What makes this time different?

[ZerasPride]

I think many of us have been down this road before. We've tried and maybe even had some success at losing weight, whatever plan we were on. But this time is it. This time we are losing more weight than ever before. Maybe we are even at goal. Why was/is this time different from our other attempts?

I was trying to figure this out the other day when I got on the scale and it registered that I had lost 60 pounds. I weigh less now than I did when I was nine months pregnant with my son 18 years ago. I have tried many different programs before, some with moderate success, but most with little or no success at all. I haven't had any light bulb moments, no epiphany to tell me that this time I would be successful beyond anything I could imagine. The most weight I have ever lost at one time was about 25 pounds and I quickly put that back on plus a lot more.

I am trying to figure it out what makes me successful this time. Yes this is the first time I am eating healthy and exercising like a maniac, I am also journaling for the first time. DH is on the program with me and that certain helps. It goes without saying that having WISH support is of great encouragement too. But I feel like there must be something else. The stars aligning correctly, or maybe I'm just mentally and emotionally ready for the first time in my life. Right now, I'm unsure what is driving me to get up every morning at 5:30 to work out, what is helping me not give in to temptations to cheat on my eating program and what is telling me that it's okay now, I don't have to be afraid to let go of this fat suit I have carefully built up as a protective covering.

I would love to hear your thoughts as to why this time is the time you are so successful. Your comments and experiences might just help me figure it out for myself. Thanks!

 

[newholiday]

This is the lowest weight I ever remember being in my life!
My brother's massive heart attack last May had alot to do with me finally loosing the weight. He's only 5 1/2yrs older than me. Our dad died from heart disease almost 10yrs ago so now I know its hereditary.

 

[kayeandjim00]

I think there are many things that contributed to my success thus far. For one my DH went on the same plan and has been super successful (he's at goal and lost 110 lbs! ), the WISH board where I come daily to read about others struggles and successes, and the world's best WISH buddy. The combination of all these things I think are the reason that I'm sitting here today 53 pounds lighter. If any one of these was missing I know my loss would have been so much harder. I have never been this successful at weight loss, I don't know what the most I have ever lost has been but it's nowhere near 53 lbs and it's always been gained back. This time I feel like I am in control of my body not the other way around. I know that this is for life and I'll have to continue to balance my eating if I want to maintain my goal weight forever which I plan to do.

 

[MelanieC]

Hi Lisa,

What a good post!

What makes this time different. The last time I joined WW's in 2002 I lost 37 pounds from January to May. I went away for a long Memorial day weekend and never recovered. I looked terrific, but still had a ways to go till goal. I was fitting into smaller clothes and felt on top of the world. Maybe it's because I was looking for that magical "I can't wait till I am done dieting", or maybe I just wasn't in the place I needed to be to do it. The pounds slowly came back that summer and fall and when I went to WDW in November, I was back up feeling ugly and fat. January rolled around and again I tried to go back and it didn't work. DH went to Kuwait last spring and my weight spiraled up and up. The stress of him going away was really difficult.

Once he came back in May, I joined WW's in the beginning of June. The first thing that I contribute to my success is WISH! I think it is what has kept me on track and able to loose. Next, I agree that it was just time and I was in the right frame of mind and ready to loose. I really learned about eating healthy and exercising this time. For some reason, it just feels different. I learned to not deprive myself of things I liked and I still eat pizza once or twice a week and I eat out all the time. I just learned to make it work. I guess that's how people who are always thin eat, they just eat in moderation and know how to balance the things they enjoy eating.

I finally feel like a normal person. I don't feel fat anymore and I love the way I look. Its been a long time since I could say that. It feels really good and I am so glad. I just wish I knew what I know now, back when I was younger before I let me body go. It all seems so easy now, but I guess its just something we all have to go through.

 

[LAinSEA]

What keeps me going is that I've finally figured out that this is a lifestyle change and I'm doing this for me!

The weight isn't falling off - it's a long, slow process. But the way I feel is worth the effort.

When I used to go on a diet to lose weight - it was just that - a diet. It had a beginning and an end. Needless to say, the weight came right on back and invited "friends" to join them on my hips and thighs. Now - it is as much a victory to not yo-yo as it is to lose a few pounds at a time.

Being fit and reaching a "normal" healthy weight isn't about fitting into a certain dress size for a special event or attending your high school reunion or being the size your spouse wants you to be. Those all can be motivators...but they can't be the only reasons. I think you finally have to decide that YOU are worth enough to yourself to be fit and healthy.

-Laurie

 

[sm4987]

What makes this time it for me, is that I realized that my daughter is now 5 years old, and that there was no room for anymore excuses. I hade started taking medications to keep my heart regulated, and I was tired of it. I want to look good in the mirror, I want to run and play around with my kids, I want to be healthy. I want to live and not hide. That is what makes this time different.