What is/was your final wakeup call for weight loss?

[aliasihaya]

So I met with my nutritionist today. I hired her and a trainer about two months ago. I decided as my last ditch effort for weight loss I needed professional help. I really like both of them. However, I haven't lost a bit of weight in the past few months. In fact I think that I've gained....So anyway, I was talking to my nutritionist today and we were trying to assess why. In the end I don't stay on the plan. I meet with the trainer on Sundays and then don't work out the rest of the week. I think about working out, but never do it. I want to, but I never do it. And then I've been given really good guidance about a meal plan. Really tailored to things that I like. Realistic suggestions not things like 'just eat broccoli'. I really like these two people. But I don't practice what they preech. So why? Why don't I?

Here's the thing. I'm about 100 lbs overwieght. I've been this way way for almost 15 years. I lost my twenties. I felt like I sleep walked through them. And then into my 30s I felt lost into how to change things. And through it all I've battled major depression, suicidal thoughts and all for which I've gotten help from a psychiatrist through medication. And now I'm 35 (almost 36), I've woken up alone with no husband or children (that I so desperately want), a barely functioning career, hypertensive, hypothyroid (hashimotos), and diabetic. I'm a mess. Yet, do I actually start following the plans and advice of the professionals that I've hired? Do I actually do what I know logically I should do? Nope, absolutely not. So why? Why, why why why why? I can't figure it out. I'm on a path towards certain early death by not treating my illnesses yet I continue to ignore them.

My nutritionist wants me to see a therapist to dig into it more. I probably should, but that process is always exhausting. So meanwhile I was curious. Did you have a wakeup call? Or did you just wakeup one day and figure out how to do it? How do you start to change? What is the catalyst?

[HikingChloe]

The therapist would probably be a good idea because it can help you with being in a life that wasn't what you planned. WOW can I relate to that one! I am 39, alone, never thought I would be. About to lose my job. These problems don't go away even as you lose the weight. Serious depression rarely just goes away.

I have an advantage in some regards because I was always a relatively healthy eater and always active. Those aren't unnatural states for me. What started to put on the pounds was overeating and not adjusting for metabolism changes with aging. I also had to start taking a hormone medication and that did me no favors.

I lost someone who was totally amazing about 6 months ago. She was in her 60s (older than me) and someone who physically always got the most out of her body. It was a reminder to me that our life is short, and sometimes VERY short and I wanted to make sure I had the healthiest and strongest body I could have to live it.

So you don't work out. Can you go for a daily walk? Maybe start with one additional day a week? The key will be changes that will work for you. Do you need to reduce desserts? Soda? I am wondering if smaller, life style changes are going to be more effective for you to sustain.

Your post really resonated with me. It can be so hard when life didn't go remotely as planned. I really work hard on that one in myself.

Your health is a place you can take some control and perhaps make your new passion? You may be surprised what happens in your life while you are making your own health your focus. Regardless, I bet you won't regret figuring out what works for you.

[mystyblue85]

I'm not sure, maybe it was a host of things, but my doctor suggested gastric bypass and my husband got scared. It kind of kicked the elephant in the room and made it trumpet: I am fat.
I've started a blog and I try to make myself post there. It makes me feel like I'm holding myself accountable and that I will let other people down as well as myself if I give up.

[DesertTabby]

I have hypothyroid as well (Not to mention Insulin Resistance and PCOS, triple whammy!) And what you're describing to me sounds like you might still be suffering the symptoms. When was the last time you got your blood levels checked? What brand are you taking? Do you feel different from the day you were diagnosed and now? Even if it is moderately better/less foggy?

Depression was a major symptom for me when it came to my hypothyroidism. I thought 50 mg was enough for me, but when I gave in and went to an endo, without even taking my bloodtest he took one look at me and said I needed to up it to 75mg (and sure enough, bloodtests proved he was right.) So please get checked!

[unpretty]

A few things. Being newly single, having several people bully me for being fat.

But I think the real thing was when I was at my highest ever weight and my BMI finally tipped just over 25.
Not that my BMI makes a difference anyway, its 23.1 at the moment but I still have too much fat on my body.