Pre-journal or..OMG, I hope I can do this

[FortWildernessLoopy]

Hello . My name is FortWildernessLoopy and I am beyond Pooh-sized. I don't want to bore you with the details (now sit back and watch while I do just that)

I started to gain weight about 6 years ago...right about the time I married my DH. Now I know what you're thinking, look no further. Well, that's what I thought. I married a man and suddenly there was man-food in the house. Add that to the fact I was over 30, had a job where I sit all day and you don't have to be a brainiac to figure out why I was gaining. The only problem is I didn't gain 15 pounds, I gained 100. No exaggeration. I have gained 100 lbs in the last 6 years . I thought it was due to the aforementioned issues so I never sought medical help. On a side note, my DH and I weren't trying to have children so I hadn't seen any kind of doctor for almost 10 years. I figured my inability to exercise, the horrible back pain and my worsening asthma were all due to my weight. I didn't realize there was anything wrong at all, even when they wouldn't let me give blood because my iron was way too low.

Well, I went to the ER with a horrible pain in my right lower pelvic/abdomen area. I thought it might be my appendix. The ER doc let me know that there was no issue with my appendix, but I did have a large tumor in my uterus. He said go see your doctor ASAP. I did. Doc confirmed the tumor (benign [yay!])and told me it all needed to come out...tumor and organ .

After the surgery this past October, I found out the tumor was over 2 pounds and had been pushing into my back (hence the horrible pains). I should be just dandy, but my belly still looks like I swallowed a beach ball and while I am not gaining additional weight, I haven't lost any of the weight I gained.

I haven't let a photo be taken of me since my weight gain started so it just looks like my DH vacations without me. Now to the actual point...

I want to have my picture taken with my DH at the parks. I want to be able to stand and walk the entire day. I want to be able to look in a mirror without crying.... I want to eventually be able to wash my feet without putting the washcloth on the bottom of the shower and scooting my feet over it. I have no need ot look like a supermodel. I will always be large (I'm 5'10" and built like I belong in a russ meyer film) and I'm ok with that, I just want to by marginally fluffy like when I was 32. I need help. That's where you come in . my DH is doing his best helping me with portion control, Wii nights and keeping me from temptation, but i need others who understand my plight.

I'll be starting my journal this week. Wish me luck and PLEASE give me any pointers you can think of

 

[cewait]

First and foremost remember, it took 6 years to get here, it may take 6 to go all the way back. Though I am betting that given a great support structure from DH and friend and family you will do it quicker.

First - avoid the Biggest Loser Mentality. You cannot lose 5-15 pounds a week unless that is you full time job. Shoot for 2-3 pounds a week. Celebrate the weeks where lose some and do not get frustrated on weeks where you have a set back. Do look back at that week to see if you had a cheat day and look to the triggers for that cheat. i.e. bad day at work...

- Log or journal your day. You are looking to log you Kcal in and work/activities done. You should also have a spot in the journal for you feeling that day - good, bad, and ugly.

- Measure and understand portion sizes. I cannot emphasize this enough. We are a supersized nation living on supersized portions. No single portion should be larger that the palm of your hand as a general guide.

- Beware of enablers... They are everywhere. Friends family and even DH. Look out for the gentle and loving actions that my be contrary to your goal.

- Clean out the pantry - throw out anything with the ingredient(s) of "enriched xxx grain", "High Fructose Corn Syrup", "Sugar", "Partially Hydrogenated xxx oil". Look for "whole xxx grain", no sugars, or at least low on the list, and you cannot trust the front of the package of the Kcal summary for Trans fats (Partially Hydrogenated). You MUST look at the ingredients list for the words Partially Hydrogenated. The USDA allows u[p to a 0.49 grams in a serviing before ift must be listed as a trans fat on the Kcal breakdown.

- Shop the perimeter of the store. It WILL take an hour longer at first but before long you will get a routine down. Think Fresh and the perimeter is where you will find fresh.

- get out and exercise. Start with 20 minutes 2-4 times a week and work to get 30 minutes 6 times a week. From there look to push out to 45 minutes 4-6 days a week. You want to work hard enough so that you start to notice your breath, but you want to be able to still say 3-5 words per breath. Start with cardio but we need to quickly add strength work. No gym required. there are lots of exercises that you can do with things around the house.

- Get a check up. I really should put this first, but you need to make sure that you are good for the work you need to do.

There is so much more but these are the ones that immediately come to mind.

Just remember, there are no quick fixes. Celebrate the victories. Understand the drivers behind failures and setbacks without beating yourself up. It's OK to have a bad day, plan for in your week.

Most importantly DO NOT WAIT FOR TOMORROW.
You will do this - I sense it in your post

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Just wanted to stop in and say hi!

Coach is right, it took 6 years to put the weight on, it won't come off overnight.

When I journal I try to write down the times I eat too, it helps me with go back and look at eating patterns. Like if I'm eating bad stuff at night I know there is pattern that I need to change.

I will also second coach that you need to see a DR. 100 pounds overweight is going to cause a certain amount of physical issues and you really need to have a full work up by your DR to get the big picture. He may even be able to set you up with a nutritionist to help you with your transition.

Something else to help you out is food swaps. It can be as simple as switching out water for soda, or veggies instead of rice.
I read somewhere that weight loss is 90% about the food and 10% about the exercise. Not sure if it's true or not but it seems like it would be.

You can also join the Biggest Loser challenge that we have here. We post 3 things to do every week that are healthy habits. If you don't feel comfortable telling our weight keeper your weight, you don't have too. (she keeps it a secret!!) We talk about the good, the bad and the ugly. There are women and men in our group that have been where you are now, and they are great inspiration, they are the light at the end of the tunnel and beacons along the way.

UGH, DH wants to go to Target!!
Anyway welcome aboard!!

 

[CoachJason]

Excellent advice by the two other posters.

Here's the good news. You're not in this alone. There are people (more than you think) that have been right in your shoes. I am here to help in any way I can. I coach fitness for free and I can help answer questions and give you lots of support.

The bad news is it's not easy to break those bad habits. But you CAN'T stay where you are at, your life is worth more than that. And when you say "I don't want to be supermodel thin" I know that what you mean is "I don't think that's realistic for me", whether you mean supermodel or just being in great shape.

Well, why are you limiting yourself?! If you want to be super fit, what's stopping you?
It just takes time and effort. There's no such thing as "my body type can't be in shape" Yes it can and I want you to shoot for a goal that is better than what you "think" you can do.

When you're ready, send me an email or a message and I am more than happy to help you and your husband if needed. I want to make it my goal to see you in a picture with your DH at Disney!

Coach Jason

 

[cewait]

When you're ready, send me an email or a message and I am more than happy to help you and your husband if needed. I want to make it my goal to see you in a picture with your DH at Disney!

Coach Jason

Jason,

I would kindly suggest that you review the forum's rules... In particular numbers 7 and 10.

Here's a link

http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm

Your posts may be pushing the limits a bit

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

Thank you all for the kind words. And yes, BTW, i did speak to my doctor. Unfortunately/fortunately, I'm incredibly healthy with the exception of my asthma (non-weight related). I've requested dieting assistance from 3 different doctors and been told the same thing "eat right and exercise". Of course if I knew how to do that, I wouldn't keep asking them for help Diets on the whole don't work for me because (and I know how silly this sounds but here goes) they stress me out. The stress makes me focus on comfort food . I cheat on the diet, and not just a little bit, I'm talking binge. I take a look at myself in the mirror and at some skinny person on TV and then I give up, realize it's hopeless, and eat 4 Klondikes while watching tv and pretending it doesn't bother me....Wash, rinse, Repeat.

This time, no counting. I mean no counting ANYTHING! I am going to concentrate on the kinds of food going in my body and the size of my food, not how many grams or kcals are in them. However, no one ever got fat eating too many veggies. If I want seconds, I will have seconds of the veggies...all I want! i will also be more active as opposed to forcing myself into an exercise regime I'm going to get bored with of hate. I can just as easily lose weight DOING something I love instead of trying the latest fad in home exercise technology.

I've started my journal and I'm motivated to start changing my life NOW. Thank you again for the moral support !!

 

[cewait]

Thank you all for the kind words. And yes, BTW, i did speak to my doctor. Unfortunately/fortunately, I'm incredibly healthy with the exception of my asthma (non-weight related). I've requested dieting assistance from 3 different doctors and been told the same thing "eat right and exercise". Of course if I knew how to do that, I wouldn't keep asking them for help Diets on the whole don't work for me because (and I know how silly this sounds but here goes) they stress me out. The stress makes me focus on comfort food . I cheat on the diet, and not just a little bit, I'm talking binge. I take a look at myself in the mirror and at some skinny person on TV and then I give up, realize it's hopeless, and eat 4 Klondikes while watching tv and pretending it doesn't bother me....Wash, rinse, Repeat.

This time, no counting. I mean no counting ANYTHING! I am going to concentrate on the kinds of food going in my body and the size of my food, not how many grams or kcals are in them. However, no one ever got fat eating too many veggies. If I want seconds, I will have seconds of the veggies...all I want! i will also be more active as opposed to forcing myself into an exercise regime I'm going to get bored with of hate. I can just as easily lose weight DOING something I love instead of trying the latest fad in home exercise technology.

I've started my journal and I'm motivated to start changing my life NOW. Thank you again for the moral support !!

I think you will find that your best bet is to find a dietitian to work with you. There are also a lot of great support based groups like ww but you may need a personalized approach and the benefits of a one on one relationship for a while.

Do a little research before going. Look up information from the American diabetics association. You do not need to be a diabetic to follow their diet. The purpose of the research is to understand how to put together daily portions in a balanced manner. A couple months of concentration on portion mixes and you will find it second nature.

Also, journal intake before going for a couple weeks. Put every thing down. The good, bad and binges. You can probably get a recommendation from a doctor. Interview the dietitian in the first meeting. Many will not charge for the first consultation. You will get the most out of that first visit if you bi
Ring in your data on that first meeting.

One thing you really want to avoid are snake oil solutions. You need to focus on clean, balanced and whole fuels. Your long term solution comes from learning how to survive you trip to the store and then survive the days after the store.

Hope that helps.

 

[CoachJason]

Jason,

I would kindly suggest that you review the forum's rules... In particular numbers 7 and 10.

Here's a link

http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm

Your posts may be pushing the limits a bit

Ok, thanks for this! Don't want to break any rules just wanna help

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

One of the girls here told me once when writing stuff down to write down the hidden calories. Mayo, ketchup, the dollop of milk in my coffee. That kind of stuff adds up.
As for veggies from what I've read 1/2 of a 9 inch plate should be filled with veggies.
I love those ziploc steamer bags for my veggies! They cook everything really well.


here is a really good quote for the binge temptations. I have to say it, a lot!!

don't exchange what you want most for what you want at the moment

 

[JJ in wonderland]

It is great that you are trying to take this step! Just remember when you get to the point of being "pooh-sized" it is a very hard battle to lose weight that it sounds like you are ready for!! Hungry is caused by hormones which are increased by extra weight so just try to stick with it.

A little change that goes a long way is replacing 1/3-1/2 of the food items on your plate with vegetables. Also a snack of 3 oranges has more calories then a slice of chocolate cake so be careful. And set little reachable goals, weight should not come off fast (only a pound or two a week) so set monthly goals of 3-5 pounds. It may take a while to lose but in the end it will stay off.

Also I do not remember seeing it but were you ever tested for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which also can be a barrier to weight loss and can cause weight gain, but since you have had cysts I would assume the doctors have looked into this.

Good luck this is a life time journey but you will feel better in so much ways when you've reached your goal!!

 

[FortWildernessLoopy]

Also I do not remember seeing it but were you ever tested for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which also can be a barrier to weight loss and can cause weight gain, but since you have had cysts I would assume the doctors have looked into this....

No, but everything came out but one ovary and that one was fine, lol. Since the surgery, I have not gained any further weight, I just haven't lost any either.

 

[CoachJason]

Thank you all for the kind words. And yes, BTW, i did speak to my doctor. Unfortunately/fortunately, I'm incredibly healthy with the exception of my asthma (non-weight related). I've requested dieting assistance from 3 different doctors and been told the same thing "eat right and exercise". Of course if I knew how to do that, I wouldn't keep asking them for help Diets on the whole don't work for me because (and I know how silly this sounds but here goes) they stress me out. The stress makes me focus on comfort food . I cheat on the diet, and not just a little bit, I'm talking binge. I take a look at myself in the mirror and at some skinny person on TV and then I give up, realize it's hopeless, and eat 4 Klondikes while watching tv and pretending it doesn't bother me....Wash, rinse, Repeat.

This time, no counting. I mean no counting ANYTHING! I am going to concentrate on the kinds of food going in my body and the size of my food, not how many grams or kcals are in them. However, no one ever got fat eating too many veggies. If I want seconds, I will have seconds of the veggies...all I want! i will also be more active as opposed to forcing myself into an exercise regime I'm going to get bored with of hate. I can just as easily lose weight DOING something I love instead of trying the latest fad in home exercise technology.

I've started my journal and I'm motivated to start changing my life NOW. Thank you again for the moral support !!

Aw! I don't like hearing that you see someone skinny on t.v. and you "give up". Don't give up! Life is about challenges, if it weren't this would be heaven! Embrace the fact that you are ready for a change, start with the small stuff like stop drinking soda (terrible for you!) and cut out processed foods. Get some exercise such as walking or hiking everyday.

What kind of activities do you like?