I wish I could lose weight....

[jekajekalynn]

I was reading a thread here about obesity and losing weight and whatnot, so I would just like to chime in and make my own little thread.

I REALLY wish I could lose weight , because I am beyond "Oooh I feel so fat, I'm 125 pounds".

I WISH I could lose 125 pounds! I've always been chubby since I hit puberity (before I was as skinny as a rale, but after 11 I ballooned up for some reason.. ), but I have NEVER been fat, until recently...

Now I'm a size 24/26 ... And yes, I HAVE been to the doctor, but they can't help because guess what?

My insurance doesn't cover nutritionists OR weight loss programs unless I am like housebound and on my deathbed...

I've gone on numerous diets like Atkins.. but I've always gone back to gaining weight.. I don't eat much either, I'm lucky if I have two meals a day (lean cusines). I remember when I was 16 , and I could really pack it away. lol Now if I think about food I gain weight...


I guess the only thing I can really do is excerise, tried that las year and it failed miserably because I got somesort of bloodborn virus that basically cripled me for 2 months during the summer when I was SUPPOSED to be at the gym and walking...

Here's hoping that this year will be better....

 

[mickeyboat]

When we were trying to conceive, about 7 years ago, my doctor told me I should lose weight (only about 20 lbs). I poo poo'ed his suggestion to try Weight Watchers. Three years ago I tried it, and lost 55 lbs. I couldn't believe it!

Now I haven't kept it all off, but I know it works. (I should really get back there again).

Another suggestion, go to your doctor and tell him about your problems losing weight. Ask him to run some blood tests to see if there is some medical reason you can't lose.

Good luck to you.

Denae

 

[disneymom3]

I totally understand where you are coming from. I too am struggling with my weight and have been for years. It is a hard battle. You have to find a balance between healthy eating and not too much eating and motivation can be hard to come by. The fact that it is so slow is also something I struggle with a lot. I just want to magically be 50 lbs lighter. (Or more!)

What I am trying to use for motivation right now is my kids. I don't want my weight to deter me from being totally involved with them and at this time it still is. I weigh over 30 lbs less than I did a year ago and I am currently following a program. I am also joining Curves on Weds, but you know what? I don't WANT to do any of this.

One thing you might want to consider is that with only two meals a day you may not be consuming enough calories and your body may be in starvation mode not burnign what you are eating but holding onto it instead by lowering your metabolism. Also, one fairly easy change to make that really does help is to make sure you are drinking a lot of water. At the size you are at, you probably need to be drinking 3 to 4 qts a day. I know that sounds insane, but that is what I am reading. My sis is seeing a nutritionist and that is what she was told too.

Good luck. Hang in there and don't let your weight define who you are.

 

[MBeds]

Another vote for Weight Watchers! Good Luck!

 

[ntburns22]

I was reading a thread here about obesity and losing weight and whatnot, so I would just like to chime in and make my own little thread.

I REALLY wish I could lose weight , because I am beyond "Oooh I feel so fat, I'm 125 pounds".

I WISH I could lose 125 pounds! I've always been chubby since I hit puberity (before I was as skinny as a rale, but after 11 I ballooned up for some reason.. ), but I have NEVER been fat, until recently...

Now I'm a size 24/26 ... And yes, I HAVE been to the doctor, but they can't help because guess what?

My insurance doesn't cover nutritionists OR weight loss programs unless I am like housebound and on my deathbed...

I've gone on numerous diets like Atkins.. but I've always gone back to gaining weight.. I don't eat much either, I'm lucky if I have two meals a day (lean cusines). I remember when I was 16 , and I could really pack it away. lol Now if I think about food I gain weight...


I guess the only thing I can really do is excerise, tried that las year and it failed miserably because I got somesort of bloodborn virus that basically cripled me for 2 months during the summer when I was SUPPOSED to be at the gym and walking...

Here's hoping that this year will be better....

I could have written this myself except with afew changes. (((((((HUGS)))))))) It is tough just stick with it. I do WW online walk 2 miles a day on the treadmill and have lost a whole 5 pounds since Feb.

 

[swanmom]

I certainly understand how easy it is to either 'put it off' or 'get off track' when it comes to weight loss. And I'm sure that there is plenty of good advice and support on the WISH board. But here's my two cents...................just do something, no matter how small or minor it seems, just start somewhere. A ten minute walk every other day, one less soda, park farther away from the store... whatever it takes for you to begin to think that you are doing something, that you are starting to take control. I began, more than two years ago, by trying to walk at least 1/2 mile on my treadmill. I could barely do that and it took me about 30 minutes. Now, after two years of slow, but steady, progress; I run 2 miles every other day in about 25 minutes. It's no marathon and certainly not an athletes pace but I feel so good about what I have accomplished. I did not ever think I'd be able to 'run' anywhere - let alone a mile or two. And, because I'm getting more exercise, the small changes I am making in my diet are actually making a difference. Don't look at how much you have to lose, it always feels overwhelming. Look for ways you can gain, gain control that is. Every small victory you achieve putting yourself in charge becomes a milestone.

 

[kathybeany]

I totally understand where you're coming from. I'm a size 22/24 right now. I totally blame myself for it. We even got a treadmill two months ago. I was doing really good for a while. Actually lost 5 pounds, but then I decided to stop because we were going on the cruise. LOL Yup I figured that I'll most likely be eating so much on the cruise that I'd just gain it all back. So my "plan" is start again on Monday when we're back from the cruise. We shall see.

It's so incredibly easy to put on the weight, but it's a nightmare to get it off.

 

[ead79]

It really is a difficult issue. Believe me, I know.

Here are my suggestions, based on my own experiences.

1) Decide if you’re ready to lose weight. For a long time I was unsuccessful at weight loss, and it was because I wasn’t truly ready. Understand that it will take changes that are very difficult and you need to be ready to go for it.
2) Choose a weight loss plan that is sensible and that you can maintain over the long haul. I have had great success with Weight Watchers. There are no “forbidden” foods, and the plan is very flexible. No food groups are forbidden, and a well-balanced diet is taught. If you pick something trendy or something that you can’t do for the rest of your life, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.
3) Try to forget about any past failures. I know this one is especially hard, but it really makes a difference. When I joined WW recently, I had to let go all the times I have tried dieting and not done well—truly make a fresh start. A positive “I CAN succeed” attitude goes a LONG way when the going gets tough.
4) Know that it won’t be a super quick process if done properly. Healthy weight loss plans don’t have the weight falling off of you. It will be slow going, but well worth it.
5) Incorporate both healthy eating and exercise. Neither of them work as well on their own. When you combine these two things, you’re paving the way for success.
6) Get a support system. This is another reason why I like Weight Watchers. The weekly meetings are very encouraging—it’s nice to know that other people are where you are and get their support. Plus, the accountability of the weekly weigh-in is motivating.

I hope that helps!

 

[Crankyshank]

You're not supposed to have those lean cuisine meals as a regular part of your diet - a couple a week are ok but they are loaded in sodium which is not healthy and thwarts weight loss. My WW leader suggests only 2-3 a week maximum.

I know what you are going through. I have struggled with weight and self esteem issues my whole life. Now I have medical issues that make weight loss very difficult. You need to be ready to commit to a lifestyle change and stick with it.

 

[luvmydogs]

Three years ago I lost 110 pounds, going from 235 to 125-127. It took me 15 months to do it, but it was worth it beyond my wildest imagination. I did no formal weight loss program, I just cut my portion size and added exercise--3xweek at first, working up to 5-6x.

It was extremely difficult at times, and what I find even more difficult now is maintenance--it is sooooo easy to slip into old destructive eating patterns. It is a daily struggle for me (I'm an emotional eater), but acknowledging that food and my weight will always be issues for me is half the battle. I have also learned to never allow myself a permanent defeatist attitude. So I pig out on a bag of Oreos--it does not mean that I'm a loser and have failed and may as well give up. It just means I ate some cookies, and I have to work out a little harder and keep an eye on the calories the next day. Never beat yourself up over a temporary setback, because I guarantee you, you will have them--we all do!

I wish you all the luck in the world with your goals--I do know what it's like to stuggle with your weight, but believe me, becoming a healthier and more fit you is worth every ounce of blood, sweat and tears.

 

[Mishetta]

What a beautiful post EAD79! You could write a brochure for WW!

Okay, now my input....I whole heartedly agree with Elizabeth because I once lost around 100 lbs on WW. (Just before I met my poor unsuspecting DH!) It was almost effortless since I was also power walking with some neighbors & I was in my 20's. Unfortunately, weight doesn't fall off in the same manner when you're in your 40's & 50's. Something to do with the hormonal changes entering "mental-pause" as I like to call it! They just grab a hold of all that fat & hang on to it with dear life. You can win the battle when you're my age but it takes longer & more effort.

I'm at the point where I just want to give up. No more diets for me. I want to eat what I want, when I want.....not a healthy way of thinking, true but that's where my head is at right now. As EAD79 stated, you must be ready to diet. The only words I see in the word 'diet' is DIEt. Of course, if I don't I certainly will die (sooner versus later)!

We have our first cruise schedule for next month & I'm putting so much pressure on myself about trying to fit more comfortably in my clothes that I'm stressing myself out, instead of trying to lose some weight! Not to mention that a bathing suit will not be coming along with me since I wouldn't want to scare anyone!

To jekajekalynn ~ I'm about the same size as you & it's not a good feeling. I find it hard to keep after my boys (10 & 4).

Maybe we should try our own support group here ~ is that what WISH is? Good luck to you....it's a constant struggle!

 

[missypie]

Your body may just want to be heavy. My college roommate was a size 20; I weighed 98 lbs. We lived together and ate most meals together for three years; her eating habits and level of exercise were very similar to my own, yet she was a size 20 and I was a size 2. Her entire family was/is heavy. I don't want to discourage you, but it may help you to stop beating yourself up.

My advice:

1. Do the "easy" stuff like using low cal salad dressing, drinking water or unsweetened tea, cutting the skin off of chicken, etc.

2. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy and stick with it.

3. Buy some stylish clothes for the size you are now. No tents or huge sweats allowed. Be healthy and confident in the body you have now.

4. Rent the movie "Chicago." It features Queen Latifah before her breast reduction. She has a great song and dance scene where she shows lots of flesh...she is large and LOVELY!

 

[Brier Rose]

I got fat because I like to eat...plain and simple!

I tried Atkins, and lost 30 pounds, BUT, I gained every bit of it back PLUS 5!
The problem was I was looking at it like it was a diet and not a way to eat for the rest of my life.

Once I stated looking at things in terms of lifetime changes I knew Atkins would NEVER work for me!

Like I said I LOVE food...ALL kinds, and there was no way I could give up eating my favorite things forever.

Which lead me to WW, where I learned I didn't have to!

I LOVE,LOVE, LOVE WW!! It has really changed how I think about food, and it's something I know I can do long term.

I never feel like I'm on a "diet" which I think has been the #1 key to the success I've had so far. I still get to eat my very favorite foods..just not ALL the time!

Also, the one most important thing I learned was that if I have a bad day, NOT to use it as an excuse to "fall off the wagon".
Now I get up the next day, and just start all over again. Before I would of used a binge as an excuse quit.

I hope you can find something that you'll be happy with, and that works for you. I know everybody says it, but really, If I can do it..ANYBODY can!

 

[caitycaity]

Another vote for WW. I've lost 75 pounds in the past year. I have been at a plateau now for awhile, but I've been able to at least prevent gaining any more. WW has really changed my life and it was the first thing I ever tried that really worked.

 

[Jennifer S]

I feel like I tell everyone this but after trying to loose weight for years this worked for me www.sparkpeople.com. I started in January and have lost 25 pounds. It's a FREE site - similar to weight watchers. They have message boards for questions and support. They have fitness experts and nutritionists. They also have a meal tracker to counts calories, fat etc and a fitness tracker to see how many calories you are burning. I swear by this. Give it a try - it's FREE and from the privacy of your own home. NO meetings!!

You have to really want this though for it to stick. I went from a size 14 to an 8. I am so happy now. I would rather buy new clothes than eat a candy bar. It's such an awesome feeling.

Good luck - if you need help or have questions let me know

 

[Rock'n Robin]

It does get harder. I joined a gym last month and have been going 4-5 times a week. Every day I do 20 minutes on the exercise bike, and then most days I do 12-14 weight machines besides. I've lost about 5 pounds. What I need to do is live like a monk for a while. I've really cut back, but not totally--I still get my BLT (no mayo) and fries for lunch once a week. I wanted to lose about 30 pounds before our trip but no way now unless something drastic happens! I'd be happy with 15 more.
I've done WW before and I know the drill; can't help thinking I should be able to do it myself since I rarely have time for the meetings anyhow and usually jut went in, weighed in and left for soccer, dance, or whatever.
My only consolation is that even though I'm not losing a lot of weight, I must be in better shape and my metabolism must be speeding up, right?
Robin M.

 

[pearlieq]

1) Decide if you’re ready to lose weight. For a long time I was unsuccessful at weight loss, and it was because I wasn’t truly ready. Understand that it will take changes that are very difficult and you need to be ready to go for it.

This bears repeating!

Trying to lose weight because you think you "should", because you think your DH or kids want you to, because the women in magazines and on TV are thinner, or for any other reason than what YOU actually want is just an exercise in frustration and misery!

Spend some time getting comfortable in your own skin. Losing weight is NOT about hating yourself. It's not a way to punish yourself because you're "bad".

Some diet plans can be helpful, but most are pretty unnatural and not a way to eat forever. I've had more success and been happier when I've changed habits (stop drinking sugar soda, always eat a good breakfast, take a walk every day, etc.) than trying to change everything about my life to fit into a diet plan.

Being fat is not the end of the world. Sure, we can all be healthier, but the sun still rises and sets, your friends and family still love you, and there's still plenty of joy in life even if you aren't thin! Don't put your life on hold until you see a certain number on a scale--no one has enough time here on Earth to live like that!

Good luck to you! Think about dropping by the WISH board sometime. There are tons of helpful, friendly folks in the same boat.

 

[Chicago526]

Another vote for WW! I did the online program (I'm not a "meeting" person, plus it's cheaper) and lost 30 pounds.

Also, I see nothing wrong with Lean Cusines, I eat one for lunch every day (5x a week) while on WW and was losing just fine. The sodium is about 1/4 to 1/3 of your daily allowance, so at three meals a day that's just about right, as long as you're drinking your water (you're drinking your water, right? ).

If you don't like to exercise (I don't) at least go for brisk walks. You don't have to power walk, just go fast enough to get your heart rate up a little. Should be easy now with the nice weather. It's even easier when you have a dog like I do! Also, park the car faaaaar away from the store to make you walk more, take the stairs at work and the mall if you can, anything to make you move more, do it. Turn on some fast beat music and dance around your living room, what ever it takes to get yourself off the couch!

And I agree on the litlte changes. Low fat/low cal. salad dressing instead of the "real" stuff, low fat sour cream and cottage cheese, reduced fat cheese (this I don't like as much, I just try to use less cheese instead), 2% or 1% milk instead of whole milk, leave the whip cream off the Starbucks coffee (big calorie/fat saver there!), cut back on the cream and sugar in the coffee, eat half a desert instead of the whole thing, you get the idea! Think outside of the box, shake things up a bit. That could be another reason you're not losing, your body is used to the exact same foods all the time, shock your body just a little to get that fat a-movin'!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Three years ago I lost 110 pounds, going from 235 to 125-127. It took me 15 months to do it, but it was worth it beyond my wildest imagination. I did no formal weight loss program, I just cut my portion size and added exercise--3xweek at first, working up to 5-6x.

It was extremely difficult at times, and what I find even more difficult now is maintenance--it is sooooo easy to slip into old destructive eating patterns. It is a daily struggle for me (I'm an emotional eater), but acknowledging that food and my weight will always be issues for me is half the battle. I have also learned to never allow myself a permanent defeatist attitude. So I pig out on a bag of Oreos--it does not mean that I'm a loser and have failed and may as well give up. It just means I ate some cookies, and I have to work out a little harder and keep an eye on the calories the next day. Never beat yourself up over a temporary setback, because I guarantee you, you will have them--we all do!

I wish you all the luck in the world with your goals--I do know what it's like to stuggle with your weight, but believe me, becoming a healthier and more fit you is worth every ounce of blood, sweat and tears.

I'm a lot like Luv. I have no idea how much I lost since I would NEVER weigh myself, but I was wearing around a size 14 and sometimes 16. I now weigh between 120 and 125, I am always fluctuating 5 pounds just through natural changes in my body.

I was always a little chunky in high school, but really packed on the pounds during college because of HORRIBLE eating habits, plus I am an emotional eater as well. The last semester of college I decided it was time to start changing my life. I started eating better and I started exercising (and by exercising I mean just walking, besides I didn't have a car and I was looking for a job, so walking it was for me!). Over the course of a year (or a little less), I lost the weight. And I have kept it off nearly 10 years. I still go to they gym almost every work morning (before work), and I still watch EVERYTHING I am eating. I don't deprive myself, I just watch portions and try to mix and match things appropriately. I do have to watch that I don't do food rewards for myself. Something good happens and I am like, "man, I deserve a bag of chips." LOL

If you are eating only two meals a day and those are Lean Cuisine meals, you are not doing yourself any favors. As others have mentioned your body could be in a starvation mode.

Whole foods are best, the less processed the better they are for your body. Start with adding more fruits and veggies to your diet and take a multi-vitamin. Add some whole grains, instead of white bread, pick up some wheat, brown rice, etc. WW is a great program, but you can also do it on your own like I did if you have the motivation.

If you want to make a change, I know you can do it!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

It does get harder. I joined a gym last month and have been going 4-5 times a week. Every day I do 20 minutes on the exercise bike, and then most days I do 12-14 weight machines besides. I've lost about 5 pounds. What I need to do is live like a monk for a while. I've really cut back, but not totally--I still get my BLT (no mayo) and fries for lunch once a week. I wanted to lose about 30 pounds before our trip but no way now unless something drastic happens! I'd be happy with 15 more.
I've done WW before and I know the drill; can't help thinking I should be able to do it myself since I rarely have time for the meetings anyhow and usually jut went in, weighed in and left for soccer, dance, or whatever.
My only consolation is that even though I'm not losing a lot of weight, I must be in better shape and my metabolism must be speeding up, right?
Robin M.

If you want to shake things up, try different types of cardio. Our bodies get used to the same cardio routines all the time. Try another piece of equipment such as the elliptical or stepper.