I found this forum as I just begun a new journey. I was online last night and looking for a "support" group where I can talk with other women who understand where I have been and we can support each other and encourage each other to get to where we want to go...
My name is Lisa and I am 33 years old. I am getting married in Montego Bay, Jamaica in May (May 22nd).
I am a web developer for Bank of America. I love my fiance, family, friends and our 3 Catahoula Leopard dogs. I am taking photography classes, design cards, invitations and websites for friends for all different occasions. I grew up in New York and moved to North Carolina 5 years ago.
In regards to my weight, I have had some trama like things happen within the last 10 years which I allowed myself to become severely depressed and balloon from 130 lbs to 247 lbs (my highest weight).
I lost some of the weight with different weight loss attempts but plateau kicked in and no matter what I did, I never really moved from the 235-237 area... As of Wednesday I weighed 237.6 lbs.
This past week, I made a decision and went to a weight loss specialist on Wednesday. I have been having issues with my menstral cycles as well as cysts on my ovaries. I want to be able to have children and my weight is a concern of mine that it will hinder me from conceiving. I met someone last month who also went to this doctor and he helped him lose over 100 lbs over the last year.
Not knowing what to expect, I went. To my surprise, there is much I don't know! I learned that Advil PM which I have taken EVERYNIGHT for the last 3 or 4 years for lower back pain causes weight gain. EYE OPENING. I have also learned that my eating habits were causing me to gain weight- even though my attempts to lose weight were genuine.
Anyway, I was also put on a medication to help curb my appetite (Phentermine). I seem to have a bottomless pit about a week before and the week during my menstrual cycle as well as trouble with emotional eating.
Since Wednesday morning I have followed what the doctor laid out for me and this morning my scale read 232.6! I haven't been below 235 in over 3 years!
I am SO EXCITED and really can cry because I have been my worst weight loss sabotage. I can hardly believe that small adjustments help MY BODY lose weight. I am also having an extensive blood work done and my next visit the doctor will let me know where I am deficient. About three years ago I was told that my thyroid was low and that I might have to go on medication. Since then, my thyroid fluxuates between boarderline, good and bad... It is rarely ever stable.
There are also things like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Calcium that help you lose weight. If you are deficient, weight gain is inevitable. I also learned that you can't be a pill popper with supplements. Calcuim supplements dont help you (if you are overweight), you must eat the calcuim. I always assumed that you should stay away from milk, yogurt, etc for fat reasons and that the low or non-fat didnt have anything worthwhile in them as it has all been stripped out... Anyway, for the last 5 or so years, I have popped supplements (like calcium) because I thought they were helping me.
Anyway, I think this system will work for me. I am so glad I found this doctor. I would have never known to make these adjustments on my own.
I'll keep sharing and posting here for support in between my doctor visits (which are once a month).
I am keeping a journal as well as planning out my meals. I have tons of recepies that he gave me and will be also trying each of them.
Good rule to follow: If it looks like God made it, you can eat it.
OH - stay away from all products with High-fructose corn syrup. That is a big one!!!!!!!!!!!! and make your own salad dressing!
Anyway, good to meet all of you and hope to keep in touch!!!!!!!!!!
First and foremost - you look amazing.. I love your haircut!
I am also on a new path to take better care of myself. I recently lost 45lbs thanks in part to breastfeeding. When I got pregnant I weighed 176. I am 5'4 and I had no business being in the 170's but there I was. I have always been between 120-130 but then depression came and paid a visit. I woke up from that fog after two years and realized that I had let myself go completely. I was so disconnected with myself. Once I felt better we got pregnant and the day I had my son I weighed 196!!! I am now 150 and looking to get back to a healthy weight of 135.
I would love to be skinny and look amazing BUT this is more about being healthier and eating right. I am now 32 and I have diabetes and heart disease from both sides of my family. I don't want that for myself!
Hello, Lisa! I'm new here also. Wow, it looks like your new doctor has given you quite alot of information. Thanks for sharing! Hang in there! We will all support each other, and the weight will come off in no time. Good luck!
Hi, Lisa! Welcome! Another newbie here, as I just joined at the beginning of the week. This is a fantastic place with great people! Good luck! I know you can do it, especially with the support here!
Hi Lisa!
Congrats on your engagement & the Jamaican wedding, what an exciting time! Sounds like you really have the right doctor, taking the time to go over all the information so thoroughly, giving you the guidance and knowldege you need to be successful - congrats on the weight loss so far, it's evidently the right plan for you - the support you need is here - we'll all be here to cheer you on.
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 and inspired - you'll be a wonderful addition to any of them. Try the 30 somethings and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation.
There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some 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 since last fall, 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 going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.
So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!
All the best - good luck with your goals - here's to a healthier you and an even more fabulous bride,
Lee
Newbie to the Forum
