lose weight fast on bike?

[Swan]

I've spoken to my physicians and they both agree that I need to shed se pounds rather quickly. My diet is alright (apart from the chocolates that I'll be cutting out... (sad, sad sigh...), as it's usuqlly salads with no dressing and fruits/veggies for snacks, but since I hurt my back, my weight has ballooned again from inactivity even though I wasn't eating all that terribly. I had an appointment scheduled to talk about my weight when a group of teen kids threw a rock at me and told me to "go back to the ocean with the other whales," so I've been put on a diet pill to help speed the process along. However, I'm wondering how BEST to bike to lose weight? I've googled it and interval training seems legit, but does anyone have any tried-and-true tips? I'd like to pick up Zumba as well, but idk how that will affect my back...

Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance!

[OakLeaf]

My experience is that the quickest way to weight loss is endurance.

Years ago all the sites used to talk about a "weight loss" heart rate zone, until it was shown that at high exertional levels, even though you're also burning lots of glucose and glycogen, you're still burning more fat than you do at lower heart rates. Well, fine, but you can't sustain that for long enough to make a difference. In the real world, low heart rate and fat loss DO go together. The only way activity and weight loss go together for me is when my workouts last three hours or longer. Do you have any vacation time to take a bike tour? Can you at least do centuries on the weekends?

[Blueberry]

I don't have any great advice, but wanted to offer gentle hugs. Mean people just suck - and I'm right there with you:(

Can you swim? I know it's not what you asked, but I find there's only so much of one thing I can do. I'm getting ready to try to bump to 2x a day most days with biking being one workout and swimming the other. No matter what I do with my diet and exercise, I have not been able to make the scale budge despite very clean eating and exercising since my thyroid went off. SO frustrating.

[shootingstar]

I'm sorry to hear about your back injury.

How's the diet change at home going? Were you able to prepare/get some daily healthy food choices when other family members want other stuff? That too, will be part of your long term (meaning for the rest of your life) road to a healthy journey that you want.

Weight loss and keeping at a healthy, fit weight is a lifelong effort. It really is, Swan. For every slim/healthy woman that you see in your community who is over 40-50 yrs. old, she most definitely has had to do something quite conscious to be that way --regular exercise, activities that require her to move even though she may not think of it as much physical activity, mindful eating, etc. It doesn't just "happen". A woman's natural metabolism drops every decade..I think it's 2-5%. So she has to doing something to counteract that.

You have found cycling as enjoyable which is wonderful because as you know cycling can be done without thinking all the time as "exercise". http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/a-fitness-match-made-in-heaven-your-personality-and-your-favourite-sport/ (most TE members can identify with what I wrote.). It would be good to plan for a bike trip later. Meanwhile climb back on the bike and just ride. Every day if you can. Build it into your lifestyle...shopping, work, etc. Until it becomes like...breathing.

[goldfinch]

I hate jerks. Screw them.

Anyway, for me the best thing is to bike for long slow distances. Partly for calorie burning but frankly, the most important thing is to keep busy and active so I become more fit and so I stay away from food.

Do other things to keep yourself busy too. Like walking. Or doing anything where you ordinarily won't eat.

The quickest way to weight loss is eating less and anything you can do to eat less will help.

[Swan]

Thanks, everyone! We haven't a pool (nor a community pool), so I would need to drive 2hrs to get to the ocean to swim... Shame, because I really love swimming!
I'll start biking every day after work if I can manage it for an hour or two each time, and go for longer rides on the weekends. Hopefully my hamstrings won't tighten up and pull on that plankar-whatever tendon again!

Shootingstar, everyone at home still eats pizza and lots of carbs, candy, etc... but I've started bringing home healthy organic foods that no one else wants to touch. Thus my diet has omproved quite a bit aside from the guilty indulgence of a couple chocolates every day (I'll save them as 1/weekend now....)

[Kathi]

If you haven't yet get a hold of the book "Practical Paleo" by Diane Sanfillippo. I'm sure there are others. I'm the 60+ slim/healthy woman in your community. Since being retired I quit paying attention to what I ate and started thinking a "few M & M's, cheese and crackers, corn chips were ok for me to eat. Years ago I bought into the low fat diet craze thinking it was good for me but I had to eat every 2-3 hours. I thought my diet was good, no fast food, fat or fried food, sodas, desserts and I don't eat out often. However, I'm developing a noticeable "muffin top".

Several of my friends are on weight watchers but their diets didn't seem very healthy and I had seen mentions of Paleo diets. I started doing some research and became convinced to forgo the "snack" foods I was eating. I added more seasonal fresh fruits, eggs and vegetables. My SO buys the groceries and plans meat and potato meals so it's easy for me to suggest seasonings for the meats and forgo the store bought sauces and add delicious, and filling side dishes. I'm also not much of a meat eater but am enjoying the tastier meat recipes and eating more proteins instead of the bad carbs I was eating. Also, when I get hungry, I'm really hungry, not the shaky, irritable, I'm going to kill you if I don't eat now hungry.

In 3 weeks I've lost 3 lbs (not intentional) and 2" off my waist and an inch off my hips. I'm sure this is more "water weight" than fat. Surprisingly, today my SO made a "healthy" soy burger for me for lunch and it was so salty I couldn't eat it. To think I used to add salt to the soy burgers because they seemed bland. I don't crave sugar or salt and actually enjoy the natural taste of food. I feel like I've gone back to the foods I was raised on when food wasn't so heavily sugared and salted that you couldn't actually taste the food.

There is so much hidden salt and sugar in store bought food that you have to read labels carefully and don't believe the "healthy labeling". You will have to cook most things yourself but you'll be amazed how much better you'll feel with more energy and less hunger.

Also, add some weight training.

[Swan]

Thanks Muireen! My average over the past 4mo is 1723 calories... which is 7cal over what I need to survive at my current BMI without everything malfunctioning. I am aware of the fast weight-loss causes (water weight and muscles) and that it often comes back if you cheat with a fast diet, but the initial kickstart is just that... a kickstart. On top of the pill/healthier meals, I'll be introducing long-term exercises/habits to sustain a healthier weight.

Kathi, cool beans! I've heard of paleo diets but haben't paid much attention to it... I'l snoop around some, then! Thanks! And yes, I'm adding strength/resistence training. No point in losing weight if it all turns to flab!

[Catrin]

Another vote for Practical Paleo (lots of good information and a large number of really good recipes) - and also for a food diary for a few weeks to get a good idea what you are actually eating. Sometimes we are eating more than we think...there are also so many hidden ingredients in processed foods that it is really hard to know WHAT we are actually eating.

Weight training is important if your doctors allow it. It sounds to me like you will have to tread a fine balance between finding that sweet spot between activity level, fueling properly, and not tweaking your back...

[Kathi]

After reading the Practical Paleo and PamNY link to the NYT article on how companies hook people on junk food, and that includes processed foods you use to cook with, I'll not look at the food I eat so casually again. I haven't totally gotten away from wheat, can't figure how to carry packable lunches for the ski slopes without it and we're not buying grass fed beef, etc. I have discovered coconut oil, butter and almond oil and flour. I love coconut butter on sweet potatoes.

If you search around on the web you can find lots of easy recipes. Here's where I started http://balancedbites.com/start-here I found out that cabbage (which we tend to only eat with corned beef in March) is in season now and I found 2 really tasty, simple recipes for it. I don't follow the menu plans in the book but pick and choose what meets my needs. I've never counted calories and I'm sure my size is due to heredity, as well as my past eating habits. Lately food just doesn't taste the same, not satisifying, so I've been eating more salty, sugary junk. I like the idea of eating what my grandmother recognized as food. When I was a kid convenience foods were just coming on the scene. I remember my mother and grandmother cooking with lard but then my mother started using Crisco in all her cooking. We went on to use all the other processed oil. Now all that stuff is becaming "bad" foods. We had sweet foods and desserts on Sunday but it wasn't as sweet as food is now. I love butter but for years have only eaten margarine and "processed" good for you stuff. I dislike margarine so much that I rarely use it anymore. My SO buys turkey bacon but that doesn't taste like real bacon because it's not. It's too sweet. Can't wait to get rid of it and have real bacon again. We grew all of our fruits and vegetables and my mother froze the extras for winter. I still can't get used to California strawberries and our neighbors think we're crazy because we eat the apples off our trees. They're not perfect, shiny and round like the ones in the store but they taste so good.

Sorry about the rant but I felt the need to share all this.

[Swan]

Catrin: ooh, I know it. Sometimes those nutrition labels are so vague.... I'll do my best to find that balance :D It definitely involves NOT bending, though... :x

Muirenn, I've done so many medical tests... diabetes, thyroid issues, medicinal side-effect symptoms checks, etc.... Nothing ever comes up. I simply have a very slow metabolism and the genes to store fat from eating anything, so I need to constantly move... something I haven't been able to do for a while..

Kathi: we grow our own garden with pears, peaches, plums, apples, oranges, persimmins, cabbage, snap peas, lettuce, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes.... and then there is our chicken coop.... each crop yields, thankfully, except for our strawberry patch which keeps dying (bummer, because I love strawberries). When I wanted to start eating healthier, my grandmother - who never started eating processed foods and firmly stuck to what she could raise herself - helped me start my own garden :D SoI think doing Paleo is as I've been doing for some time now. I'm excited!

[Dogmama]

Another +1 for avoiding foods your grandmother wouldn't recognize. When I eat energy bars, e.g., Lunas, I actually gain weight no matter what I'm doing or what my diet is like.

As for exercise, mixing it up is good, especially since you only have 1-2 hours during the week. Interval training is tough but has been shown to be an effective fat burner along with preserving muscle mass. I would add in a couple of interval days during the week. So - maybe a couple of days weight training, a couple of days of intervals & use your weekends for your LSD rides (Long Slow Duration.) Take one day off a week for physical/mental/spiritual health.

[Crankin]

I also have issues figuring out lunches for outdoor winter activity, or even packed lunch for long rides that don't include bread. I've made peace with using Ezekial bread and almond butter, but I can't see packing a salad or even meats, with no cooling.
I feel the same way about Luna Bars, but despite the fact I have cut way down on eating them, I still crave them during a ride.

Swan, just a question, but are you taking any anti-depressants or mood stabilizers? There's a huge correlation with weight gain, and it's really hard to lose that weight, too. Most doctors minimize this, but I had some clients a couple of years ago that got involved with a study at Mass General, where they were looking at this issue. From what I've read and discussed with other clinicians, it seems as if some of these medications really do slow your metabolism.

[goldfinch]

Swan, I think the most important thing is to experiment and see what works for you. What works for some of use may not be right for you.

If you are losing weight it is important to try to maintain muscle mass and the best way to do that is with strength training. The research is pretty solid that strength training will help when losing weight. Keep up with the aerobic exercise for fitness and as others have said, mix it up a bit.

As far as what to eat many people have strong feelings on what is the best type of diet. My conclusion, barring more research, is the same as Ben Goldacre's, a physician and science writer, who wrote in Bad Science: "The most important take-home message with diet and health is that anyone who ever expresses anything with certainty is basically wrong, because the evidence for cause and effect in this area is almost always weak and circumstantial."

[OakLeaf]

just a question, but are you taking any anti-depressants or mood stabilizers? There's a huge correlation with weight gain, and it's really hard to lose that weight, too. Most doctors minimize this, but I had some clients a couple of years ago that got involved with a study at Mass General, where they were looking at this issue. From what I've read and discussed with other clinicians, it seems as if some of these medications really do slow your metabolism.

Oh yes ... I was on a tricyclic antidepressant for a while years ago. I was younger then and hadn't yet lived years of stable weight, so I didn't associate the weight gain with the drug. But when I switched to another drug, I lost 20 lbs (and 10 points on both sides of my blood pressure) in about three months, without making ANY other changes.

[Swan]

I AM on a mood stabilizer. I found my worst weight gain happened when on lithium and an anti-psychotic, though I tried several coctails before that. I'm now on Lamictal only, which, as OakLeaf experienced with probably something else, helped me lose weight in the starting stages. However, it's crucial that I don't neglect medicine, otherwise after just one skip I become incredibly suicidal and/or indulge in very risky spending/other behaviors (especially of I use this diet pill for the jumpstart). I suppose that coupled wih my genetics, this is a recipe for a fat disaster, but it's something I have to work around - not eradicate. Else I likely wouldn't live long enough to see myself thinner! Ha, ha...

I will certainly do my best, everyone! Thank you!

[Crankin]

Lamictal has less of this side effect than some of the others and I have a few clients that have successfully maintained healthy lifestyles/weight while on it.

[Sky King]

Shootingstar nails it. Don't get overly stressed about miles and miles of riding. Just ride your bike as much as you can, hopefully everyday. If you can't ride, then walk, everyday. It is a journey not an instant result. I like to use myfitnesspal.com for tracking my food. At the moment I am doing a higher protein, less carb and strength training but when I ride I balance it out more and the website helps a ton. Good luck

[Catrin]

Catrin: ooh, I know it. Sometimes those nutrition labels are so vague....!

It goes beyond vague labels. Some will choose to include different types of sugar instead of just one kind - which means that even if sugar IS the main ingredient, it is much further down the list since it is different types. That is just pure deception. I no longer eat processed foods of any kind - and feel much better for it. I got interested in Paleo/Primal because I started hanging around with a bunch of Crossfitters and it sounded like an intriqing approach - and I had been on a maddening plateau for well over a year. Within several weeks of making the change I noted that ALL of my health issues had reversed themselves and I felt great - which is why I have stuck with it. Frankly, I could care less about why it works - I've too many other things in my life that I over-think. What I know is I feel fantastic for the first time that I can remember and all of my digestive problems have disappeared. That is enough for me ;)


I also have issues figuring out lunches for outdoor winter activity, or even packed lunch for long rides that don't include bread. I've made peace with using Ezekial bread and almond butter, but I can't see packing a salad or even meats, with no cooling.
I feel the same way about Luna Bars, but despite the fact I have cut way down on eating them, I still crave them during a ride.....

We have to come up with those things that work for us Crankin. For me, a combination of good nitrate-free (and sugar free) jerky, macadamia nuts and dried cherries help me on the bike. This year I also want to try my hand at making my own "Lara" bars - and I will keep in mind that Panaera has a "secret" Paleo menu (here (http://mypanera.panerabread.com/articlestips/article/access-into-paneras-hidden-menu/)). I really appreciate their efforts to reach out to a different market. They don't advertise this on their menus, but it is now available for anyone who asks for it. This does give more traveling options.

[Veronica]

There is a lot of fat in the items in Panera's "secret" lunch menu. My favorite sandwich has twice the protein and half the fat of the the salads on the hidden menu. We tend to go a day when I don't care about carbs - run/swim day. But if it mattered, I'd rather just eat less bread.

Veronica

[Crankin]

It's not so much the restaurants. I either choose wisely, or I've made the decision to eat what I want!
Catrin, the beef jerky intrigues me. Back around 10--12 years ago DS ate lots of beef jerky (though no the nitrate free kind) when he was riding. I thought it was gross, but he may have been on to something. I do sub my dried cranberries, nuts, and chocolate mix for most local rides. But, sometimes, we do longer, 30-50 mile rides, with considerable climbing, where we stop and eat our own lunches in a scenic spot. I can't do that on nuts and dried fruit.

[Swan]

Ooooh I have a question! How can I do strength training with a bad back? Lifting, bending, pushing, and pulling are all things I can't do yet.... I'm slowly building up my core strength with modified crunches/oblique crunches and core-concentrated leg exercises... but how can I add strength to this? The way I understand exercise:

Cardio burns fat all over. It only burns fat, but it gets rid of it everywhere.
Strength training builds muscle. You can pinpoint where you want to build the muscle, but you can't pinpoint where you want to burn fat. Muscle is important to keep fat off, but it's possible to build muscle under the fat layers, making your fat stick out even more.
Resistence training tones muscles and helps shave fat off, but isn't(?) recommended as a stand-alone exercise program (but what about pilates/yoga/etc?).
Diet is 50%+ of the weight loss MUSTS.

[ny biker]

I think having too much information can be worse than having none at all. I agree very much with Goldfinch: experiment and see what works for you.


Other than that, I will just add that whatever plan you come up with has to be something you can live with long term if it's going to really work. If you don't like the food you eat and the activities you do, you won't stick with them.

And I think it's easier to make lifestyle changes when you make them one at a time, so you can incorporate one change into a new habit and then after a couple of weeks try changing something else. This won't necessarily lead to "fast weight loss" but gradual weight loss is the kind that tends to stick. And it will help you figure out what works for you and what doesn't.

Good luck!!

[Catrin]

Resistance training, to me, IS strength training, though this may well be a matter of different definitions.

Proper hydration and getting enough sleep are also very important parts of the puzzle, as well as stress management. Raised cortisol levels from stress works against us in this department. All of our bodies are different and we need to figure out what works for us at this time.

Are you still working with a PT? If so, they should be able to give you an idea what you can do in the area of strength training that won't hurt you at this time. If your PT clears you, and you can afford it, an experienced personal trainer might be very helpful in showing exercises that won't hurt...it needn't be a long-term arrangement.

[OakLeaf]

I'm pretty surprised they recommend crunches with you having a back issue... but your PT should be able to recommend some extremity-strengthening moves you can safely add to your core routine. Are you doing any push-ups now? That's just adding an elbow bend to a good form high plank (which requires good hand and wrist strength all by itself, besides the entire sheath of the core). Step-ups are another one ... core strength to align your pelvis; foot, ankle and hip stabilizer strength to align your knees; then the quads and hammies to lift you up onto the box.

[Swan]

Catrin and OakLeaf.. I was surprised, too, and upset that they made me go through with them (and other exercises) even though the pain from doing them was awful and often immobilizing at times. I have gotten better at doing them, but aren't crunches supposed to be bad for the spine? I have admittedly quit the orthopedist and physical therapists, as they have done nothing to help me and have only extensively hurt me (that is, almost put me back in the hospital), billed me what I believe to be excessive amounts ($120 and not even a proper appointment?!), and came up with six different diagnoses (some ridiculous, like a too-tight hamstring and that "it's all in my head") for my mid-to-lower back problems. I have had it. Whatever is wrong, no one has been able to help with it.

I will try my best to adhere to everyone's advice. I'm motivating myself by promising everyone on FB that I'll owe them $5 if I don't lose 30# by July 4th ; )
I'm a penny pincher, so no way am I gonna lose the bet!

[Catrin]

{{{Swan}}} so sorry that you've been going through all of this!

[Swan]

Have you had an MRI for your back? Docs will come up with a lot of hokey when someone presents with back pain. It's hard for them to dispute MRI results. If you haven't had one, you may need to insist.

I have degenerative disc disease, and had back surgery when I was 30.

Have had 2 MRIs and 2 sets of xrays. Came up with minor scoliosis (5.7doc) and early onset disc degenerative disease. Nothing need worrying about just yet, say the doctors I've been to. It may be my weight, it may be my breasts, or it may be any of the six diagnoses I've been handed, or some combination of all/some of the above.

[OakLeaf]

Ugh Swan, so sorry you're having to go through all this.

Have you seen a McKenzie (http://mckenzieinstitute.co.uk/) PT?

[Swan]

Nope! Looks like it's exclusive to the UK? Shame! I've tried just about everything else by now, haven't I.... lol

[shootingstar]

Seems incredible that if your family has a garden (or grandmother) with these wonderful fresh veggies, fruits, but family still wants to buy carbs and other stuff from store.

Anyway, maybe I misread something somewhere earlier in this thread.

[Crankin]

No, McKenzie PT's are everywhere. Although there aren't a lot of them in MA, I found one 6 miles from my house. You can do a search and they are listed by state.
You said you have had 6 diagnoses??? What in the heck do your breasts have to do with anything? I'm sorry, but in addition to finding a better PT, perhaps you need to find a new PCP who can guide your care with all of the specialists you see AND has some kind of knowledge about weight loss and sports medicine. I would be researching like crazy to find someone who has the skills you need. You shouldn't have to put up with this. I seem to recall you live in FL. Can you get to Gainesville and maybe find someone at the med school, to at least do a consult and recommend someone in your area?
Just a thought.

[OakLeaf]

Sorry, for some reason I thought you were in the UK. The McKenzie organization's US/international website is just mckenziemdt.org . But if you're in Florida ... what part of the state? My DOM is pretty well connected and might know someone who could help.

[Swan]

Seems incredible that if your family has a garden (or grandmother) with these wonderful fresh veggies, fruits, but family still wants to buy carbs and other stuff from store.

Anyway, maybe I misread something somewhere earlier in this thread.

You probably didn't misread haha. Family seems to think food isn't done until it's been washed/waxed/processed by stores, amd is bad for you unless it's uniformly vibrant and the size of a soft-ball. I used to think this way, too, though! Fresh food was just... gross, and weird, and bland to me. Then I got health-conscious. Last night, parents ate pizza and beer.... I ate spinach and spiced chicken with tall glasses of water. And it wasn't gross, or weird, or bland!


Crankin: Yup, six! DDD, scoliosis, tendonitis in some tendon that connects to my lower spine (I keep eanting to call it plantar, but that's for feet!), a hip injury I'm protecting by making my back hurt instead(? I haven't even seen evidence of this supposed hip injury yet....), too-tight hamstrings (really...?), amd that it's all in my head. Factors like my weight and breasts (because I'm short and they're Fcups) are being considered since they give people backaches, SO... 6 different diagnoses, and two helpful hints at getting rid of the pain by shedding #/inches. I have done my research and thought this last doctor might know what he was talking about... but in person, he wasn't as impressive as his resume. Gainesville is much too far. I'm in Panama City-ish area. Will look into McKenzie more now!

Thanks, Oak! And yeah, you'd not be the first to think I'm in the UK. :confused: Wonder why. As above, I'm in the PC area... gonna give the webbie another look now!

[lph]

You probably didn't misread haha. Family seems to think food isn't done until it's been washed/waxed/processed by stores, amd is bad for you unless it's uniformly vibrant and the size of a soft-ball.

:D You're funny. :D

[lph]

Ok, I can add something on-topic too :-)

Re: diet. My understanding is that for weight loss, diet is more important than exercise. Both together, of course, but diet is key. If you're trying to kick a regular chocolate habit (I love chocolate too. Who doesn't?), you might want to try very dark chocolate, and just a little every day or every other day. It has much less sugar and for me, doesn't spike a craving like regular sweet chocolate does. Cutting out sugar completely might be better and faster, but you're trying to do a lot of stuff at once, and there's usually only so much willpower to go around :-)

[Crankin]

I mentioned going to Gainesville, as maybe a one time consult. Of course, not for regular care, but it's not that unusual for people to go to a major medical center with a lot of expertise in one area, get a decent diagnosis and have them recommend a doctor where you live. It's too bad the med school isn't in Tallahassee, which would be closer for you.

[shootingstar]

Stick to the garden food, Swan. That's great.

[OakLeaf]

I mentioned going to Gainesville, as maybe a one time consult. Of course, not for regular care, but it's not that unusual for people to go to a major medical center with a lot of expertise in one area, get a decent diagnosis and have them recommend a doctor where you live. It's too bad the med school isn't in Tallahassee, which would be closer for you.

FSU has a medical school too ... still, I'm not convinced that's a good approach in most parts of the country. IME, teaching hospital faculty can be at least as insular in their approach, and as protective of their turf, as private physicians - if not more so.

Unfortunately Swan it sounds to me like what's really lacking is a primary care doctor who will look at you as a whole person, talk to you like a human being instead of a piece of meat, pull all the pieces together and have the assertiveness to stand up to the specialists ... which is a pretty rare thing. After all my years as both a disabled persons' advocate and as a patient myself, I'm no closer to knowing how to find a good doctor. Word of mouth, either from patients or from doctors, seems to be pretty much useless. Sometimes I get lucky and I stick with those ... other times I have bad luck and at best, waste time and money, at worst aggravate whatever I'm dealing with.

I'd suggest a cranial osteopath, which I've been having great success with, but there isn't even one of those closer to you than Tallahassee. :(

For all that word of mouth has never worked for me ... I do have a friend who used to live in Ft Walton Beach, and I could ask him if he knows anyone ... and I'll try to remember to ask my DOM when I see him tomorrow.

[Crankin]

I do mostly agree with you, Oak. And this shows how long it's been since I lived in FL, when there was no med school at FSU. I do really agree that a PCP who sees you as a whole person is the key.
I guess I recommended the find an expert approach, as I had a really good experience when I visited 2 different rheumatologists at the Brigham. While they did do a couple of additional MRIs, etc, they pretty much told me my local doctor was on track, he was good, and I was doing the right thing. And one referred me for PT, which was the best thing that could have happened. So far, I've done better at finding specialists that appreciate my lifestyle, than a PCP.

[Kathi]

Short and bra cup size has nothing to do with back pain. Your cup does not support your boobs the support comes from the band. I too was having back pain, thought it was because I wasn't lifting upper body weights. Turns out my bra band was too big, and the cups too small. I went from a 30D to a 28FF and I'm 5'1". It took some used to a tighter band but the back pain went away.

[Becky]

+1! I had a very similar experience.


Short and bra cup size has nothing to do with back pain. Your cup does not support your boobs the support comes from the band. I too was having back pain, thought it was because I wasn't lifting upper body weights. Turns out my bra band was too big, and the cups too small. I went from a 30D to a 28FF and I'm 5'1". It took some used to a tighter band but the back pain went away.

[OakLeaf]

Short and bra cup size has nothing to do with back pain.

Not completely ... better fitting bra makes an enormous difference, and I'm all for that, but it's still a whole lot of weight out in front of your spine with no bones or muscles directly supporting them.

Kinda like wearing a hydration pack backwards. ;) You can loosen the shoulder straps all you like and let the weight rest on the hips - which will make a huge difference - but the weight is still going to throw you off balance.

[Kathi]

If you're full busted, cup size D and up, a firm band supports the bust. According to the Brastop video in the link bra straps support 20% of the bust while the band gives most of the support. A well fitting bra actually improves posture because the back is not supporting the weight of the bust, the bra is. I can often tell if a band is too loose because I can feel it twist on me when I move.

When I look at old pictures of me I'm appalled at how poor my posture was due to ill fitting bras. Recent pictures show an entirely different person.

[goldfinch]

My sister was very, very large breasted. She had back and neck problems and her doctors were pretty sure it was from the weight of her breasts. She had reduction surgery and no further problems. Her insurer even agreed that it was a medical necessity and not cosmetic.

FWIW.

[Swan]

Jeez D: I'll go get a proper fitting soon, then... I have often thought longingly of a reduction, but I don't think I can get past the scarring and nerve damage.


I started weight training btw : ) And since starting this thread I've managed to shed that last half-pant-size needed to fit into a size 16 in any brand. Woohoo! Coming from a size 21, this feels great!


Edit: apparently the closest Nordstrom is 8 hours away. *huffpuff* I've tried Victoria Secret fittings, but it wasn't very professionally done...

[Crankin]

Good work, Swan.
A good fitting will help, and you might want to find a real lingerie store. They usually are good and have a large variety of sizes.
I wouldn't eliminate the possibility of a reduction. Many years ago, I had a teaching assistant who had one, just before I met her. She went from a FF to a C or D. She totally eliminated back pain and was able to sleep on her stomach for the first time in her life. I can't emphasize what a change this was in her life and insurance paid for it all.

[Swan]

I don't think I've been able to sleep on my tummy since I hit puberty lol I'll think about it. If I shed the weight and these big ol' things are still hanging around, I'll start making calls and pick up pamphlets.

[Kathi]

I don't think I've been able to sleep on my tummy since I hit puberty lol I'll think about it. If I shed the weight and these big ol' things are still hanging around, I'll start making calls and pick up pamphlets.

Get properly fitted first and see how you feel. Glad you rejected VS. They are not known for proper fittings or a variety of bra sizes. Not sure how good department stores are either. If you're at the small or large end of the scale they probably won't be able to fit you.

Learn everything you can about bra fit, measure yourself before you go. If a fitter adds 4" to your band size leave. Understand what cup sizes really mean. Cup size is relative to your back size. I'm a 28 FF but if my back measured 34 I'd be a C or D cup. Ironically, I've never thought of myself as "big" nor have I ever considered a reduction.

I'm headed out to ski when I return I'll send you some good links.

[Dogmama]

I've had several friends that did a breast reduction. It was covered by insurance and they were beyond pleased. One said it was heaven to not have the bra straps cutting into her shoulders & the other was just happy that she didn't have to shell out big bucks each time she needed a bra.

[Possegal]

I went to a place in virginia that specializes in fittings. Prude that I am, I have to admit it wasn't all that comfortable for me. :) But I spent a small fortune buying about 6 bras (all in cup sizes well beyond what I had already) and I am very happy with them. They are all very pretty too! And I heard the same as other are saying - that the band should be doing most of the work, not the straps.

Recommend it highly. I have a friend that worked for Jockey at one point as a fitter, and she convinced me to go and get this done. Very glad I did.

that said - I'd love to get these babies reduced. But I'm going to try losing some weight first before looking into it further.

[ny biker]

I went to a place in virginia that specializes in fittings.

And I went to a place in Maryland (Sylene's). Where did you go?

[Swan]

I havent transitioned to paleo yet, but my diet is mostly salad, grilled fish, and grilled chicken, all from local farms and fishermen. And the occasional brownie. Oops. Haven't gone for a new bra yet, but I've started strength training with a friend and a personal trainer.

[Swan]

Checking in! Haven't gone for the new bra yet (should always be done once you hit your goal weight, so....), but I've dropped 11#! Woohoo! Was a bit inactive this week thanks to a nasty virus going around, but today training starts up again :)

[Kathi]

Checking in! Haven't gone for the new bra yet (should always be done once you hit your goal weight, so....), but I've dropped 11#! Woohoo! Was a bit inactive this week thanks to a nasty virus going around, but today training starts up again :)

Disagree. You need a good fitting bra NOW. Chances are, with the weight loss you've experienced your bras don't fit, if they ever fit. It is recommended that women remeasure every 6 months as things do change, so I'm betting your old bras are past their usefulness. I suggest getting 2, or even 3 bras, so you can alternate days with them. Lycra needs to relax after wearing so wearing the same bra every day wears it out sooner. Also, hand wash only.

You're too young to damage your boobs this way. Besides, you'll be amazed how much better you look.

[Biciclista]

wow, you are inspirational. keep working out. and enjoy your chocolate!

[Possegal]

And I went to a place in Maryland (Sylene's). Where did you go?

Intimacy in Tyson's corner. But looking at Sylene's - looks like they have a lot of the same inventory. And would have been closer for me. :)

[Swan]

Disagree. You need a good fitting bra NOW. Chances are, with the weight loss you've experienced your bras don't fit, if they ever fit. It is recommended that women remeasure every 6 months as things do change, so I'm betting your old bras are past their usefulness. I suggest getting 2, or even 3 bras, so you can alternate days with them. Lycra needs to relax after wearing so wearing the same bra every day wears it out sooner. Also, hand wash only.

You're too young to damage your boobs this way. Besides, you'll be amazed how much better you look.

Bras are important, but I haven't got the money to buy a single pair for every 10# lost, let alone three pair. And if I lost 11# since, I can't imagine how frequently I'd need to buy bras. They aren't so cheap when your cup size is over a D. :confused: I must decline, though I've listened to your words.

[OakLeaf]

damage your boobs

Seriously? I don't think so. Women survived for millennia before the invention of bras.

A good bra will definitely make things more comfortable. A poorly fitting bra can contribute to back, neck and shoulder pain. No article of clothing, whether it fits well or poorly, is going to "damage" any body part, unless it's so tight it deforms the bones or internal organs, or alters biomechanics (i.e. shoes). Actually, the way I understand it, bras were originally invented as a replacement for corsets, which *were* so tight that they damaged ribs, pelves and internal organs...


Way to go Swan. Do remember your health and how you feel are so much more important than the number on the scale!

[Swan]

your health and how you feel are so much more important than the number on the scale!

THIS :D I'm not obsessed with numbers, only thst I become healthy again. Numbers do play a part to a certain extent, but not up to the levels some self-conscious ladies take it to...

[Kathi]

Check here: http://www.reddit.com/r/braswap/ and http://brarecycling.com A lot of the websites recommend Brastop but the company is in the UK and I'm not sure their bras are cheaper due to shipping costs and sometimes you have to pay duty. I also just read they show prices in pounds not dollars so the prices are higher than you think.

If you don't see the size you're looking for on braswap post a request for the size. Measure, measure and remeasure before you do.

I've donated to brarecycling.com but I don't know their procedure for distributing bras. You may have to go through an agency so contact them. Also, try Goodwill, Ebay, etc. I used to donate to Goodwill until I found The Bra Recyclers. There's lots of women out there trying to get rid of bras that don't fit. Even if the bras aren't perfect fit anything's better than a bra that's falling off. Sad to say, it took me 7 years to find the correct fitting bra, I finally got the band right but was buying my cups too big. I think that's why the uprise in blogs and websites on bra fitting. There's lots of good advice on ABraThatFits. You could ask them for suggestions, too. Hopefully, the American bra industry will get their act together and start providing a wider range of sizes in their brands and in the stores and better fitting advice.

[Kathi]

Seriously? I don't think so. Women survived for millennia before the invention of bras.

A good bra will definitely make things more comfortable. A poorly fitting bra can contribute to back, neck and shoulder pain. No article of clothing, whether it fits well or poorly, is going to "damage" any body part, unless it's so tight it deforms the bones or internal organs, or alters biomechanics (i.e. shoes). Actually, the way I understand it, bras were originally invented as a replacement for corsets, which *were* so tight that they damaged ribs, pelves and internal organs...


Way to go Swan. Do remember your health and how you feel are so much more important than the number on the scale!

Sorry, I wasn't talking about permanent damage. I was thinking of bruises, rashes, fungi underneath the boobs, discomfort from ill fitting bras, tissue migration,back pain, shoulder pain from too tight straps, etc. I've pretty much disliked bras and didn't think much about them, except they were uncomfortable. I'm part of the "bra-burning generation" and I was happy without them and only wore them when needed. I found them so uncomfortable that after I retired I quit wearing them at home. However, that wasn't always comfortable either. I thought I was wearing the correct size but unknowingly I wasn't. Thanks to the internet, pictures of me looking dumpy in ill fitting sports bras and looking like pictures of my great-greatmother at age 80 I started understanding that all the ills I had suffered over the years had a lot to do with my bra fit, cups being to small (underwires pressing on tissue) and my band being too big.
Unfortunately, most women don't understand bra fit and the American bra industry doesn't help with limited sizing and poor fitters. Currently, the only brand I can find that fits me is a UK brand and my size is not sold in stores or boutiques. I've spent a lot of time, trial and error, and money trying to figure out what a good bra fit is on me. If I hadn't found that 1 brand I'd have to resort to alternations or custom made bras. It's a shame that a woman of my age, 64, never had a well fitting bra until now. Sadly, I know I'm not alone.

[Swan]

Yesterday's training about killed me orz 1mi run, leg curls, leg extensions, and squats until failure.... But when I woke up this morning and weighed myself at the usual time, I found I've dropped another pound since the doctor last Friday. Yayyyyy! And also owwww...

[Swan]

I think she mentioned she doesn't have the funds to do the shopping thing at the moment.

Yep : )

[Swan]

I've hit the -15# mark! Whoo!

[indysteel]

That's great, Swan. Way to go!!!

[Catrin]

Whoohoooo Swan, congratulations!

[murielalex]

Nice, swan.

[Blueberry]

Awesome, Swan! You are an inspiration:)

[Swan]

Checking in!
After losing 21# I lost my job and my car, which sent me into a bout of inactivity and toward a big ol' pint of icecream. :( Yay, depression won again. I gained back several pounds and am at an odd size now (a 16-19 instead of the firm *15* I'd gotten down to), but since Monday I've become more active again. I'm hoping it will catch again. Everyone slips up and it's alright to take time for yourself, right? The important thing is that I keep trying!
I finally got a proper bra fitting (36FF, omg). It does feel better, but a bit of niggling back pain is still persistent. I'll keep losing weight and if they don't shrink down, I'll just phone up the reduction surgeon I've been eyeing. Even if it doesn't help with the back pain, it'd be nice to be able to sit at a table without them blocking my way!

[Kathi]

Glad to hear you got a new bra and a UK brand, good for you. I know an FF cup sounds depressing but if it makes you feel better technically, I'm a 26G but size 26 bands are viturally non existent so I wear a 28 FF. On my small frame I don't consider it a huge size. I always thought I was small but wearing a properly fitting bra makes me look less grandmotherly. I'm not a even a grandmother! If Victoria Secrets and many department stores quit trying to convince women that they're all in the A-DD range and put them in good fitting bras you'd see more women wearing larger cup sizes.

Bra fitting takes awhile. I thought my 30DD's were great, until the band stretched a little. It took me a long time to realize they weren't. Then I went to 28G's, miscalculated that one. Once I started learning about my shape I was able to settle into 1 brand and 2 styles that work for me. Did you measure your band tight or loose? If you measured loose you could also consider trying these sizes (UK,not US sizing), 34FF, a band/cup size down or 34G, same cup volume as your FF, but tighter band. Also, remember to "swoop and scoop" often.

I don't have any other advice except to say good job on your progress.

[Swan]

Thanks, guys. I'm benched again.
Riding my bike has made my back flare up really horribly again. I don't know what's causing it. I stretch, I hydrate, I eat... I'm going to try raising the handlebars to more of a casual commuter's level and see if that helps any, and I'll raise the seatpost a bit, too, to further extend my legs on the downstroke.... Haven't been doing this because like most casual bicyclists in my area, I like to be able to put both feet on the ground. Looks like I'm going to deal with being wobbly for a while, because I'm getting real tired of not being able to be active.

[Catrin]

Thanks, guys. I'm benched again.
Riding my bike has made my back flare up really horribly again. I don't know what's causing it. I stretch, I hydrate, I eat... I'm going to try raising the handlebars to more of a casual commuter's level and see if that helps any, and I'll raise the seatpost a bit, too, to further extend my legs on the downstroke.... Haven't been doing this because like most casual bicyclists in my area, I like to be able to put both feet on the ground. Looks like I'm going to deal with being wobbly for a while, because I'm getting real tired of not being able to be active.

Any option of visiting an experience fitter? Seriously, the difference of even a couple of mm can make a huge difference. My own fitter adjusted my height by less than 2mm and that removed the hip pain I was experiencing at the time. If you can see a talented fitter with good experience it might go far in helping you - without possible ramifications that come from guessing incorrectly in adjustments. Sometimes bike fit issues aren't obvious as everything is connected. Hoping you feel better soon!

[Swan]

There aren't any mechanized fitting machines or anything like that in my area. Maybe if I drove to Tallahassee, I could find one... I'll look around on the web. But what are the fitting machines called? The ones you get hooked up to while your bike is mounted??

[Catrin]

There aren't any mechanized fitting machines or anything like that in my area. Maybe if I drove to Tallahassee, I could find one... I'll look around on the web. But what are the fitting machines called? The ones you get hooked up to while your bike is mounted??

The fitting system is no where near as important than an experienced and talented fitter. Technology does not matter if the user cannot think outside the box or have experience with people with physical issues like you, and me.

Check to see if there is a local cycling group who can give you a recommendation. You need someone who can think out of the box. You might also want to see if there is a PT who is also a fitter, I know they exist but not how common they are...

[Owlie]

The fitting system is no where near as important than an experienced and talented fitter. Technology does not matter if the user cannot think outside the box or have experience with people with physical issues like you, and me.

Check to see if there is a local cycling group who can give you a recommendation. You need someone who can think out of the box. You might also want to see if there is a PT who is also a fitter, I know they exist but not how common they are...

This. Ask around. The local clubs might be of help. Are you seeing a PT for the back? They might know someone.

If you were here, I'd send you to one of the local shops. This guy runs a one-man shop and does nothing but fits.

[LunaB]

I too have back problems riding my bike. The muscles in my lower back start to burn and ache and I have to stand up and stretch all the time while riding. During the winter months I ride the same bike in the same position indoors on a trainer - and I never have ANY back pain. But as soon as I go out on the road, it starts again, after about 30 minutes or so. I think the difference is that I am balancing as well as riding, which you don´t on a fixed trainer indoors. Even though it´s the same bike.

Part from getting a really good bike fit, I have been told to train my core muscles. Doing the "plank" is one way - but I can only hold it for less than 30 seconds yet, it´s quite a tough one. You can do the usual Plank and the Side Plank. All to strengthen you core muscles.

As far as weight loss goes, i found a neat way during my recent weight loss: I change all pasta, rice and potatoes for bags of frozen veg. You can find all sorts of mixed veg in the freezer department, and they are usually a tiny 20 - 35 calories per 100 grams, so a whole 500 gram bag gives you maybe 150 calories! But it sure fills you up, it is good for you and some of the mixes tast really good. On top of them I put whatever the rest of the family eats - a ladle of tomatoe sauce, curry sauce or whatever. (I don´t fry the veg in much oil, if any, I use a good non stick pan. Maybe some soy sauce to spiff it up a bit.)

Good luck on your inspiring journey!

[kris7047th]

I can relate to this thread .. BIG TIME. I had two major knee surgeries, the last was a total reconstruction back in 1977, back surgery 1999, and I have neck compression. I am also in the process of losing weight .. have lost almost 10 lbs and another 20 to go. The biking is definitely helping, but this isn't my first rodeo dieting. Food portion is the key and burning more than what you consume in a day. When I get serious to loose .. I just don't eat *meals* per se. I will eat a wedge of cheese, small portion of meat and later some vegetables. I am 62 and losing gets harder when the metabolism does a 180* around 40 years old. As you get older it is even more important to figure ways to burn the calories and stay fit. Winter months is my bane, like a lot of people we get lazy, and I am no exception. I will be looking into buying a bike trainer when I can't ride due to the weather.

[Swan]

Checking in.
My weight seems to have stuck at 180, which is beyond frustrating since at my height I'm supposed to be 110-120, but everyone has commented that I look thinner. So that's something. I hit a snag when my dad took control of groceries again.... pizza, cookies, and extra sweet tea every single night for two weeks straight, and nothing else in the house to make a healthier meal with. Ouch. And he's wondering why he's gaining weight! I wrestled with him and got back dibs on meal planning earlier this week.
Although I havent been biking as much what with all the heat and the rain, I'm trying to do at least a little activity every other day. I can't tell if it's helping or not, though, and I have to go very slowly because my back has been testy of late (probably from gaining back some weight.. darn it!!).
Trying to lose weight has been the most challenging, frustrating, and demotivational thing I've done this year, haha

[aviatrix58]

Since you're struggling with back pain, have you considered a recumbent? I was an avid upright rider until my hubby's back pain reduced his riding to almost nothing. He switched to a recumbent and started riding pain-free. I soon followed (if you can't beat 'em.....) and have never looked back. I am faster now (top speed 25, cruising at 17-18 easily) and able to cycle hours without any pain whatsoever. We even toured the Pacific Coast on them last year - 1,254 miles in 24 days. And I'm not a spring chicken - 54 years young.

Don't give up - getting healthy is too important to quit!

[Swan]

We do not have a pool, the community does not have a pool, and the ocean is two hours away. I dont think my tub is large enough to swim in, either.

[Eden]

mmmmmm sorry.... actually a number of scientific studies have shown swimming, while it is certainly a great cardio exercise, can often lead to no loss of body fat or even gain... It is not disputed that a great number of calories can be burned swimming and that it certainly is good exercise, but the exposure to cold water is an appetite stimulant and exercisers who swim often will replace calories at a greater rate than they are burned - so if you choose swimming for weight loss you have to be *extremely* disciplined about refueling.

[Dogmama]

Eden is right. I've also read that just being in colder water makes your body hold onto fat for insulation. Can't fool mother nature!

[Swan]

Well again, I cannot and therefore will not be swimming. I am biking, walking, and strength training. Not swimming.

[Susan]

That's really good combination of activities and anyway it's best to do whatever you want to and can do to create a habit :). I'm currently listening to a podcast regularly, "Paleo Lifestyle and Fitness", I really get a lot of good Information out of it even though I don't eat strict "Paleo", I think maybe you would like it too?

[Skippyak]

Well for me, going to gymn is better because I lose 10 pounds in two weeks.

You know what kind of caloric deficit you would require to lose 10 pounds of actual fat though LOL, I can lose 2 pounds after a big poop and a long pee, or 3 pounds on a hot and sweaty bike ride. I can gain 3 pounds in a day of premenstrual rage and a Costco chicken bake. You can lose 10 pounds/2 weeks if you carb starve and your liver does it's magic, but this is not real fat loss. 1g glycogen has 3 grams of water, or some such number.
The caloric deficit for 10 pounds fat/14 days is 2500 cals a day, that is pretty much a minimum five hours of sweaty cardio a day in that gym. Impossible? Not at all, likely? Not at all.
Exercise to create the deficit or control calories in to create the deficit, the ideal way is both, and once you achieve the desired end, use the exercise for maintenance. No quick weight loss plan. Just a real one. a pound a week is a great way to do it, exercising to create a 3500 cal week deficit is surprisingly like work. Don't let your body diet away muscle either.

[Swan]

Checking in.

My doctor and nutritionist agreed that I had to stop counting numbers. No more measuring inch loss and portions, no more calorie counting, no more logging miles or minutes, and no more scale. No more numbers. Period. I was sabotaging myself and becoming overwhelmed and overly focused on numbers, and when something didn't add up, I became frustrated and depressed and quit.

So here was the deal: If I felt hungry, I'd drink a tall red glass of water equal to 3cups first. If I was still hungry, I'd eat healthy, even if it was 2am, and stop when full, not stuffed. And every morning, I'd exercise as much I wanted in whatever way I wanted: yoga, walking, biking, dancing, whatever I felt like. I was allowed cheat days. Those cheat days could connect. Monday and Friday, or MondayTuesdayWednesday, or just Saturday, or not at all... again, whatever I felt like. And all I had to do was keep a journal that might read something like "Today for breakfast I ate some almonds and greek yogurt and a banana. Then I did yoga and noticed that I can stretch more to the left now and I can hold a downward dog for a lot longer than before." The key is focusing on what I do and what I eat, but never on how much. No numbers!

I'm so, so happy to say that there's been amazing progress for me in just a few short months (since July), and that's it's very stress-free... except for this frustration I'm having with my bike. The tires can only hold 185lbs, and I keep bursting the back tube, so I think I'm still not quite light enough to ride it that much. It's a little annoying, since I really miss being on my bike most of all. But soon. Soon.

So, without further ado I'd like to introduce some milestones I've achieved.

-I can now fit in a size 12/14 jean, coming down from a size 21/22. I can pull up a size 10 all the way, even if I can't button them yet.
-I've been reclassified from morbidly obese as mildly obese.
-I can touch my chin to my chest without blocking my airways.
-If standing, I can touch my ankles together without needing to bend my knees. Can't do this when walking again yet, but soon!
-I can walk 15K with no problem and run (slowly...) a full mile without stopping.
-My back is in less pain than ever so long as I keep doing yoga. (I swapped for some dancing once for about a week and the pain came back).
-My digestion has GREATLY improved... even my food intolerances don't bother me as much.
-I've gone from drinking 2 cups of water per month to about 12 per day -- the only number I keep track of.
-My skin is much clearer.
-And I have made two of the most amazing friends on this journey.

There was a scare briefly when I and the doctors thought for sure I had diabetes -- my feet were swelling (turned out to be from all the walking in the heat I was doing), I was always thirsty and a little sleepier (happens when you exercise), I was urinating much more often (happens when you drink more water), I was losing weight rapidly (oh no!! ... wait. lol), and I was having trouble with my vision (turns out I just needed new glasses, since I hadn't updated my prescription in four years!). But three different tests turned out negative for diabetes, and after we discussed how my weight loss plan was going, it sort of dawned on us all at once what was really happening. There was a lot of facepalming going around in that moment. lol "Doi!"

So this is my update! Hopefully the next time I check in, I won't be "obese" at all, and my tushy will be buttoned into those size 10s I adore so much.... :)

[Blueberry]

Yay Swan!!!! I'm SO, SO happy for you and proud of you!! This is amazing - and you are doing great!!!!!

[shootingstar]

Hey, great Swan.

I agree that too much focus on numbers day by day doesn't work for alot of people. (I weigh myself 1-3 times per month, if that.) A better gauge is how one fits into clothing and level of stamina, etc., flexibility in doing common physical activities without injury/hurting.

[lor]

That's fantastic news, Swan!! I'm going to use some of those tips, as I too am a big self-sabatoger and get way too numbers obsessed. Thanks so much for sharing your progress here!

[OakLeaf]

Swan, that's wonderful news. So glad you're doing so well!

[Dogmama]

Swan, that is terrific! Keep going!

[Melalvai]

Well if you can fit size 12 you've arrived. I like your approach. I think if anyone does numbers at all it should be something like resting heart rate and cholesterol, but those aren't very motivating because they change slowly. Or perhaps a fitness metric like how far or how long or how many of XX. But never pounds and calories. Good job and I will share your story when relevant, it is inspiring. Thank you!

[Owlie]

Yay Swan!

[Catrin]

Fantastic Swan, this is great news! I also really like your approach to metrics on this!

[roo4]

Nice!

[goldfinch]

Very good news and a great strategy.

[redrhodie]

this frustration I'm having with my bike. The tires can only hold 185lbs, and I keep bursting the back tube[/QUOTE]

Congrats on everything, but the thing about your tubes bursting jumped out at me. Are you trying to pump your tires to 185lbs? Because your weight isn't enough to burst a tube unless it is way over inflated. Most tires need to be pumped only to 80 lbs. The pressure range should be printed on the side of the tire.

[Triskeliongirl]

Congratulations Swan on finding a sensible plan that works!! That is an amazing story with amazing progress. But I agree with RedRhodie. Perhaps you are mis-interpreting how much you should be inflating your tires. You didn't tell us what you weigh, but I cannot imagine that you cannot find tires that would not be able to support a person who is wearing size 12 clothing. My daughter is your size and has no problem riding a bike. I am sure you are no heavier than a typical man riding a bike. I too can't help but wonder if you are simply over inflating your tires and that is why they are bursting. Perhaps you either mis-read the numbers on the sidewall, or you pump has lost calibration (this happened to our pump once, it was reading a tire pressure lower than the real tire pressure, so we were overinflating even though we thought based on the gauge we were inflating to the recommended pressure). You certainly should NOT be inflating them to 185 psi! Depending on the tire, 80-140 is more typical (and 140 would be a skinny racing tire, wider tires take lower pressures).

[OakLeaf]

That jumped out at me, too. Or maybe you're underinflating your tires, which is a typical cause of pinch flats, especially with larger people, but that's not a "burst." If you weigh 185 then you're the same as very many male cyclists who are perfectly fine on ordinary tires. Where on the tubes are the holes happening?

[shootingstar]

Usually along the side of the tire near the metal wheel rim, it will give you the max. psi for inflating the tire.

[Swan]

Hi, thanks ladies. The psi is something loke 45-80 (I am awful with numbers, please bear with me... I thought 702 was 501 the other day). The pump is fine-- initially I thought that was the problem so I used a store's pump and the same thing happened. I don't know where the holes are happening because I started getting self-healing slime tubes (they don't work... slime just goes everywhere). But the tires explicitly state that they shouldn't carry more than 180lbs.

[goldfinch]

You might see bike tire load limits in catalogs. The Schwalbe catalog has load limits.

http://www.everybicycletire.com/shopping/s-115-load.aspx

I assume that load mean the amount of weight on a particular tire, which would be the rider, bike and gear, but only the part of the weight which is born by the tire. The rear tire would be carrying more weight than the front.

But, like others I question that the load limit is what is causing Swan's flat issue.

[Swan]

I haven't updated in forever! So here's the lowdown: I moved to North Carolina, got a job waitressing, and I took my bike apart to clean it but haven't figured out how to put it back together again (sighs, of course).

But the most important part: I am no longer "morbidly obese". I'm not even obese at all! I went to the doctor here and asked that they NOT tell me my weight at any time. But I WAS told "You're borderline obese..."

I guess they thought they were delivering bad news, but I was elated!! Now that it's warmed up a bit, I'm going to hopefully find a YouTube video that can help me put my bike back together. Goodness knows I don't have the money for a new one this soon after moving...

[shootingstar]

Great Swan. Are you finding your lifestyle and eating habits different when living away from family?

[Blueberry]

Where in NC? There are a few of us on here in NC (or close by).

And congrats!! You are an inspiration!!

[OakLeaf]

Yay for you!

What parts did you take off your bike? Maybe we can help ...

[Trek420]

I guess they thought they were delivering bad news, but I was elated!!

Congratulations! Remember that because you ride, you have more muscle then the average person. It's possible that if you were properly tested you're not obese at all. The charts are only height and weight, they don't take muscle mass into account. That's great news!