Recent comments in /f/GetMotivated

HomoVulgaris t1_j9niqsw wrote

Reply to [story] I (M28) started a job as a nighttime security officer in January 2022, changing my lifestyle which made me gain some weight. After trying my short-sleeved uniform from last spring, I’m only now realizing how bad it’s gotten, not able to button a single button. Need to start to reverse this. by MisterOwl_94

There's a lot of factors going on here, genetics, snacks etc... it's tough to just pick out one thing to change, and changing everything is just overwhelming, so the tendency is just to kinda forget about everything and perpetuate the cycle.

So I will tell you that sitting is the killer.

I used to work crappy retail jobs, with lots of snacks, terrible sleep, just an awful lifestyle. However, I was on my feet all 8 hours, so sometimes I even lost weight.

Now, when I have a decent office job, I have great sleep, I watch my diet, and I gain weight... just because I sit all day.

Invest in some really comfortable shoes, maybe with special gel or whatever, and try to do half your shift standing up. Then slowly move to doing your full shift standing up. It's not impossible. You're going to see results after two weeks, I promise.

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AcceptableAccount794 t1_j9ni0je wrote

Reply to [story] I (M28) started a job as a nighttime security officer in January 2022, changing my lifestyle which made me gain some weight. After trying my short-sleeved uniform from last spring, I’m only now realizing how bad it’s gotten, not able to button a single button. Need to start to reverse this. by MisterOwl_94

Adding a second comment, since looked at the link you provided -- that last photo of the difference in just two years really raises a concern from my perspective.

I would recommend going to a doctor as soon as possible, and ask about liver testing especially, but also blood tests to show blood sugar levels and triglycerides. Ascites can be a sign of liver disease, and if the gain has been very quick, they recommend procedures to at least initially drain some of that fluid.

Here is a link about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with a list of possible symptoms or other co siderations.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567

The good side is that the liver has regenerative qualities and can bounce back from stress/strain/scarring, but you gotta work with a doctor to see if this is wah it is and if so, try and find out what is causing it.

Edit: saw the last photo too -- the symptoms looks like liver failure to me, I'm sorry to say. Definitely go to a doctor that is well versed in liver health.

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AcceptableAccount794 t1_j9ngzci wrote

Reply to [story] I (M28) started a job as a nighttime security officer in January 2022, changing my lifestyle which made me gain some weight. After trying my short-sleeved uniform from last spring, I’m only now realizing how bad it’s gotten, not able to button a single button. Need to start to reverse this. by MisterOwl_94

Although I am not a doctor, this looks a lot like ascites, which is fluid retention within the abdomen. It's commonly caused by excessive drinking of alcohol over many years and can show up quickly once the body's lost a lot of its ability to filter fluids (I don't know the technical terms around that-- but mine developed over maybe 2 years after 10 years of heavy drinking). It can also be cause by other things like congestive heart failure or clogging of vein within the liver.

As I mentioned, I had drank heavily for years (2-3 20oz sugary colas in the afternoons and alcohol in the evening) and was developing a similar condition. I quit alcohol and sugary beverages entirely and dropped about 45 pounds with no other interventions (essentially, I lost all the weight in my midsection) over the course of maybe a year and a half. So the weight loss was slow but steady.

Your case definitely looks like fluid retention to me, but since I don't know you, I am not sure if that ends up being true and if so what factors are contributing towards it. Diets heavy in salt can cause fluid retention too. So if you're eating frozen microwavable meals, many types of fast foods, or cans of soups (or really any meal that has high sodium), that can be something you target to eliminate from your diet.

I'd recommend getting a second opinion from a doctor that looks into liver functioning and heart functioning, but specifically mentioning exploring whether ascites might be a possible diagnosis. There may be some underlying condition that's causing the fluid retention that hasn't been identified yet. Best of luck! ✌

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bootywerewolf t1_j9ng83b wrote

Reply to [story] I (M28) started a job as a nighttime security officer in January 2022, changing my lifestyle which made me gain some weight. After trying my short-sleeved uniform from last spring, I’m only now realizing how bad it’s gotten, not able to button a single button. Need to start to reverse this. by MisterOwl_94

I work overnight but my job is super physical and I have chronic stomach issues so I keep losing without trying (which is also becoming problematic).

Have a big meal before work and try to eat lightly throughout the night. Then, have a small meal or a few snacks when you get home to satiate you before bed. I've read that eating a lot during night shifts can mess with your blood sugar and stuff. High protein foods will keep you fuller longer. Avoid drinks other than your basic coffee or water, because things like juice can be hella sugary. If you need easy, healthy snacks to reach for try cheese & grapes, bananas, protein bars, raisins and nuts, applesauce, etc.

If you don't have time for big workouts, try doing a bit of tabata or hiit interval training either before work or after to tire yourself out before bed. Fitness Blender has a boatload of free workouts that require little to no equipment, and they offer modifications/alternatives to exercises for various fitness levels and abilities. Even a little bit of floor pilates or yoga will still burn calories, and help with strength and flexibility.

If you work at a desk you could try and get one of those little foot pedal thingies.

Hopefully at least a smidge of that was useful lol.

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NoSchedule4275 t1_j9nez4x wrote

Reply to [story] I (M28) started a job as a nighttime security officer in January 2022, changing my lifestyle which made me gain some weight. After trying my short-sleeved uniform from last spring, I’m only now realizing how bad it’s gotten, not able to button a single button. Need to start to reverse this. by MisterOwl_94

Nights can be a huge shock to the system. Too easy to get shit food since anything open late is usually fast food or pizza, and really hard to motivate yourself into getting up for the gym since you always feel tired. I've been on nights for a few years and fell into that trap but was able to get things moving in the right direction. Crockpot meals are my go to now, easy to prep and cooks while you sleep then bam, meals for the whole shift. Foiling my windows/blackout curtains helped block every ounce of light to maximize sleep, and the rest is just finding that drive to get up and do something. Doesn't have to be much, every minute you're physically active is a minute more than what you would have done before. It all adds up into some big-time life changes, the most important thing is to just start no matter how small that first step is. Good luck!

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