I'm as newbie as they come!

[RReynolds]

Hello All,

Been lurking here a couple of weeks and it seems like there's a group of folks here that are very knowledgable and more than willing to help. My intro may be little more long winded than most. I'd like for anyone reading it to know what can be accomplished through sheer determination and will power.

I'm 50 yrs old, 5'7" @ 225lbs. Two years ago I was at 305lbs. That's 80lbs at an agonizeingly slow pace. But that's how they say do it. I accomplished this with 5 - 6 meals a day, weight lifitng and lots and lots and lots of cardio work. I'm still on this journey and I need some help with the next leg. I've been up and down a couple of times but I'm not going back down again. :)

In 2001 I was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart). The doc said that it would turn into heart failure and told me I had about 5 years to live. I was put on 6 different medications that would be for life. Not so bad since it was only 5 years! :) I went through all the mental crap and finaly accepted the inevitable. Problem was, it was taking too long and I had time to think about it. I decided to tell the doc ,,|, and do something about it myself. Long story short; it's been almost seven years, my stats are as stated and I'm down to one medication. I feel better than I have in 20 years! :)

Everything I've done so far I've done on my own. Probably not the best idea becuase I've caused some injury in the process. But, its my nature. Now I am ready to ask for some help so be ready for a lot of dumb questions. :)

[samax64]

Bro we are ready for any question you have and let be be the first one to tell you that is a very inspiring story for everyone to read... Congratulation on your victory

[RReynolds]

Thanks samax64!

That's why I went on so long man. Maybe someone will see it and use it as inspiration.

Now, first questions. Is there an area on the forum for us older guys? And, am I nuts to try and start this process at my age. Not sure if I ever would want to compete or even could. I look pretty bad from the massive weight loss and its not getting any better. :( But, I would like to get in the best shape possible just for the sake of living the best life possible.

	energy

[Alter-Ego]

RReynolds,

Absolutely, you CAN DO IT!! You've been on an amazing journey thus far, but it sounds like there is plenty of road still ahead.

Thank you for sharing this inspiring story!

AE

[Goes4ever]

congrats on the weight loss, and welcome to the board

	energy

[ajdos]

Welcome to MS!

[Budlite74]

wow what a success story!! awesome!! glad your here on musclesci.com!!

[samax64]

Originally Posted by RReynolds

Thanks samax64!

That's why I went on so long man. Maybe someone will see it and use it as inspiration.

Now, first questions. Is there an area on the forum for us older guys? And, am I nuts to try and start this process at my age. Not sure if I ever would want to compete or even could. I look pretty bad from the massive weight loss and its not getting any better. :( But, I would like to get in the best shape possible just for the sake of living the best life possible.

No old man thread here bro but we are close to the same age give or take a few years I'm a bit younger HA HA ...the only difference I have found between us and the younger guys, it just takes a little longer to get to where we are going now... No its never to late.. I didn't start till my late 30's and it been very good for me not only stress wise but I feel better then I ever have as well... My pic is up here but don't just look at my ass LOL!!! Is it the skin you are talking about ??? some of that will go away in time bro ... and the rest you are going to fill with muscle Or have to get cut off ... Don't get discourage it takes time to make it happen like the weight loss but will worth it in the end..

	energy

[RReynolds]

Thanks for the great welcome everyone!!! :)

samax64, I can see we're going to be talking a lot. LOL

Well, some new news. I was just diagnosed with a pretty large ventral hernia between my breast bone and navel. Anyone have any experinece with this? Repair? Recovery? Ongoing ability to do ab work?

[Little Dog]

Age is in your head my friend. Good luck.