[stranger n my mirror]

To post or not to post? I have started and restarted this post several times.

I feel like such a failure. I feel guilty asking for support when I do nothing to help myself. The last time I was here was in 2008. I just finished updating my ticker and am surprised that I am actually 5 pounds lighter than I was back then.

I am slowly committing suicide and I am scared to death. Every morning I wake up half surprised that I am still here. I am diabetic, have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And that's not the worst of it. Two years ago I had a quintuple bypass. I am completely off my meds and feel horrible. Tomorrow I have a doctor's appointment to get back on track. I am dreading the lecture I am going to get but know that I need it.

Ronda

[WildThings]

As someone who has been dieting since I was in 7th grade, I completely understand where you are coming from. My sister was diagnosed with diabetes last year, it runs in our family so I know I'm headed in the same direction. I have high blood pressure, I feel like I'm ninety even though I'm actually 30. I battle chronic depression, anxiety, etc., so when I save I understand, I really do.

The thing is, you are already ahead of so many people because you recognize there is a problem and it sounds like you truly want to make changes. You aren't throwing in the towel and just accepting that you will live a unhealthy life, or a shorter life than you deserve.

My suggestion is, instead of dreading the lecture from your doctor's appointment, ask for help from him/her. Explain that you want to make changes, you know your health depends on it, but you might need some insight or direction. If you already have a plan in mind, whether it's just eating less/exercising or something more structure like a diet plan, calorie counting, etc., run it by the doctor, see what s/he thinks and if they have any advice or any different suggestions. If you don't have a plan in mind, ask for his/her suggestions. Our doctors are there to help us with our health problems, not just lecture us about what we are or are not doing. If you have a doctor that only lectures (because I know there are some out there), maybe look into a new doctor, someone that will work with you and help instead of just making you feel worse about the situation.

One last thing, please don't ever hesitate to post. Doctors are one tool we can use in our weigh loss journey, the support, encouragement and advice of others in similar situations is are definitely another powerful tool.

[Rintin]

It's great ou re back. So sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope everything at the doctors went ok. We ll b here for when u need help. All recipes all looked good to me!

[dragonwoman64]

hang in there, Ronda! I have gone through periods when I've gained, lost, maintained, and I'll come here and post and read, and it helps me. I've seen people here who post for years without losing, then something kicks in and they are ready and have their ducks in a row and they shed the weight. It's for people at every point in the process.

The very good news is that those medical conditions you list can be turned around, and fairly quickly. You don't have to go from big to super svelte to do it.

I'm wishing you all the best.

[stranger n my mirror]

I was just looking over my new doctor's website. His favorite quote is "You are what you eat." Yep, I'm in trouble. I am going to get it tomorrow for sure. As I should.

[rosemarie0007]

I can relate. Its hard enough to lose weight and then when you start doing everything
you are suppose to and you lose nothing, that's really frustrating,
I guess you just have to be really determined. I always thought tracking was impossible,
but once I did it, I found it was not so hard, exercise is doable too, if you start with walking.
And yes, I think if you just start reading and posting, something will finally click, at the very least it will hold you accountable,