Well, actually D.C. (I’m at work now). But I do live in Baltimore.

I’ve been listening to Scott for about a month or so--initially I wasn’t sure if he was, as he puts it, really it for me but now I find I have to listen to him every day. He’s so unrelentingly positive--something I definitely need more of in my life!

Last March, I went to the doctor for a physical and found out that my cholesterol and triglycerides were out of control. The doc managed to freak me out enough that I finally got moving and have thus far lost about 40 pounds. I still have 50 more or so to lose, which occasionally overwhelms me and doesn’t seem possible. And I’ve hit a plateau for the past month so I need to do something to shake up my routine.

I really, really want to lose this weight because in June I’m going on a scuba diving trip to Fiji with some friends. I’m not yet certified to scuba (have passed the written tests but not done the open water dives). One of the problems is I’m really buoyant and have to carry extra weight in order to swim through the water. I’m also concerned that being overweight is a secondary factor in decompression illness--something I really like to avoid altogether.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself a bit and say that I’m really excited to be here (I’ve been lurking for the past few days, and you all seem to be a great, supportive group of people)!

Deirdre

Hey Deirdre~

Just sitting here between trick or treaters and I caught your post.  Welcome to MTM!  And thanks for those kind words - and yes I really am “unrelentingly positive”.

I read your story and I think you’ve found the right place!  We seem to have a way about getting folks moving and helping them reach their goals.

Hope to see you around!

Welcome to the forum Deirdre and-

Congratulations on the 40 pounds!

Try to remember how much you have accomplished not just what you have to do.  How did you do it?

What a great goal to have!

Once again, welcome to the forum.

Thanks Scott and mb! And you’re right, mb--I should recognize what I’ve accomplished instead of obsessing on how far I still need to go. As long as I’m still moving, I’m going in the right direction!

Deirdre

swusew - 31 October 2007 03:10 PM

Well, actually D.C. (I’m at work now). But I do live in Baltimore.

I really, really want to lose this weight because in June I’m going on a scuba diving trip to Fiji with some friends. I’m not yet certified to scuba (have passed the written tests but not done the open water dives). One of the problems is I’m really buoyant and have to carry extra weight in order to swim through the water. I’m also concerned that being overweight is a secondary factor in decompression illness--something I really like to avoid altogether.

Deirdre

Welcome Deidre!
I’m also a certified scuba diver with over 150 dives and here are a couple of things from my experience. I’ll try to answer some questions for you in regards to your new hobby.

Your bouyancy will improve as you get more dives under your belt. New divers tend to overweigh themselves until they learn to get down below the surface and the 1st ATM. Until then new divers tend to porpoise or yo-yo (feel overweighted? add air to the BC and you tend to rise. start going up too fast - let air out of the BC. up down up down up down up down).

Also as far as deco issues, if you adhere to your safety stops religiously and keep a conservative dive profile (follow your computer) things will be ok.

The best thing you can do for yourself on your journey of lifestyle change is increasing your cardiovascular capacity by working on cardio in the gym or just plain walking if you can’t get to the gym. This will help increase the oxygen-carbon dioxide transfer. Improve your cardio capacity and your breathing under pressure will improve, thus decreasing your air consumption and lengthening the amount of time for a dive. Improved cardio will also help you fin better, prepare you better for the swimming aspects of the dive (both surface and at depth), allow for your body to handle the stress better as your heart/pulse rate will be able to accomodate/handle the physical exertion and then return to a resting rate faster with your body already being acclimated to a cardio regimine prior to you getting in the water.

Is it a liveabord in Fiji that you’re going on? I’ve done a liveaboard in the Bahamas and nothing beats being able to get 5-6 dives in a day for a week. I’ve done plenty of Carribean dives but I’d love to dive Fiji, it’s far better than quarries around here that one has to settle for in order to get dives in.

Congratulations on your accomplishments so far and continued success on your journey.

Hi Deidre!

Welcome to MTMLand! 

I’m also a certified scuba diver, but with very, very little experience.  I would definitely qualify under Mark’s description of a “newbie” diver who porpoises up and down and up and down! 

You’re definitely in the right place (MTMLand!) to get to your goal of being fit and ready for your Fiji trip next year.  Taking things slow and steady will get you there, and you’ll have fun all along the way.

I look forward to ‘seeing’ you around!

Welcome Deidre! I’d love to hear more about how you’ve lost the 40 pounds, and what your plan is for the next 50. And what’s the biggest difference in how you feel being healthier now? Have a great weekend!

Bree

Hi Mark,

Thanks for all the great information and advice! It is a liveaboard situation, which I’m really excited about. Though I definitely want to get some dives in before Fiji.

Judy--thanks for the welcome! I know exactly what you mean about the porpoising! I had a hard time getting the hang of hovering.

Bree--I have been working on my cardio (did the Couch 2 a 5K program in September/October and am now running regularly). Also been lifting some weights, doing a little kickboxing. I’m really trying to get a handle on my eating as well.  I need to ramp it up though and really focus on getting the rest of the weight off.

I think the biggest difference is the sense of accomplishment I have now. Everytime I finish running, I amaze myself because not that long ago I couldn’t have run more than a few feet. It definitely helps to motivate me!

Thanks again, everyone, for the warm welcome!
Deirdre

I know I’m late on the welcome, Deirdre, but Welcome. That’s so great that you already lost 40 pounds. And I am jealous of your upcoming trip to Figi. How cool! Sounds like you are well on your way to lose the last batch of weight and you are in the right place to gain that extra motivation to keep you going. I look forward to reading more about you. Have a great day!