I need a hug

[Disney Donna]

Hi everyone... It's been pretty hard lately with dieting... in fact, I had lost 79 pounds by last July and have put on about 55 pounds to date... I can do so good on a "diet" but once I'm off, I don't seem to have the discipline to control my eating habits... I've yo-yo'd so many times. I get depressed when I think about it, but then I try to pick myself up and say at least the weight isn't "all" back... ha, ha, ha... give me another month and it will be... anyways, I tried the Akins diet recently and can't seem to do it so I thought I would try the "Deal-A-Meal" diet with Richard Simmons... it's pretty good, but I'm finding myself still cheating off and on... ANYWAYS, sorry for taking so long in getting to my point... I just can't seem to stay motivated and was wondering if there might be any one who might have some good "tips" for me to think of when I get to these times in my life when I'm weaker... I need to lose 100 pounds... I know I would feel better and look better, but that doesn't seem to be motivation enough... have any of you yo-yo'd and if so, how did you overcome it? Thanks for your time and congratualtions to all of you for helping yourselfs... hugs to all...

 

[Otto's Doll]

I am the Yo Yo Queen! Twice I have lost a lot of weight, and put it back on within months. I am now doing Atkins, and feel like this is something I can do forever. Please don't give up on yourself. Keep trying until you find something you can work with. How about the South Beach Diet? It is somewhat like Atkins, but with more freedom in certian things (at least I think that is what I have heard). And if nothing else, just change one habit at a time. Start to drink all your water first, then gradually add exercise (as simple as walking around your block or neighborhood) and then tackle another thing. You don't have to do it all at once! And keep coming back here, this is the greatest bunch around.

 

[Xtine76]

From what I have read you CAN do this! I know it is very hard to be in the position that you are in now because I am kind of in the same boat. I used to be in the Army and in great shape, then one kid and college and starting a new job later, and really not even thinking about it, I added 75 pounds to my already overweight frame. You can do it, I think what I did was just say to myself-I have lost weight before and I can do it again-and I am not going on a "diet" I am choosing to eat healthier and make better choices with smaller portions. I tried Atkins, but that is really not a healthy diet-I am a nurse and I deal with a lot of people with kidney failure-and atkins can really strain your kidneys with all the ketones and protien waste that it produces. Not to mention eating bacon and eggs all the time gets really old and clogs pores. Anyway enough of that tangent. I know that I can lose the weight, YOU CAN too, you just have to remember when you get to the point that you want to be at and you have a craving, remember what you feel like right now and I think that will help you with your cravings. That is what I do-even though I have only lost seven pounds so far, I feel better about myself because I am working out now and eating healthy. And I am on my way to a healthier me! And so are you!!! Good luck and please don't get discouraged, just change your eating habits today and you will feel better tomorrow!

 

[Disfan1]

Are you still doing the "Deal-A-Meal"? I'll be your support buddy if you want to stay with that program since I'm on it too. Whichever plan you try, you know we are all here for you.

 

[LisaTx]

Donna. I'm sorry you're struggling. That's something I worry about too. Whether or not I'll be able to keep the weight off once I lose it. Id love to hear tips from others about maintaining as well.

Originally posted by Xtine76
I tried Atkins, but that is really not a healthy diet-I am a nurse and I deal with a lot of people with kidney failure-and atkins can really strain your kidneys with all the ketones and protien waste that it produces. Not to mention eating bacon and eggs all the time gets really old and clogs pores.

I'm having a really bad day today and came here to the WISH board for some support.

 

[Debbie]

Aw, Donna, don't be hard on yourself. You're at a place that a lot of us have been/are. Sorry, but you're not a one of a kind yo-yo Queen.

I can do so good on a "diet" but once I'm off, I don't seem to have the discipline to control my eating habits... I've yo-yo'd so many times.

I think that you have set your course right here. To be a successful change, it can't be a diet. . . it needs to be a change of lifestyle---one that you can live with for the rest of your life.

Those people who are doing Atkins-and there are a lot-they will need to eat the Atkins way as a way of life. I have respect for anyone who can do that. . . I'm a carb addict, and I know that there is no way that I could be successful on that "diet" (read WOL)

South Beach and other low-carb lifestyles take Atkins to a step that many can follow. The results are not exactly the same, but for some, that works better than the Atkins.

Weight Watchers is a great place for those who need some structure in their life, and that WOEating is balanced and relatively easy to maintain.

There are many diets, and a variety of lifestyles out there. What you need to do is to find the one that works for you. When you have begun to see some positive results, THEN add exercise to your routine.

One thing that is common amongst the different "diet" plans is the water. Drink, drink, drink. Drink so much that you squish and squirt when you walk!

One unspoken rule on WISH is no putting down lifestyles that are working; support others as best meets their needs. I have a saying at school:

<marquee>(Fair) in our class doesn't mean that everyone gets the <i>same</i>. Fair in our class means that everyone gets what they <i>need</i>. </marquee>

What you need is to step back, don't beat yourself for the yo-yo and get back into the game! You can do it, sweetie! We're here for you!

p.s. Lisa, you'll get what you need, too. Sweetie. You can do it, I know you can!!!!

 

[IloveDMB]

Don't worry, you'll find the diet that fits you.

I've tried many different types of diets, but it wasn't until I found Atkins, that I found a diet that worked for me.

Atkins and I just fit.

I think everyone has a diet plan that will work for them and don't worry, I know you will find yours.

Have you tried WW yet?

 

[luvmydogs]

HI Donna! Another yo-yo queen here! Not counting my last loss of 110lbs., in the last 15 years, I have gained and lost over 800! I soooo understand how you feel, and I vowed this would be the last time I'd ever have to lose weight again! You have gotten a lot of good advice--I agree with with Debbie when she says that you cannot "diet"--it has to be a lifestyle change--this is exactly what I'm doing now. I've also incorporated exercise into my maintainence, which is something I've never done before, and so far, so good. If I exercise every day, I don't really worry about calories, and it all seems to balance out. You are not alone, Donna. So many of us have felt like you're feeling. I'm here for maintainence support because I never want to yo-yo my body or mind again--it is so frustrating, and from what Drs. say, not good for your body. We're all here for you--WISHers are some of the nicest people around, and I've gotten some great advice and support. If you need us, we're always here to help...

 

[Otto's Doll]

One unspoken rule on WISH is no putting down lifestyles that are working; support others as best meets their needs.

Thank you so much, Debbie, for pointing that out. It is such an important aspect of coming to the WISH board. If I felt I couldn't tell everyone that I was on Atkins without being flamed or put down, I probably wouldn't come here anymore. And this board is a huge part of how I have been able to lose the weight so far.

 

[Disney Donna]

Thank you all so much for your responses to my "post"... You have really made me feel welcomed and supported... You have given me motivation and some good thoughts and ideas... Thank you, Thank you, Thank you... I really needed that. I guess after all the years of yo-yoing, I'm just tired and a little scared that I will not succeed... but you have given me hope again and I truely am thankful... I will come here often and hope that I will be able to encourage others on this journey... Here is another "motivation" that I just thought off for losing weight... I want to fit comfortably in my Disney Rides... LOL... Take care I'll be chatting with ya later... Hugs

 

[luvmydogs]

Donna, I'm so glad you decided to join us! I'll be looking forward to seeing you here!

 

[nancyj_pa]

Donna,
Welcome to WISH! I'm glad you decided to become part of us. There's so much support here.

You will find a plan that works for you. I'm low carbing (modified Atkins) and have lost about 28 pounds so far. I'm a slow loser and have tried many times before. I just went in for my annual checkup, and my doctor was pleased that I lost weight. I remarked how well he looked and how much thinner. He told me he started Atkins 7 weeks ago and lost 30 pounds. So a lot of doctors are promoting Atkins now who never did before.

This is a life change for me and not a diet. Everything in moderation. Not eating sugar and flour sure has helped, and I'm sure I really didn't need them anyway.

NancyJ

 

[CALIFLADY]

It sounds like you got the "diet" thing down. It's the "maintenance" thing that you struggle at. Here's a suggestion.

Once you find an eating plan that you can live with (while losing the weight), then to maintain, you just have to add a little bit to that program. Two ways to do that. Add a few foods everyday (which takes discipline), or add a whole lot of foods on a few days. What I'm saying is, when I got to goal in the past and I felt like I "deserved" to binge, then I would - but only on the weekends. The other five days of the week? I went back to the "diet" eating with no cheating. If the daily discipline is too hard for you (like it was for me), then only discipline yourself five days of the week, but give yourself a break for two days of the week. In this way, you should be able to maintain your weight. Weigh in on Saturday morning only (right after your five days of good eating) to make sure you're still where you want to be. If you're okay with your weight that day, then treat yurself over the weekend. But get back to plan on Monday morning! Hey, it worked for me.

Good luck!

 

[QueenTrident]

Hi Donna - Sorry you're feeling blue.

I'm a big yo-yoer too. I've lost a lot of weight twice before, only to put it all back on (plus some). The first time I lost, I weighed 153 and got down to 117. I then climbed up to 175, then down to 153. This time I started at 197. I'm now down to 186. Every day I wonder if this will be the day I lose motivation, so I take it one day/one bite at a time.

You can do this! Use this board - they are wonderful, motivational people. Find other support groups and take it one day at a time. Try not to find a "diet", but a lifestyle you can live by. Diets have an end point, lifestyles do not. I know it sound silly, but this is the first time in my weight loss (and gain) journey that I've really believed that. I hope that is what will make the difference for me.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[lmhall2000]

I promised myself that I would NEVER EVER be over 140 again when I lost 100 pounds in college. I did great until my first pregnancy- I was nauseous until the 36th week and food was the only thing that settled my stomach- I gained 65 pounds! Then came back to back child # 2 and 3 (13 months apart) and I was up to 258 when I delivered my third! Well, now I'm down to 178 and going for 140's by May 1st.

For me it's all about exercise, portion control, and choosing the right foods- I have to cut out all pizza, french fries, cheeseburgers, pasta, pancakes, really mostly carb things. Today (I'm on my second week of South Beach) I had 2 scrambled eggs with some grated cheddar cheese on them, I ONLY drink water all day, snack was a mozzarella stick, lunch was lettuce- olives-bacon-cheese-dressing, snack was a deviled egg, and dinner was a pork chop, green beans and a small lettuce salad. If I can maintain eating like this and avoid movie popcorn, Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies- I just may make it to the 140's. I work out 3-5 times a week for over an hour each time.

I would recommend finding some exercise you can do 3x a week and making that your habit- I feel much more able to exercise now than I did in the 200's- but the weight did come off faster then too....so your body works with you. Also, sign up for a WISH buddy- they're angels on earth!

YOU CAN DO THIS- You've done it before but make a list of things you can change to make this one stick for good- for me it's eating huge portions and not exercising- so I've changed those two things. Hard to do, but one day at a time it's not so bad.

Tara

 

[Otto's Doll]

Hey, Tara.
How do we sign up for a WISH buddy? Is it an official thing, or just two people who agree to help each other out? TIA.

 

[luvmydogs]

I'd love any info. on a WISH buddy, too! :happy1:

 

[IloveDMB]

I would also like a WISH buddy!

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))

I'm just tired and a little scared that I will not succeed...

That was my feeling exactly when I started Weight Watchers (on my own and with WISH buddies as support - not an official member) anyway.........

I told my friends - I am trying one more time and if I don't lose weight this time, I am NEVER going on a diet again. BUT, I think it was when I gave up my "fear of failing" that I really was able to just let go and let it be one day at a time and with CONSTANT support from DD (ohMom), PM buddies and friends I count myself a success! I am not quite there yet, but I am healthier and I am still a work in progress - because I recognize that it is a lifestyle and not a diet.

Also, try to make it fun - maybe set some "challenges" - I started one at work that turned into lots of folks joining. My challenge - not using the elevator for a month - by the end of the work day our HR manager set into motion another one - chipping in $15 and the biggest loser took all (% lost not lbs) - well I am happy to say that I split the pot - $75 for each of us! That one was fun and worthwhile


Good luck and I'll be watching for those "losing posts"

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to our WISH family, <b>Disney Donna</b>. I'm sorry you have been feeling sad. You can always find lots of {{{HUGS}}} on WISH any day. We'll always be here for you if you need us.

I'm sorry that I'm so late finding this but real life has gotten in the way of my WISHing recently (I hate when that happens) and I haven't been on the boards as much as I like.

How are you feeling today? Are you feeling a little more empowered? A little more motivated?

You have already received some great advice and suggestions. There's not much more that I can add except to say that it is true that you need to find an eating plan that works for <i>you</i> and one you can live with the rest of your life, even when you are on vacation

My husband and I have taken Atkins as our lifetime plan because it works for <i>us</i>. It has improved my husband's health drastically and we've been following this way of eating for a year now. His physicians encourage him to continue following this way of eating.

Once you find the right plan for yourself you are going to do great, I'm sure of it. The right plan plus the WISH support group will help you <b>succeed</b>. Just you wait and see

{{{HUGS}}} and remember: one day at a time

Katholyn