Hello everyone. I hope I am using this correctly. My name is Jenna. I am 25 years old. I'm married and I have 2 children. Ava, who is 2 and Caleb who is just 10 weeks old. I have struggled with being overweight my entire life. And I now feel like I have hit rock bottom. I really need help. I'm a SAHM, with a husband that works long hours. My kids keep me busy all day, and that makes it hard for me to eat during the day. So I eat at night, and when I wake up in the middle of the night with the baby, I snack...or graze I guess you could say. I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and I am currently taking Synthroid. I was told that the under active thyroid could be a big problem with my weight and I should notice a difference in a few weeks, with some weight loss. Well I have actually gained weight. When I gave birth to my son I was 215. Then 3 weeks later I was 204. Now I am 210!! I do not have time to exercise, I'm extremely depressed because of my body and how I feel. I thought I was fat when I weighed 150! Oh how I wish I was back there again! I want to enjoy my kids childhoods, someone please give me some motivation, I don't know where to start. Thank you so much in advance.
Let me explain one of the reasons why my weight and appearance has been drastically burdening my life-my 2 best friends, who are twins just recently both had gastric bypass, each losing over 100 pounds. They now are in the 140-150 area...my mother just last year had the lap band done, going from 220 to 150. My Aunt just had the lap band done, going from 405 to around 280, she is still a work in progress, and now the newest person in my family, my cousins wife, just had the lap band done as well. It is very intimidating to see everyone around you shrinking as you are expanding. I would like to have the lap band too, but I don't want to have to resort to surgery.
Hi, Jenna. You've chosen an excellent place to find support. Personally, I've found that jumping into a challenge is a great way to hold myself accountable. That, and every day, sometimes multiple times a day, I confess in the Daily Food and Exercise Confessions thread. Accountability is really important to my success, without it, I have a tendency to procrastinate. Another great resource is the success stories and before/after pictures. They're so inspiring.
Let me add that nobody can do this for you but you. And you deserve it. My weapon of choice has been calorie counting, drinking lots of water, and working out. If you can't get to the gym, I'd recommend looking into the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels (or other similar DVD workouts that you can do in your home). 30DS came very highly recommended here and I'm now on Day 3 and I couldn't be more satisfied. It's a great, whole-body workout in about 30 minutes. I'd strongly suggest looking into getting some dumbbells, too. Lifting weights is vital as cardio to slimming down and toning up. Despite your attitude towards working out now, I'd strongly recommend it. It's funny how when I'm not working on getting healthy, my brain tells me that I don't want to workout and that I don't like it. And the moment I actually do workout, I remember how much I love it.
There are a lot of people here who can help you stay motivated by sharing in your good days and your bad days so feel free to just jump in. Welcome and we're glad to have you!
I'm new to this also, and am seriously feeling the way that you are feeling, but my life circumstances are a little different. I, too, have two small children (2 and 4), I work full-time and go to school full-time also. I looked in the mirror the other day and thought, "My God. When did I get so fat?!!!" I've been in a constant state of denial. So, I'm there with ya!!! Let's do this together!
Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated, inspired and entertained!
There are lots of people here with more to lose and lots with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.
I've only been here a short time myself, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of cheating or giving up.
Jenna, it sounds like you have your hands full and with additional challenges. I know how hard it is to see others losing weight around you but this is about you not them. Find a plan that works for you - don't let the ups and downs that inevitably come make you feel defeated or like giving up - and don't be so hard on yourself - forgive, accept, move forward - YOU CAN DO THIS! You have the best reasons in the world to succeed - a healthy, happy life for you and your family!
So welcome - join in by inspiring us and being inspired - it can make a difference!
Mom to 2 young kids, need some motivation!
Hi Jenna!