obsessed with food, even if they aren't overweight—people just work a lot. When you visit, you HAVE TO EAT, whether you want to or not. I was there for two and a half days and I don't regret a single bite. You can't exactly tell a 70-year-old auntie to just whip up some plain chicken breast or she'll send you straight to hell! Even my boyfriend, who is a total foodie himself, said he couldn't take another bite! But the kicker was that after those massive lunches, we didn't eat anything else all day!
Anyway, I’m not stepping on the scale for another week because I set a two-week rule for myself, but I feel and think I haven't gained weight.
Once we got back Sunday night, I jumped right back into the routine I set for myself.
Sam Alvarez29 says I'm being irrational. Okay, fair enough. But hey, Sam, did you consider that when I first started this "diet," my body actually needed a reset?! Out of that 3.5 lbs, I think I truly lost maybe a pound or so, and my next goal is to drop about a pound every two weeks. And the best part? I didn't deprive myself of anything, nor was I starving. Sure, I cut back a little on the oil and cheese and stuff, but that's just how it works, right?! Come on! 😛
About that... thing... the measuring tape... I have an opinion too 😬 brightlynx11, I am so happy you dropped those heavy pounds. I wasn't in quite your shoes, but I know that incredible feeling when you look in the mirror and you aren't standing five feet away from it just to see yourself 😉 I’ve been following your posts, and no offense intended... but it seems like the measuring tape has started calling the shots. I get the impatience, and I might have even cheated a bit once I hit a certain weight—and again, I'm not saying that's bad. But now that you've hit 190 lbs, I don't know how much more you want to lose, so why not ditch the tape and just transition to eating a bit healthier? You aren't, as people say, morbidly obese anymore; you can handle the rest on your own, and it seems like a better way to go.
I mean, seriously, how healthy is it for your body to just have one tiny yogurt every 5 or 6 hours versus living off a single slice of cheesecake all day? That doesn't sound right to me. Maybe for a short burst, but what kind of long-term damage are you doing to your system? I'm asking because nobody else seems to be talking about that... 🙂
So, folks... for the first time in a long time, I don't feel miserable about myself. I'm pushing forward because I can feel the results—more mentally than physically—but that's what matters. The rest will eventually fall into place...
Cheers... 👋
P.S. Laura Davis62, I'm not from some small town in the middle of nowhere 🙂

How many times do I have to say it? I've got an entire TEAM of doctors looking out for me. I can literally call my doctor in the middle of the night if things go sideways. I’m doing blood work and urine tests every single month, checking hormones every two months, and seeing my surgeon monthly. I’ve got my own hematologist, internist, endocrinologist... the whole works, all right there at the same hospital where I had my surgery. These people genuinely give a damn about everyone who gets operated on there.
I’m hitting the liquid vitamins and minerals hard now; honestly, my only issue is not getting enough calories. I eat pretty much anything, just nothing tough, sugary, or loaded with salt. It used to take over a pound of fish to fill me up for lunch, but nowadays, a few ounces does the trick. It’s not like I’m starving myself, I’m just eating way, way less. Dinner is usually just a single yogurt, and I stick to Corn Flakes in the morning. I don't touch cream pies—I was just using that as an example to show you that even sweets won't go down easy when you're wearing a waist trainer.

I've been overweight for as long as I can remember. I’ve been seeing endocrinologists since I was eight years old. I have tried absolutely EVERYTHING—Herbalife, Reductil, Xenical. Every single thing. And nothing worked. NOTHING. I finally had the gastric sleeve surgery out of pure desperation, and it was my only lifeline. Being obese is the most dangerous thing you can be. And honestly, I doubt any of you get what it's like when you're trying to drop 130 pounds instead of just 12. That race is over before it even starts... just ask anyone who's ever lived with a BMI over 40.

Look, I never claimed my way was the only way, just that it delivers the best results. Studies show about 90% of people cut their weight in half within two years of getting a gastric band. Most of them actually keep the weight off even after the band comes out. In the rest of the world, this is a routine fix for morbid obesity, and for tons of people, it’s literally a lifesaver.

I’m not so sure an 1100-calorie restrictive diet can really become someone's "lifestyle." Personally, I figured out which foods were healthy and what I should be eating a long time ago—mostly because both my parents had heart bypass surgery—but I ended up eating WAY too much of those "healthy" foods. It isn't just about *what* you eat; it's about how much. My issue wasn't my food structure, it was volume, and that's where the band helps because it physically limits how much you can shove in.
The magic part about the band is that you can stick to an 1100-calorie limit without feeling like you're starving. Not feeling hungry is HUGE, and anyone who’s ever tried to diet knows exactly what I mean. Right now, I get full off one tiny yogurt and stay satisfied for like 5 or 6 hours.
Why did I see results so fast? Because I stuck to that restrictive diet 99.99% of the time (okay, I had a slice of birthday cake), I didn't fail because I wasn't even hungry, and I crushed an hour on the elliptical every single day.
One big reason people crash and burn on diets is pure hunger—they can't stand it. And the heavier a person is, the bigger the stomach, which makes that hunger even worse. So, for anyone with a massive BMI (like, over 40), the most logical move is to get the band and solve the problem once and for all. Just because the medical establishment here in America is conservative about this method doesn't change the fact that globally, this is standard procedure, often done as an outpatient thing.
Besides, it’s not like this is the only life-saving surgery out there, so I don't get why everyone is making such a huge deal out of it.

Of course, whether or not someone actually goes through with getting the band is a personal call. You have to be honest with yourself and promise you'll actually follow the rules...

Sam Alvarez29 said:Unless you're sitting at 330 lbs, dieting isn't a rational move... You're just draining your system. First, you lose muscle mass, and only then do you touch the fat. I see people after two days of some fad diet going, "Oh, I already lost 4 pounds!" My thought? IDIOTS. It’s just water weight... the scale measures total body mass, not your actual body fat percentage. Instead of those extreme diets where every year there's a NEW AND MOST ANNOYINGLY "BEST" one... try actually moving. Like, jog for thirty minutes every other day, hit the gym 2 or 3 times a week, and most importantly... switch to a way of eating that is SUSTAINABLY manageable long-term.

Go ahead and tell all those people bragging about their diets: "IDIOTS... Instead of your carb-heavy, fruit-filled, watery cheat days, get moving, run, and eat right..."

And if you want proof of what healthy eating and a real lifestyle look like, go get a full blood panel done today—that's the only real evidence of what's happening inside your body. Do the same thing again in two months and you'll see that proper nutrition combined with consistent physical activity is the only real solution for your health!!!!!4>>

DON'T TALK ABOUT DIETS!!! TALK ABOUT SPORTS!!!

And what if you actually weigh 330 lbs? Then gastric bypass is your only real move. Been there, done that. Dropped 130 pounds in a single year. Gone for good. No diet on earth is hitting those kinds of numbers. Sure, eating right matters, but when someone's got over 100 pounds to drop, they’d need to be on a strict regimen for years just to lose it and stay there. Good luck finding anyone with that kind of discipline for years on end. 🙄

Also, go Mediterranean. More fish, less meat, tons of veggies and fruit, olive oil. You'll live to be 100. 😍

Yeah, I get you. Let me lay it out—not trying to flex, just saying high IQ usually equals more headaches than anything else.

My folks realized early on I wasn't wired like everyone else. I was a hyper kid, couldn't sit still for a second. By age four, they had me going through all sorts of tests, including seeing a psychologist. They ran an IQ test, and I clocked in at 156. My parents used that as an excuse to shove me into school at five because they couldn't handle me at home. While other kids were still struggling to hold a pencil, I was already reading, writing, and crushing math. It wasn't a huge deal back then, but my classmates eventually started hating my guts. I’d breeze through physics problems in my head or sketch complex organic molecules like it was nothing, all while barely studying. I mostly just played computer games—back then it was The Lion King, haha—or messed around outside. I was social enough, but people avoided me because I was "different." Add being overweight to the mix, and I was an easy target for bullies. But the real nightmare started late in middle school when my family moved to Greece because my dad, a university professor, landed an ambassador role there. Once we arrived in this new environment, they re-tested me, and my score jumped to 169. At this elite prep school, they decided I was too advanced for eighth grade and skipped me straight to freshman year of high school. Again, not a massive gap since kids start there at six. The real disaster hit when I had to move back to the States because my dad got sick. I was dropped into junior year when I was only 14, but most of the kids in my class were already 18. I can't even describe how vicious and cruel those people were to me. Those two years were pure darkness; I was just counting down the days until graduation. I started college at 16, I'm 22 now with a Master's, and I'm planning to finish my PhD abroad by 25. Then maybe get married, if anyone actually wants to. 😬
I've lost the weight and leveled things out, but talking about those school years leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Because of it, I don't have a single friend left from that era. People always thought I was weird—maybe they were scared of me, maybe jealous—but today, I can count my friends on one hand. Dating hasn't been much better either; most guys don't get my sense of humor, and explaining it ruins the joke. All in all, it sucks. Maybe I was a victim of my "gifted" parents, and the worst part is, history is repeating itself in my family. My brother's oldest son is already solving quadratic equations in first grade. I don't know why my brother—who's a mathematician—felt the need to show him off, but he's basically using it to impress girls. The danger is that later on, he won't be able to fit in with the rest of the world.