I am so glad to have found this forum! You guys are all such an inspiration and seem to be just what I need.

I am a 31 year old girl (you can have some gray hairs and still be a "girl" right??). I have been feeling pretty hopeless lately. I hate to sound so depressing, but I have honestly become disgusted with myself. I can't seem to control my eating habits and I can feel it taking a toll on me. My knee has begun aching and I find myself EXHAUSTED after a long day at work that involves fairly little physical activity. When I come home, all I want to do is sit and rest and sneak candy when my boyfriend isn't looking because I am ashamed of myself.

I found out that I had an underactive thyroid earlier this year. This was good news in that it explained why I was so tired when I tried to exercise, but instead of inspiring me to begin really trying to lose the weight I have gained, it made me feel a little hopeless and gave me the perfect excuse as to why I had gained so much weight and did not exercise. I am taking medication, so that is no longer an excuse for me now. I went on Weight Watchers for a short time and lost 20 lbs, but I have since gained that back plus. Things have been pretty stressful at work lately, so that all adds up to me eating a lot of food that is really bad for me and packing on the weight.

This weekend I was watching a show about triathlons. I thought about how great I would feel about myself if I could do one of those, even a short one. The people looked so incredibly fit and comfortable with themselves. Then I realized I hadn't worn shorts in about five years and would rather set myself on fire than wear a bathing suit in front of people. This weight is ruining my life and I have get rid of it. I just can't keep "living" like this.

I want to be healthy and fit and feel better about myself again. Reading through some of your stories has gotten me started thinking that I may be able to do this... I guess the first step is the hardest, right?

HG,

You might check out the Dieting with Obstacles forum. I know there are others on this board dealing with the thyroid issue.

If you have a hard time getting started, can you think of one thing you can do, to start? Maybe pick a food that you tend to overeat, and stop bringing it into the house, stop buying it, try not to even look at it if you pass it in the store. Get used to that, while you read and do research, find motivational stories and pics (many are on this message board), get a plan together for how you'd need to eat to lose the weight, what exercise you'd like to do or try. It's okay to start small, building one good habit at a time, to get things moving in the right direction.

If you need help finding your way around the boards, or are looking for something specific, just ask here and someone will help point you in the right direction.

hi! i'm new, too. i totally understand what you mean about bathing suits; i can't remember the last time i wore one in public!

good luck and let me know if you ever need a buddy.