Large Body Build Questions.

[EmmaK]

Hello everyone, im Emma and I am looking to learn as much as possible about the HRT Transition from MTF.
My biggest fear is that I will not be able to obtain the body I desire, I would prefer and smaller body, not petite, but about average or even a athletic build.
My problem is that I come from a husky men family, we have that Irish/Scottish blood so im a pretty hefty man.
The main method I will be using is HRT, but I will also be doing a srs later down the road. I know that I will need a chin reduction surgery to get the feminine shape, as well as a nose job and Chondrolaryngoplasty.
I currently weigh 290, I am overweight and am working on it by dieting and working out regularly. I am 6'0", I wear size 13 boots, size 42-44 pants, and 2XL is a little loose for my shirts.
If this helps paint a picture (despite how awful it may be).
I know that my current pantie size is 20ish, I would like that to be down to the single digit area, or low double digit area if at all possible.
I guess my question really is, are there any ladies out there who were able to achieve a slim figure after HRT. If so what should I expect and am I setting the bar too high?
I would like to add that this is the main concern I have, as well as the most prominent reason I have been back and forth on my decision to do MTF HRT so any and all help is VERY appreciated!

[allisonsteph]

I can't speak for others, but I know for me once I made the decision to transition it became much easier to take better care of myself. I stopped hating myself and started caring about what I ate, how much I exercised, and how I looked. It was as if I was punishing myself for being male and doing everything possible to destroy the body I despised so much.

I came to the realization that I had to transition or die about a year ago. In that time I have quit smoking, quit drinking, quit abusing prescription painkillers, and have lost over 50 pounds. All of these took very little effort once  started liking myself. I can't promise that it will be as easy for you, but I hope that you are able to have a somewhat similar experience.

[Androgynous_Machine]

Okay first HRT blocks testosterone which is instrumental in building a large mass.   With most of that being out of your system it will be difficult to build muscle which is good news for you.  Furthermore, estrogen works against muscles.

Secondly, CARDIO and lots of it.   Cardio tones existing muscle (thus giving shape) and sheds fat.

Thirdly, focus exercises (stay away from weights) that tone the more womanly parts: hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. 

Palates (excuse spelling), curls (not sit ups), and numerous leg exercises.  This plus 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week with a 6-day vegan diet and you'll shed weight like you won't believe.   You are a big girl so you have your work cut out for you.  The cool thing is once you get your body trained, and you get set in the schedule it is easy to maintain.

At 5'5 I had to lose a tremendous amount of weight, I went from 185 down to 115 in a span of 4 months.  So it's doable.

-AM

[EmmaK]

Okay first HRT blocks testosterone which is instrumental in building a large mass.   With most of that being out of your system it will be difficult to build muscle which is good news for you.  Furthermore, estrogen works against muscles.

Secondly, CARDIO and lots of it.   Cardio tones existing muscle (thus giving shape) and sheds fat.

Thirdly, focus exercises (stay away from weights) that tone the more womanly parts: hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. 

Palates (excuse spelling), curls (not sit ups), and numerous leg exercises.  This plus 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week with a 6-day vegan diet and you'll shed weight like you won't believe.   You are a big girl so you have your work cut out for you.  The cool thing is once you get your body trained, and you get set in the schedule it is easy to maintain.

At 5'5 I had to lose a tremendous amount of weight, I went from 185 down to 115 in a span of 4 months.  So it's doable.

-AM

Ive always had a bad knee, what kind of cardio would you recommend that is lighter on knee impact, also are there any good substitues if I feel like changing up my routine?

[EmmaK]

I can't speak for others, but I know for me once I made the decision to transition it became much easier to take better care of myself. I stopped hating myself and started caring about what I ate, how much I exercised, and how I looked. It was as if I was punishing myself for being male and doing everything possible to destroy the body I despised so much.

I came to the realization that I had to transition or die about a year ago. In that time I have quit smoking, quit drinking, quit abusing prescription painkillers, and have lost over 50 pounds. All of these took very little effort once  started liking myself. I can't promise that it will be as easy for you, but I hope that you are able to have a somewhat similar experience.

Thats awesome, im glad to hear that it helped you get over that bridge. Im hoping that I will become more concerned with my weight and body when the transition begins, but I want to make as much of a effect as possible ahead of time.

[Androgynous_Machine]

Ive always had a bad knee, what kind of cardio would you recommend that is lighter on knee impact, also are there any good substitues if I feel like changing up my routine?

Biking and cyclicals are all great cardio for bad knees.

Here's something on that, as you lose weight and build/tone leg muscle you'll find your knees are actually getting stronger because you won't have all that excess weight on it and you'll be having new/stronger muscle supporting the knees.

Let me say this though, do not push yourself too hard.  Start off slow and work your way up.  There's no shame in doing it a little piece at a time.  Don't be in a rush as the 6-day vegan diet (1 day you can cheat, so cheat well) will do a lot of the weight loss for you.

Edit: Access =/= Excess

-AM

[EmmaK]

Let me say this though, do not push yourself too hard.  Start off slow and work your way up.  There's no shame in doing it a little piece at a time.  Don't be in a rush as the 6-day vegan diet (1 day you can cheat, so cheat well) will do a lot of the weight loss for you.
-AM

When doing the diet is that as essential as the workout process to keep up with? I work out every other day currently so that I can recover the day after. And the only thing I have really done with my diet is stop the fast food and soda track. Unfortunately I live a pretty full day to day life having 2 jobs and all, so where are places I can eat out while not breaking the diet that are 'like' fast food places but without all the fried death?

[Androgynous_Machine]

When doing the diet is that as essential as the workout process to keep up with? I work out every other day currently so that I can recover the day after. And the only thing I have really done with my diet is stop the fast food and soda track. Unfortunately I live a pretty full day to day life having 2 jobs and all, so where are places I can eat out while not breaking the diet that are 'like' fast food places but without all the fried death?

If you are at the mercy of having to eat out constantly opt for salads or baked fish and bring lots of snacks with you (I personally use carrot sticks).

It will take a week or two for your body to adjust to the new diet, eventually you'll find yourself needing to eat less.  Oh and on that, eat till you are satisfied, do not eat until you are full.  The number one problem people run into with regards to weight is eating entirely too much.  In America--where everything is bigger the "better"--this is really prevalent.  That McDonald's cheeseburger combo meal? Cut it in half, along with the fries, that is about how much you are supposed to eat.  I'm not saying to eat there, just giving you an idea of proper portions.

Avoid all caloried drinks.  Tea, water, black coffee are great, pretty much everything else is empty sugars that do little more than quench your thirst but add a ton of extra calories.

Sounds to me you are more or less on the right track.  Remember your circumstances are different than most people; you are a transsexual and you are trying to obtain the physique of the opposite sex.  Which is where body sculpting exercises come into play big time.

-AM

[Danielle Sherry]

I agree with Andro's post except for one thing .. vegan diet.

Human beings are meat eaters by design (our eyes are forward like a cat or a wolf). Veggie diets are slow suicide. Not enough fats, B-12, protein and other factors that the body uses to build and rebuild itself.

1. See my post in "nutrition."

2. Read "Wheatbelly."

3. Go to http://www.diabeticwarrior.com/

4. Eliminate sugar!

5. Culture your veggies here http://www.culturesforhealth.com/ .  We eat kimchi in South Korea (super healthy!). I slice steak, lightly fry it and eat it with kimchi and chop sticks.

6. Drink filtered water and high-quality coffee http://www.bulletproofexec.com/coffee/  never tea. Poisons that accumulate in the plant are pushed out to the leaves.

7. High-quality supplements  http://www.pureprescriptions.com/  . Vitamin D, B-12 and iodine a must.

8. Colonic irrigation and fasting (fantastic for your health!)  http://www.colema.com/

/end of two cents

Hope this helps...

[Androgynous_Machine]

-AM

[Androgynous_Machine]

I agree with Andro's post except for one thing .. vegan diet.

6-day vegan diet.

I'm not vegan, I'm jsut vegan 6-days of the week. ;0)

-AM

[Danielle Sherry]

Great vid Andro!

Yeah, diets are a touchy subject. People get real personal about them, sorta like politics or religion. For this reason I tread lightly with this subject.

Everyone has a little piece of gold to give us (I thought your advice was golden). The above is what I've learned over a lifetime. Take what can be used, leave the rest behind.

[Androgynous_Machine]

Great vid Andro!

Yeah, diets are a touchy subject. People get real personal about them, sorta like politics or religion. For this reason I tread lightly with this subject.

Everyone has a little piece of gold to give us (I thought your advice was golden). The above is what I've learned over a lifetime. Take what can be used, leave the rest behind.

Oh I didn't mean to come off as commanding, but rather just explaining how I did it.  One is certainly free to ignore what I have to say, won't hurt my feelings at all, but in the spirit of helping my sisters I'll happily put out any information I can.

And thank you.

-AM

[EmmaK]

I was going to ask if on the one free eat day could I still eat meat? Or would that completely botch the diet? And if I can eat meat that day, should I strive for a really high quality or even organic meat as to keep to the healthy diet, or should I just give in to the temptation and get a burger or whatever sounds good? On that note where do breads come into the diet your recommending? Or should I avoid it entirely because it has egg, milk, etc.

Personally all these tips are helping me get to my goal so I appreciate any and ALL tips on dieting. Especially since I have never done one before.

[Androgynous_Machine]

I was going to ask if on the one free eat day could I still eat meat? Or would that completely botch the diet? And if I can eat meat that day, should I strive for a really high quality or even organic meat as to keep to the healthy diet, or should I just give in to the temptation and get a burger or whatever sounds good? On that note where do breads come into the diet your recommending? Or should I avoid it entirely because it has egg, milk, etc.

Personally all these tips are helping me get to my goal so I appreciate any and ALL tips on dieting. Especially since I have never done one before.

Your cheat day feel free to eat whatever you want.  Just remember portions.

I think "organic" is mostly a scam to con people out of more money. 

During my 6 days I avoided bread.  WHen you do decide to eat meat for whatever reason stick to baked fish.  Baked fish has almost no negative side effects (as long as they aren't drowned with butter) and the natural fish oil does wonders for your eyes, nails, hair, and other things transwomen find important.

-AM

[EmmaK]

Your cheat day feel free to eat whatever you want.  Just remember portions.

I think "organic" is mostly a scam to con people out of more money. 

During my 6 days I avoided bread.  When you do decide to eat meat for whatever reason stick to baked fish.  Baked fish has almost no negative side effects (as long as they aren't drowned with butter) and the natural fish oil does wonders for your eyes, nails, hair, and other things transwomen find important.

-AM

Ill take all of that into consideration when planning a diet, also that video looks very helpful I will definitely be using that to get the more feminine form I want, thank you for all the good tips and info Andro and Danielle!

[Jess42]

Of course your skeletal structure will play a part in your size and shape after losing weight. I tried every diet and exercise there is out there and the only way that I lost weight was by counting calories. I went from around 240 to 160 in way less than a year. I ate everything I normally ate but a whole lot less of it and it worked for me. Once I reached the ten pounds loss mark it gave me a boost to keep it up. Also like someone else said, fasting for me is a good thing. It allows your digestive system to take a break and shrinks your stomach so when you do eat something it takes less to feel full. I usually fast for two days at a time every month or so and just drink water. But the number one rule is that before you start any kind of diet or fasting or change of eating habits check with your doctor first.

[Danielle Sherry]

Nah Andro, I didn't take it that way. Everyone has an opinion and your boldness got an important ball rolling. My post is only my opinion (I'm not a nutritionist, I just play one on television  )

Most of my life was spent rejecting who I really was when I chose fear over love (devastating!). Instead of embracing the beautiful woman, wife and mother I was meant to be I hid behind a mask of "super-jock" (pathetic). Having said that, I did learn...

Emma,

1. NEVER eat burgers or any other mass-market junk food. Avoid food with labels and mass-market supermarkets in general.

2. Breads (wheat), pasta, rice etc = poison. (again, consult the book Wheatbelly)

3. "Organic" is not as important as non-GMO. Grow your own veggies if possible. Look for free range and locally grown/raised with all things.

4. Eggs are great for your health. I eat three egg yokes a day (raw). Chickens must be free-range and non-chemicalized. Raise your own chickens if you can.

5. Never (EVER) eat soy or feed it to children.

/end of additional two cents

[carrie359]

Emma,
I have a bad knee too.. I have a recumbent bike I ride.. I am up to 45 minutes twice a day every day.. I may be overdoing it but I have lost over 40lbs since October..
I have been on HRt since December 19th.. I can tell you that sometimes change is slow but you can do it.. just  make it one day at a time and eat healthy.. and by that I don't mean starve your self..
I have lost a lot of muscle mass already..but my legs are bigger and my butt is gaining weight..love the changes.. just be patient.
Mostly you will find in time its more about being happy with your more female body.. at least for me its been wonderful..
Carrie

[EmmaK]

Most of my life was spent rejecting who I really was when I chose fear over love (devastating!). Instead of embracing the beautiful woman, wife and mother I was meant to be I hid behind a mask of "super-jock" (pathetic). Having said that, I did learn...

Emma,

1. NEVER eat burgers or any other mass-market junk food. Avoid food with labels and mass-market supermarkets in general.

2. Breads (wheat), pasta, rice etc = poison. (again, consult the book Wheatbelly)

3. "Organic" is not as important as non-GMO. Grow your own veggies if possible. Look for free range and locally grown/raised with all things.

4. Eggs are great for your health. I eat three egg yokes a day (raw). Chickens must be free-range and non-chemicalized. Raise your own chickens if you can.

5. Never (EVER) eat soy or feed it to children.

/end of additional two cents

I was going to ask if rice was a okay vegan dish, thanks for beating me to it. Im glad to hear that you got past your fear and moved on to be a wonderful woman/wife/ and mother. I am still working on getting through the fear phase, but each day I am finding it easier and easier to be in touch with my feminine self. I haven't even started my HRT, im super excited to see how far it takes me, but i have alot of work to do before then. Mainly its getting rid of this disgusting body. I did hit a sort of "break through" in convincing myself to become healthy, I took a picture of myself. My "ground zero" photo that I hope to one day compare side by side when im gorgeous and happy.