What is different this time?

[Liz]

I'm guessing that 99.9% of us on this board are not trying to lose weight/get healthy for the first time in our lives. If you're like me you've tried a hundred times in the past and its never been successful long term. So I was asking myself what's different this time and why do I feel like I have the best chance ever of making it to goal?

I've always done weight loss programs on my own. Even when I've done WW in the past I was anonymous. The leader never really knew me and I didn't know anyone else going to the meetings. Now I'm doing WW with my SIL and there are 4 other family members doing WW too. Plus my WW leader actually seems to know me and knows my name. I feel like she really cares if I succeed.

And I can't leave out this incredible WISH board. Its amazing how motivating it is to get a new clippie!! I love those things and Kelsie was inspired to come up with this program!!!

So I'd love to hear why you ARE going to succeed this time. I know you all can do it! We can do it together!!!

 

[karebear1]

I believe for me it is that I have friends that are supporting me 100% of the way. Even though I've made some mistakes along the road, I still have people here cheering me on- not angry or rolling their eyes at me (well, I guess I couldn't really see it if they were anyway!!! Oops!!!! Guess I was wrong! ) when I fail or stumble. I do not get depressed when I've strayed from my diet- I feel empowered to go back to it because my friends here influence me to do so! They give me hope that I am not a winner- but one big LOSER! ANd that I can lose at this too!!! I see others going through the same trials and triumphs that I go through- and I KNOW that if I am in a crisis situation- I have someone to turn to and they will be there for me in an instant! I get much laughter from this board as well. Something that I think we don't take advantage of enough. I love to see Kath and Kelsie at it ! . I love to get messages frommy PM buddy, ANd I adore reading JohnfromIllinois' posts and his never ending optimism. I get that from everyone on these boards. I don't think I have ever once come onto this board and not felt welcome.
To Kelsie I must say- thank you so much for your insistance at getting a weight loss board going and not giving up on it. You are a wonderful, determined and generous person whom I have grown to admire greatly. Thank you so much Kelsie!

 

[ZPT1022]

Liz,
I am hoping that this time I will stick with it since my goal is not just to lose weight but to get in shape. I want to be able to go on hikes with my husband and not get winded easily. I don't want to be the fat mommy sitting on the sidelines while the kids play, I want to be the mom that runs around with the kids while all the sideline sitters wonder, "How does she do it?" LOL, maybe that is taking it a little too far, but you get what I'm saying. I also realize that I need clothes and I don't want to be buying clothes in this size anymore. It's funny, I became friends with another mom from my daughter's playgroup and she is also a large person. I kind of thought that would have made me feel complacent or not as out of place as I feel at my current size, but oddly enough it makes me more motivated than ever to want to lose weight. I watch her making the same mistakes I always have (blaming the weight gain on pregnancy, etc...) and it's like for the first time I realize how pathetic those same excuses must sound when they are coming out of my mouth. I want to be in shape and feel comfortable with my body again, and confident in the things it can do. I love this board and all the support it offers, I am hoping it will be a help this time around. Good luck to you!!

 

[bicker]

For me, the big difference this time was the perspective that health is always going to be more important than food. In other efforts, I alays fell back on the rationalization, "Y'gotta life? Right?" And used that as an excuse to be less than honest with myself about my commitment to the diet. Now, I place my health above all other concerns (since there isn't a single one that doesn't fully rely on my health remaining good -- not work, not family). Every single thing I eat, no matter what, is taken seriously. Every single day's exercise is analyzed in retrospect. I recognize that this is a life-long, ongoing concern, and will not relax my guard this time.

 

[TigH]

Having this wonderful forum for a support base makes this time really different for me. Now that DH is also on WW it is much easier to prepare meals, so that's different! I also am tired of making excuses and using my age as an excuse to put on weight. I owe it to myself to be the best I can be, so I am honoring my committment to get fit and stay fit, forever! No more losing it all and then gaining it back 3 pounds at a time. I know I CAN do it, so there is not excuse to NOT do it!

My PM buddies are the BEST! I love getting messages from them. We all keep each other updated daily, and I know they would never bash me for having a bad day, etc., but I like feeling like I can't let them down. It challenges me in a good way. I like being able to report to them that I stuck to my plan and that I fit in my exercise, and I know they are working as hard as they can too! Checking in here daily and reading all these wonderful posts is a boost, but my PM buddies are feeling more and more like family every day! Awww!

 

[KathyFP]

For me I believe that there are three differences.

The first is that I have encoroporated my losing wieght/getting healthier into my spiritual growth. I have a dieter's journal that provides a biblical base for this new journey.

Second, the realization is that it will never be easy and if I am going to be successful, I can't chaet or take short cuts.

Third, the support and motivation from this board is my short time here (three days). When you know that you have others to help keep you accountable and motivated, it makes a difference. Since I work a lot from my computer at work amd home, I will click onto the board when I get an urge to eat. Reading and posting until the urge passes has worked so far.

I really believe that it is going to be different this time.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I think the thing that's different for me this time is that I've accepted the fact that I ate whatever and however I wanted for pretty much my whole life up 'til now, and look where it got me!

I realized that I've now endangered my health by allowing myself to gain all this weight. It's time to stop the cycle. So I decided that I have to commit to a new lifestyle, and then live it for the rest of my life. To accomplish this, I'm doing WW faithfully and have joined Curves, which is something I never would've thought of doing even 6 months ago.

Everyone here on WISH is so inspirational, and it's so helpful to have a place to come and be held accountable (in a gentle way! LOL).

 

[glo]

SUPPORT and a GOAL....

I have never had much support in my weight loss. I have been tryoing to loose weight for over 20 years. MY DH is a BIG guy, and does not mention my weight, unless we fight, then it gets bad at times... he does not really encourage it either. My family keeps telling me I will put it back on again, that this is just a phase. My parents used to call me "gorda" which means fat in spanish, they said it was an affectionate term, but it hurt. They will say I look good, but follow it up with but you have gained a few pounds right?

I have a few friends that support me. They will give me a compliment everyonce in a while and say something nice...it usually makes my day

I guess that this time I am determined, for a few reasons..
1) I want to be healthy, and my kids do encourage me
2) I have my friends who try to support me
3) I have you guys who are always supporting me and bringing me back up.
4) I am starting to see an improvement in health
5) I think the Atkins diet is easy for me to follow, and is a lifetime change

hugs guys...I thank you ALL for what you do for me and eachother here

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Several reasons for me... They all came together at the right time.

I had to hit rock bottom and I posted a confessional and many, many people responded and lifted me up with their prayers, thoughts, words, hugs, and LOVE. I finally felt worthy of weight loss, that it is ok for me too. I was tired of seeing others success, and I wanted to be proud of myself. We planned in a cruise for our upcoming trip, and that helped me realize it is time, time ticks away and I shouldn't let another moment pass by, life is too short and should be fun. Alex challenge helped me to see that I can set goals and achieve them. Stop thinking about food, you control it, it doesn't control you. I am ready!

 

[PAdisMOM]

You group of WISHers are different this time. I didn't think having a support group would help that much. Boy was I wrong. I am so excited about my journey towards health this time!

Also, I have lost weight many times before. Obviously, I have gained it back many times. I find that each time it gets harder to lose. I lost 25 pounds last year in about 5 months. I gained it all back over the summer. I have been trying to lose that weight since Sept. I have lost 5 pounds in 8 months!!

I hate relosing weight that I have already worked so hard to lose! I work really hard to lose it and have to work reall, really hard to relose it and then really, really, really hard to lose it again. Whe I lose this time, it is for good.

I've come to realize that it has to be easier to maintain than to relose.

 

[Liz]

PAdisMOM, your comment reminded me of something my WW leader said. She said its always a battle keeping the weight off. (She lost 50 lbs. and has kept it off about 32 yrs.) But she said its easier fighting the battle in a size 7 instead of a 22! I would love to find out for myself!

 

[tiggerlover]

I believe that there is a time and place for everything and that we are predestined to do what we do. With that said, I personally feel that it was my time and place to finally commit to getting healthy. I tried on New Year's with a new resolution and I failed miserably and gave up the second week of January. I simply was not ready to commit to a lifestyle change. Then there was a series of events that led me to get committed on February 18th. One of those events was stumbling upon WISH, another was a friend here in my community, another was another community member starting a WISH group here and the most important part of this was a realization that I could take control of my life and I could do this, but it was because I was doing it for me and for no one else.

 

[JESW]

For me it's all in the timing. My kids are now 4 and 8 and it's getting easier for me to get out on my own. I also moved my parents (77 & 82) closer to us a year ago so they can watch my DD when I go off to curves. My kids now sleep through the night so I am able to get up at 6 a.m. and walk if I want. DS8 is ok awake and the only one up when I leave.

I started curves back in february and I just keep liking it more and more. It IS working for me and that is my biggest incentive.

I am a HORRIBLE dieter so I won't do it. When I tried ww I drove myself NUTS counting all those points. I tried Atkins but didn't like that either. So now I just do the best I can with my eating. I mostly eat healthy but some days I just HAVE to have my pint of Ben & Jerry's! (yes, the entire pint! ) And when I don't eat the healthiest I don't beat myself up over it. Tomorrow is another day.

In the Fall my DD will be in school 3 mornings for 4 hours a day. I will have TWELVE HOURS TO MYSELF!!!! I haven't had that in almost 9 years. I will use that time to go to curves, walk, food shop, and other things for ME....my time. Knowing that I can do these things for myself now (allowing myself to) has made all the difference to me. I am FINALLY able to etch out some Mom time. It is making me a better person.

This is such a good forum for folks to share their struggles and joys. It really helps if you know that someone is out there who has gone through it before or who is still going through it now.

Jill

 

[Beanie]

Originally posted by karebear1
I love to get messages from my PM buddy

Me too!! I just love my PM buddy so much, she always sends me wonderful, uplifting words of support!!!

I must say that I agree with Karebear about getting support and encouragment from friends here...It is probably the most motivation I have had in years to at least try my best! I always come here whenever I am upset or hungry or whatever and it always makes me feel better to read the stories!!

Hugs you guys!! You're the best!!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Originally posted by Liz
PAdisMOM, your comment reminded me of something my WW leader said. She said its always a battle keeping the weight off. (She lost 50 lbs. and has kept it off about 32 yrs.) But she said its easier fighting the battle in a size 7 instead of a 22!

Oh, I love that!!

 

[nativetxn]

The biggest thing that is different this time is that I am following the Atkins eating plan. That is the biggest difference because both my husband and I have noticed immediately health benefits. The weight loss is a nice side effect

The second biggest thing that is different is that Kelsie came up with the WISH challenge.

I've been thinking about why the challenge has been so good for me, why it has helped me so much. I think the reason it has helped <i>me</i>, personally so much, is because I already "know" almost everyone who has taken the challenge.

I've been on the DIS since Feb, 2000, not nearly as long as a lot of people here, but during those three years I came to "know" a lot of the people who have now taken the challenge. I think that is the big difference. I'm getting to know people who are brand new to the DIS as well as WISH and I'm getting to know people I have know on the community board for about three years, better.

I don't know if that's it or not. But knowing that we all face the same challenges and fears and weaknesses and that we understand each other is just empowering and helpful to me.

Whatever the reason, I find WISH to be a <b>magical</b> place now. Every WISHer is what makes it a special place. So thanks, y'all

 

[ZerasPride]

Being fairly new to this board and more of a lurker here than a poster, it's kind of hard to just jump in but I think I will. You all are so kind and supportive and that's hard to find these days.

I think this time is different for me because I actually want it! I've tried to lose weight in the past because my sisters tell me how "cute" I'd be if I just lost the weight or because I thought it would be make me more desireable to the oposite sex. Hubby thinks I'm just fine the way I am and while that's sweet on the one hand, it is sabatoge on the other. Also, I was thinking the other day what motivates me to get up an hour early each day and work out. I realized one day that I can get up early and do what I have to do because (1) it makes me feel good and (2) I'm not afraid anymore. I know that sounds strange but there was a time I was actually afraid to lose weight. I thought if I were thin, I'd become so attractive to men that I'd run off and leave my husband and son! Silly I know. But now I realize that thin or fat, I am just me. Loving, loyal, faithful and committed to my family. It's like I've given myself permission to lose the weight.

I'm also glad I found The Firm and this forum. I think with this winning combination, I can't help but lose! Thanks so much guys!

 

[nativetxn]

Oh, Lisa! I'm so glad that you aren't afraid anymore. What a relief and joy that must be to you.

I'm really glad you are part of my support group, too

I'm glad you decided to "delurk" to post to this, I hope you soon become comfortable enough here to post more often. {{{HUGS}}}

 

[perfectmatch300]

There's a couple of things that are different for me this time:
1) I have finally gotten honest with myself about how overweight I really am. For a long time I was seeing myself as a much thinner person than I really am. I mean, I knew I weighed more than I should, but I just wasn't seeing myself as I really am. Two things helped me get through this denial. One is seeing pictures of myself where I looked so bad even I couldn't deny the problem any more. The other is that I've increasingly found myself unable to do things I considered routine before. Even walking up a flight of stairs (or down them) was getting to be a major effort.
2) I realized that for the first time in many, many years my life is pretty wonderful, and that I want to be around to enjoy it. If I kept gaining weight the way I was, or even stayed at my top weight, I wasn't going to be able to do the things I want to do in my life, and I might not even be around to get the chance! For a change I'm not trying to lose weight to make my miserable life better, but to enjoy the great life I already have!
3) The support of all of you here on the WISH board has made a huge difference. You've motivated me to keep going when I might have otherwise gotten discouraged & given up. You've shared your journey with me so I don't feel like I'm walking along this path along. I've always believed that God works his miracles in my life through people, & I'm so glad he chose all of you to accompany me on this journey into a healthy life.
4) I'm being more patient with myself. The weight is coming off very slowly, & for once that is truly OK with me. I'm not looking for the quick fix, I'm in this for the long haul! I'm willing to take this journey one day at a time, & while I'm at it I'm going to enjoy the journey.

 

[ZerasPride]

Thanks so much for making me feel welcome here. I hope to give as well as get support! You guys are too kind!