[jeska87]

Hello All,
My name is Jessica, the basics are in the bio section so I can skip that fun stuff. No need to read about me twice . Anyways, I decided to join this website for a few different reasons. I've never done anything like this before so I'm a little nervous. Because most people look at you like you're insane when you're fat and you say you're going to try a weight loss regimen or diet or whatever it is you want to call it.
I've been a big girl my whole life, and I can't say I help matters. I eat what I want, when I want and that's not a smart or healthy decision. Somehow I always tell myself in my head that tomorrow I'll start over and tomorrow I'll do more. But after three years of tomorrows, I'm ready to actually make that tomorrow count. I have no idea what "program" I'll go with, but I want to find something that works for me.
I work in a hospital and it's actually surprising how many people are constantly dieting and counting points. Most of them are on the weight watchers program and it seems to be working, so I thought I would try and find something to go off of. I can't afford to join weight watchers but I'm hoping there are enough people out there that post points lists and I can see if that works for me.
My fiancee, Andy, had gastric bypass in 2008 and has lost over 300 lbs and I can't begin to tell you how much it has done for him. I don't want to do anything that drastic without trying my darndest to do this on my own. I haven't told him about this site but we both agree that this summer we are going to start hiking (I live in the middle of a state forest area) and exercising more together so we can encourage each other.
I guess the whole point of this is to just know that there are other people out there and if they can do it, so can I. I'm only 23 years old and I feel some days like I'm 50 and that's not good. I want to get pregnant soon and start a family but I know that my weight makes it extremely dangerous for the baby and also it's just not healthy for me either. I want to be a healthier person so I can bring a healthier baby into this world.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. I look forward to any encouragement anyone has to offer. I'm just so frustrated and bitter at this point that I just need to know that someone out there has some advice or even a kind word.

Jessica

[starfishkitty]

Congratulations on your decision. As someone who's been there and done that.... I can definitely say its going to be one of the best ones you've ever made.

That being said..... find out what works for you. Just be healthy about it. Don't starve yourself, cut out whole food groups, or some other radical way of dieting. It doesn't work.... not long anyways... and its not healthy to be unbalanced. Life is all about balance. So is dieting!

My advice:

Become great friends with vegetables and fruits. Try to cut out the sugar, and the heavy duty and refined carbs. It's worked for me. I calorie count as well, but I didn't start calorie counting. I just started substituting vegetables and good healthy foods for all the bad junk foods I was eating and went from there. As I continued on, I did the research that really taught me what healthy eating is all about. This is a good place to start, in fact. Also..... remember to cut yourself some slack here and there. Staying 100% strict may work for a year, or for two... but it won't work forever. Whatever way you eat, just remember that you're doing it a way that you can maintain for life. Occasional days off will occur. (Like holidays! Who in the world can say no on Christmas?!)

Good luck...... and remember, you won't regret this one day when you realize just how amazingly wonderfully healthy you feel!

[starbrite]

I wish I had done it for myself at your age. I too have struggled with my weight my entire life - infact it has ruled me and caused me to miss out on so much. A year ago I decided if I did not do something I would die - plain and simple. I cut out most processed carbs, and eat oats for breakfast, protein and veg for lunch and dinner and drink loads of water. I have lost 135lbs and feel ten years younger I have gone from a dress size 22 to an 8. It has not been an easy journey, and many things have surprised me along the way. People have surprised me too. Now I am relatively "slim" there's a whole new lot of complexities I hadn't bargained on.
However, I come here every day, to seek answers to those complexities. The people here have a wealth of experience, knowledge and advice which has been invaluable - it has made the difference to me between success and failure.
Good luck, stay strong- one mistake will not derail you- the only thing that can help you do this is you. Make a plan and stick to it.

[jeska87]

Thank you so so much, any advice and hearing from people who have been there is greatly appreciated. I'm just slowly starting on my way and I'm not putting a whole lot of pressure on myself because the second I do, I know I'll be set up to fail. one day at a time

[lynnie923]

Welcome!!! Its going to be hard but with alot of motivation and determination I am sure you can do it. You want to have ababy use that for motivation. I count carbs. Thats what I have been doing for the past 3 months; it works for me. Something different may work for you. No matter please use 3fc as a support line its helps trememndously

Good Luck and look forward to see more of ya

Lynn

[jeska87]

Thank You!!!!

[mhuppert]

Welcome Jessica! I also live in Wisconsin! What part are you from? I currently do WW at home. I find it to be very easy to follow, it allows me to eat whatever I want as long as I stay within my Points for the day.....I don't like telling myself I Can't have a certain thing, it makes me want it more!! haha... Anyway, I hope it works well for you also. Best of luck to you!

[jeska87]

I live in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area. How about you? Yeah, today was my first day on WW and I found that after my points were up, I wasn't hungry and when I got the urge, I just drank water and that did it. Half the time I eat because I'm bored. So I feel pretty good today and I made it through!! 1 day at a time

[silentarctic]

Welcome Jeska, Hope all is going well for you today!