[lauanamaria]

hi everyone, my name is la-uana. i'm single, no kids, just returned back to school to pursue a paralegal and law degree something i hava always wanted to do but fear of small desk kept me from it. i had the same fear when i started this year because @ 462 pounds, this is second to the largest i have ever been( i had got up to 495 pounds), but by the grace of god the seats in class has no arms so i get the hip freedom. i'm currently in a 4 yr. relationship, that's a whole other issue in itself. he's a nice guy but sometimes i really wish i was living alone. i have been through so much dumb stuff with him and his lack of responsibility, which brings on stress, which brings on eatting, which leads to not wanting to do anything except feel sorry for myself, which puts me where i am now...exstremly unhappy with myself, my appearance, my body. you name it and i am just not feeling it. i want so much to not feel the weight of myself, my relations, work...oh! let me let you in on work. i work a very physically demanding job, a lot of bending and lifting, well, i ended up pulling something in my back and ended up developing a sciatic nerve problem. when it flares up it is beyond painful, my job unsympathetic. another reason i just have to lose weight. my 1st goal is to get under 300lbs., to weigh in on a regular doc office scale. i want to get down from a 32 jeans to 22 would be nice. it's funny , i wore a size 20 when i was 18 and i thought i was gigantic then, man how i wish i wore that now. i need to lose weight for my health, i develope type 2 diabetes and i really hate a daily taking of meds. but mainly why im here... i want my freedom back, the simple things folks take for granted: meeting up with friends at the spur of the moment and not worring whether the seats can support you, going to functions and feeling comfortable, carnival rides(i love rollercoasters), buy cute off the rake clothes, walking up stairs without losing a lung or two, running, taking a dance class, somemuch stuff. being very fat is such a life crutch...and food...i don't even like food anymore. you know everything really taste the same, the joy is gone. the joy is gone in a lot of things and i need to get it back, i have to. i can't stay like this anymore. i want to fly to new york and vegas in the coming months. but i fear no plane seat will fit me or the on flight bathroom wont work. i will be 40 in june and i can't keep existing like this. today, day 1, i walked 30 minutes. i came home and ate pizza, but hey, i walked outside for 30 min. and i didn't care who saw me, or snickered or stared. i walked 30 godblessit minutes.
my name is la-uana and i am a diva in hiding!!!!!

[sharonrr]

Welcome, coming here is your first step to a healthy you.
I am glad you execised, keep it up everyday, its just like sleeping you must do it everyday.
I can only tell you what is working for me. I have read YOU on a diet by Dr. Oz and Roizen, great information of how our body works.
It is the first time in 45 years that I understand how my body works.
After coming here I read Superfoods Rx and Superfoods Healthstyle by Dr. Pratt. Taught me about healthy foods I love and am never hungry.
I eat 5 times a day and I am loving myself for the first time in 20 years.
Good luck.

[bargoo]

La-ana please go to Goal forum and scroll down to "lost 355 pounds. Read this and click onto his link which will give you an interview with Charles. This an inspiration and very motivating.

[JayEll]

You'll see there is a forum for 300+ folks--you might want to check it out.

Be sure to check with a good dr. about how to get going. If your current M.D. isn't helpful, find someone who is! It's great that you walked for 30 minutes, but there may be other exercises you can do that would not stress your joints. Also, a referral to a bona fide weight loss center might be helpful. The basics are the same--increase movement, reduce intake--but at your current size, extra care is needed to make sure you get exactly what you need.

You are indeed a diva! You are a precious human being! Always remember that. And do read Charles's story--he is amazing.

Jay

[lauanamaria]

i feel like the dancing carrot. wow!!! u ladies don't know how much i needed to see those replies. thank you

sharonrr, i saw the you on a diet book on amazon and the the best sellers book, but now with your personal review, i will be at the bookstore 2morrow.

bargoo, thanks for the charles tip.

and jayell, i'm very lucky to have a really great doc who is behind me 100%. 300+... i'm not alone.

thanks

[improbable]

Hey, welcome! I don't have a whole ton of constructive advice, other than to really go crazy and read every post you can get your hands on here - I've learned some of the most useful things from reading threads I didn't think would have anything to do with me. Its great to meet you and I look forward to seeing you around on the site - and watching your success!

[Kae]

Congrats on your decision to change your life. You will find this forum to be of a great help. You will get out of it what you put into it. I recommend browsing the various postings. I have been reading and posting on various different boards depending on the topic of the day. I also find that offering support to others is very beneficial to myself. When I give motivation I always seem to get it back. Karma!

You're fabulous;() I look forward to reading your posts and watching you progress!