Where did you start?

[VroomVroomLightning]

My highest weight has been 330 pounds. I lost about 20 of that and after a leg injury I have now gained it back. I am so sick to my stomach at the moment because I just got off the scale and want to just cry.

Where do I start? What do I need to do to get this weight off?

I am struggling so much right now and just want to know where I need to start!

What worked best for you?

Thanks for any input that you can give me!!

 

[itsbaker]

I started right around where you are, at my heaviest I was almost 320. I'm now around 275 and continuing my journey. For me, the first thing I did was change my diet, I cut out all sugar, especially things like soda and candy. I also tried to cut my portion sizes and eat small things several times a day rather than waiting for my big meals. Once I had lost 30 pounds or so, I started thinking about adding exercise.

Its certainly not easy, each day is a struggle and it takes planning to ensure that you can put yourself in a position to make the right choices. I went so far as to buy myself a little fridge for my office so that I could keep healthy snacks handy and not be tempted by the snack machine in the break room.

One last piece of advice I can give... you have to allow yourself some mistakes. You're not always going to do the right thing, you may be tempted by a big mac, or want to eat popcorn with butter at the movies. If you do, fine, whatever. My bad, move on and do better next time. Too many people get so down on themselves for one mistake that they give up.

Keep your chin up and know that your thoughts lead your actions, so think positive and you can accomplish anything!

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Thank you for your response! I also have a recent leg injury which means I cannot exercise as much as I imagine I should. But I am going to start with watching calories each day. Did you limit yourself to so many a day? If so how many?

 

[JacksLilWench]

For me, my starting point was saying "It stops right now." I was not going to become a statistic lost to heart disease and stroke, like so many other people in my family. I was all done being the weight I was, and refused to sit around and let myself get more depressed and sad about the way I looked. I found out it was much easier said than done, but I made small changes that have turned into big changes- salads for dinner with lots of color (red peppers, dark green lettuce, yellow squash, etc), bigger breakfasts, less processed foods, no soda. It worked wonders!

The fact that you have stated the desire to change is big! It's awesome! You're in a good place with some supportive people- they have helped me a lot You will have to prepare yourself to say "no", which I didn't even think about. But it gets easier every time you do say it!

A good place to start is sparkpeople.com. I've heard lots of good things about that site. Good luck to you, come back and let us know how you're doing!

 

[mom2princesses2]

You have actually made the first step - You have decided it is time to do "something" about your weight!!

Now comes the hard part, right? Actually coming up with a plan and sticking to it.

I started at 273 (can't believe I just wrote that!). I started with baby steps...nothing to drink but water or unsweetened ice tea, eating 5 fruits and/or veggies a day (I would go daaaaayyyss without either before!), no eating after 7 pm, cut down on carbs and processed food as much as possible but not completely, cut down on portions.

I've also started to run which I understand you may not be able to do. But when I started From the Couch to the 5K, I had an arthritis flare up in my foot that hurt alot. But it hurt when I walked too. Every step was painful. So I figured I wouldn't be worse off if I ran but I may actually lose the weight I swear is making a misery out of my feet (I had Planter fascitits surgery on both feet late last year too.) I went to my podiatrist three weeks into running and got Prednisone which has been a godsend. BUT I was worried I would stop weight loss on it. Well, it's actually helped because I can now move like I couldn't before.

I've lost 17 lbs since July 7th.

One thought that has kept me on track (although I have had moments of weaknesses) is to keep remembering how GREAT it feels to lose weight compared to how awful it feels to gain it.

Also, I while I do have two longterm goals in my head (losing 125 lbs total and running the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon in 2013 if my feet hold up), I have set small mini-goals that give me a quicker sense of accomplishment (being addicted to instant gratification is one of the reasons I'm so overweight!). So my first goals were to finish the C25K program and I'm a couple of weeks away from that. Second was to lose 25 lbs by the time we get to Disney on Nov. 3rd and I'm only 8 lbs away from that. Once I obtain them, I'll set two more mini-goals.

Good luck and You. Can. Do. This.

 

[itsbaker]

Thank you for your response! I also have a recent leg injury which means I cannot exercise as much as I imagine I should. But I am going to start with watching calories each day. Did you limit yourself to so many a day? If so how many?

For me, I started at 2000 - 2200 a day. The biggest challenge in the beginning was not limiting myself, but making sure I ate enough. There are a number of websites out there that can help you track your nutrition. I also got a general nutrition plan from my doctor. There is plenty of information out there. Recently i've been using 411fit.com, and i've used livestrong.com in the past as well.

i have no affiliation with either site.

 

[erinna]

I'm 42 and I've struggled with weight issues my whole life. Although if you asked my (otherwise FANTASTIC) family, they'd say I'm one with the least problem with weight. They're all pretty hopeless about the whole thing -- "it's too late," "We have bad genes" etc. etc.

For me, I decided that the only important thing is to keep fighting the good fight. I know myself well enough to know that the only things that work for me are exercise, companionship and Weight Watchers. Right now, for example, I'm at the high end of my weight range (YIKES). So I've started WW with my husband and am sloooowly starting to walk and do gentle yoga again. And I feel pretty darn good about it!

You can do this. For me, love of Disney helps. I like to use food to procrastinate, celebrate and cheer myself up. I can do the same thing with Disney websites, videos and books.

So keep trying and know there's a whole bunch of us trying, just like you!

 

[SettinSail]

After years of slowly gaining weight I had a baby at age 36 and gained ALOT of weight. I tried for years to get that weight off, would get off about 20 lbs and then gain back 20+ a little more. I finally topped out at 222 which was the same thing I weighed on the day I gave birth I made a decision one day that I would stop dieting and just try to maintain that weight and never get any bigger. I weighed myself every day and did what I had to do to maintain. At 222, it was not that difficult After a few years of doing this, I finally decided to venture back into "dieting". This time I am doing it for my health and not to try to get to a different size. So far, I have lost close to 30 pounds doing it MY way. I don't follow any set program, I just eat healthier food and smaller portions. I try to limit sugar, unhealthy fats and processed carbs. I drink around 100 oz of water daily. I struggle with exercise but aim to work out 6 days a work. 3-4 days per week is what usually happens. I write down my food, water and exercise in a journal daily. It has just become a part of my life.

It has taken me about 18 months to lose the weight but I am an over 50 woman and it's not easy at this age. I really believe that as long as I never give up, I can continue to lose. I recommend:

-baby steps
-drink lots of water
-start with what exercise you can do
-eliminate soda (even diet) and processed foods
-eat lots of veggies and fruit, lean protein and whole grains
-get adequate rest
-join us on the WISH Fall challenge!

 

[PrincessAndrea'sMom]

I have been there too! I started about a year ago on weight watchers. I like weight watchers because they teach you how to eat. Their foods are weighted on calories, but also on how good they are for you. You are giving a daily allowence of food points and you have to make choices to fit your allowence. If you choice foods in poor nutritional value, you will eat alot less than if you make wise food choices. It changed the way I think about food. I am down about 45 pounds and hope to lose another 50ish.

My goal is the 2012 princess half marathon! Check out my blog about loseing weight and training. I have a link below. The training has not been as bad as I thought it would be. I am doing a local 10 mile run Saturday. Do date, my longest race has been 7 miles.

Good luck! You CAN do it. See you in 2013!

 

[EddieMccoy2]

I've been where most on this thread have been. I was once 310 pounds and got motivated and got down to 185. The first fact...it's not easy. It's work, hard work. I lost this weight by lots of exercise (elliptical machine is great for those with bad knees, like myself) and just learning portion control. In my opinion and experience, you can eliminate everything bad in your life food wise, but eventually, you will turn back to it, it's just a matter of time. The best thing you can do is learn how to enjoy it in smaller portions and less frequency (WW points system is great for this, IMO). I hope on a scale daily, and it helped me to know the impacts for what I ate the previous day and how it impacted me. It's kinda of a learning process that has become a lifestyle for myself. I lost the weight about 3 years ago and it's amazing all the energy that I now have. Of course, I still live in the gym and I've added about 10 pounds, but muscle from lifting and toning.

There isn't one way that is right or wrong. There first has to be a desire and a will. You have to understand that it won't be easy, and that not everything you do will automatically pay off on the scale. Once you get going for awhile, you will start feeling it and it will get easier. Like I said before, don't eliminate the foods you love, just learn to live around them. Also, you need some form of exercise as many days as you can. It's good for you and your body will respond accordingly.

I never did any set program, but WW points was as close as I came, but it was just a temp thing to help me learn portion control. Good luck in trying to lose weight. Hopefully you have people in your life that can inspire you and motivate you like my wife and young daughters did for me.

 

[LoraJ]

As others have said, you have made the first step. It's good to dive in when you are motivated like this.

I used to be really skinny and got teased a lot so I developed horrible eating habits trying to gain weight. Then one day my metabolism slowed down and I was also not as active as I used to be. Since then I have been struggling with my weight.

I have tried just about everything, and what always sets me back are obstacles and excuses. I will be doing fine and then something happens like a death in the family or working a lot more hours and I fall off the wagon. And then I gain all the weight back plus some.

Here's what has worked for me (at least initially before I made excuses):
1. Curves - there used to be one around the corner from me so it was really convenient. I also did their diet which was the hardest diet I have been on. I went there a lot and enjoyed it. Had to stop going because they didn't have very good hours and it was closed by the time I got home. But if you have one by you, it's a good way to start exercising.

2. Weight Watchers - Much easier to be on than the Curves diet that I starved on. I lose weight at a slower pace but it works and I don't really feel like I am dieting, I just make better choices. I am doing this now. I was doing it in the spring and did really well but then had a setback with some stress and then the heat wave came and I kept on making excuses. But I just found a way to stop making excuses. A gym opened across the street and they have late hours so I can't use my commute as an excuse anymore. I also found some friends in real life and on the internet that have the same mission and we are all encouraging each other. That's another thing that can work for you. I do WW online but they have meetings where you can go and get encouragement and motivation in person. This is what I would recommend for you to do plus some kind of gym (Curves or anything). I have also done fad diets like atkins, but would definitely recommend WW over those.

3. Jenny Craig/Nutrisystem - I have done both. Nutrisystem is cheaper, but the food isn't as good as Jenny's. Both of these work and I lost weight faster than WW but I got sick of the food after a while. I probably would have stuck with Jenny longer, but the location was a pain to get to, especially if I had to work late. You could actually do these in conjunction with WW to get a kick start for a month or two and then transition fully into WW.

4. Sparkpeople.com - Just tracking what you eat can keep you aware of how you are doing. Sparkpeople is free and easy to use. They have online support forums. It's a great site.

The main thing you have to do is clean house and get rid of all of the unhealthy stuff. Replace sweets with fruits or low calorie snacks. And keep motivated. You can do this!

 

[nblake05]

I have to be honest and say that I've never been very heavy. The most I've ever weighed is about 135, but I'm now down to 114(I'm 5'5). But, that doesn't matter, I don't think any of us are ever 100% satisfied with how we look. I come from a family background of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, however, so I decided to make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, lest I wind up disabled like both my mom and dad. I think that is where you have to start and it sounds like you're there! I think that's great! From there, it is about exercise and diet... they go hand and hand... you can't do one with out the other. I workout a lot... but that was a gradual shift. You can't expect miracles from yourself overnight! But exercise is necessary! If you can join a gym and possibly get a personal trainer, that would really be a benefit. Plus, a monetary commitment might help you focus on your goals. I do understand that a gym can be a scary place for new people. It takes a lot of guts, especially if you are already a self conscious person.. but your bravery will be rewarded! Remember, no one else there is watching you... it just feels like it! As for diet, start with small changes. Read labels at the grocery store. Look at calories and carbs for sure, but remember sodium is a killer, too. Plus, most Americans get much of their calories from beverages... laying off sodas is an easy way to cut calories right off! Also, eat many smaller meals throughout the day. Always start out with a good protein filled breakfast (especially if you're working out). I generally eat every 2 1/2 -3 hours. If I eat half a sandwich for lunch and I'm still kinda hungry... it's ok because I can eat again in 2.5 hours. Your body can only use so much protein at a time and what it can't use it turns to fat. So... I'll have a roast beef sandwich... just not ALL of it at once! Plus, when you're "grazing" during the day you won't be as likely to overindulge at night when it is the worst time to eat a lot! So, my advice would be start with some simple, easy to live with changes and see how they've worked after a month. Then go from there! When you start to see results, you'll get more and more committed to a change in lifestyle and you can gradually incorporate new changes. OP... you're post was so heartfelt, it brought tears to my eyes. Please, don't be too hard on yourself! If there is anything I can do as "keyboard coach", just let me know! Good Luck!

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

Thank you so much everyone for your stories and inspirational words! I have been checking back on here and reading them all. A few hours after I posted this I came down with a horrible stomach virus that I battled for 3 to 4 days. One of those days included a hospital visit for an iv because I became dehydrated. After it was all said and done I am down 10 pounds in just those 4 grueling days. I know this was not the healthiest optimal choice to start my journey but it did. And now that I am recovering from the virus I find myself eating healthier already. I am also eating smaller portions at meals. A lot of it is because I wasn't able to eat for two days. I look back at what I would of been eating last week and I just cannot imagine eating that much again in a day. So I see that I was eating too much and not exercising.

So I am slowly on the road to change! My body is still weak from the virus but I am making lifestyle changes that my body is accepting very well!

Thanks again for all the kind words! I will continue to let everyone know how I am doing periodically!

 

[JacksLilWench]

Thank you so much everyone for your stories and inspirational words! I have been checking back on here and reading them all. A few hours after I posted this I came down with a horrible stomach virus that I battled for 3 to 4 days. One of those days included a hospital visit for an iv because I became dehydrated. After it was all said and done I am down 10 pounds in just those 4 grueling days. I know this was not the healthiest optimal choice to start my journey but it did. And now that I am recovering from the virus I find myself eating healthier already. I am also eating smaller portions at meals. A lot of it is because I wasn't able to eat for two days. I look back at what I would of been eating last week and I just cannot imagine eating that much again in a day. So I see that I was eating too much and not exercising.

So I am slowly on the road to change! My body is still weak from the virus but I am making lifestyle changes that my body is accepting very well!

Thanks again for all the kind words! I will continue to let everyone know how I am doing periodically!

If it makes you feel any better, my jumpstart loss of 15lbs....came from a bout with mono. It still counts! I don't eat like I used to by any means. You're doing great! Have you thought about starting a WISH journal to chronicle your journey?

 

[gudrench3]

I hope you get to feeling better soon!

I have to agree with all the previos postings. I've been there too (still working on it)! Here are the things that really helped me get started...and I really have just started. I have a dear friend at work that is just naturally thin. I watched her eat one day (I know, it sounds very odd, but we are REALLY good friends, so she didn't care). But, she NEVER finishes what's on her plate...even if it's a half a slice of cake. So, I've kind of learned from her on my eating. Here are my things:

1. Start by just leaving one or two bites on your plate...slowly add the amount that you eat. You won't miss those two bites...I promise!

2. Learning real portions - have you heard of Lock and Locks on QVC? They are food containers...and they have a set that has containers that are 1 cup, 2 cup, and 3 cups. I was TOTALLY SHOCKED to see how little a 1 cup serving of something really was. But, when it comes to salad, I was shocked at how much could fit in a 3 cup container. This just really helped me see things clearer. In fact, I fix my cereal in the mornings with milk (in my lock and lock) and head to work. It is guaranteed not to spill...and so far it hasn't! Anyway...I love my lock and locks!

3. Start a journal on the wishes board. I did, and I can be 100% honest because I don't really "know" anyone on the boards. It feels so good to be totally honest about my weight, my food choses, and my exercise or lack of at times. No one judges here...most have been where we are, so they are just super supportive. My journal is listed in my signature...send me a note if you'd like help getting one started. It helps keep you accountable too!

4. Cut out one fast food meal to begin with. I notice that I tend to lose weight on the weeks that I eat at home more. You just don't know how many calories are going into those things...they add alot of things to make their food taste better.

5. Last thing I did was add little tiny bits of exercise into my routine. Park farther away in a parking lot just to walk a little more. I walk each isle at the grocery store just for the added steps. A pedometer has been very helpful for me too...I know when I'm not getting enough steps in.

You can SO do this!!! We are all here to support you in your efforts. If you love Disney like we do, set a goal trip and start working your way to it. This board is so supportive...you'll really find a "home" here.

Good luck!!! And let us know how you're doing!!!