[Mariella]

Hi there, I'm Mariella. I just found this forum thru Google and I've been reading on and off all day. Looks like you have what I want, great online support, encouragement and information.

I'm a 50-ish female and I've always been reasonably fit although I've struggled with weight fluctuations of 25 to 30 lbs throughout adulthood.

Was never on the "obsese" side of the BMI chart.

Six years ago I started sliding downhill toward full fledged obesity.

Hormones, stress and major life changes triggered binge eating, depression and low motivation.

I gained 50 pounds that first year and hit the 200 mark for the first time in my life. I dieted a few times between 2005 and 2007 - WW and my own modification of the Scarsdale diet. I would take off a few pounds, very slowly, and then plateau for weeks on end, which leads me to just give up.

Since March of 2008, I have not "dieted" at all and I had not weighed myself.

I feel like crap, my blood pressure is in the "high normal" pre dangerous range, I retain water like a sponge and my jeans size keeps getting bigger. I have horrible digestive problems - I used to have a truly cast iron stomach and perfect "regularity" now I feel like I must have IBS. I have four different size clothes in my closets. This fall I graduated from a size 18 to a size 20 but still I would not weigh myself. I kept telling myself I don't really eat that much and I don't binge anymore so there's probably just nothing I can do.


Finally, the digestive issues the past two months have just been insane and so I decided to come out of denial and start keeping a food diary. After three days of journaling I realized I needed to track and limit calories and make better food choices. I looked up the number of calories needed to maintain my goal weight and decided to make that the goal for my daily caloric intake.

Eight days ago, after five days of "dieting" I got on the scale and discovered I had put on another 40 pounds since early 2008. I weighed in at 241.

Now I am more motivated than ever to continue what I've started. I have dropped 7 pounds since the day I weighed myself and I feel soooo much better already!

I look forward to sharing success and motivation with everyone here! Cheers!


(and I hope this was not too long for an intro post!)

[leeway]

Hi Mariella!
So many of us go through the same denial until the moment of truth, the rude awakening - but you're here now, off to a great start with a good plan - the support you need is here to achieve a healthier you - we'll all be here to cheer you on..

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try the Calorie Counters and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Browse around, clicking on whatever catches your eye, you'll be a wonderful addition to any of the forums, sharing support and advice with others.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals ,
Lee

[bbigham]

Hi, Mariella (what a neat name!)

I'm sure the forum "powers that be" don't think your post was too long -- I sure didn't! In fact, it's messages like yours that make this forum so interesting. If everyone came by and just posted their weights or goals, it would be SOOOO boring!

Congrats on the 7-pound loss -- what a great way to jumpstart your diet. I have the feeling that you're going to stick with it. You sound so motivated and determined. It'll be fun to read your posts as you continue losing more and more weight and feeling better! I know there will come a time when you're telling us about the fantastic new size 12 outfit you bought!

There's so much good stuff in store for us!

Barbara, in Oregon

[Mariella]

Thank you for the welcome & the encouraging words!

[jenne1017]

Welcome Mariella!



The push from an 18 to a 20 (after getting down to a 16) is what pushed me back into getting control again. I hope you find what you need here and then some