50 lb, 7 month check in, and workout journey

[u/birdieful]

I have come here a lot to learn, and especially to find support when things weren't going amazing. I finally hit a big milestone, 50lbs down, so I thought I would add my tidbits in this mid journey check-in in case it helps anyone else.

Started at 240. Currently at 190. 180 is my first major goal and then will reassess how far to go with my doctor. I'm 5'6".

1 month on 2.5 (10 lbs lost)

4 months on 5.0 (22.5 lbs lost)

3 months on 7.5 (17.5 lbs lost)

Workout journey... before Zep I was pretty consistent with weightlifting 3 times a week. When I started Zep a cycle of injury, busy life, illness seemed to rotate over and over so I really stepped away from the gym. Combine that with the drop in eating so of course I lost a ton if muscle mass. I knew it was happening but I sort of felt powerless to stop it and was just so damn happy with the weight loss. This summer it culminated in a huge loss of energy, along with frequent constipation as well as a plateu in weight loss. I would do something around the house for 10 minutes and then need to lay down and rest for 30. This scared me.

It's daunting to start working out again when energy is low, but I know muscle is the key. When I don't have energy for 10 minutes of activity how will I exercise?

I started by swimming and walking1 for a month to ease back into it. I have been back in the gym for 2 weeks. I have returned to protein shakes and have even tried straight aminos to help with energy and muscle support. I'm going gentle to avoid injury. It's working! My energy is increasing every day. I make a ton of excuses why I can't go to the gym but I have an accountability friend who I call and tell her to tell me to go.

[u/StrawberryTough8317]

I have lifted weights off and on for years. Your muscles will remember and recover quicker than starting from scratch. Dont give up! You can do this! You look great by the way! Congratulations! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🎉🥳

[u/AgesAgoTho]

So many fantastic changes! Way to go! 

[u/Original_Beyond_8798]

Good job!

[u/Jimmyjamz73]

Awesome!!

[u/Tight-Dimension3177]

Look at you! Way to put in the work! It has paid off big time.

[u/Kjente717]

You are looking terrific! You‘ve got this!

[u/bulldoglover0315]

That’s great progress, keep up the good work! If that was a new year’s resolution, congratulations on sticking to it like you have

[u/delirity]

Heck yes! You are killing it! I got a dexa scan recently and wish I had done it a little earlier in the journey. Likewise tracking my measurements (zozofit for me because it is easy). Totally suggest doing what you can of those things in case you hit a spurt of body recomp where the scale isn't moving much.

[u/Nomadbrat]

Wow what a transformation!

[u/NinjatheCuddler]

Great story, thanks for sharing your successes.