Hi. I'm 44 years old, 5'6", overweight bordering on obese, sedentary, depressed, scared, and wondering what in the world I'm doing on this forum.

I feel so out of control. I've always had weight problems, but in the last year have gained 50 lbs or so. Not sure of my exact weight--too scared to get on the scale. Over 240 lbs, I'm sure.

I have no idea what to do or how to proceed.

Hi there and welcome. I think you made the first step in starting- finding a support group. Make some small goals for yourself to get started on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Best wishes!

Thanks, Firefli. I don't know how this forum works. What would you recommend? What categories should I start with?

I have not been an active member for a few years, but what I would suggest is finding some forums that interest you and jump in. I am looking at the support forum and checking out the sub categories. I will also drop down and look at diet forums. Find something that interests you and give it a go.
Weight loss is overwhelming to me. I think this time around I am not going to look at it as a win or lose situation. Setting a small weight loss goal- like losing 10 pounds seems more probable than losing 50....once I hit that smallgoal, I'll set a new one to lose another 10. Same thing with dieting- if I focus on a few small changes every week hopefully it will help form healthier habits.
Hope this helps!

Hi you can jump in anywhere. There is a forum for 40 somethings...
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=216

forums for losing 100 lbs. http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=55


Then there are forums for certain diets.
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=102


You can post anywhere though, everyone is very accepting. I never posted in forums before I came here, but got a lot of support and made some great buddies

Hello and
Try not to be overwhelmed. The people in here are wonderful; very accepting. We're all here for the same reason. If are are depressed, there are also forums for that too. REALLY supportive. When you have some time, just search through and see which ones you feel comfortable in. Good luck on your adventure!

Hi Sherry5! These are the BEST forums. Everyone here is very supportive. Feel free to join our baloney forum, for example: http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=169540 - I think any place you read a series of posts on a thread and feel like this might be a topic or a group of posters you want to engage with just post a hello!

Just by being here and posting you are making a huge first step in the right direction to taking charge of your health and happiness - KUDOS TO YOU! I even break my goal into 5 lb goals - I think others even make it 3 pounds! You have to keep your eye on the baby steps. Because they all do add up.

I'm just a few years younger than you - going on 43 next month - and I spent the last year crying and depressed and feeling sooooo lost. I felt my life was over. For me the answer was progesterone cream (guess I was hitting perimenopause - it can start 10 years before menopause - can you believe?) - it gave me my sanity back. I mention it because I think we all forget that our bodies are this incredible balance of hormones and chemicals. It doesn't take much to get us out of whack and then we think we're crazy. Or something wrong "just in our minds". For me for the first time in years my cravings stopped controlling me. Turns out I was probably always estrogen high.

Now there's another woman in the thread I mention above that I think is not responding as I have. But it's something worth looking into. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions (I don't want to bore others with it). It's ALL A JOURNEY and I think after reading for awhile you'll see we are all trying to figure out our bodies and our lives and how to be successful :-)

My FAVORITE TIP - spend each day reading a new success story and look through the photos - nothing motivates me more when I'm feeling discouraged :-)

WELCOME!!!

Welcome! Surf around and settle in! We have subforums based on age, eating plan, exercise and more!

Yup--check out the 40 something forum! Also we have a support thread for depression.

Hi and

I have to second what the previous poster ways saying about perimenopause....my weight and my whole world was turning topsy turvy until I found my naturopath and bioidentical hormones....thank heavens for both of them!

If you are 240 pounds you are obese. The first thing is to face facts and then just get started, you can do it.Look around these forums and see the thousands who have and are doing it. You have made the first step. Check around the forums and see where you will feel comfortable. As for dieting find something that you will do. I, myself have done many diets and find calorie counting works best for me. Many people prefer Weight Watchers and South Beach is also popular. It is OK to experiment until you find what works best for you. Good Luck !

Hi and welcome!!!
I know it is overwhelmong to get started, but once you have some success you will feel so motivated and success builds on success.
I agree look through the forums and see if you can find something that intrests you. Look through the goal forums and read what they did. I think many time we start with different "Plans" but truly most look very similar when it comes to maintance. A whole foods kind of diet stressing protein and veggies, fruits and whole grains. Just depends on where you want to start.
Best wishes on your journey to a healthier and thinner you!
BTW I'm from Texas too!

Hello Sherry If you dealing with depression, seek professional help. I am dealing with depression and under doctor's care with medication. I have chemical imbalance of my brain. I taking medications for life..You need coping skills to deal with your emotions.. Take Care of yourself.

Hi and welcome! You can do this! These forums are wonderful, and so is the blogging system. Don't feel you have to go down this path alone; you do not.

Hello. I would also recommend visiting the goals forum. It's really inspirational. There are a ton of before and after pictures that prove it can be done.

Hi Sherry
Welcome! I can understand that it can really be hard deciding what to do and what to eat (or not eat). We are all different.
Me, I got to my high weight by putting all kinds of stuff in my mouth over and over again, year after year. My obesity was not created overnight, and it will not change overnight. For me it is about creating new habits. I started exercising and changing my eating. I got rid of the worst food first. I now consider myself in fairly good shape-I have been doing water aerobics for 4 years and last year I got on a bike and started pedaling a bit. 4 years ago I couldn't walk up my stairs without huffing and puffing.

I was down to 212 last fall and gained 20 pounds back. Why? I got sloppy in the afternoon and evening. My problem is snacking. Doritos are perfect for watching tv(I earned it because I exercised) I make banana bread for my hubby-he eats one slice I eat the rest. Oh, the sherbet is fine because it doesn't have fat(I'll have seconds, too.)

I find South Beach works for me. The elimination phase really got rid of my cravings. I find that by checking in every day, I seem to be able to stay on track with my food plan. When I check in I really look at what I need to do, and really try to take action. Today I went and exercised when all I wanted to do was stay home.

Admitting I am still obese by any standard helps me today to stay focused, and when I am tempted I am able to think about that before I stuff my face because it won't change unless I change.

Best wishes-any step in the right direction will help get you there. If I can do it you can do it. You will find where you feel most comfortable.