Could you do it?

[binny]

Im watching the biggest loser and seeing these people torn away from their families for months at a time to try to lose weight and win the $250,000.
Some people missed their kids sweet 16s and little kids' Birthdays and celebrations and so many other things.

I got to thinking that as much as I want to get healthy and with as nice as the money would be, it isnt worth it to me. I couldnt stand to be away from my family for that long! That wouldnt be motivation for me to continue and win, it would be motivation for me to quit and run home.


I KNOW I need to get healthy, I "get" that. I just dont think I could do it their way.



I just dont think I could do it. How about you?

 

[luvmydogs]

I'll give you my perspective from someone who once weighed 235 pounds and is now 125-127.

By the time I reached my all-time high of 241, I had high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and was borderline diabetic. I was also on an anti-depressive. I rarely left the house because I hated the way I looked and felt. Binny, I was so unhealthy and unfit and unhappy because of it, that my family suffered. That was my breaking point. It took me 15 months to lose all the weight, but I have completely turned my life around--bloodwork is immaculate, and I'm now able to exercise 6 days a week, compared to not being able to walk my ds to the bus stop without becoming short of breath. I won't say *for sure* that I'd be able to stay away from my family for months in order to go through the program these people do; but I'll definitely say that at my lowest of low points, I would have seriously considered it. I've only watched this show a few times, but hopefully these people's families are supportive, and willing to make a few sacrifices and concessions for their loved ones' health. In the long run, I've found that every minute of my hard work (and the tears and tantrums, setbacks and successes that come with losing 110 pounds!) was worth it for my overall physical and emotional health--and along with that, the happiness of my family.

But this is just my own little personal experience and perspective.

 

[mudnuri]

I'll give you my perspective from someone who once weighed 235 pounds and is now 125-127.

By the time I reached my all-time high of 241, I had high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and was borderline diabetic. I was also on an anti-depressive. I rarely left the house because I hated the way I looked and felt. Binny, I was so unhealthy and unfit and unhappy because of it, that my family suffered. That was my breaking point. It took me 15 months to lose all the weight, but I have completely turned my life around--bloodwork is immaculate, and I'm now able to exercise 6 days a week, compared to not being able to walk my ds to the bus stop without becoming short of breath. I won't say *for sure* that I'd be able to stay away from my family for months in order to go through the program these people do; but I'll definitely say that at my lowest of low points, I would have seriously considered it. I've only watched this show a few times, but hopefully these people's families are supportive, and willing to make a few sacrifices and concessions for their loved ones' health. In the long run, I've found that every minute of my hard work (and the tears and tantrums, setbacks and successes that come with losing 110 pounds!) was worth it for my overall physical and emotional health--and along with that, the happiness of my family.

But this is just my own little personal experience and perspective.

excellent perspective- and I applaud you for what you've accomplished!

Brandy

 

[luvmydogs]

That's very kind of you to say, Brandy. Thank you!

 

[Cinderella2004]

Congratulations Kim, you should be proud of yourself

I think that missing a 16th birthday, though heartbreaking at the time is nothing when you think of what some of those people will miss out on in the grand scheme of things if they DON'T loose that weight.

Each week I watch the show I get so teared up at the end!!! I feel so proud for all of them and hate to see anyone "loose" but the greatest thing about that show is that noone is really a looser. They all win. It might not be the $$$, but they get their life back.

I don't know if I could stand to be away from my family that long either, but if I were in that type of situation my thoughts may be different!

 

[binny]

Congratulations Kim and thank you for sharing your experience!


I guess I am just not there at this point. I cant see giving up my family. I still think I can do this on my own and while I need to get better about it I am heading in the right direction so that is part of my feeling.

I just dont think, for me, that being separated from my family would be good for my state of mind. I think it would do more harm than good.

I am not as unhealthy as some of the people on the show either so that probably makes a difference in my opinion. I am a little overweight and not as healthy as I would like to be but Im not that far along I guess.


Thanks though for giving me something to think about!

 

[luvmydogs]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.

Binny, you will know when you're ready. After *finally* striking a positive balance between healthy eating and exercise (she says as she sits here gnoshing on ds's Halloween candy!), the one thing I know for sure is that there is no one perfect weight loss formula for everyone. Do what works for you, and since you sound as though you have a very close, loving family, I'm sure they'll be behind you all the way.

 

[Jillpie]

I have lost 80 lbs in the last year, WITH my family by my side. I could never leave them to do this. I do watch this show and root for them, but I can't help but think that this is not a healthy way to lose their weight. It is just too darn fast. I lost mine over 9 months and still have about 20 more to go, but it is with daily discipline, cutting calories and exercise, exercise, exercise. Its as simple as that. These people are going to extremes with all of that. You can lose 10 lbs a month, in a healthy way. Anyway, anyone out there in Disland looking for motivation, look no further than yourself. It just takes a decision, thats all. Then GO FOR IT. Let nothing stop you and your goal will be met.

 

[minkydog]

I love this show! I watch every week and it really is amazing when you see their before and after pictures. I'm pretty sure I couldn't leave my family to do it--heck, I expereince anxiety when I leave home for a few hours. I've been trying to get healthy enough to join a gym or curves or something since last summer. I hurt my knee badly in July, then my back in September, and just about the time i think I can exercise I re-injure myself. About the only exercise i can do comfortably right now is walking(no sitting, bending or pulling). so I walk. Giving up the Coke and snacks is another thing entirely.