Age 50+ Bios
 

Hi there . . . :wave:

Edited to add: Bios of members who are inactive in this forum, and all random comments, will be deleted after a reasonable time.

Please take a minute or two to tell us a little about yourself and to read a little about each of us. You can use the following format (just do a little copy and paste through your browser's edit function) if you like, or you can just lay it out in any way you'd prefer . . .

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Tell us about yourself, your family, your pets, your hobbies, your occupation, your most (and least) favourite books/movies/TV programs/music; – just about anything that helps us know the real ‘you’.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: Height/Weight Statistics. How much you hope to lose and in what timeframe. Formal or informal diet and exercise regimens. Things that work for you. Things you tried, that didn’t.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES: Anything you’d like to share with the group.

Lynn - A GOLDEN GIRL

Hi Everyone, I'm 62 years old & have been worried about my weight since I was around 22. I'm a retired educator. I never taught in a K-12 setting, but I did just about everything else in education. I taught adults to read, do math, get ready to pass the GED tests, and speak English. I taught college students to become teachers and administrators. I developed educational assessments and curriculum. I did educational research. Right now, I teach online courses for the University of Phoenix. The courses last 4-6 weeks & I take a 2-6 week break in between.

I live in East/Central PA - about 5 minutes from where George Washington crossed the Delaware River into Trenton, NJ. I have a wonderful daughter (don't we all think our daughters are wonderful?) and son-in-law who own a B&B in New Hope, PA. I have a thirteen year-old calico fat cat (Princess Di - 18 lbs) who allows me to live with her. And, I have lots of dear friends including the WONDER-FULL Golden Girls who post on this board. I also have a fourteen-year-old Little Sister (I'm in the Big-Sisters/Big-Brothers program) named Luzivon Rosales who keeps me young.

My DH, Donald, died last year (June-29) after a two-year illness following a stroke. We had been together for 25 years before his stroke, but didn't get married until after the stroke. We realized that he could not live alone after the stroke, so I retired to take care of him. At that time, I was the Director of Graduate Programs at a small private college in Bucks County, PA.

I like scrapbooking, card-making, trying new recipes, horsebackriding, going to movies/theater/museums/ballets, travelling, going to the gym, walking, reading, listening to books on CD's and spending time with my friends.
I usually travel with my DD and SIL and sometimes with my sister, Connie. I've been to just about every state, Ireland, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Canada, and France. My dd and I are planning for a trip to England this Fall.

My attempts at weight loss have included - Weight Watchers, Atkins, Sugar-Busters, 3-hr-diet, and about a zillion others. I no longer have a choice of diets. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in March of 06. I now eat a VERY low-carb (around 1,000 Calorie) diet and am losing steadily - but slowly.

I welcome everyone to join our Golden Girls thread - and our monthly Challenge thread. We have a VERY supportive group of women who really help each other along this weight-loss journey.

Lynn

PS - Below are some photos of me (the one on the boardwalk is with my dd, Kathy, the one in front of the doors is with my niece, Carly) & I also included one of my cat, Princess Di.

Phyllis - Golden Girl

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am 62 yrs. young! Married and live in south Florida, 3 children, 2 step children and 7 grandchildren under the age of 7 yrs. and that includes 4 two year olds! We have a Doberman named Rusty and he is going on 14 yrs. old and we were the proud owners of a Mainecoon cat and a solid black cat that lived to the ripe old age of 19. We retired last year after owning an office supply business.

This is my third marriage....I have been widowed twice, once at age 28 and then again at age 38.....my dh (my best friend) and I have been married 20 yrs.

Computer is one of my hobbies, needlepoint, reading, walking, traveling and running a priviate discussion group on the web are a few more. We are TV watchers and love all the CSI shows, Medium, Idol, Dance shows, 2 1/2 men, How I met your Mother but dislike reality shows in general. Oh and I must confess to watching The Young and The Restless and General Hospital if I am home!

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5'4" and as of today weigh 186. My highest weight was around 203. I was skinny in high school 115 lbs., 125 after my babies. I have been on every diet there is I believe. I joined a weight loss clinic and lost 45 lbs. and put it all back on in a year after I stopped going.

Right now I am walking 1 or 2 miles each day with the WATP dvd and have just added Oxysize in the afternoons a couple weeks ago. I have lost 6 lbs. since June 1. Also the best thing I have ever done but the most expensive is going to a hypnotist....I still go about every 3 weeks and listen to his cd's every day. He has helped with the motivation and will to make daily exercise part of my lifestyle and cut my food intake....I'm a true believer.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES: I want to be in the 160's by the end of Oct. for a family reunion at Disney World and be in better shape for walking and keeping up with my grandchildren.

I have a couple serious health issues to deal with. I had a single heart by-pass 8 yrs. ago and have Chronic Kidney Failure which leaves my kidneys only working at 20%. What that mainly is doing to my body is I get tired easily but I am building some stamina with the exercise and weight loss now.

With the Kidney failure I have to watch certain foods that I eat so most diets are not feasible but I still can eat most anything in moderation. Also have IBS which flares up on occasion.

My main goal is to keep the kidney function at 20% and not have to go on dialysis, so far so good.

I must say I am feeling younger, better and more toned since I started walking, hypnosis and smaller food portions in May...........in my case my health and life really depends on my keeping this lifestyle.

P.S. I LOVE the Golden Girls thread.......a wonderful group of women.

Paula- Golden Girl Thread

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

I'm 55, married to my Jr. High sweetheart for 38 years and living in Ohio. I have 2 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren. We have 3 cats. They were all strays before we took them in. We also have 1 dog mini dachshund that was my daughters. We felt sorry for him when they got a lab so we took him in.

I am a sahw. I have a little home-based business that keeps me busy. I make Halloween costumes and Pioneer outfits. Come August I'm pretty much tied to the sewing machine. The extra money helps pay off the credit cards.

I recently had to put my dad in a rest home. He suffered a stroke in May and he need rehab. I'm hoping that he will get better and be able to return home. This has been taking up most of my spare time.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:

Before my dad's stroke I was following the You: On a Diet. I was losing weight and eating lots of whole foods. Since the stoke I have fallen off the diet, but have tried to keep up with eating as healthy as possible. I've been eating out a lot on the way from the hospital and now the rest home. I really miss the fruits and veggies.

I was walking everyday for 30 minutes. I haven't walked since May. I really do need to get back on that.

I am 5' 4" and weigh 176, give or take a pound or 2. Mostly give. My goal is to get down to a healthy 150. I did Weight Watchers several years ago and made it to goal and then gained it all back. How does that happen?

SPECIAL HOPES/ASPIRATIONS/ACHIEVEMENTS/CHALLENGES:

My goal is to have the weight gone by Christmas. This is doable is I start taking care of myself again and watch what I eat and get back to the walking. With the help from my friends on the 3 Fat Chicks forum I know I can do it.

Zoe - Golden Girl Thread

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

I’m <gulp> 61, and I don’t know how that happened! It seems like one day I was just meandering along, minding my own business, not bothering a soul, and 61 just crept up on me from behind, threw a big ole’ net over my head and caught me. I’d say this actually started to happen back around the end of last year, when I found myself huffing and puffing carrying a few small grocery bags, a briefcase and a purse up the few little stairs into my house. My 61st birthday in April was just the “official date”, but I’ve been feeling old and decrepit for a while, now. I’d been smoking for <smusheldyfudge> years – not a habit, you understand: I just LIKED smoking. (Yeah, right!) So, anyway, I stopped on January 1st, gained about <smusheldyfudge> pounds on top of the extra weight I was ALREADY carrying around (Smoking, incidentally, for those who have never done it, most decidedly does NOT keep you slim!) and since late April of this year, I have been on a mission to get healthy/lose weight/tone up and hopefully live long enough to enjoy a lengthy and carefree retirement with my dearest of h’s, who is my second, but very best possible H, ever! I got a mountain bike for my (April) birthday, and have been riding it faithfully ever since (I actually remembered how! I fully expected to be just like the little guy on the tricycle on “Laugh In” who would pedal like mad and fall right over on his side. AND, if you remember him, you’re almost as old as me!!! )
I live in central Massachusetts, work in Boston (@ 40 miles away) as a writer of grants, public relations material, magazine & news articles, and whatever else I need to write in order to raise money for the very large international organization that employs me. My DH is a software engineer by day and an artist/writer/all around interesting and fun person evenings and weekends. He pooped out on the bike riding, though. (We got one for him, too, so we could ride together. He says it hurts his knees. Tsk!) We have two khats, Yoko, a pure black short-hair with big, pretty green eyes, and Daisy, a great big fluffy grey girl with blue eyes. We got them both from a local shelter and have had them for about a year and a half. They effectively run the house now, but we don’t mind. Somebody has to make all the important decisions, after all, and we hate doing that ourselves! We all live together in a restored Victorian house that we like very much because it has extra bedrooms for my children (DH has none, but is a wonderful step-pop to mine) to come and visit often. I have three lovely daughters, ages 37, 35, and 30 – and one baby son, 26, whom I used to call “Baby Huey” (yet another “dated” reference.) He’s 6’7, and I think he’s finally stopped growing. My girls are all married – I have two lovely granddaughters, ages 16 and 7, and two handsome grandsons, ages 12 and 5 – and they all live here in Massachusetts; two here in the same town as us, and one – my eldest girl - an hour and a half away. My son <sob> moved out to Los Angeles two years ago to work on his masters degree at UCLA and has decided to live there permanently. He comes home to visit twice a year – at Christmas, and usually in June. He was just here, and we had a great visit together.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:

Well, calling it a “regimen” may be a bit of a stretch, but I am doing low cal/high fiber, and drinking lots and lots of water and liquids. I haven’t been counting my calories too precisely, which may account for my recent loss of “ounces” as opposed to pounds. I’m planning to really get SERIOUS, here! I Also ride my bike every day unless it’s REALLY pouring out…I’ll ride if it’s just sprinkling. But, what with the no smoking and not eating sweets (yet another one of my old downfalls) AND exercising regularly, I really am feeling better and healthier, and the weight is dropping off very slowly but surely. (Stop laughing, Phyllis!!!! :rofl: )

SPECIAL HOPES/ASPIRATIONS/ACHIEVEMENTS/CHALLENGES:

I just want to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible and look my best. Actually, I’d really like to look like I did 30 years ago….if I could do that, along with everything I’ve learned since then, I’d being doing pretty danged well! I also want to RETIRE with DH in no more than 5 years, sell our place up here, move to the Charlotte, North Carolina area, and live like king & queen for the rest of our lives! (But I want to be slim & svelte while we’re doing it. Scrap that “back to 30” aspiration; I’m a realist. I’ll settle for 35.)

And thaaaaaas’ all, folks!

Z :snail:

Hi--I'm Karen and I too LOVE being a Golden Girl!! ;)

Personal Information: I am 55 years old and my birthday is February 14. I am married and have two sons, Mike 34 and Todd 32. Todd is married to a wonderful girl, Dani. I have 3 grandsons and a grand daughter. Travis is 13, Brandon is 11, Todd Jr. (TJ) is 9 and Jade is 12. Right now we are living in the Mountains in Colorado but have our home for sale and plan on a move to Missourri when it sells.

I have two spoiled Pomeranians that we are both crazy about! Ginger is my red one and I got her from the local animal shelter. Sissy is my sable one and I got her from some people who rescued her from a NASTY puppy mill. She was very abused and is still very afraid of men and children. But they both have happy lives now and couldn't be loved more.

Diet /Exercise Regimin: I kind of bounce around from doing a slimfast while counting WW points to maybe hitting the South Beach when I get a little frustrated!! Which I can feel that coming on again!! I also enjoy doing the WATP's videos and have a ab lounge that I really like. I just need to get myself motivated to get back into a definite routine again. Seems like there is just a lot of stuff going on and it is so easy to put exercise on a back burner.. Not good!!! :(

Special Hopes: I would really like to lose the extra weight that has decided to call me "friend" for the last 20 years!! My long term goal is to be back to 125 pounds (I'm just barely 5' tall) So I guess that makes me "vertically challenged" !! Just need to find that :dust: and the motivation to jump back on the wagon before it gets so far away I won't be able to catch up with it again.

Anyway, that is a little about me and I look forward to getting to know everyone. Karen

Hi,

I'm Gayle. I have been coming to 3FC for a long time now. (Mom saw it mentioned in the supplement to the Sunday paper and told me about it ~ I was hooked and have been coming here ever since.)

Stuff about me.

Personal: I'm 58 now. I'll be married 38 years in December (2014) to Steve. We have 3 kids ~ Jason-36, Sara-32, Jennifer-31. Jason and Sara live here in Houston ~ right around the corner from us ~ so I am a down the street grandma like my grandma was, and I love getting to see my grandkids and spend time with them. Jennifer lives in NC, so sadly, we don't get to see her family as often as I wish we could. We have one grandson-Corbin-16 yrs old, and two little granddaughters Madison (Maddie) 6 years old and Evie, 3 years old. And one more on the way. One kitty-Meso. I live in Houston, Texas now ~ moved here in December of 2006 to be able to enjoy my grandchildren. I was born and grew up in Ohio, but then have lived in various places (Maine, Missouri and North Carolina) because of my husband's job. I am a nurse and then took a job as the unit secretary ~ worked at a local hospital. Lost my job in August. I like reading (mysteries-The Cat Who.....series, and the Southern Sisters mysteries), sewing, craft things. I really like the computer/internet-I confess I have turned into a junkie :o . I like movies and TV shows-comedies-light fun stuff. Music-most kinds.

Diet/Exercise: What I am doing right now is eating proteins, fruits and vegies ~ trying to stay away from wheats, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cookies, chips, cake, candy ~ sweets unless it is fruit. With diabetes now, this seems to be working. Exercise ~ I like to walk, but because of sciatic pain, it is not very enjoyable. I mostly ride my bike a granny bike (one of those three wheeled kind) now, sometimes if the weather is bad, I walk indoors on the treadmill. In the summer, we go to the community pool a lot ~ I love the water.

Special hopes/aspirations: I guess to keep trying at this weight loss and not give up. I am almost retired now and hoping for good health so I can enjoy life.

Hi everyone.. I'm rosey from alaska..i know meowee from the dieting for diabetics thread..she suggested i join here with all of you..first im 58, married to the same man for 38 yrs..i have 2 daughters who are married to great guys and 4 beautiful grkids..we live in rural alaska south of anchorage on the kenai penninsula.. we have lived here for 31 yrs and luv it.. we built our own log home and share it with a golden retrievier and amixed breed jack russel terrier and one parakeet..i love to do all sorts of crafts,quilting,beaded jewelry,scrapbooking etc etc( doing crafts keeps me sane:dizzy:)my kids say my house has lots of "crafty fluffs"..im an avid reader from R.Ludlum,Wilbur Smith to Nora Roberts and anything inbetween..i also watch Young and the restless every day and like reality tv shows and old doris day movies and comedys..i have had a problem with my weight all my life.. when i became a diabetic a started to pay more attention to my diet..i currently follow ww with a lower carb counting.. as far as exercise.. well im allergic to it but like to dance to rock and roll music..i have lost 36# since april( and i had gained 12#'s back and have since lost that again)i hope to stay healthy and loose more..hopeing to get to know u all rosey :wave:

updated Jan 2014
the only things that have changed is the dogs and me lol
we now have 4 very spoiled fur babys,sadie a black lab,daisey a jackrussell cross,Tootsie a 2# chihauhau,and pepper a chihauhau pom cross. I have been on quite a journey,and with my familys,friends doctors and nurses and therapists I am now becoming more independent. im handicapped permanently paralyzed from the knees down.
1.
5 yrs ago I had back surg becus I woke up and was paralyzed from the waist down,and was medivacted to anchorage,after the surg I got the feeling back to my knees.
2. my wound opened up and I got mersa and the fight for my life began I was in the hosp 5 months,went thru rehab and came home in a wheel chair.
3. at home I was totally dependent on my dh,home health care nurses etc. I gained 70# on my already 300# body and became house bound. I hated being a burden.
4. I decided to have bariatric surg,and 6 months later after all the tests etc I had my dr blessing and had the surg in anchorage
5. I began to loose rapidly,on a high protein very restricted eating pattern. I was able to get out of the wheel chair and used a walker,and became more independent, I could now stay by myself with a lift chair,shower bench and other gizmos. I learned slowly what worked for me and got back much of what I used to do,just did them in a new way.
6. I lost 137# and kept it off for 2 yrs. I had a lot of excess skin and so I had atummy tuck which removed another 32#.
7. these where not easy decisions nor was the journey to now always easy,but I would do it again to get where I am now.
8. im not on any diabetic meds any more. 2 weeks after the surg I was off them and my a1c holds steady at 5.2
9.no one gets any where of purpose in life without help and I had an abundance of that. im thankfull for them and each day is a bright promise that I will be here tomorrow.. im so greatful and even tho im alittle bit broken I'm enough.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi, I'm a 55 year old retired teacher with one husband and two grown sons. One son is married to our adorable daughter-in-law and the other dating a very nice girl. I like to bake and cook, surf the web, sing at church, camp, simple knitting and sewing. I retired almost two years ago and had plans for travel but my aged mother moved in with us so now I'm her care giver.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm somewhat vertically challenged at 5' 2" (with shoes on) and weigh as of last Saturday 175 pounds. I would like to loose about 50 pounds by losing 1/2 -1 pound a week until its all gone. I'm not much of a diet follower as I prefer to eat healthy and watch my portion sizes. Obviously, I don't follow my own advice or I'd be much smaller. I started this on January 2 and have lost 10 pounds in three months which is within my per month loss range. When I retired almost two years ago I was jogging 5 kilometres a day and walking to and from work (about 3 more km) but after I retired and my mom came to live with us all that went down the tubes and I gained weight. I also ate many potato chips. I started exercising again the end of February by jogging for 30 minutes and now I'm at 36 minutes a day. I'm also starting on my stationary bike again. Did my first 5 minutes today. I'm going to slowly add more minutes each week until I'm doing at least 20 minutes a day along with the jogging. I enjoy the jogging even if I'm doing it indoors. (I'm afraid of the icy outdoors.)

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES: I'd like to attend my son's and daugher-in-law's university grad this October in an outfit several sizes smaller than the ones I'm wearing now. My niece also wants me to run in a 16 kilometre run this summer but I don't know if my body can take that right now. Maybe next summer. My greatest challenge is to keep the weight off after I loose it. I lose but don't maintain.

Hello everyone!

I joined this forum yesterday and failed to see this introduction thread, so I decided to post here as well.

I'm 58, married with two children, and live in the Atlanta metro area. Like many others, I've gained and lost weight over the years. Now I find myself at my highest weight ever, which has now resulted in hypertension and pre-diabetic numbers. So I need to get this weight off and keep it off!

I try to exercise daily but don't always succeed. Currently I am walking 45 minutes most days (doctor's orders) but hope to find some other forms of exercise that are a bit more exciting.

I look forward to meeting many wonderful people here!

Hello to All,
Wanted to introduce myself, I'm a 50yr old, Married, Mother of 3, I'm a recent empty nester, which is good and bad.

Plan-
I've been on WW, since May '08, recently stopped going to the weekly meetings and just trying to stay on course, by myself. Well, did lapse in staying on that plan for a while, but I'm back, I know this works for me, and when I saw this Halloween Challenge, thought I would give it a try. I do find that "seeing" my food choice, on paper, helps.

Exercise-
Funny-but I do really enjoy the "after feeling" that exercise gives me, I mostly do my Threadmill, and recently started a C25K program, which is a bit of a challenge, but I'm planning to stick with it. One thing I love to do is Yoga, I find some of those stretching moves after a long walk, just wonderful ;)

Work-
I work as a machine operator, been here for 9yrs, and I'm now working 2nd shift, previously was on 3rd. Nothing against 3rd, but that was a tough shift for me, could never sleep and my eating and exercise time was suffering. Only thing, I never see my hubby, he works 3rd shift and his days off are differant than mine. :dizzy:

Wedding Bells-
Both of my sons, are set to marry next year, Youngest Son in Feb, and Middle Son, in May. Thank Godness my daughter listened to her husband, and they were married last July. {she was originally going to marry July 2010}
No Grandchildren, but I'm hopefully optimistic, that it will happen soon. :o

Well I do hope to get to know everyone, and I do plan to visit often :D

Hi all! I'm poking around to figure out where I belong, and I think I might just belong here. :)

PERSONAL INFORMATION: My name is Linda and I still don't think of myself as being 50, but here I am at 56 wondering how I can be this old and still feel so young. My Mom says I'll feel the same at 70. :D I've survived one marriage, and its end, and two years ago married again, this time to the world's most wonderful man. From my first marriage, I have three sons, ages 33,30 and 27. I live in Philly and they live in Chicago, Wausau and Atlanta respectively, so I don't see them as often as I would like. I hope that grandchildren might yet grace my old age. Until then, I have Steve and my wacky standard poodle, Cate. She's neurotic, but sweet, and loves her daily walks.

I've had more than one career, including in academe and airport administration (the most fun job ever), but currently occupy myself writing novels and short stories. My reading tastes are so broad I can't even begin to narrow down what I like in books. Oh, and I cook. Love to cook, and I collect cookbooks, ethnic food a specialty. My must-watch TV shows include Lost, Big Bang Theory, Survivor, House, ****'s Kitchen and Drop Dead Diva. Two of my sons have bands, and my music collection ranges from classical to rock (classic and alternative) to Andean folkloric.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm still 5'7" (haven't shrunk yet), and currently weigh 222 pounds. My highest weight, at the beginning of the year, was 282, a number that so alarmed me--and my doctor--that I suddenly became serious about losing some of my heft. I hope to get down to my "fighting weight" of 150 pounds (plus or minus ten pounds). Is that even doable? I guess I'll find out. I'm giving myself as long as it takes, so long as I see some kind of downward trend. I don't have a deadline; I don't have any hard and fast goal except to weigh less each month than I did before. So far that's been happening, and I'm happy with the results. I go to the gym and swim (love to swim) and walk the dog, but don't have a structured exercise program. I sorta/kinda follow the Weight Watchers Flex Point system. My sister-in-law joined WW and I pick her brain for tips on how to go about it. I downloaded points charts. I calculate the points in my recipes and look for lighter versions. I strictly measure my portions.

Things that work for me: measuring portions, keeping things interesting by trying new foods/recipes, satisfying my sweet tooth with one-point "snicks" like WW cakes. Buying at least one "inspirational" outfit, often gym wear or a new swimsuit, or a great blouse, to give me something to look forward to wearing. Drinking lots of water and/or no calorie drinks. Splenda, because I like my tea sweet.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES: I've achieved a lot in life and held some pretty amazing jobs, yet right now I am as happy as I have EVER been. My weight may not be where I would most like it to be, but that's something I'm working on. And selling my fiction is always a challenge!

trying again, I typed a post and it wouldn't let me post it, so I am trying again. I would like to lose 50 lbs. I am married with three grown kids, two grand daughters and a grand baby on the way. I farm with my husband and our son and his wife, they all have full time off farm jobs, so I do a lot of field work and the animal chores. I was employed part time off farm, have been 'unemployed' for a year. I am looking for support, I have trouble staying motivated, I do post my weight and walking on the realage site.
So I am looking for support!
Pam

Hello, my name is Evelyn,I am 62, I am 5' 2" and weigh 150, just lost 5 lbs.. I am married to my second husband, my first husband died at a young age..I have 2 grown children, girl and boy and a grown stepdaughter..I love animals..I have 2 dogs one Terrier mis, rat and fox, and a little chubby Pug, she is all black, my daughter own her parents..she gave us one of the puppies.I also have 3 birds, 2 Cockatiels and one Parrotlet...I stayed small most of my life, but in the last 5 years I have steadly gained weight, 33 lbs, I am having a very hard time getting it off, I am not as active, and under lots of stress, we moved 2 years ago from South Jersey to FL, and my husband is very ill off and on, but I need to do something for me and loosing weight is what I need..I like to walk the dogs, which I just got back into doing, the past 3 months I didn't walk them, and they have gained weight, so we are getting back into shape together, me and the dogs.lol Hope to get some support her and hope no one mindes me joining in to also give support..

Good Morning from Northern Nevada
 

I'm new and I'm over 50 so this seems like a good place to post since I think those of us over 50 have distinct weight loss obstacles.

I have been married for 34 years to a guy I met in high school. So we have known each other for a very long time. We are originally from a south Chicago suburb (still miss the food, but I'd probably weigh 400 pounds if we still lived there). We moved to Nevada the same year we got married. We have two grown unmarried sons and no grandchildren yet. I love dogs but the last two we had died very young and I'm not prepared to risk my heart again (plus I have a new job that makes it difficult to adopt a puppy because I'm away from the house too long). I love to garden, but I live in a valley near Lake Tahoe so our growing season is extremely limited--great for a lazy gardener. We live near a river so there are all kinds of critters to watch along with some feral peacocks that seem to thrive here. I am a tv addict; love old movies, most romantic comedies (even Lifetime and Hallmark as cheesey as they are). My guilty pleasures are real crime and crime drama--Bones, NCIS, The Closer, Criminal Minds, also liked Without a Trace and Crossing Jordan. I also am a big Disneyland fan and I wish I lived closer.

I'm 5'7" and currently weigh 217 so I'm in the obese category. This is the highest I've ever weighed. I want to get to 150, but I don't have a time frame. 10 years ago I weighed 180 and got down to 147 using low carb and exercising a lot. I swore I never would get that big again. and here I am weighing even more after the big M. I am trying to do it by eating healthier; protein shakes for breakfast, lots of fruits, vegetables and good protein. I had a staph infection in my face from a root canal gone bad so it delayed my exercise program. Don't have time for a gym, but my goal is to exercise weight train including gardening for an hour every day. I love to walk and use my cheap rebounder. I also plan on using my healthrider when I can't walk. I also have a torso track, ab rocket, jackie chan resistance thingy, and a power trainer & free weights for my muscles. My bigger belly seems to be the biggest obstacle to fitting into my size 12s.

My hopes are that I can forgive the people that treated me shabbily at my last job--I need to start healing. My new manager at least has given me a renewed feeling of self-worth by fighting to keep me despite the dismal job situation our state faces. I want to lose weight the right way. I want to fit into some of my shorts before my next vacation in June. And I want to look good in a nice dress for my wonderful nephew's wedding in August. I also like the feeling when I get up in the morning when I am taking proper care of myself.

Thanks everyone!

Doris

I'm 53 and trying to lose all this weight I gained up!
 

Hello.

I'm Deb and I'm a 53-year-old widowed mom of 3. I just turned 53 this past April 13, 2010. NOPE! It was NOT Friday the 13th when I was born either although I wish it had been. SIGH! My mother says it was, I think, on a Saturday when I was born. My two oldest are grown and living their own lives and my youngest is 13 and, of course, still with me. I was widowed on January 29, 2003 and I have remained single ever since. While I have always struggled with my weight, I think my husband's death just triggered some stupid self-destruct thing within my head and I just gave up. I did not care anymore about anything and I just started eating, I think, to block the pain of my husband's death. Who knows? Anyway, the way I see it, is that I did this to myself so I need to do something to lose all this weight I gained up as a result. Anyway, that's why I'm here and I have also found out, much to my chagrin, that being over 50, this blasted weight is NOT coming off as easily as when I was in my 20's and 30's! Oh well! Let the journey begin....

Deb:carrot:

Hi, let me introduce myself? I was 68 last Saturday, widowed 20 years, have a son, daughter-in-law, and 2 year old grandbaby, who live in Berlin, and a 99 year old father, who lives on the east coast of the states. I'm on an island in the Pacific, where I was working when I retired. I also have two wonderful pets -- Andy the Cat who'll be 18 on Bastille Day and a 5 month old male Papillon.

I've had 3 major weight gains in my life: when I stopped nursing and thought I could still eat 1,000 extra calories a day; when I developed hypothyroidism (which wasn't diagnosed until I gained 30 pounds); and since I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and have not been able (or, more likely, not willing) to exercise at the levels I used to. Enough ! I said on my birthday. Enough relying on being small boned to hide weight, and so on, and so on.

So here's my goal -- to lose 40+ pounds, exercise at least enough to give the puppy a good work out, and go to Germany for a while to watch the baby grow. In other words, re-write my life which has gotten to be a rather boring read in the past few years. I'll gratefully take all the help I can get. Over the past few days I've read almost the entire I P blog and have loved it -- so informative and encouraging, and not a whiner in the bunch -- that has to be a first, she said, sardonically.

I lurk on 3FC a lot but rarely post. I am having such difficulty staying focused I thought I'd introduce myself and maybe get some advice.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: My name is Jan and I live in SE Michigan. I am 58 but in my head I am 30 lol I was married for 24 yrs, divorced 11 yrs and have one daughter who is 32. I met a wonderful man a year after my divorce and we're very happily living apart lol We have no desire to marry or move in although it seems like we live together sometimes! He retired at 49 and I will be retiring next June - kinda sorta a forced retirement. I was leaving at 60 so 6 months early is ok with me. Between the two of us we have 4 dogs. We love doing home improvements, gardening, flea markets and estate sales. In my retirement I hope to volunteer at the animal shelter, library and the literacy program.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I weigh 183 and last year at this time I was 176. I joined WW several times with slow success so I quit and went slowly back to my old "one bite won"t hurt me" mentality or as the WW leader calls it "the at home program that rarely works". While divorcing I got down to 157 simply because I didn't want to be at home. I was a mad woman and walked it off and also had help with Meridien. Many years later I tried it again with no success. I eat "good" during the day but when I get home it's a free for all. That scares me because in a year the fridge will be in the next room! I exercise daily mostly walking. I took two aerobics classes last winter and liked them so while I didn't lose any pounds my heart has to be healthy! I have taken water aerobics, like WATP DVD's and have a Wii.

I hope to make a connection with someone who may be struggling with similar issues.

Hi, new here. It's nice to read about all you lovely over 50 ladies. I am 53, currently weigh 230 (I keep writing it down to get it through my head it's real). A year ago I was at 210, recently put on weight but have been in denial! Then disgusted! Now determined! Counting calories right now, adding a little exercise to each day. Found this site doing calorie count searches. Trying to stay positive and not beat myself up while facing up to the facts.
B

Hi ! I am new here and for now just call me Jiggles ! It seems to fit so well as I am a 55 yr old Grandmother of 5 ! I have been married for 38 years to my husband and we have 3 grown kids and 3 yorkie furbabies . I have spent so many years taking care of one or the other that I somehow forgot how to take care of myself until I blossomed to 268 lbs in January 2010 . That was a huge wakeup call to me and I slowly started putting my life back in order and managed to lose 16 lbs by June . However with our camping season upon us and MANY holidays away I started creepying the weight back on to where I am sitting right now at 256.5 lbs on my 5' 3.5" frame ! My body just hurts and I lack the motivation to exercise but I know I must !!! Dh is not a great motivator as he works long hours and doesn't want to move off his chair in the eening .... especially if sports are on ! I spend many evenings just surfing the 'net or at my craft table . I am usually at my craft table while Young and the Restless is on during the afternoon but really do not watch a lot of TV ! I usually have my IPOD cranked up though ! I know I need to remove at least 100 lbs and become a healthier person but also want to be realistic about it and do it slowly ! I am no stranger to healthy eating just seem to get sidetracked by everyday life and challenges .

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi, my name is Cathy, and I'm 53 years old. I'm married...well if you can call it, my new hubby left 6 months after we were married on Valentine's Day 2002 to be an OTR trucker and has never been back! So been married for 8 years and after the previous 2 marriages I can safely say that this one is the best one! LOL
I have 3 children by hubby #2, a 26 yr old son with Down Syndrome, a 25 yr old daughter, who has given me a wonderful grandson who is 7 now and stays with me 24/5 and goes home on weekends, school vacations and for the summer, and a 20 yr old son with Asperger's. We have 2- 9 yr old cats, Katie and Freckles. I don't work, I have enough to do without adding that stress to my life.
I spend my a lot of my time on photography, quilting and reading. I sell a lot of my quilts, I mainly do pictorial wall hangings and have done several commissioned ones, as well as my photos. I taught my method at a fabric store for a year before I moved too far away and my car got totaled while parked. I read basically anything I can get my hands on :). I watch a few shows, Law and Order SVU, Parenthood, Bones, NCIS, House, Biggest Loser and Project Runway when they're on and 1 soap opera, Days of Our Lives.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 5'4 (I've shrunk an inch!) and weigh 258 right now, have lost 5 lbs since Nov. 1 when I started this diet, was 10 lbs but for some reason after I started working out 5 came back :( . My goal is to get down to 140 lbs by spring...hahahaha...seriously though hoping to do that by next winter. Right now I am counting calories, have laid off my nightly snack of a pot of popcorn and 1/2 a liter of coke, and am eating 3 meals a day and a couple of snacks,:carrot: usually fruit, instead of 1 big one at night followed by several hours of binging while being a couch potato. I was on the Atkins diet when I was younger and did really well, but couldn't live on it so all the weight came back. 8 years ago I lost 144 lbs by eating right, walking 4 miles a day and doing the Sweating to the Oldies videos and swore I would never gain it back....but did. This time I am using the Biggest Loser 6 week workout DVD, alternating a day of low impact cardio with a day of sculpting and walking (no car so I walk everywhere!) and bike riding. Had to tone the workouts back since my younger days, the knees just aren't what they used to be.
What got me started this time was my grandson. I gave him my old camera to my grandson so he could take pictures also when I drag him along on my photo shooting outings and his favorite subject is ME. What an eye opener after years of not letting anyone take my pictures :o He is upset with me since he says I am perfect the way I am!

My Goals: Are to lose the weight obviously, or I wouldn't be here ;). I need to be around for a long time for my family. I would really love to be able to buy clothes that I like that fit me (right now I am an xl chest and a 3-4x hip so shirts are so hard to buy), be able to tie my shoes with them ON my feet, and even do something as simple as cut my toenails without a major hassle, and of course do more stuff with my very active grandson! Next summer I want to take a photography course and then start my own business doing portraits of special needs children and adults. My self confidence at this point is close to zero, and I know from previous big weight losses that it gets much better when I am happy with the way I look.

So I guess that's all to tell about me, looking forward to meeting everyone here!

Cathy

ps. I just noticed there seems to be several *groups* in this 50+ section...I apologize if I have posted to a group you have to join first...

Person Info - My name is Maureen and I'm 51 years old and married to the best man on earth ( 3rd time lucky) I have always battled my weight, but started losing the battle with the onset of menopause ( otherwise the big M is something that I wish had happened 30 years ago) and the beginnings of Insulin Resistance. Then I quit smoking and drinking diet coke in 2009 and the weight has been piling on ever since:( I didn't realize how bad it was until I saw a photo that my Niece took at Christmas - I was horrified - it is amazing how denial keeps me from really seeing what is the mirror.
Work and Hobbies - I am a First Aid Instructor and used to be a Registered Animal Health Tech ( Vet nurse) I'm also the part time Admin Assistant at the training centre where I teach. We have 3 English Toy Spaniels - one from the ETSRescue, 1 ancient 17 year old cat and...20 birds - we became a bit of rescue a few years ago. I like to garden, read, craft - I loathe cooking.

Tea Granny is name that my american relatives started calling me because I drink Tea not coffee - they just can't get over it:) I don't get how anything that smells that good can tast so bad.

I also have a Sister - who I do love dearly-that is a perfect size 0 - the last time I went shopping with her she put on a size 25 Levi button fly jeans and turned around and asked if they made her butt look big - I should have said yes - I have been putting up with sly comments like that for far too long.
Oh well onward and upward ladies!! :)

Hi everyone!:wave:

My name is Mary. I'm 53 and live in the great state of Arkansas. I'm originally from Mississippi, born in Jackson and lived there and around there for the first 30 years of my life before moving to Arkansas.

I'm divorced from my husband (his choice) after 25 years of marriage. I never saw it coming. It was very hard on me but I'm a lot better now. I live on my own for the first time ever in my life and I'm liking it. I have two grown sons, 25/23, and one moved out before the divorce and one after so a lot happened in a short period of time. My youngest son is getting married this October and I would really like to lose as much as possible by then.

I have one cat, female, that I've had for six years and I love her so much. Her name is Mama Kitty. My neighbor in the apartment across from me doesn't like that name at all and wants me to change it to Mocha. She's half-Siamese and has beautiful coloring. But I will not change her name.:D

I don't work. My ex and I had made the decision when we married that I would be a stay at home mom which I loved being and we both preferred me being home. But now that he's gone, and my job skills are very outdated and my health is not too great...I find it hard to get a job. I'm planning on going to technical college this coming fall semester to learn computer skills and update other skills because I need a job desperately. I only get a small alimony check every month and it doesn't go far enough at all.

I'm doing the South Beach diet and I find it really, really easy. I started dieting again this January 14 and have lost 22 pounds. I've a long way to go. But I aim to get there. There are two big issues I have and I really have to work hard on them. One is portion size and the other is nighttime eating. I haven't gotten ahold of them yet and they are trying to keep me knocked down. But I'm optimistic with this plan and that is not something I'm use to.

Hi there, I'm 66 years old and am retired. I have five cats and two chickens. I live in the country and am just a short walk to a lovely sandy beach. I do a lot of gardening having many perennial flower gardens. I also enjoy taking pictures of the wildlife around me.

I've put on a lot of weight this past few years and because I quit smoking two years ago I've put on an additional ten pounds. I'm 5' 5" and 163 lbs. I want to lose 40 pounds. I'm impressed by all the weight lost by members of this forum and hoping that I can do the same.

Hi All! I have been reading this thread and I enjoy it so much that I am finally joining officially! My name is Rie and I am from Montana. I am an administrator in a public service, high stress job that I love. I am 51 years old. (how did that happen)?

I have a history of Lupus although I have been in remission for a long time. Last summer I started developing skin rashes and was losing my hair. While the hair loss cause was being explored, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The Dr. was cold and harsh with me as she explained that my 254 pound 5'3" body was the cause. I actually got lucky and found a very nice and kind endocrinologist. I started my health journey on September 1, 2011.

I try to work out every day. I love to do low impact aerobics and the wii in my own home. I have always been a solitary excerciser. I try to follow a moderately low carb, healthy fat vegetable emphasis with lean proteins diet. I only weigh in about every 1 to 2 months. It works for me. I currently am down to 198 pounds - my lowest weight in 18 years.

I love to fish and I own a drift boat for flyfishing rivers and a scruffy little motor boat for lake fishing. I am a competetive pool player and I travel for pool tournaments and play league pool.

I am happily divorced and I have two sons and two adorable grandsons. My oldest son left his wife when he discovered that she was abusing his son and so he has full custody of his 4yr old son. They live with me right now as my son has spent the last year focusing on getting his son healthy. He earns his rent by managing our house, including cleaning, shopping, errands and cooking. He also works a part time job and has a budding photography business. He loves to cook and has been a godsend by planning my food in accordance with my preferences. I always know that there is salad or whatever I need in the fridge and that he will cook a low carb supper for me. I am lucky.

My diabetes is completely under control and I have an A1C that is normal (5.2) My other blood work is pretty healthy too.

I am so grateful to have found this support site and I enjoy being on this site. I have told very few people about my health and I am a pretty private person so I need the support of my sisters on this site. Thank you for being here Golden Girls!

I've "stumbled" across this site a few times. Love the name! Anyway, somehow I found this forum, today. Kind of interesting, in regards to the timing.
My name is Robin, I'm 50. I"m single and live in southern PA. My family is about 4 hours due north and it's a wonderful area i live in. I've lived in Denver, CO, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Been here since 2004. Last year, in May I was 235 lbs. I started going to the gym, working out and watching what I ate. Hit 194 in November and have sat there ever since. So, fast forward to this year, started training for a duathlon (run/bike/run insanity) with a new trainer. I was "whinning" to her about not losing weight, yesterday and she "challenged" me to lose 8 lbs by May 20th (5 weeks). So, today I started watching my food, all over again. I'm not one to back down from a challenge (a fact my trainer knows full well!), so I'm going to do this. I'm a bit worried about the "feeling hungry" part but will work on muddling through.
my long term goal (ok, it's a little insane but I want to try) is to do an Ironman Triathlon. not THE Ironman, but an Ironman. We all need dreams, right?

Hello All!
 

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Hi, my name is Nona. My username comes from a story by Tanith Lee that was published years ago in Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine. It means “the love that does not die”. I liked the story and the idea, and it has my real name in it. I am going to be 58 on May 20th. I have been a widow since 1995. I have dated since then but have not found a Traveling Companion yet. Still hopeful.

I have two grow sons, 30 and 26. They are my heart. My oldest has a wonderful lady that he has been with since he was 16 and I love her dearly. They have a rock band together and he also is a free lance photographer. My youngest lives with me. He is studying criminal justice. We are in Philadelphia.

I have 3 kitties, two are short haired torticos and the other one is a calico main coon mix. My son also has a sweet doggie of indeterminate heritage, although we believe there may be some dobie and greyhound in there. Her name is Jonah and she is a totally run over by the cats.

I have been talking Middle Eastern Dance (aka belly dance) classes since 9 months after my husband died. It helped me reconnect with life and also helped me to rehabilitate after years of undiagnosed and untreated hypothyroid had devastated my health. I did a lot of two steps forward, one step back during those years, and the dance kept me centered and focused during those times. I started performing in 2004 with various student groups and the Washington DC Branch of Public Urban Ritual Experiment, and now I co-facilitate the brand new and growing Philadelphia Branch.

I also enjoy different types of needlework, and planning, coordinating and doing projects around my house. I am renovating it after leaving it in the hands of 20-something male children for a number of years. Yikes! I have a lot of work to get done! But they are helping me!.

I have been a registered nurse since 1974. I have had a varied and rich career in many roles and settings within the behavioral health field. I also am a certified personal coach since 2007. I like to coach people with differences, usually on the ADHD spectrum. I’m also certified with the Edge Foundation to coach teens and college age ADHD students.

I enjoy Science Fiction and Fantasy. I enjoy So You Think You Can Dance when I get a chance to watch it. Do not watch Dancing With The Stars. Like wedding shows, Deadliest Catch, Dirtiest Jobs, some cooking shows. Favorite movie is Princess Bride, Pride and Prejudice comes in close second. .

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN:

I am 5 feet 1 inch. I currently weigh 165. My highest weight was 196 right before I was diagnosed hypothyroid. I had been sick for 5 years by then. I was always a very thin child and also up until 40 was not overweight. I believed I was, but so much for the American mindset and obsession with thin. I digress. I lost 30 lbs fairly easily and quickly with treatment and Atkins. Then it slowed down at 165. I have yo-yoed back and forth from aprox 175 and 155 for over a decade now. Last year I was at 153, the doctor lowered my thyroid medications; I got very sick and was up to 180 in 4 weeks. That was last year around my birthday. So I have been inching down since then and am back at 165. I would like to be at 140, which was the last weight I was at healthy and fit before everything fell apart. I cannot follow the darn charts for my height and weight. I did that on WW in my 30’s, got to 125, the upper range, and you could count my ribs, I looked sick and I could not maintain it. I must just have heavy bones. Anyway, when I get there I can always reevaluate. I do not have a time frame, just going to follow a low carb diet. Right now I am restricting carbs pretty strictly but I will probably settle n to about 100gms a day. I do my belly dance for fitness, however I also have done T-Tapp and think it’s an excellent program.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES:
I want to go to Australia and swim with the cuttlefish. Perhaps to celebrate turning 60 in two years!

:D Hello All! I'm finally getting around to doing a "bio". My name is Sherry, I'm 72, happily divorced & live in British Columbia, Canada. I'm also a happily retired Federal Correctional Officer & have been retired for 12 years now. I'm the proud mother/grandma of 2 daughters, 5 grand children & 6 great grand children (some of which are "steps"- still my family tho') I have a 8 1/2 year old ShihTzu, Baxter, whom I used to run in dog agility but he can't do it now; he has bad knees & I don't want to agravate them. I volunteer at evaluating dogs for St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program, drive people that don't drive to various things, ie dr. app't, shopping. etc. I belong to a chapter of the Crown Jewels of Canada Society, Beta Sigma Phi, & a walking program through Interior Health. I also dog sit at my home which gives me a bit of spending $$. I've been battling my weight all my life & like so many others have endured rude, nasty, & hurtful comments & inuendos starting with my parents, ex-husband, so called friends, etc. :( :( I've been on just about every diet known & have gained it all back + more. For some reason (finally! :lol:) I have a different attitude about "dieting". I just want to be healthy as I can be. I plan on dancing at my great grandkids weddings! And living to be 105! I'm following the WW Points + program & really like it. And I really like the 3FC website.....so helpful & motivating. There, that's it! :lol: BFN :wave:

The Journey Begins
 

Greetings! 52 years young and starting the lifestyle changes necessary with a recent diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. I will be a 5 year survivor of endometrial cancer December 26, 2011. Learned I was spilling sugar in my urine, with a blood glucose of 257 on June 1, 2011. Since then, have not consumed bread, rice, potatoes, english muffins, cake, ice cream, or pizza. Quit cold turkey--on second thought--I eat a lot of cold turkey these days. Cravings are for dark chocolate and sugar cookies. :moo:

A small business owner, working at home, sitting in front of the computer most days. Found this site a couple of days ago, and I appreciate the support y'all give to each other. Support at home is mediocre, although the cat and dog enjoy sitting by the pool watching my new water aerobics routine. I'm in for the long haul, with a big goal to lose 94lbs. Currently 224lbs. :yikes:

My favorite hobby is gardening. Our primary growing season is during the winter months in Florida.

Hello Everyone,
I was active here for a year or so a few years ago and my weight went down, up, down, up...
You know the cycle, right? Well, about a year-and-a-half ago I was DX'd with type II diabetes, early on stage because I had worked in the health field and knew the symptoms so I got myself tested. My AIC started out at 7.8 and now wavers between 5.6 and 6.4 depending mostly upon stress and its effects on my food consumption/will to eat well.

I am married with two grown boys. I live in California in the Coastal Mountains. My passions are gardening, reading, travel and cooking.

I was a pastry chef for years and can attribute much of my weight gain to an addiction to sweets and a craving for carbs; when I was young I thought being a pastry chef was so amazing and fascinating...I loved baking up all those fabulous desserts to wow all my friends, now, however, I realize that for me that part of my diet is toxic.

I know that diabetes is progressive and I want to halt its progression in its tracks, and the best thing I can do is lose some weight and Keep it off!

My immediate goal is to lose 20 pounds. The seventy pounds I need to lose is just too huge to think about. I lost 30 pounds a couple of years ago, but have gained back 15 recently. I want to fit into that last past stage of clothing by the end of the summer!
Currently, I weigh 204 and hope to weigh 185 by the end of August...

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum I am on 17 day diet for last 1 month. Do exercise 1hour/day for 5 days of a week.
In second cycle my weight is fluctuating. Any body on this diet plan?

Age 50+ Bios
 

I am 69 years old and live on the central gulf coast of Florida in the beautiful town of Venice. I have 2 grown children and one adorable grandson. I live with 2 precocious cats. My hobbies are photography and ballroom dance.

I woke up one morning and realized that I simply did not want to be fat any more so I started on the IP program. I am very happy with it - down another 3 pounds at my last weigh-in. Looking forward to the next one. Have not told anyone in my family of my project - can't wait to see the expressions on their faces!

Hi from San Diego :-)
 

Hi everyone!

My name is Darcy and I reside in San Diego, CA, with my husband and 3 sons. As much as I've tried to denied that another decade has snuck up on me, it truly has and I need to take ownership of that -- and after cruising through the Golden Girls thread, turning 50 seems to put me in the company of a great group of women I'd love to join, so I'm posting my bio now and then will dive in to the other thread. Sorry for the length, but thought I'd throw my story out there in detail up front. :-)

In my past life, I majored in horticulture but was never able to be employed in that capacity. Instead, I went through a 2-year internship/training program as a budget analyst for the Dept. of Defense and worked as a budget analyst afterwards for several years, where I met my husband. When our first baby was born and childcare fell apart, I quit my job to stay home with him. It didn't take long to realize that wasn't going to work the way we thought it would financially, so I was in need of a new career I could do from home, so after a training course I became a medical transcriptionist because I always loved all things medical. What started out as a part-time job quickly morphed to a full-time job with crazy hours and long nights, not at all condusive to good health. Adding on a 2nd job didn't help with that, but allowed me the chance to move into management and expand my horizons a bit, but my hours sitting in front of a computer continued to grow, and exercise and eating right took an "easy" back seat. From that point on, it seemed to be a matter of "if I exercise for an hour, that just means I'll be up an extra hour tonight working to make up for it", and with my short hours in bed every night, it was a no-brainer to talk myself out of exercising. Add in 2 more kids and.....well, you know the result!

Back in 2005, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but at the same time I was waiting for a diagnosis, my doctor was worried about my blood pressure and blood sugar and was so focused on those that he dismissed the RA symptoms (told me just to take a couple ibuprofen a day until I saw the rheumatologist for confirmation of the diagnosis -- like that type of pain would be fixed with ibuprofen? I think not! Not to mention the pain and stress of the condition definitely raised both blood pressure and blood sugar). He threatened that if I didn't lose weight and get my blood pressure and blood sugar under control, I'd be on 5 different medicines for the rest of my life. I didn't like his attitude at all, but I started dieting and after the prednisone started helping with the pain and stiffness, I also started walking -- I lost 19 lbs in 6 weeks, 10 of that while on prednisone. I was so excited about my next appointment and showing him what I accomplished, but when I got there he walked in, looked at the sheet on the chart with the current weight and said "If you think you can control this with diet and exercise alone, you need to lose at least 10 pounds." I was so hurt. I said "Did you not notice the 19 lbs I already lost?" To which he replied "well, obviously you're working at it." The tone was so condenscending and I was crushed. It took all I had to keep it together through that appointment, but I broke down in tears back in the car, bought a very off-limit treat on the way home, and began a downward spiral food-wise that undid all that hard work and I gained the weight back. Needless to say, I never returned to him -- and never took the time to find a replacement doctor either. I obviously had done all the work for him rather than me, and that was a huge mistake.

Two years ago, I got sick with a fever and then a cough that wouldn't go away. My OB/GYN and rheumatologist both had appointments with me during the weeks I had that and both thought it sounded viral, so I didn't bother getting it checked. But after 3 weeks, it was still there, so my husband finally called and got me an appt. with another physician because I hadn't done so. I was diagnosed with pneumonia but also found a great doctor I felt I could really work with, who actually took his time with his patients. I was sick, but oh-so happy too! I never scheduled a physical, but saw him for a couple of acute visits, still kind of in denial of any lurking problems there might be.

In May of this year, I saw my rheumatologist, who noted my blood pressure was high. I got home and had a call waiting from my primary doctor's office asking me to schedule a visit to discuss it. It was high that day too, and I could no longer deny there was an issue, since these 2 visits were both when I was feeling good! I bought a blood pressure meter and tested many times a day for 2 weeks and took in the readings -- not really high, but with the history of high readings and mine in the 120s/130s, he opted to start me on lisinopril. Didn't take long after turning 50 in Feb to start falling apart. LOL He ran a bunch of labs and while glucose was borderline, everything else was normal and surprised me (and allowed me to stay in denial). I had a follow-up in July, with the same labs run again, and glucose had increased, as had A1c and cholesterol -- and my weight was up by 4 lbs, despite no real change in a not great diet and no exercise happening over those 2 months. Blood pressure was great, but suddenly that wasn't the real concern. I told him I knew what I needed to do but hadn't managed to find the time to do it. He said "I'm giving you 2 months to get your butt in gear and start walking and watching your diet, and then we'll repeat labs and go from there." If it's not better, I'll be on the meds for blood sugar, cholesterol, aspirin, etc. Having a doctor who is willing to work with me, supports me, encourages without threatening --- wow, makes a huge difference in how I accept it. I'm truly willing to work with him and make this happen this time!

So, I'm not on any specific program or diet yet, as I'm not sure which way I want to go, but I'm watching portions and have cut out all snack foods, cookies, etc. I'm finding it much easier to reach for veggies, cashews, fruit, etc. for snacks rather than the easy carbs I would have grabbed before (at least in these early days). I'm not able to walk consistently every day yet due to work demands, but I have worked in some walks since my last appointment, and have even gotten my kids out with me for some. I've only lost 3 pounds, but it's a start and the eating habits have to be helping, even if just mentally right now, to set me up to keep going later on. I think the support and accountability from 3FC and the Golden Girls will help me stay on track, and I'm really looking forward to becoming part of the group!

Darcy

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Hi. I am 59, 60 in November and my original plan was a balloon flight but, given that it will be nasty and cold, am opting for a helicopter ride down the Rhein. My partner and I have been together for thirteen years (three failed marriages prior) and are devoted. We met online playing a text MUD, she a necromancer and I an animist, so she `killed' me a lot. A couple of real life meets later and now here we are! No kids.

I read a lot, any genre as long as the writing is excellent but a particular fondness for Orson Scott Card and Neal Stephenson at the moment. Huge fan of John Irving and John Le Carre. I lean towards classical music and it depends on the mood I am in whether I want Beethoven or Prokofiev, or even choral.

I am an inveterate fantasy gamer, starting from Dungeons and Dragons and leapt right into computer multiuser games with indecent haste and enthusiasm starting with MUD1 before there was an internet, and racing up through all other games from text muds up to the likes of Everquest, World of Warcraft and now Rift.

I do not watch much telly. I really like How Do They Do It, and How It Works type programmes and some nature series ... and then, on the other scale I get totally immersed in Strictly Come Dancing, The X Factor and would not miss Dr Who and Torchwood for the world. We tend to watch a lot of DvDs and I enjoy anything other than vampires and mafia normally. If we watch series we get them on DvD rather than follow them on the telly so at the moment we are fans of Dexter, Sons of Anarchy etcetc

We live in Germany, have been here for over four years now, having left Britain after far too many traumas there. I am originally from what was Southern Rhodesia (when I was born) and now is Zimbabwe and I have lived in various countries ... Portuguese East Africa, South Africa, Eire, Eqypt, UK (Wales for several years). I feel very comfortable and at home in Germany, for the first time since I left home (Rhodesia). I do not see myself moving again and I do see myself being a citizen.


DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I am 5`2" and weight 229.80lbs (as of today). I hope to lose another 90lbs, I would love more but I am being realistic ... I shall not be 8 stone again I think!

At the moment I do two exercise sessions in the day, 40 minutes on the dancemat plus upper body exercises, and later I do 40 minutes on the treadmill. I am adding both time and speed and extra upper body exercises each week, nothing too manic ... just notching up the treadmill speed in increments of .1 per week so only doing 3.2 kph right now, plus the dancemat is in simple, beginner tunes, I will go another few weeks before I go intermediate. And upper body, just added the pound wrist weights last week and upped the number of rolls, swings and things.

I do have a Wii and the fitness programs. I shall do another session in the evenings when the cold weather sets in again using the Wii. My balance really sucks right now with this tummy of mine so things like the cycling session really kill my back. That will come right as my muscles improve and my tummy weight drops.

Foodwise, I am on low fat anyway due to gallstones - so was used to no cheese, eggs, milk or marbled meats etc. I was never a sweet person - not into the chocolate but I do love savories. I miss fries still! I was vegetarian (macrobiotic) for a time and that really kept me trim but I find it hard to maintain now and meat crept back in the diet. I use a lot of chicken and turkey breast, and salmon, fresh vegetables, salads and fruit. The only thing that works for me is low cals and exercise. I don't count calories, I don't want to be that immersed in case I lose it.

I am more concerned with fitness and health rather than how I look, though I would not mind being a gorgeous old woman I cannot see that quite happening so will settle for sprightly and twinkly with wrinkly.

SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES: I mentioned that I have lived in Germany for more than four years now .... and I do not speak German. So this is my aspiration. I am agoraphobic so I don't speak to anyone other than my partner and I never go out unless with her. She speaks fluent German so I never really have to open my mouth. So, yes, I want to read and write German excellently.

I am not going to reach beyond agoraphobia right now. I have a wonderful, happy life which I spend with the best person I have ever known. Sometime in the future I may venture forth alone but right now the only pressure I see in it is if I need to be in hospital or some other place she cannot or would not want to be. We have had all `those conversations' relating to the agoraphobia and I know and trust that if she were feeling pressured or badly about it she would tell me and I would break heaven on make something change. Right now we are just happy and we go wonderful places around here.

I also want, next year, to be able to go cycling with her. She goes out alone now and brings me back photographs, or she tries to show me where she cycles when we drive around. We are so near the Black Forest and some amazing cycleways. I want to have the weight dropped and be fit enough to go with her come next summer.

And I have an electronic keyboard which I am practising daily at. My mum was an amazing pianist, she was concert pianist standard. As a child I was `promising' and won an eistedford against juniors twice my age (I played Beethoven at six years old!) For some reason I lost my way on this one. I would just like to knock out a couple of tunes for now... the grand piano can come in time.

And I want to write again. I had three novels published some years ago and I loved it. Tragedies intervened and I put down the pen and have not picked it up. Lately, though, my imagination and muse are revisiting and I am tentative. Who knows. I have drafted some ideas for a synopsis and fleshed out a few characters ...

I did the uni thing ... psychology and philosophy. For a while, weirdly enough, I also lectured ... in marine law. I had a career, made a lot of money, lost it, lived wildly...

Right now I feel the best emotionally, the least best physically. I am aiming to get the latter up to the level of the former and then I reckon I have it whipped!

Hello from a LAWL DIYer!
 

Hello All,

I'm turning 55 in November which motivated me to get on the ol' weigh loss train again. The weigh has come and gone over the years (mostly come.) Three years ago I got down to 170ish and kept it off for a year before sliding back to those old habits. . . boo

So I'm married and we have a 17yo son who JUST got his drivers license. :eek: I teach art to kids and own a KidzArt franchise. I dabble doing my own art. We live in the Raleigh, NC area.

I am following the LA Weight Loss program. I did the program twice in the past with success so I have all the program materials. LAWL is sensible plan of healthy eating, similar to WW. You eat X number of food servings per day. The plan incorporates snack bars which is great for me cause I have a huge sweet tooth. Today I'm on the second day of the "TakeOff" two day pan where I drink a nutritious juice and eat just raw green veggies and lean proteins. This helps jump-start the weight loss and is supposed to reset your metabolism

I'm 5"8 and two days ago weighed 240 - I'm down a lb or two - yea! My goal is to get to 180 or 170. 180 sounds huge, but at that weigh, I fit into a size 10 and look attractively curvy.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

Just wanted to say hi. I just joined the forum and I am looking for some support and some friends on the same adventure!

I am 55 yrs old, married (just had our 19 anniversary yesterday). We have three grown kids; all living their own lives. We live in the country in central WI, and just love it. It is probably the best thing in our lives, other than having each other. We have two dogs, which are spoiled rotten.
I love to quilt and do machine embroider. I do work full time, in health benefits, so sometimes that can be a bit stressful. So quilting helps with that. I also love to read. Menopause has moved in with me, and I am handling it ok, but this belly weight is killing me, where does it come from?

I started on South Beach two weeks ago, and made it through P1, now starting P2. Don’t really understand how it works to add back fruit and different carbs. I feel a lot better now, I don’t find myself coming home from work having a cup of coffee, a donut and eating salty snacks. Almost wondering if there is some other meal plans that would work or should I just stay with SB.

Currentyl I weigh 190 and would like to get down to 155. I don’t do much in the way of exercise, and my job and hobbies both involve sitting, so I know that is not good.

I would like to find someone to buddy with during this, to keep me going and also to help him or her. Just someone to chat with about this and other things. My DH supports me in this adventure, but it would be nice to have a support person/group that lives it.

Hope to hear from you guys. Oh, and I never thought of myself as a Golden Girl, but I guess I am. Where does time go?

Chickadeee

May I join you?

I posted in the general introduction section, but I'm happy to re-introduce myself here.

PERSONAL INFORMATION: I'll be 50 on November 30th, my husband of almost 30 years turned 50 this past summer. He's a very fit tennis player, and, well, I'm not fit. :o We have two sons, ages 26 and 19, still living at home. 26 y.o. is getting married next summer to a young lady I love very much. 19 y.o. is in college. We have a 3 year old dog who's been with us since he was 8 weeks old and he's my joy. I haven't worked outside my home since my children were younger, so I guess that makes me a happy housewife.:) For fun I like cooking exotic recipes, making scrap books, taking my dog to the park every day, listening to all kinds of music and watching scary movies. As you can see I'm not very physically active, but not because I can't, just because I guess I'm lazy. But I'd love to get out of that mode and be an active 50 year old.

DIET / EXERCISE REGIMEN: I'm 213 lbs at 5'4". I never had a weight problem until my 19 year old was born. I became a big eater of all thing bad. I did get sick of it once and easily lost 30 lbs in 4 months by low-carbing and walking, but unfortunately 9/11 and the terrible scare we had here in NYC got to me and I ate myself back up to 200-plus lbs.
I'm ready to change my life now, especially since the big 50 is here. I want to be fit and healthy and sexy as I age. I'm low-carbing again, as breads and sugars make me CRAVE more like there's no tomorrow. I bought myself a pair of walking/jogging shoes yesterday to exercise with my dog every day, as he's a bit overweight, too.


SPECIAL HOPES / ASPIRATIONS / ACHIEVMENTS / CHALLENGES:My special hope is that I can be fit and trim in time for my son's wedding in 8 months, and that I'll stay that way for the rest of my life. Inside, I'm SO different than how I look outside. I yearn to be how I was back in my 20s and 30s when I was physically active with yoga, jogging and just generally more health-conscious. That's the real me. I can cry thinking how ashamed I am of my fat stomach. I want to be free from it.

I promise to be an active participant here, helping as well as being helped. And I look forward to getting to know you all better.

Thanks for reading. :)