At an interview sessions I attended recently, one of my interviewers looked me up and down, he didn't make a comment about my weight (this would be illegal), but I could see it in his face that he thought I was fat, and I am overweight. I am about a hundred pounds overweight. My question is this: do people in general think that a lack of discipline in terms of weight control indicates slovenliness in other areas? Is there (unconscious or conscious) prejudice in the admissions process against overweight applicants? My dad had the gastric bypass surgery and wants me to have it as well. If I don't get in this year, I may do that this summer. If I think it could possibly increase my chances of gaining acceptance. What do you guys think?
I'm not a medical doctor, but I did have a weight problem myself back in the day although not as bad as yours (6 feet, 200lbs; no muscle just fat). I don't know if there is a physical barrier like
LizzyM is suggesting that is stopping you from dropping all your weight to a healthy level, but I think there are still options left.
What it takes is a reduction in the amount you eat while maintaining some form of physical activity. Do NOT starve yourself. It will not help increase your metabolism. Maintain 3 meals a day and don't skip meals. That being said, don't gorge after working out. You will feel as if you are starving, but that doesn't mean you should eat. You have to fight past the hunger pang until it subsides. Chewing a piece of gum helps because, for some reason, chewing makes your body think you are eating and it somewhat reduces your appetite.
As far as exercises go, you're a pretty big guy, so no impact workouts for you (i.e. don't run). You'll get much more joint damage which will put you out of commission for weeks at a time. Rather, hop on an elliptical and do that for 30mins 3X a week. Make sure you're exerting effort when you do it and not making it too easy. It'll suck in the beginning because your body will fight you, but eventually it'll get easier and that should give you enough motivation to keep going.
If an elliptical is too boring, you can try power-walking. Whatever physical activity you choose, make sure it actually makes you tired.
I don't think you should get the gastric bypass. It is possible to drop the weight yourself. One of my lab partners who was shorter than me was 300lbs at one point, but got his ass on an elliptical and took himself down to 160lbs. Don't feel as if discipline is something that you have to be born with. For the longest time, I didn't want to put any effort into losing weight and I was obese at times as a kid, but my weight fluctuated because of half-assed attempts at losing weight. Yet, as soon as you lose those first few pounds, you'll be hooked and it'll make you feel SO much better because you know it was because of your own effort.
If you want to do it the healthy way, it will take a few years to get your weight to where you want it to, but your attitude will improve as your weight does so do not look at it like an uphill battle. Getting a gastric bypass may work, but it won't teach you the discipline of keeping your weight in check and watching what you eat.
Choose wisely, and best of luck. It is the greatest feeling in the world to get into shape after a lifetime of obesity. It's completely worth it.
