[Grymm]

Wow. Lots of suggestions. Sorry I haven't posted in a bit. Been a busy week. I guess the only thing I can really do is explain further a bit.

First off, I am a 60% disabled vet. My L5/S1 disc in my lower back is destroyed. The Air Force tried surgery, but it failed, resulting in scar tissue leaching it's way into my spinal canal, pinching off the sciatic nerve, resulting in radiculopothy to both legs below the knees and incomplete paralysis. I have no skin sensation on my right leg below the knee and no reflex response from my right knee or my right achilles. Now, all this happened back in 1997. The degree of scar tissue wasn't found until 2002/03, when increased pain caused me to return to the VA. The scar tissue is hard as rock. I have since had two other procedures done to my back, one to clean out scar tissue, which proved unsuccessful, and another to test my candidacy for a neurostimulator, which also proved unsuccessful. On the 1-10 scale for pain I live with a daily 8-9 and have become quite pain tolerant. Standing for more than 20 minutes and my leg goes stiff, with severe pain in my right hip. Sitting for more than 15 minutes and both of my legs begin to burn and my pain level increases. I cannot run, walk more than a block, swim, or ride. Riding is the one that is really depressing since I was a competitive mountain biker in the military and rode religiously almost daily.

Okay, as for diet, I have psychologically weened myself. I no longer view food as a "pleasure" time. Food for me is merely a necessary utility by which my body gains nourishment. My diet is routine and is as follows, with minor modifications if I haven't been to the grocery store.

Breakfast - 1/2 cup whole oat oatmeal with 4 chopped strawberries, topped with a mixture of ground cinnamon and splenda. 2 pieces whole wheat toast, a banana, and a cup of skim milk

Mid morning snack - Apple

Lunch - microwaved bowl of cut leaf spinach with a teaspoon of horseradish mustard and a serving of tuna (stored in spring water, not oil), and a diet soda.

Afternoon Snack - Orange and quarter cup of nuts (almonds or Walnuts)

Dinner - Varies, but always includes 2 servings of dark green vegetables, protein, and limited fat, usually with water or skim milk

Emergency snack - 100 calorie popcorn pack.

Sunday breakfast - 2 egg whites on whole wheat toast, cup of skim milk

I have been eating like this for over a year now. I have not been perfect with it, but I can say with confidence that I get 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-3 servings of fruit every day. I also get at least 3 servings of fish a week. I only drink diet sodas, skim milk, or water. I also have an occassional glass of wine.

I used to exercise religiously, dissappearing into the hills for a 5-6 hour ride at least twice a week. But those days are over. I sold my bike because I couldn't stand seeing it every time I opened the garage door. And yes, I have biker's thighs, which is where the majority of my weight is and is probably the cause of my problem getting the weight to come off.

A couple of things to bear in mind. First, time. I am a full time college student and also hold down a full time job. My day starts at 5:30am and does not end until 8pm. The precious little free time is spent with my family. The only day I have "free" is Sunday, and that is when I'm trying to spend some more time with my family.

The other is budget. I cannot afford to go and get trainers with a snap of the fingers. And budget does not allow for it right now. Also, the VA will not just drop down the taxpayer dollars to spend on trainers and therapists. I have tried therapists, with no luck. I have tried dieticians, with no luck. I have tried orthopedists. I don't like them because it was an ortho who screwed up my originall surgery.

I have tried various exercises. Yes, I have done exercising with my arms, laying down, etc. But, it doesn't do really do anything, and it's because of my cycling history. When I was cycling back in the early to mid 90's, my resting heart rate was 58-60 with a peak of 116 when exercising. I was religious about my rides and monitoring my body. It is now difficult to get my heart rate up and takes very strenuous activity to do it. Unfortunately I cannot cycle anymore. Believe me, I'd kill someone to be able to do a spin class. I guess I cursed myself by building up my stamina. Plus, the weight needs to come off my gut, hips, and thighs. I could literally slice the 25-30 or so pounds right off those areas and be done.

I do not intend on picking up smoking again, so don't worry about that. But, I was on the scale this morning and I have gained a pound since I last posted. And I can feel every pound in my back.

Thanks for all the help. You guys (and girls) are wonderful. I'll have to keep researching, though I'm not sure what's left for me to do except surgical weight loss and prevention.

Grymm