I need help.

[Heather.Mohler]

I have tried over and over to do this weight loss thing and every single time I taper off and eventually stop caring. I know I have to lose weight - it is getting really serious. I haven't weighed myself in about 2 months or so, but back then I was 375 or so - I can't keep gaining weight!

My question is, what made you finally wake up and realize you had to do it for real this time? What made you stick with it? I know it is a very personal thing, and what worked for you might not work for me, but maybe something will finally click for me.

Oh, and prayers and pixie dust would be MUCH appreciated!
Heather

 

[FrogPrincess]

First off- *hugs and pixie dust*
After having my DD, I was overweight but didn't care. What got me was when we moved into a 2 story house and I was huffing and puffing by the time I got to the top- how was I going to keep up with a 3 yr old?? I started keeping a food journal and it has helped a bunch (I eat before I think)! best wishes!

 

[diznmom]

Please know that your problem is not unique to many who post on these boards. My advice is to lose the weight for you, not for anyone else. Start with small goals so your journey does not seem overwhelming. It is important to make sure you are eating healthy and there are many good programs like WW out there to help you. It is important to think about why in the past you felt you were not successful. Stress eating is a big one for many of us.

The other piece is to move more...even if it is just a little bit every day. Maybe you start by walking to your mailbox a couple times a day and then move to walking the block. You don't have to run a marthon the first day.

I am sure you can find the right match for what works for you. Keep reading at the WISH site. You will find a great deal of support here. Many of us have experienced these challenges. Keep reading and keep posting. You can do it!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hi Heather. I'm sending you a big hug.

I know it can be so hard sometimes. I think the big thing for me this time around was I decided that I was not going to quit. Period. It didn't matter how cruddy a day I had or how off plan, I was not going to quit. Everybody has a bad day every now and then. I had a couple days this week even where I just wanted to say enough, I don't care. Even from maintain. The point is to one, get it out there and deal with the emotions, and two pick yourself up and keep moving forward. And why this time in my life--I was an empty nester. I just had no excuses. Not, I didn't have time or money or anything. And I knew I had no more excuses.

So what I see are keys to success:
1. A support group that you check in with daily. Sometimes multiple times a day. This can be online or IRL.
2. No diet soda. No artificial sweeteners. I know a lot of people disagree with me on this, but artificial sweeteners triggered my binges. If you need caffeine have plain black coffee or plain tea. My beverage of choice in the morning now--warm water. I'm drinking a mug now. Occasionally I will have a few sips of regular soda.
3. Exercise. But be reasonable. Going out too fast causes injuries. If you are doing nothing shoot for 3-10 minute a day walks to start. Join a gym. Talk to your doctor about what exercises are good for you to try. I did not like to go to the gym at first. But I needed to learn to get over myself. Not taking care of myself was how I got myself in that position. And skipping exercise because I was self-conscious was not going to get me out of it!
4. Make a plan and put it on paper. I have an excel spreadsheet where I have recorded everything since Jan 1, 2010--weight, what exercise I did, what my goals for the month were. Each week I schedule what exercise I am going to do. Until this month, I have joined the exercise challenge every month and reported to other wishers how much I am exercising. I graph my weight and look for patterns, including how t.o.m. effects things. I still use that excel spreadsheet to watch my weight and plan my week.
5. Journal and join spark people or weight watchers. Right down every bite. Some people do this every day period. I was going more with portion control and checked my calorie intake every couple of weeks.
6. Weigh every day. Period. It's not about what the scale is doing on a day to day basis. Which might not make sense. But I knew the scale wouldn't go down every day, but if I ate cruddy, then I needed to see, yep this is what happens when you eat garbage.
7. Celebrate victories. We are all very good at beating ourselves up. And we do need to be accountable. But we need to congratulate ourselves too. Maybe this means setting up a series of non-food rewards or maybe this just means celebrating with your support group.

It's not always easy. But you can do it. It's a journey not a race. You just need to find a support system and work on a plan that helps you to enjoy the journey.

 

[cewait]

Hi Heather. I'm sending you a big hug.

I know it can be so hard sometimes. I think the big thing for me this time around was I decided that I was not going to quit. Period. It didn't matter how cruddy a day I had or how off plan, I was not going to quit. Everybody has a bad day every now and then. I had a couple days this week even where I just wanted to say enough, I don't care. Even from maintain. The point is to one, get it out there and deal with the emotions, and two pick yourself up and keep moving forward. And why this time in my life--I was an empty nester. I just had no excuses. Not, I didn't have time or money or anything. And I knew I had no more excuses.

So what I see are keys to success:
1. A support group that you check in with daily. Sometimes multiple times a day. This can be online or IRL.
2. No diet soda. No artificial sweeteners. I know a lot of people disagree with me on this, but artificial sweeteners triggered my binges. If you need caffeine have plain black coffee or plain tea. My beverage of choice in the morning now--warm water. I'm drinking a mug now. Occasionally I will have a few sips of regular soda.
3. Exercise. But be reasonable. Going out too fast causes injuries. If you are doing nothing shoot for 3-10 minute a day walks to start. Join a gym. Talk to your doctor about what exercises are good for you to try. I did not like to go to the gym at first. But I needed to learn to get over myself. Not taking care of myself was how I got myself in that position. And skipping exercise because I was self-conscious was not going to get me out of it!
4. Make a plan and put it on paper. I have an excel spreadsheet where I have recorded everything since Jan 1, 2010--weight, what exercise I did, what my goals for the month were. Each week I schedule what exercise I am going to do. Until this month, I have joined the exercise challenge every month and reported to other wishers how much I am exercising. I graph my weight and look for patterns, including how t.o.m. effects things. I still use that excel spreadsheet to watch my weight and plan my week.
5. Journal and join spark people or weight watchers. Right down every bite. Some people do this every day period. I was going more with portion control and checked my calorie intake every couple of weeks.
6. Weigh every day. Period. It's not about what the scale is doing on a day to day basis. Which might not make sense. But I knew the scale wouldn't go down every day, but if I ate cruddy, then I needed to see, yep this is what happens when you eat garbage.
7. Celebrate victories. We are all very good at beating ourselves up. And we do need to be accountable. But we need to congratulate ourselves too. Maybe this means setting up a series of non-food rewards or maybe this just means celebrating with your support group.

It's not always easy. But you can do it. It's a journey not a race. You just need to find a support system and work on a plan that helps you to enjoy the journey.

I honestly do not remember what drove my initial drive. But I wills second the NEED to have a personal reason. Doing it for someone will never ever work.

I really like this post. I am not a weigh daily person with my folks in the early days as long as you are working on everything else and have a support mechanism that you feel accountable to. If you are trying to do this without the support mechanism, then the daily weigh is necessary.

Do talk with your doctor. Push to exercise daily at first. I agree that you may only be 10-15 minutes this week and only every other day, but work to get it up to 45 at least 6 days a week. At 375 walking for the first couple week to a month may be all that you can do. Look for a gym... but look at the trainers when you are in for the tour. Look for a seasoned trainer (i.e. 40's or 50's. Chances are that they have gone through at least a mini-situation similar to yours. Plus the age and common sense they bring to the relationship will help immensely.

In addition to the above, go through your pantry and fridge. Chances are it is stocked with processed foods. Throw out, or at least do not repurchase, anything with a) high fructose corn syrup, b)partially hydrogenated xxx fats, c)artificial sweeteners d) any ingredient that you cannot pronounce. The deal with artificial sweeteners are that they can signal sugar coming to the body just like sugars and start to play with blood chemistry. To change over your pantry and fridge, shop the perimeter of the store. That is where you find fresh meat, Fresh Dairy, Fresh produce, fresh whole grain breads. Limit the inside of the store to things like spices. Sure you can purchase pre-packaged items but you need to shop the label. As an example a well know pasta sauce's second ingredient is sugar. One of the secondary ingredients contains high fructose corn syrup. Just down the aisle, a lesser known product has 0 sugars. That would be your choice.

Finally, Be singular in focus. That is, when you get up in the day your goal is to stay on course. At first, allow yourself a day off. Do not go all out on that day but do not beat yourself up for the day. Keep that day the same day every week...but if you slip up early in the week, then that is your day. Do not beat yourself up on failure, just look at your journal and figure out what triggered the failure and move on.

You can do. It is doable. Now all you have to do is have the vision, get off the couch and do one thing different TODAY, not tomorrow.

 

[tigger813]

Heather- I totally agree with Rose!

Regarding soda, I have cut down to 3-4 cans/glasses a week. I actually can only drink diet soda as regular soda has too much sugar for me now. I end up with major tummy issues when I do drink regular soda. I do drink regular ginger ale when I'm sick as I'm not crazy about diet ginger ale.

Drink lots of water. If you need flavor, use Crystal Light or add some lemon juice.

What really got me going was in planning for a Disney trip. I had looked at photos from our previous trip and was horrified how I look. In December 2008 we got the Wii for Christmas and that got me going. Then I pulled out some workouts that I had and also found several on demand on the tv that I tried. I also cut down on portion sizes. My best friend had lost a lot of weight and then we started walking together. We started chatting about food. It jsut finally kicked in with me. She became my workout buddy!

You should check and see if there is a wellness center in your area. I got to a point last fall where I got stuck and then I started going to the wellness center. They offer great support and ideas to help you. They are run by Herbalife distributors but at mine they didn't push the products on me. I would have a healthy breakfast there a few times a week and then signed up myself as a distributor. PM me if you can't find a center on your own. I can probably help you find one.

Also, you can come back and join us on the BL challenge. The group has gotten a lot smaller and we will be merging the teams next week. You are still on the spreadsheet so come back anytime! We have all been through the same thing and are always here to help. I used to lose and gain all the time. Once you get in a groove it can stick with you.

I hope this helps! Please come back and join us! Second chances are worth the try! Coming here is a great first step!

TTFN

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I agree with everyone above.

My personal reasons were several:
I was sick and tired of being sick and tired
I was tired of the judgement from strangers
I don't want to be like my mom - diabetic or her father - dead in his early 50's from a heart attack
My kids are fit and all runners - I want to be able to keep up
I'm tired of having indigestion every night from the amount of food I ate
I want to set a good example for my children, especially my daughter. There is so much pressure on girls today and it's my job as a parent to steer them in the right direction.

The last one - a dad (he's divorced) at my kids school made a pass at me. I was shocked! I came home and went over it in my head. Why me? I'm not attractive. I'm married. I'm fat, so why? The why was because I was an easy target, or so he thought. My DH is never home, I'm basically a single parent. I guess he felt that I would be thrilled with his advances, he's quite good looking and a real charmer and several of the mom's fawn over him.
Nope, sorry. I value my husband and my morals more than that. And I need to value myself as well.

you can do it!!!! Just a few small changes everyday can make a big difference. No soda, no sweets, extra activity every day. Journal, journal, journal!!!

 

[simba20]

36 and 60 are two numbers I keep in mind. Those are the ages my brother and father were when they died from side effects of diabetes. My father passed away in 1997 (age 600 and my brother passed away in 2006 (age 36). It really bothers me that my brother was only 36. With my family history of diabetes, it was inevitabel that I woul dbe diagnosed as one, and last year, I was...well I am on the pre-diabetic/diabetic scale. I do not want my life to go the way my brother's did (my dad did manage his quite well, but had kidney failure and that led to his death).

I, hate to say it, but I really do hate the way I look. There are activities I love to do and that I want to do, and I don;t want to be one of those moms who sits by the pool covered from heat to toe in 90 degree weather because I am ashamed about my body. I also don;t want to be the mom who sist on a bench at the park, while my child plays, because I can't run or get out of breath.

So as of Feb 1st, when my doctor offered me drugs yet again for diabetes, only becuase my weight loss is goign so slow. I walked out of that appointment and said "I need to step it up."

My goal is to lose 35 lbs by by 35th birthday which is also my next doctor's appointment. I've been workign hard (with a few minor off days -- meaning off on planned workouts and diet as opposed to scheduled rest days), but I am proud of each small step that I see.

I also have a motto:
"It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop."

Yes, I can have a day where I felt my eating was not so good as it should have been, but I remind myself to keep active and moving and not feel the guilt. If I choose to stop (give up on workign out) just because I ate badly one meal or one day, then that's where I should feel guilt. Just keep going.

 

[disneyismyname]

I'm having the same problem O.P.
I just had my "wake up call" yesterday. I went into my closet and I have a whole row of jeans and a whole row of shirts. I can only (hardly should be the word) fit into two pairs of jeans. And I don't feel comfortable in any of my shirts. Even the empire waist shirts make me look pregnant. I just sat in my bathroom and cried. I'm pre-diabetic. Its hard for me to fall asleep. I don't go out. I'm a hermit crab...I never want to leave the house--and I'm not even 25 yet...
I've tried everything but never had the motivation. I told my mom today, "I don't know what its going to take for me to lose the weight. Someone is going to have to call me a fat a__ in order for me to get my stuff together."

Also, the past two times I've been to the mall...I have not bought a single thing.

 

[luvdiz2]

A lot of very good advice. Mine is move every day and keep moving. Try a pedometer at first to track your steps and increase them. Drink water, stay away from soda altogether. Add crystal light or lemon or lime juice. Don't beat yourself up on the bad days-get back to it. I was 250 PBS in 2004 and have since done 4 half marathons, 2 full marathons. YOU CAN DO IT. We believe in you.

 

[pjlla]

FWIW..... Crystal Light is sweetened with the same artificial sweetener that diet Coke is.... aspartame. So please try to AVOID it. Stick with plain water or seltzer with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

If you MUST have flavoring for your water, the 4C brand of individual drink packets is sweetened with Splenda.... still an "artificial sweetener", but less controversial (and supposedly less dangerous) than aspartame.

For the most part, you've gotten some terrific advise here! Obviously there is a big support system here on the WISH boards.. and if you've been involved with the BL challenge, you probably realize that.

A few things that pop into my head to pass along...

it won't be easy at first.... but it WILL get easier over time.

it is NOT a temporary trip.... it is a LIFETIME journey. Until you are ready to committ to that way of thinking, you will continue to struggle.

there is no "right" or perfect way to lose the weight..... but you do need to find the "right" way for YOU.

if you feel you need support IRL, join a group like Weight Watchers where you will have REAL people to talk to. If you think you can make due with "cyber" friends, join WW online, the BL Club online, or just one of our BL challenges here on the WISH.

read..... about weight loss, about nutrition, about healthy eating, about exercise. Grab some of the BL books at Target or from Amazon or your library. Read WW magazine, read cookbooks about healthy eating. IMMERSE yourself in reading/thinking/talking about leading a healthier lifestyle. For the time being, let it be a PROJECT.... have a spread sheet and/or a schedule.

think about this NOT ONLY in terms of losing weight to look better, but eating healthier to be healthier on the INSIDE. I know I started this, like most people, to look better on the outside. But with all I already knew about nutrition and more that I have learned along the way, I have developed such an aversion to some of the more processed foods, I wouldn't eat them for love nor money! And I try to steer my kids clear of the junk as well.... not for weight reasons primarily, but HEALTH reasons.

remember.... it is not a RACE to the finish line, but a marathon for a lifetime. Pace yourself.

Hope some of the advice you've received here helps......................P

 

[TxRabbit]

Prayers and Pixie Dust to you Heather...

There is some good advice here on the doing...once you get going...the thing is getting that motivation to get started...and I think that is what you are asking about...what is that motivation?

First...you have to believe that it can be done...otherwise, you will NEVER get started. So get it into your head...people recover from obesity...it is a totally curable thing...it takes a long time to recover...and you have to allow yourself the time...don't have a Biggest Loser "sprint" mentality...it is a MARATHON...it is learning how to be a different person, doing different things, so that you become the new you that you want to be...

Now there may be obsticles in the way...things that make it difficult...but NOTHING will make it impossible...there IS a way...you have to believe that...

Once you get it firmly in your head that you CAN succeed...THEN you are ready to get MOTIVATED...

What motivated me was my 40th birthday...I just wanted my 40s to be different than my late 20s and 30s...my Dad is a HUGE motivator...the short story is that HE was motivated by MY wedding almost 14 years ago...and he decided that he was going to get into shape enough to wear the tux he already owned...and it turned out that he got into SUCH good shape, the tux had to be taken IN...he's back to his HIGH SCHOOL weight and has kept it there ever since...

Back to me and my birthday and my inspirational, retired, cruising, vacationing, super active parents...who are thoroughly enjoying their retirement...and I want to be like them...and Mom tells me last summer about how they have been invited by friends to go visit their friends' relatives in Italy in summer 2012...I'm shocked into saying HEY...I guess I better reserve March 2012 for my 40th birthday celebration...

This short story is that Mom booked a cruise (got a SWINGING deal for spring break...) for my parents, DH, DS, and me...to celebrate my birthday...and boy howdy...I decided that I was going to be a different person on that cruise...

The cruise was booked in August 2010...knowing that I needed to do some sort of physical activity...and knowing how I had forced myself to do certain things in the past (successfully), but didn't have my Dad's stamina to continue to do things I hated (successfully gaining back all lost weight)...I determined to find SOMETHING physical that I could enjoy doing...and I found Zumba...and I LOVE it...I actually look forward to going to class...it's like Mom's Night Out for me...I go to a class at an area Rec Center...no membership...pay for 8 weeks at a time...the thing about Zumba is the first class with an instructor is usually free...so you can try it out first...and the instructor makes a HUGE difference...

Anyway...I love the class and I know that this physical activity is the basis for any forward progress toward health and fitness...and this is how I think of it...NOT losing weight...but getting healthy and fit...

I can tell you that after going to the first class...I was SHOCKED at how hard it was to do...how out of shape I had become...I was SO SORE after the first class...the next night...I crawled into bed and just cried...but if ever I was going to accomplish the goal of being fit...it was now...and with thoughts of Jillian screaming that if I wasn't fainting, puking, or dying...I continued on...

I've been going for over 6 months now...I have been able to gradually increase my exercise load...and big changes are happening physically...the thing was that finding the activity that I could do made all the difference...our efficient bodies will not supply energy to a sedentary body...so you HAVE to force yourself in the beginning...but IF you do, then your most maginificently created body WILL begin to supply you with more energy...and you will then have more energy and stamina to help with food matters, etc...because it does take energy to do things right in the eating department.

Is there a milestone birthday around the corner for you? A milestone event? A vacation? My goal started 18 months away from start day...I am only 6 months down...I am just under halfway to goal...So think long-term when you think about something that could provide a "goal date."

And then try to figure out what kind of physical activity you can do that you enjoy...whatever it is...and BE PATIENT.

I started with only 2 Zumba classes a week...after several weeks...I started adding a third class...after several more weeks, I worked on adding Pilates into my routine...my point is to set an achieveable goal...something you know you have the physical ability to do...you don't have to push yourself too hard in the beginning...you just have to get started...the results that you start to see from just doing anything, if you have been doing nothing like I had been, will start the ball rolling...and your results and changing self will become the motivating factor.

I hope that you can find that motivation.

 

[believe]

My weight loss started due to health issues (high cholesterol, borderline diabetes, spastic colon, continuous sinus infections). I lost the weight, had kids, then had to lose some of the weight again. This time around it was due to my kids and my faith. My husband is a very unhealthy eater. I figured I had to set an example for my kids because otherwise they would be were I was unhealthy and overweight in high school/college. Next I know my body is God's temple. When I think of this it helps me to stay focused a bit more.

I have to say I am one that tends to reach goal then gain some back. This year I have decided to focus on 90% healthy 10% unhealthy eating for 52wks. I figure by then it will be so ingrained in me I won't even have to think about it. I have not set a goal weight, just to be healthier which in the end will probably bring my weight back down.

• Remember it didn't come on overnight, it won't go off overnight.
• Experiment with healthy foods, get out of the mindset of breakfast, lunch, dinner items. I eat breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast at times. Time of day doesn't matter.
• Plan your meals before the day begins. I can't tell you how often I take food to my in-laws because I don't want pizza again.
• Journal-it really opens your eyes, leave calories to play with for those times you want that little extra
• Move-set small goals each week and increase them as it becomes easier.
• Get temptations out of the house if you can't control them.
• Don't let those in your family make you feel bad about your choices-I know I struggled with not wanting to split meals with my husband because his choices were not healthy, the guilt I would feel. I have gotten over that and now he is okay when I say no splitting unless he wants what I want
• It is a lifestyle change not a diet. I don't allow that word in our home.
• Take time to list the reasons you feel you are turning to food. When those reasons happen have a new plan in place to cope. I can't tell you nights were I have gone to bed at 7pm just to keep from overeating due to being upset about something. The next morning I felt better just knowing I had passed a hurdle and what I was upset about looked a lot better by then.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I have tried over and over to do this weight loss thing and every single time I taper off and eventually stop caring. I know I have to lose weight - it is getting really serious. I haven't weighed myself in about 2 months or so, but back then I was 375 or so - I can't keep gaining weight!

My question is, what made you finally wake up and realize you had to do it for real this time? What made you stick with it? I know it is a very personal thing, and what worked for you might not work for me, but maybe something will finally click for me.

Oh, and prayers and pixie dust would be MUCH appreciated!
Heather

Definitely prayers to you and PD too. This is serious.

You know though, it doesn't have to be horrible.

In addition to all that is offered, do your best to not think of this change in terms of the D word. It is not diet where deprivation is the operative. Think of it as a healthy choice for life. You are indeed going into a new lifestyle, but it is one of making healthy choices. You are in control and you choose.

Schedule you. Yup, you need to get yourself on your calendar and make it happen. I wish I could lead by example. Just at this time of my roller coaster ride I've found some pounds that I have shed. Well, the thing is too, don't give up. Never give up.

Find the fun! Make it fun!

You can do this! We can do this.

The suggestions in your thread will get you started. Go get it one step at a time.

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

My story: I used to weigh myself fairly regularly. As the scale went up, I would think to myself "oh, when it hits 155, I'll do something about it." Then, "oh, it's at 156.. When it hits 160, I'll do something about it." Finally, I was nearing 180 (keeping in mind that I'm about 5'4"), and I was sized out of the department I normally purchase pants from. It was finally time to buckle down and do something about it.

I decided about a year ago to start doing the P90X program after watching a friend's success with it. In that time, I modified my lunches to be a bit smaller, started eating better breakfasts, and tried to be a bit pickier with my dinners, while working out 6 days/week. I lost 30 lbs through that program, and I've picked it up again as I feel almost restless if I go a day without a workout (and for maintenance).

It's the funniest thing though, I didn't hate the way I looked. I just knew that I wanted to be healthy, and keep myself in check. Now, seeing pictures from a year ago, I can't believe how far I've come weight-wise. The difference feels huge and I feel healthier.


Just remember: Weight loss doesn't come immediately, it comes from work and time. Don't start working out or dieting and expect drastic immediate results a few days later. You may see a larger amount of weight loss at the beginning of whatever program you start, and see the results become a bit less drastic as time goes on. That's OK, it may be discouraging a little bit, but it's still alright. Normal, healthy, long-term weight loss occurs at a rate of 1lb/week. It takes time and dedication to reach any goal, and weight loss is no different.

Maybe instead of looking at your ultimate goal, stick to smaller goals and celebrate them on the way to your goal. -5 pounds? YAY! Down a pants size? YAY! They'll come sooner and keep you motivated to stay on track

 

[Heather.Mohler]

Thank you so much everyone. It has been a bit tough to make time to even think about all of this - finals are coming up pretty fast and I have two concerts to play in over the next two weeks. But I can't tell you how much this has meant to me. Thank you thank you thank you! You all are God's gifts to those of us who are struggling!

Heather

 

[3_disprincesses]

My wakeup call came about 6 weeks ago - High Cholesterol. I am the only parent to my two girls - if something were to happen to me, who would be there for them? I want to be there!!! High cholesterol also caused "fatty liver". I had to be thoroughly checked out, liver and gall bladder, to make sure I can take the medicine for the cholesterol problem. I'm already out about $700 this year due to medical bills - being unhealthy is extremely expensive. I bought an elliptical right after that and workout 5 days a week for 30 minutes to an hour, started reading all I can about getting my cholesterol back to where it should be, I'm using the myfitnessplanner app for my iphone, maintaining 1200 "net" calories a day and making overall better choices. The doctors office called this afternoon and told me that my tests performed earlier this week indicate my liver is already functioning better. I've lost 8 pounds and have about 80 more to go - I Will Do this! Good luck Heather - and to everyone else out there trying to win this battle!

 

[SingingFlower]

I can definitely relate to what you are going through Heather. I'm 27 years old and have suffered from depression for the past 10 years or so. I eventually just stopped caring about myself and my health. That led to a huge weight gain. My freshman year of college I weighed about 160 pounds. In January of this year I weighed 380 pounds. I ended up having a health scare in January that was a real wake up call for me. Looking back now, I am so thankful for it! I now realize I NEED to lose this extra weight so I don't lose my life.

The first step I took was cutting out soft drinks and other sugary drinks. Now I mainly drink water and milk, but I might have a soda every other week or so if I go out to eat with family. I've also cut out almost all fast food. For the past 5 years or so I pretty much ate at least one fast food meal a day, sometimes 2 or 3. It's not been easy to make these lifestyle changes, but my goal is to become healthier and I know it will be worth it. So far I'm down to 349 pounds. Sometimes it's hard for me to think about how long it will take to get to a healthy weight, but I try really hard to look at the big picture.

Just this week I've started to incorporate exercise into my weight loss plan. I bought the game Walk it Out for Wii and it was just what I needed! I've been using it for about 30-60 minutes after I get home from work, and I'm actually having fun exercising. I think this weekend I ended up playing for at least an hour and a half each day.

However you decide to try and lose the weight, please know that you are not alone. I will keep you in my prayers, and hopefully in a year or two we will both be at a healthy weight!

Amber

 

[ama4889]

I feel you op. My days have become a constant cycle of starting my plans anew every single morning and getting depressed and throwing it all to the wind every single night. I'm starting to think that I just need to accept that this is something I simply cannot do.

The only time. I've been able to lose was for my wedding. Now apparently wanting tobook a disney cruise is not even enough motivation :-(

 

[Rose&Mike]

I feel you op. My days have become a constant cycle of starting my plans anew every single morning and getting depressed and throwing it all to the wind every single night. I'm starting to think that I just need to accept that this is something I simply cannot do.

The only time. I've been able to lose was for my wedding. Now apparently wanting tobook a disney cruise is not even enough motivation :-(

Don't throw in the towel. You can do it, you just have to do it for yourself--not for a cruise, or a trip, or a significant other. Do it for YOU! You are allowed to be healthy and spend the time that you need to take care of you.

It's not easy. It's a long journey. But you just have to keep moving. Even if you make not so perfect choices, you have to keep moving forward.

I credit my key to success this time to 2 things--a support group and this mantra--you wouldn't throw out all the dishes because you broke one plate. I have learned to keep moving forward.

Pick one or two things to be successful at today--get enough water and go for a walk. Or make an effort to eat enough veggies. Success breeds success. Join a support group on the wish boards. There are lots of weight loss threads, including the BL thread, which are happy to have new members.

You can do this--you just have to keep moving forward.