Hi gents,

Joined here a couple of years ago after my online home for discussion of men's health (lifesgym.com - RIP) went dark.

Anyway, posted a few things here and there but mostly let the rest of the world get in the way of presence in a community and my health as well.

So here I find myself back in Square One.

40 years old, 6'1", 347lbs and still deathly afraid of seats on Air Canada flights, fabric collapsible lawn chairs and many restaurant booths.

I had really hoped to be past this by now.

Anyway, turned 40 at the beginning of May and have started to make some changes - we got a dog in March which has me out a lot more, I've worked on treating some low-lying depression that's been a bit of a millstone over the years, reconnecting with friends that I've lost touch with, re-examining what felt like a DOA sex life and the big one that needs to come into play is getting this weight under control.

I've dusted off the healthy eating plan that a nutritionist did up for me about 5-6 years ago and am examining it while I kick up hydration and kick out skipping meals and the like.

One of the things I've looked around for... and man, it's hard to find it amongst all the ads and ripped abs and whatnot... is a decent resistance program for someone who is morbidly obese but isn't housebound. I find it's either one extreme or the other - either for serious weight trainers or people who cannot get out of bed. Any references would be appreciated.

I had a look around for some stickies on this site for the guys, but didn't find much - if I'm overlooking something I should be reading first, by all means point me there.

Anyway, pleased to make your re-acquaintance.

Welcome. And you need to speak to IrishLad!

I'd start by focusing on the diet and ramp the exercise up slowly. I waited until I was 50lbs down on diet alone (and walking) before I busted it up with exercise (and running).

80% of weight loss is diet. I learned that the hard way!

Thanks for the welcome, Ian.

I've been digging around and it looks like I'll be playing with some kettlebells for a while.

I've got 2x20lb bells... so I know I should have a single heavier one, but they serve nicely as weights when I'm using my XBox Kinect to hold as I do other activities and just treating them as dumbbells for other activities.

The company I work for has an office less than a km from my home (sadly it's not my work location) but they have just opened a gym in the office free for any employee to use, 24/7 - so I'll definitely try to work visiting that into the plan.

Still tracking everything using Livestrong.com - although have to get better at being more faithful to the tracking. I need to make sure I'm getting an idea of what a 2000 cal day looks like. Like most people, I'm sure I am way off base in that regard.

Anyway, will keep checking in - it's been great to read the comments and threads - it definitely helps when there's a community of like-minded folk within reach.

Cheers!