Hi all,
I'm totally new to this sort of support. I will be 43 years in October and can't stop gaining weight! Two years ago I was 20 lbs lighter and felt great. Lots of terrible things have happened in the last few years. My brother took his own life 2 years ago on October 18th. My ex-husband (an alcoholic) had a terrible fall in August 2009 and broke his skull in two places. He was pronounced brain dead and was taken off life support. And.....I have been trying to support my sister who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Wow, to see all this in writing is very overwhelming! Emotionally I'm doing well considering all that has happened! Have gone to a grief counselor. Very loving supportive husband, and two super kids! (17 & 19 yrs)

I have a treadmill and bowflex, but can't get any motivation to start using them again! Please help me get my butt off the sofa. I know I will feel much better to exercise, but have absolutely no gusto to do so!

I'm really sorry to hear about all the tragedy you've suffered the last couple years - of course it's taken it's toll, so don't be so hard on yourself.

I looked at this thread because this was my exact experience (weight creeping up) EVEN WITH calorie counting and exercise. I'm 42, mildly hypothryroid, and until a couple years ago was always able to lose weight.

Early this summer I went low carb (about 3 months ago)-- I never thought I would eat this way, but it's wonderful. I've lost 10 lbs, feel great, no bloating or digestive issues, cholesterol is DOWN, and I am not HUNGRY (always was calorie counting). A couple of books and lots of research convinced this is indeed a very healthy lifestyle to follow. If interested those books are Primal Blueprint, Good Calories/Bad Calories, marksdailyapple.com.

Also, we have a thread on the low carb area of 3FC - Primal/Paleo - come join us! Take care!

to 3FC
I'm so sorry to hear of your losses.
This is the RIGHT place to be for Support and Encouragement though
These ladies are so sweet and have some awesome advice
Hugs, support, and encouragement on your weight loss journey

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

I am very sorry for your losses

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Wow - what a great bunch of gals! Thanks for the welcome. Well, I did go on the treadmill after posting. Makes a difference to be with others that are going through the weight issues also.

Good for you, Betty. And, yup, it helps to have people who understand. 3FC is the best site for support, advice, tips and inspiration

Hi and welcome!

I'm so glad to hear you've spoken to a grief counselor. I'm sure I won't have anything more insightful to say than they did. You've obviously been in some emotional maelstroms, with a lot of other people around you (like your kids!) whom you've had to emotionally prioritize as all this has gone on.

I think you should think of the exercise as a way of giving back to yourself some of the emotional energy you've spent on others. Remember, exercise *gives* you energy and vitality--it doesn't take it, not when you find exercises you like. I think it could be a great, and exceedingly healthy way of coming out the other side of a bad couple of years--and a way of showing yourself that you *have* come out of it, that you're OK and are going to be even better.

Make a plan for a month; stick with it for that long, and see where you are then (say, on your birthday!). Nothing says healthy like a good habit...

All the best to you!

R

Welcome and good luck!

Dhani