Posted: 23 July 2008 at 9:50am | IP Logged

Well I've been trying out this new fad diet, it's called "Stop eating when full" diet.  Tough at first, must get past my mother's voice in my head saying I must clear my plate because of all the starving children in Biafra. 

Cycling has helped reduce my high sugars, getting some acceptable scores on the blood sugar metre. 

Been cycling just a little each day, a little further, but it does tucker me out.  I wonder how many calories per flying ant?  Gotta learn to breath through my nose.  (Or wear a bandits bandana over my mouth and nose.) 

BTW never been to Lost Wages and probably will never go there, not a gambler and I could not resist the food at the buffets.  Have fun and enjoy the show (either the one on stage or the side show of a sidewalk I hear about from those who go to gamblers mecca.

FKD

Posted: 24 July 2008 at 4:30pm | IP Logged

Even though the broken arm has cut into your triking, Peabob, it's still clear that you're working your program by finding ways to enjoy life apart from food.  Outstanding attitude!  You deserve every smile and chuckle that comes your way, and every lost pound as well.

Are you counting the days until you can get back on the trike again?  I would be.

All the best,

Larry

Posted: 24 July 2008 at 7:36pm | IP Logged

Baby stepping here,  round two blocks today instead of one. 

When I round the corner and head for home, I glide across the lawn and under the big tree, lay back on that tiny head (neck?) rest and drop my hands to the ground.  .... Ahhhhhh... now if I could only reach the water bottle without having to get out of the Trike first.  (locating it between the legs was a bad idea - nuff said). 

Posted: 25 July 2008 at 7:41am | IP Logged

Hi Peabob, Good to hear about the arm. Take it easy on that. Glad to hear you had a good time in Lost Wages. I'd love to go there, even if the casino's wouldn't interest me. From what I've seen of the surrounding area on tv, I'd love to take my trike out on some of those trails. If I could stand the heat. A bit expensive though, Ireland to Vegas. :(

FKD, water bottle mounting on the handlebars works. I did that on my Stein before I finally mouned my lights battery under the frame instead of on the upper bottle mount. Just fit the clip below the grip level angled slightly outboard so it doesn't hit the seat frame. Another idea is one of those camelbacks. sling that on the back of the seat and bring the mouthpice over your shoulder.

Hanging relaxed on the trike at the end of a run is sheer bliss, ain't it? 

I have the oposite prob with weight. I've been about 60 kg for years, 5-7kg below optimum. Can't eat wheat or maize. I found a way to put some on. tearing my calf muscle with a cramp. A 72 out of 10 cramp.  I've been off the trike for near two weeks. and it's been driving me nuts. I've just started triking again, delicately, but with the clips I can push and pull with the other leg to keep the strain off.

Keep it up guys and take it easy, if that isn't a contradiction.

Mike Savage

South West Cork

Posted: 28 July 2008 at 12:09pm | IP Logged

You are bound to plateau.  The positive part is you haven't put on any lbs, even with the break in your routine.

Just wait until THEY start manipulating you and increasing your range of motion.  That is where the fun starts. 

You will be back soon, and dropping more and more weight.  Just keep away from the fridge and DQ and all will be good.

Have a good one,

Steve

Posted: 01 August 2008 at 4:52am | IP Logged

drydiggins,  well first welcome to the forum.  we always enjoy hearing from new people.  Now for the Load Rating  issue.  What is it?  height weight ect>.... when i first started riding or wanting a trike i did a lot of research.  The most affordable trike for my budget was by sun.  I ended up purchasing two of the AX 3 delta models.  Reasons were it would haul my load rating at the time was almost 400 pounds.  they have three delta models the sx usx and ax.  the sx is steel. goes about 56 pounds i think? dont hold me to it. the usx is underseat steering, 64 pounds its big and has a huge turning radius.  but it was kinda fun to ride.  the ax is aluminum and weighs 47 pounds still heavy on the trike side of things but it was affordable.  i like the cambered rear wheels and the location of the derailer over the sx.  this is my personal choice and so far i have not had any problems with my trikes. bought one for the wife also.  As you can see its helped me keep moving and losing... down to a swvelt 290 pounds.  working on losing my first 100.  I also like the seat height at 17 inches with a pair of bad knees getting down into what i call a ground scraper would of required a crane lol... check out the delta models. they are built for us petite giants lol... let us know what your load rating is and i am sure we will have some advice for you and again welcome to the group.  your pal Peabob

Posted: 03 August 2008 at 8:38pm | IP Logged

drydiggins wrote: I looked at trikes about a year ago as a way to lose weight. Went to a couple bike shops, got treated like a mutant for my body size. I've been walking the bike trail here in Placerville since then. Now I've developed sciata or something like it and walking is much less fun. I've been looking for something in my, ahem, load rating.  I just learned about the Triclops today.  Any opinions on the Triclops or suggestions for alternatives? Thanks, George

"Mutant" eh - that is one way to describe it.  My experience in bike shops has been very encouraging.  But we're Canadian, way too polite to treat people like Mutants.  (see my bike shop experiences below)

-----

I too am using a recumbant to lose weight.  I have pain in my feet (diabetic) and walking lots is not fun.  I also have pain in my knees when I walk - comes from carrying too much weight for too long.  So I was looking for a form of exercise.  I considered taking up golfing - Dr. advised against it saying my knees would not take the strain.  He suggested aquasizes.  Not wanting to join a group of plump ladies I was undecided. 

It was my wife who learned of recumbent cycles.  She did the internet research and learned of Bentley Cycle in Alberta.  So we went and bought me a Villager by Catrike.  It took a bit to get over the sticker shock - then I had to laugh when I started into the recumbent forums and learned it was an entry level econo-version. At $1,899 + accessories It was well over two grand.  I learned later this is "cheap".  But I digress.

Before I bought the trike I asked the owner about the weight rating and if my excess weight (about 350) would void the warranty.  He called the manufacturer and was told no-problem and was assured the bike was engineered to hold me.  So far so good, but I've only been on it three weeks. 

It was also the only model I could get into and out of .  At first with a little assistance, but as I got more comfortable I was able to find ways to heave my body out of the seat.  (I grap hold of one of the pedals for leverage.)

I'm too new to this to comment on the weight loss benefit.  I have increased my stamina a little,  I can now cycle three times around the block, not just once.  I am very winded when done.  Cardo work out for sure.   This exercize has reduced my glucose readings (sugars) and this is a good thing for diabetics struggling with high sugars.

Tomorrow I think I'll see if I can get the Sigma Cycle Computer installed.  The cycle shop said it should work.  Will take pic's and post it. 

BTW at Bentley which specializes in recumbents they "bent" over backwards to accomodate me and encourage me.  And at our local cycle shop where he said he didn't think our small market would warrant selling recumbents; he and his staff have been very friendly and encouraging.  No "mutant" treatment.  Even in the city (Edmonton) at the largest cycle shop in town (United Cycle) I was treated well.  I only bought a IceToolz multi-tool, but my wife who is still waiting for her Villager to be imported (expected 14 Aug) took the opportunity to get proper cycle fashions.  $300 later we left the cycle store.  She got an olympic cycle shirt, cycle shorts (with padded seat) and Shimano shoes and the matching pedals, and leather gloves which were on sale because somebody cut off the tips of all the fingers I figure.  

My wife is not cycling to lose weight, she can't afford to lose weight - at 100 pounds soaking wet.  Yes, we are the "odd couple". 

So, cutting to the chase, I can recommend the Villager for big guys looking to lose weight. 

FKD

( note to self, must learn to be less long winded in forum posts)

Posted: 04 August 2008 at 6:45am | IP Logged

August 4, 2008.  good morning friends and neighbors.  Well to say i had a good weekend was beyond my realm.  I took my 5 yr old great niece up to our trailer over the weekend.  She kept me hopping all weekend and being a bit tired exhausted and grumpy today i feel good about it.  All the chasing and doing and walking and swimming we did made a 5 pound difference in my weight.  I am now at 285 as of this morning.  Arms still healing but i go back to the doc on wednesday hoping he will let me resume my trike riding.  I have regained some mobility in my right arm saying that i can finally itch my nose right handed lol... anyways just thought i would report.

Now for a personal note to FKD.  I to had high sugar readings when i was at 370 pounds at the onset of this forum.  My average A1c was at 400.  Well 85 pounds lighter my highest sugar reading was 143 and my recent A1c was 134  I do have to admit i take quite a few meds but the dr. said if i can keep my sugars down that she would remove some of them.  The only bad news is my HDL (good choleserol) is still to low, at 37 wheni t should be over 40.  Overall my cholesterol is 160? i think.  the doc said it was perfect.  But Fort Kent Dad, a word from one who is right with you on the diabetes forefront.  Keep riding and watching your diet.  I know its a four letter word and i like to use LIFE PLAN. but keep on riding as much as you can and you will be amazed at the progress.  I record every thing i eat and drink and check my sugar at least four times a day.  Along with all the friends you have here with our support we can do it. lol.. keep on riding and writing my friend.  Your Pal Peabob.

Posted: 04 August 2008 at 7:26am | IP Logged

I'm celebrating your good news with you, Peabob.  Five pounds is five pounds no matter how it comes off, and seeing visible progress toward a goal is a wonderful feeling.

I'll be watching to see a note about getting back on the trike real soon.  I hope the doc is cooperative.

Larry K

Posted: 04 August 2008 at 4:13pm | IP Logged

Sounds like you had a grand time playing with that younin'.  That will burn off the calories.

Hey Peabob thanks for the piece on sugar level's.  The numbers sound great - not that I can relate to your values, in Canada we use metric meters where less than 4 is too low and over 9 is too high,  cute saying they teach us "4 to 8, feeling great".  I was running mostly in the teens - even hit a few 20's which is keyton poisoning levels. Today I was 4.8 - "feeling great" and my sugars have been in single digits for the most part. 

You said you take quite a few med's - define "quite a few".  I have a $500 per month drug habit.  Good thing my employer benefit covers 100%.  I shoot up 100 mls of insulin in a.m. and again in p.m. (each of those little cartidges is 300  mls so a box does me one week).  I also am on meds for high blood preasure.  As for chlorestoral - Doc says I'm borderline high, hoping to see it come down through better diet, but he was not yet keen on prescribing even more drugs for this body. 

I do have a "consult" with an obesity specialist in the city to talk about options.  I'm on the wait list, likely see the specialist sometime in the fall. 

Todays news - installed the Sigma Cycle Computer.

I was pleased to find Catrike includes a cycle computer mount beside one of the front wheels.  Works jim-dandy.

And of course I had to give it a whirl.  Did my usual run.

Now instead of three times around the block I can say I went 2.5 kms. ( or 1.5 miles)  Max speed was 14.8 kph, average 10 kph.  It is a flat run so no benefit of down hill to get a good max speed.  My max came when I was out running two yapping little white terriors chasing me. 

Posted: 05 August 2008 at 3:40am | IP Logged

Hi FKD, 10kph average isn't bad for the early time on the trike, my initial averages were similar at the start. And my doc says I'm disgustingly healthy as far as bloods are concerned, most of my probs are structural, injuries to joints and ligaments and such.

Oh yeah, and asthma. :( Though it's not too bad except for some exhaust fumes. Like when they floor it when passing. Sometimes I wonder what is put into fuel nowadays, some of it smells like burning fresh willow. Very not good for the lungs.

Cholestrol control, if you're marginally up, is better with diet than meds. A more vegetable based diet helps, along with lean meat. (I'm a carnivore. )

Nice cycle computer setup. I have one of those comps on my upright two-wheeler. I couldn't fit it to my trike, though, the cable was too long and too short to fit the read-out anywhere useful.

Those terriers? Next time, grab one of them and bite it. That'll teach 'em. That's what my grandfather told me the second time I was bitten by a dog. It worked! They taste terrible, though. I'm only half joking. (hmmm, I wonder, are dogs low cholestrol if you bite them?)

Take care

Mike Savage

South West Cork

Posted: 05 August 2008 at 6:20am | IP Logged

ok FKD you asked for it... lol

allopurinol 2 am/ 2 pm  not sure? (gout)

quinapril  2 am  40 mg (blood pressure)

zocor 1pm  not sure  (cholesterol)

norvarisc? 1 am  5 mg  (blood pressure)

glucatrol xl 1 am 10 mg (diabetes)

metformin 1 am 1 pm 1000mg each (diabetes)

baby aspirin 81 mg 1 am (doc said too)

Humalog.. scale. normal sugar 8 units at each meal. for every 10 points over normal i add one unit of insulin so for a reading of 150 for example i would take 11 units of insulin

Lantus long acting 90 units 12 hours before i get up in the morning.

now FKD i did this from memory and i am not sure on the dosages but if you need them i can get them.  I have a copay for my scripts but i get three months for the copay of one month. not bad.  hope that helps you. and keep up the good work. your pal peabob.

doxycyline 5mg 1 am /1 pm. gum disease. not going to be on this one very long.  hygenist told me listerine does the same thing. lol forgot this one.

Posted: 05 August 2008 at 5:29pm | IP Logged

Yep, that is quite the medicine chest.

Only ones we have in common are Metformin (2 tablets 3x per day - max recommended dosage) and low dose aspirn. 

Raining today, and I'm a fair weather rider  

Tomorrow's another day.

FKD

Posted: 07 August 2008 at 7:50pm | IP Logged

drydiggins wrote: Thanks very much to both Peabob and FKD for the kind encouragement and very practical advice. ..... FKD, your mention of a 'wait list' is poignant.  My medical coverage with Kaiser Permanente (the biggest HMO in the galaxy) has a "Canadian" feel to it.  Not a complaint.  I know I will always get great care if I live long enough Best Regards to All, George in Placerville, CA

There is a down side to free, you have to learn to share  (Remember all you needed to know you learned in preschool).   I figure waiting for elective medical is reasonable trade off.  The first appointment is to lay out the options.  According to one specialist I'm a "good candidate" for the "intervention".   Any time I've needed immediate medical attention I've always been able to get what I need.  (Of course if I had not recieved needed medical attention I would not be here to complain about it -  )

I am enjoying my cycle-puter.  Did a "fast" run tonight - shorter (1.6 kms = 1.0 miles) but increased my average speed and high speed by over 1 kph,  cranked it up to 16.8 kph.  But boy was I sucking air when I finnished.

Those terriers that chase me may be backing off, they were running one on each side, yapping as they went, until I felt a little bump and a high pitched yelp,  I think I went over one of their little paws.  Hope the critters are alright,  able to run all the way home after that.  But on my next lap, they were no where to be seen. 

I was on vacation last week - somehow it seems vacation days have shorter hours or something because the time just fly's by. 

Enjoy Peabob and glad to hear you are on the mend,  don't let those physio's rub you the wrong way.  

Posted: 16 August 2008 at 3:07pm | IP Logged

Hello everyone.  I haven't been posting much lately, and I appologize for that.  I do intend on being an active member on this forum.  I thought it was about time to get in here and start sharing my good news on health issues.

For those that don't know, a little background...I'm soon to be 55. I've been a diabetic for 24 years, insulin dependant for 8 years.  Just before my 48th  birthday, out of the blue, I had five by-passes and a carotid endarterectomy.  That's when I became insulin dependant, developed high blood pressure, and developed high cholesterol, all for the first time in my life.  In the last 4-6 years, I've had two angioplasties (one in each leg), two transient ischemic attacks, and two bouts of congestive heart failure.  My list of medications is simply too extensive to present to you guys.  The good news?  I ain't dead YET!

I've been having good luck with controling my diabetes, cloresterol, and blood pressure.  My diabetes only gives me trouble controling  it when I have to take steroids for my lung problems.  Since I started taking Advair, I've been having better luck with that.  My biggest compkaint is what all the steroids did to my weight.  Last year I was 140 pounds.  June 1st, I was 238.  All caused by the damn steroids and lack of being able to properly exercise to work it off.  In May I discovered the TRIKE!  Now I have a way to do some exercise that my legs can take.  The day I got the Trike, I thought I was going to die getting around the block.  Now I'm riding 10 miles every day.  I'm not fast, but I can get 5 miles from my home that I couldn't do before.

I truly want to get back down to 140 pounds.  My wife doesn't think that I can do it because of my age and lack of strength.  A few weeks ago I learned right here in this forum about the new diabetic drug called Byetta.  I went to doctor, talked to him about it, and he prescribed it to me.  I am happy to report that I think the drug is wonderful.  It has slowed my digestive system down so much that I only eat a small breakfast, and a small supper.  I have reduced the amount of Lantus that I take by 25 units, and have quit taking Novalog all together. 

My good news is that I got on the scales yesterday at the doctor's office and I now weigh 203 pounds!  That's a 35 pound loss in just under 12 weeks!  I know that I won't keep up this pace because my body will figure out what I'm doing and rebell or something, but I can't tell you how excited I am right now.  I'm down three notches on my belt, not to mention two sizes of jeans.   

I'd like to thank those of you who presented all of your information on weight loss, medications, and progresses made.  I'm there with you guys.  I'll try to keep posting my progress.  

Posted: 17 August 2008 at 5:44pm | IP Logged

Keep at it Guns. 

You do realize that you can no longer qualify to cycle in the Olympics with all those steroids in your system.  But then triking for weight loss is not YET an olympic sport.

Cycling has certainly helped me control my sugars - not so sure about weight loss.  Have not lost much if the transport truck scales are correct (tried weighing my truck with me, then without me and the difference was still my 350# but on a scale set to weigh in tones it may not be that accurage. 

Posted: 18 August 2008 at 8:23am | IP Logged

Hello Friends and Neighbors,  Well there is good news and there is bad news.  I am up four pounds, that is the bad news.  vacation was just to dang tempting and i did not walk as much as i should have and i ate things i should of avoided.  But the good news is the Doc cleared me to ride my trike as of Tuesday the 19th.  YEAHHHHH BACK IN THE SADDLE BACK ON THE ROAD WITH THE WIND IN MY FACE... ok sorry about going off on the tangent.... and i am back on the life plan no more junk.. and more movement.

Guns keep up the great work friend sounds like your getting it....

Keep on posting and i will post more as I can. your pal Peabob.

Posted: 18 August 2008 at 10:24pm | IP Logged

Ride On Peabob!

Don't let a few pounds gained set you off.  I have no idea if I'm losing any weight (no scale that high remember) I did try the transport scale but it weighs in tones.  It showed me still at 350, no change.  But how accurate are they anyway....

We picked up my wife's RED Villager Catrike.  Notice the fancy cycle outfit she picked up.  I had no idea how much cycle shops could charge for specialty clothing.  But hey she does look good in it. 

Now we ride together out into the country.  Here she is taking off into the sun, posting a blazing 24 KPH

On the same ride, heading home, she took this shot of me, coasting along at my average 10 KPH  (my max that day was a new personal record of 20 KPH - just could not keep up with that Red Hot Red Villager) 

Blood sugars are doing much much better since I've been cycling.

FKD

Posted: 19 August 2008 at 7:12am | IP Logged

Hello All,  this is tuesday,  I rode the trike for the first time since I broke my arm.  What a great feeling.  I did not set any land speed records but had a very enjoyable ride.  Lasted about a hour and a half.  I did not have the puter on my bike so no speed no distance.  I did however have some severe leg cramps when i went to bed and that eased up around midnight.  But the important thing is no pain in the elbow and I had some fun last night. back in the saddle again. take care Peabob 

Side note to FKD great pics and good job.  Your in Canada? thanks Peabob

Posted: 19 August 2008 at 10:33am | IP Logged

Hi peabob, glad to hear you're back on three wheels. Take it easy on the legs for a day or two, those cramps can be bad news. I got a doozy of a cramp in my right calf and it put me out of triking for a few weeks. Stretching gently and massaging does help.

FKD, wow, that is flat ground. This will sound a bit weird, but is there a cattle sales point anywhere near? They usually have weigh points that can weigh individual calves in kg. I used the local mart weigh point to find my total weight (me and the trike fully laden) 103kg for holiday touring, 90kg with just me and the trike.

I have the opposite problem with weight, I'm 176cm tall (about 5'10) and only 65kg now. I was 59-60kg up to three years ago. Way too light. Over-active thyroid and fast metabolism according to the doctors. Oddly enough, the triking, and kayaking, helps me maintain a bit more weight. I need to do more kayaking though.

All the best guys,

Mike Savage

South West Cork

Posted: 19 August 2008 at 11:54am | IP Logged

Yes sir, I'm Canadian eh?

As for cattle scales,  I do have some dignity left.  It was embarrassing in the hospital when I was sent down to the laundry room to get weighed on the big scales.  Clinics in the city (Edmonton) go way more than 350, I think we should buy one in our small town, I an't the biggest guy in town. 

Hope the rain holds off and we'll have another ride tonight. 

And Peabob, my rides are only about 20 minutes long, so your are likly doing more than 10K I would guess.  If your route is on a road you can always note the distance with your car odometre.  A cheap cycle-puter is about $25 CDN - I've heard they are under $20 in the good ole U S of A.

FKD

Posted: 20 August 2008 at 5:02am | IP Logged

Hi all, Well congrats on the usx 3 trike there drydiggins and you are right the better half (wife) will want one of her own.  My advice is to get it before she just takes yours lol..

Dad after i posted the canadian question i seen the flag on the back of your trike. boy do i feel stupid. but thanks anyway.  Now for the computer part.. I have one and i did put it back on the trike last night.  Did a 4.63 mile ride in about 30 minutes.  We had to stop and yak to friends of the wifey twice.  The only way i got her to go  again was to say "HONEY ITS GETTING DARK" LOL.  but again had a cramp in the left thigh on the back side but only one last night.  Man does it feel good to ride.  Thanks for the concern Myksav I do appreciate that.  I did find some leg cramp meds over the counter called leg cramps.. go figure. it has Quinine in them and the dr. told me to take a couple before i went to bed it should help.  I also drank a liter of flavored water by powerade called "ZERO"  comes in grape, (purple) strawberry (red) and mixed berry which i call smurf p**s. its blue lol.. anyways thanks for all the postings and i look forward to reading them everyday. take care your pal Peabob

Posted: 20 August 2008 at 8:59am | IP Logged

Sorry about that, FKD, I'm excessively pragmatic at times. Occasionally too pragmatic.   I've used them myself for different purposes, related to kayak weights and my trikes.

I was talking to my sister this morning and she says she has come across weigh scales that go up to 280 lbs accurate in semi-domestic scales. But over that, it's more usual for the scales to be in health clinics. She works as a care-giver in a retirement home.

Mike Savage

South West Cork

Posted: 20 August 2008 at 9:53am | IP Logged

Hi Peabob, In a sense of serendipidy, today at physio, I was talking to an elderly gentleman I know and mentioned the cramp that got me sent to physio and he mentioned quinine as a preventative for cramps. I used to drink quinine water before (not the commercial tonic water) when cycle touring and never had leg cramps then. Mind you, it was more for hydration than anti-cramp, plus I liked the taste.   As I can't find that particular quinine water anymore, I may just get the quinine tablets, they're not classed as medicine here though they may need a presript. Not sure. It would be very helpful for me when kayaking as I occasionally get cramps then as well.

The extra bit of hydration in the evening would probably help.

Mike Savage

South West Cork

Posted: 20 August 2008 at 6:54pm | IP Logged

The Canadian Flag on my Catrike Villager came from the local Dollar Store, (remarkably it cost me a dollar, bought a few as replacements) They bring them in for Canada Day ( July 1st) so they go on sale after the 2nd.  The wee little clip that came with the Orange Catrike pendant that was on the trike when I bought it was not strong enough for the bigger flag so I used DUCT Tape.  Ain't nothin it can't do eh?  My wife being more into athesetics than I said the duct tape was an eye sore.  SO I covered the Duct Tape with some white electrical tape. 

Rode 4 K last night and again tonight. Still winded at the end of the trip but it is coming along.  My wife could probably do more.  As for stopping to talk to the neighbours, hmmm, the only one that gave us a good looking over was a big brown bovine - MOOOOoooo  (will have to take a pic of our "neighbours". 

Posted: 23 August 2008 at 10:00pm | IP Logged

Almost got to 5K today (4.92), and set another personal best for top speed, just over 22 kph.  My darling wife shot past me on her red hot red trike at 27 kph, she is determined to be the faster rider.  ( My rebutal is that it takes more energy to move 350 pounds 22 KPH than it takes to move 105 pounds 27 KPH!).  Enjoyed a sunset ride tonight, but the fall chill is in the air (temp was 16 C, or 60 F).

I think we should get some reflectors - there is one small rear red light but no others.  We do arrive home in the dusk.

Gotta love a prairie sunset, ain't no mountains to get in the way of the view out here.

BTW - still looking for a big helmet.  Will have to wait until I get a chance to look in the city, checked all the shops in our area that carry helmets - none big enough for my noggen.