Being Brave, sharing weight to get some advice...

[2angelsinheaven]

Well honestly I've always been overweight, never have been a skinny person or even "normal" sized. Have been in size 24-26 for 5 years or so now and hate it! Currently I'm in a size 28 pants, 24 shirt. I really gained a lot after I lost my daughter in 2001 to miscarriage, it's almost like I didn't care anymore about my weight. So here is my plan for the new year.
I'm engaged (since 2/14/03) to a wonderful man who also has a weight problem so we're in this together. I am currently at my heaviest at 345 (yikes did I just post that, whew I'm being brave today), and I would like to be a size 12 or smaller at the end of this... around 150-170 pounds. I mean how cool would it be to shop in ANY store again... it's been a long time. I feel like I've lost my young adult years to my weight. Never did prom or any of the normal high school things because of it.
Sorry for the rant, so here is my question for all of you who may have been as heavy or close to it. How are you doing it, what tips do you have, whats your motivation, your will power?
I have will power, I know I can stick to this but need some inspiration.
We're going on a Disney Cruise in March so some weight loss by then would be WONDERFUL!
I've tried Mayo before and lost 15 pounds in less than a month, however I heard this diet it pretty unhealthy, any truth to that?

My plan is to join Curves, swim, walk the godchildren and dog and to do Atkins... how does this sound? I found the okay list for foods during induction, does anyone have the list for after? And should I start now or wait till all goodies are gone from house and we finish our WDW trip next week?

My goal is one I must finish, I know I have to for my health and for my sanity...lol! I want to be "normal" before we have our first child, get married, etc...

Thanks and sorry for the long post...

 

[KathyTX]

2angels,

I'm so glad you're here with us!!!

I can't offer Atkins advice (I'm a WW), but we've got some experts here who have been very successful with it.

I think the most important thing here is not what specific eating plan you've chosen, but that you have committed to getting fit and healthy. And I think you've found a tremendous tool to help you along here. I know I'm glad to have you here to help push me to getting in better shape.

You're right about being brave. It takes GUTS to post and face your starting weight for yourself and all the world to see. But it's just a number, and it's going to be moving in the proper direction very quickly.

We've got so many different stories here. Some members joined with only 10 or 15 pounds to lose... some of us in that 50 to 100 pound range... and some with over 100. Each group faces some unique hurdles, but we can handle any of them.

You'll find some soulmates here. Welcome, 2angelsinheaven !!!

 

[Otto's Doll]

Welcome 2angelsinheaven,
We are sure glad you are here. I am on Atkins, as is my DH. It is so much easier doing it together! Just remember, as you begin, that not everyone loses the same, and not everyone uses the same plan. We have a whole range of different plans represented here on WISH. I love atkins.. easiest thing I have ever done! Post often, check in often, and PM if you need extra encouragement! ENJOY your trip!

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Thanks everyone for the support already. I think that DFiance and I will start plan on Jan, 12th when we get home from WDW. Too much temptation and one last horay before we commit to a better us. I think I may even start a journal and before/after photos on my own website so I can remember this journey as well as encourage others. Again thanks all and I look forward to my DIS WISH journey.

PS: Anyone heard of the pedometer diet? A friend mentioned it the other night...

 

[mum4jenn]

You can do this as long as you are committed and as long as you are getting encouragement from loved ones.

Atkins is NOT unhealthy. Go to the library and get Dr. Atkins book. READ IT!!!! There is a bunch of great info there.They also have a website that has most of the info but it is easier to read in book form.

Induction can be tough. You will go through carb withdrawal and probably withdrawal and you will feel pretty lousy. This phase lasts 2-4 days but once you get through that you will feel great.Get some vitamins to take also. Since fruits and some veggies are not allowed at first you need to get vitamins and minerals in your system. Several people take the Atkins vitamins but it is not necessary since they are so expensive. I get mine off Ebay since I can get a good price. Others simply take One-a-day or Centrum.

Rid your cabinets of the bad foods. They will start talking to you if you keep them around.

I started Atkins in June. I lost 13 pounds the first week!! Others lose 3 or 4 pounds their first week. After a month my dh got on the program also. We have both done very well on this program.We did take the holidays off but I am back on and dh is starting again tomorrow.

GOOD LUCK!! Come here often. Everyone is so wonderful and the support is great.

 

[Baileymouse]

Welcome to the board!!!

Atkins is a great diet. In 1996 I lost about 75 lbs. on Atkins, but regained it because I went back to eating poorly. In June I had gastric bypass surgery, and guess what? The diet the dr. has put me on is basically Atkins - low carb, protein first, and plenty of water.

I started out at 328 on a 5' 3" frame, so I was about the same size that you are. Now I'm 231 and wearing an 18W pants, XL or 16W top. I am NOT advocating weight loss surgery - I'm just giving you number comparisons for a 6 mo. total. Anyone who wants to talk specifically about the surgery can send me a PM.

Believe me, Atkins is healthy. My blood work comes back fantastic.

All the best to you and best wishes for your upcoming marriage!

 

[Strings]

I'm doing atkins. I've lost 29 lbs since November. If I can do it, anyone can. My best advice is to start a WISH journal. You'll develope some WISH buddies. They offer support, encouragement, and advice. It is a great tool to keep you on the straight and narrow. Whatever plan you choose, Welcome to WISH.

 

[becka]

Welcome to WISH!!!

It does take guts to post here at first especially to put your starting weight. I am not doing Atkins but I do know that no matter what your plan you can find the best support right here at WISH!

 

[wiskband]

I think the best advice to to simply start with one thing and then add as you go. It s seems that you are ready to make life changes in the way you act so this will take time. You should pick up a good habit work with that and then another and so on. For instance, I started with drinking 100 ouces of water a day. I did that for a week and stuck with it. Before I knew it I needed my water. In turn drinking all that water made me not thirsty for soda, so when I ate a meal and wanted something other than water, I drink diet soda or crystal light. I added in the low carb bread and then stared watching my carbs. All the while started out doing the WATP tapes and I started with the onemile and worked my way up to the 3 mile.
Although, I have had my times of weakness all along I didn;t go nuts because all of these things were now part of my routine, they were all weaned into my life.
If I do cheat these days, I am still watching my diet. I know this sounds weird but what I mean is... if I get in the mood for cheating, I still look at the ingredients and will make a good choice. Rather than have a devil dog I will eat a bowl of cereal. neither of them good but the creal being better than the devil dog.
good luck
renee

 

[LAinSEA]

How wonderful that you've got 2 great vacations coming right up to look forward to!

I'm doing Atkins as well. I knew that I wouldn't get through Thanksgiving while on "induction" so I began eating "low-carb" a couple of weeks earlier and then started officially after Thanksgiving weekend.

My advice (for what it's worth); making the decision to eat low-carb is not just for dieting-sake - it's a decision you'll have to live with, if it works for you and your metabolism. Remember eating the way you have is NOT good for your health or your self-esteem or you wouldn't have made the commitment to yourself to become healthier. Going on "induction" during your vacation will be extremely difficult (and I don't recommend it), but changing your eating habits to low-carb while at WDW and on your cruise should be a breeze. Check on allearsnet.com section on dining and low-carb eating...it has some great suggestions. When you plan you PS's - look over the menus and try to always have a low-carb option for your meals. Don't be afraid to ask for a substitute on potatoes, rice or pasta for more vegetables. Go for the sugar-free deserts (WDW was the first place I saw a sugar-free options on almost every sit-down menu.) And be glad you are doing so much walking in such a beautiful place! You should likewise be able to make low-carb choices while on your cruise and take advantage of the activities they have for some exercise. Don't wait to change your life for your vacations but do be realistic about what is important to you while you're on vacation - being healthier overall.

-Laurie

 

[mowsie dreamer]

Welcome, 2angelsinheaven. I think most of us here will tell you that a huge part of the motivation we find comes from WISH. We celebrate each other's success and help each other over the rough spots.

I started at 264 and my ultimate goal is to get to 125-130. I'm all of 5' tall and wore size 26 or 3X in the beginning. So I would say size-wise we are pretty similar. One thing that I have found helps me is to not think too much about my final goal. I like to break things down into smaller segments. Usually I just focus on the next five pounds. If someone had told me a year ago how great it would make me feel to earn that next clippie, I would have thought they had lost their mind. But here I am!! Lusting after the next size clippie!!

It sounds like you have a plan and are ready to go!! I can't wait to celebrate that first new clippie with you!

 

[tiggerlover]

Hi there and welcome to WISH. I am a WW follower, so I can't offer any advice to you on that, I just wanted to add a few comments here. Forgive me if I repeat what someone else has posted, but I don't have time to read all the previous posts.

First let me say great for you for getting started!! And how lucky I think you are to have someone you love to start with you, that is very beneficial. I would suggest setting small goals for yourself, I know it is great to say I want to be a size 12 and 150, but if you set smaller goals you can celebrate those successes more often, which in the long run helps with the motivation. I would suggest setting 10% goals or something that will work for you. Every time you lost 10% of your weight, treat yourself to something special. Also, take lots of before pictures and most importantly (I wish I had done this), measure yourself with a tape measure and get a good scale. Weight loss is a journey, we all have reasons why we are/were overweight and getting a handle on those reasons and learning all there is to live healthy will aide in your success. What amazes me the most about my weight loss journey was the information and tools were always available to me, I just had to educate myself and once I did life has been so different. I NEVER could stick with a diet, I always failed until I educated myself and did it for me. I still am not to goal, but I am so much closer than I was before and my whole lifestyle is different since begining this journey.

Good luck to you, come to WISH often, there is a tremendous support system here, you have already made that first step, congratulations. I look forward to seeing you around here more often.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I just wanted to chime in and wish you good luck on your journey. Your health is so important! Remember you are not trying to find a quick fix but to make changes for a lifetime. That might sound kinda scary, but once you are committed you won't be able to imagine your life any other way.

As someone else said, make smaller goals, don't look at what you what your final weight to be. Make your first goal 10% of your weight, and then go from there. It is also so very important to incorporate regular exercise to get that metabolism up and moving,and it sounds like you have some good plans for that!

 

[DoeWDW]

Welcome to WISH! I'm glad you've decided to join us on this healthy living journey!!

Everyone else has given you such great ideas! I just wanted to say hi ! Hope to see you around here often - this is the best place I know for inspiration and support and, most importantly, for celebratiing each small success on the way!!

 

[lmhall2000]

FIRST!!! CONGRATS_ you've found the best group of losers around- count yourself among friends!

1. Pick out a pair of pants that you'd really like to THROW AWAY!!! Plan to throw them away in one month and buy the next size down to wear one month from now.
2. Start TODAY!- Don't wait for the goodies to be out of the house- throw them away- they're not helping you with anything that we can't help you with- ya know comfort and rewards! That's what clippies and buddies are for!
3. Set up a realistic goal of where you want to be in 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. When you look at the numbers on paper- you really get motivated! For instance, you're 345 now- By April 1st (no fool here!) set a goal to be 325- then by July 1st be in the 200's!!! See where I'm headed?? DOWN!! For October 1st you'll be shooting for 275, then by New Year's next year you'll be under 250! that's possibly 100 pounds in a year!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!
4. It didn't take you a year to put on the weight- so set realistic goals- losing anywhere from 50-100 pounds in a year is AWESOME- and you will get to goal of your size 12!

My highest was 258- and I'm now at 178! It's taken me 9 months to get down this far but it's happened! I want to be in the 140's by summer- how did I do this?? First I slimfasted to help cut back my heavy eating habits, then I added walking- just a mile 4 days a week- now I've worked up to 4 miles 4-6 days a week! It keeps the weight coming off- pick something small- if you can walk a block- then do it at your pace then in two weeks double your efforts- just don't ever stop!
Now I've learned that I am a carbo junkie- in order for me to lose I have to eat poultry, meat, salads, eggs, cheese, veggies (staying away from corn and potatoes!) I allow myself whole wheat bread (one slice a day), or a half a fruit, but making veggies and meat the bulk of my eating- it really curbs your appetite- stay away from all sugar drinks, or anything with white flour or sugar in it- they will slow your loss. Come to WISH when you feel weak- I've had cinnabons in my house, chocolate chip cookies calling my name- but none of them helped me get healthier and my buds here gave me all the courage I needed. We're here for you-
REMEMBER no one is perfect- you will have bad days- just make them farther and fewer between as you change your lifestyle to reflect a healthier and inspired you!

I'm SOOO proud of you!!!!
Tara

 

[TravelinGal]

I have been heavy most of my life too - my highest was 292 October 2002. I lost a bit before I started Atkins at 277 in May 2003.

I have tried many weight loss programs over the years (including the Diet Center when I was in Jr. High - bad memories there!) and Atkins is the only one that has worked for me - and that I believe I can continue on as a WOL (Way of Life) after I reach goal.

I certainly think you need to read the book - cover to cover - before starting the plan. It is fairly innexpensive at Wal-Mart (or similar stores) but if money is tight, then, at least, get it from the library! (you can read it as you fly/drive to visit Mickey!)

It is much easier to do this WOE (way of eating) when your spouse/family/fiance is in it with you. And if you are planning a family - it IS safe for children! (not the weight loss part, but the lifetime WOE - they just need more fruits than we do - but it will NOT hurt a child to never eat white bread, white potatoes, white rice, sugar....etc)

Again, Welcome! and I sincerly hope this works for you and your DF!

Robin

 

[septbride2002]

Hello! I just wanted to chime in with some things that have helped me out. First sit down and really realize that this is going to be a complete life style change. Let it sink in. Whenever I think of diets I always fail - you are working to better yourself.

1) Get a Journal and start Journaling right away. Journals will help you look back and see where your strengths are and where you need to improve.

2) One thing and one day at a time. Before I would try to do everything - exercise, drink more water, stay on program and some days it got to be to much. I was beating myself up if I didn't do it all correct. Then I learned to just concentrate on one thing at a time. I would start on program and concentrate on that until I felt comfortable adding more.

3) Drink water - it is good for you!

4) Buy the Atkins book if that is program you are going to work. I think a book is like a flashlight when the dark goes out. You can find motivation, reconfirmation of what you are doing, and tips for staying on program.

5) Find an exercise you enjoy doing. Before when I was on Jazzercise I loved it! I had the best time going to class and working out. Due to financial reason I had to quit doing Jazzercise and my weight went back up. My friend introduced me to running a year ago and after the first 2 weeks I loved doing it. I stopped in the winter which was a big mistake and I am starting it up again now. Because I like doing it I make time to do it.

6) Check in here or get a support buddy all the time. A friend that can say to you - lets go out and grab subway and a good movie. Sometimes the people around us pressure us to make bad choices because of the way they feel about themselves. Steer clear of those people if you can.

7) Don't beat yourself up. With changing livestyles we are bound to stumble and bound to fall but you have to get back up and get on the horse.

Good luck to you and I hope you and your DF choose to post on this board and let us know how you are doing.

~Amanda