Hi Everyone-

My name is Mary. I am 36 years old and a mother of 3 boys. They are 16, 11 and 4. I weigh 254 pounds and I am horrified and terrified. I am addicted to food! I overeat and I don't even know what real hunger feels like. I eat for comfort, celebration, depression, etc. I don't need a reason to eat! I am tired of feeling tired and I am tired of missing out on outdoor activities with my very athletic and active boys.

I have had a weight problem since 12 years old. I have had a few years here and there where I was at a healthy weight, but I always gained it back. I now weigh 4 pounds more than the day I gave birth to my 4 year old! I know I got here because of not exercising, eating out and eating junk.

I found this forum while doing a google search for weight loss info. I have tried fad things and had temporary success, but I know from past experience that the only way for me to lose weight and be fit is to count my calories and get on a exercise routine. Counting fat, cutting carbs etc will just be setting myself up for failure.

I think I know what my goal is, but I am curious if there is a "calculator" or something that helps figure out what you should weigh? Right now I am a size 20 and it is getting tight! I say I would be "happy" at a size 12, but I don't think today's size 12 is the same as it was the last time I was a 12! I see all the before and after pictures here and I think the sizing has definitely changed in the last 11 years. What I do know is that I have several pairs of jeans in my closet that I would love to fit into again! Should I have a certain goal weight/size or should I just say I am at goal when I can comfortably breathe and sit in a pair of those jeans??

I am hoping this place willl be a safehaven for me and that I will find people who understand how I feel. I also want someone to share the journey with that won't criticize me or try to sabotage me. Every time I have "dieted" it seems that my mother, husband and grandmother try to feed me more! I will tell my DH that I am trying to "be good" yet he will bring home a Milky Way for me or a fudgesicle. So basically, I am not going to say a word to anyone and just go about my plan. After I make one that is.

Mary

Mary you have ome to the right place. There are many of us going through the same as you. We are all here for one reason or another. e sure to take a look around the site as you will find lots of support & motivation. Good luck and keep posting

So glad you could join us!!! This a very supportive bunch!! Check out the link and it will show you what your optimal weight range should be.

Much SUCCESS!!


http://www.healthchecksystems.com/heightweightchart.htm

Hey &

You're definitely in the right area. We're all looking to permanently change our lives by eating healthier & exercising more. No fads for us, thankyouverymuch! We're finding out what works for us in our daily lives.

Dive on in & post wherever you're comfortable. And don't hesitate to ask questions or seek support!

Best of luck to you

Thanks everyone. I set a goal weight of 140 as my ultimate goal, but I am not sure if that is realistic. 12 years ago I was 142 and it was very hard for me to maintain it. I was a size 9 then. I could feel content anywhere in the 10-14 range. I think at 160 I would be a 12/14.

My BMI is 41- yikes.

I signed up for Fitday to track myself. After all that I headed out to the store to stock up on low calorie snacks etc because I know if I don't eat frequently throughout the day that I will binge and I really don't want to do that.

I can't seem to figure out how to post my before pictre. If anyone can direct me how to do that I would be grateful.