I'm new as of today and need help to get started.
 

Hi Everyone;

Well, here I am. Deciding to try to lose weight, again. I plan to start really focusing on this after we get back from vacation, next Thursday. However, I am currently feeling very discouraged in most areas of my life.

I have obsessed about my weight for most of my life. I've been on every diet imaginable, and after succeeding at times, gained everything back. I tend to gain a lot of weight when I'm pregnant, and most recently I gained 25 lbs. during a pregnancy that ended unhappily at 5 months. That was October 17th. Then my mom was diagnosed with cancer 2 days after that. Although she's doing very well, she's recovering from surgery where they had to remove part of her brain. She's starting chemo today. So, it's been a very upsetting couple of months.

Obviously, I'm an emotional eater because I've been feeling very angry and instead of throwing the TV out of the window, I eat. A lot. I'm normally a very postive person, but I just can't seem to get back to feeling grateful for all that I DO have: 2 healthy children, an awesome husband...

Well, this is probably TMI for an introduction, so I'm sorry to ramble. More to the point, any insight as to how to prepare for this new, and hopefully successful, weight loss journey?
Thanks!!!

you CAN do this
 

Welcome! I am so sorry for your loss. You have lived through so much, already, that you ARE strong enough to do this! This is a great first step. There are so many plans and strategies for getting healthy. You just have to find one that works for you and your lifestyle. Most of the plans are being used by somebody on this forum, so keep looking around and find things you are interested in and read about peoples' experiences. They have literally tried it all, so they have a lot of experience to share.

I am still starting, and just recently decided on a "plan" after being on here for nearly a month, but here is what I have learned.
I WILL be successful, because I am not on a "diet" I am making ongoing changes to help me be healthy.
I haven't failed, because I haven't stopped. I have had plenty of "bad" days already, but I refuse to beat myself up about them. that means no quitting!(yaay!)
Logging onto this forum was probably the best decision I have made regarding my health and my weight. There is support, encouragement, honesty, and a feeling of not being alone in this.
It is way more than any doctor or book could tell me.

You have already lived through so much. You can handle this! It doesn't matter how fast or slow, it will happen. Best wishes with your goals, Enjoy your vacation, and l am looking forward to hear about your successes!

I used to eat every time I was upset, and I found that after eating I was still upset, so I started telling myself that eating wasn't going to make me feel better. Since then I really haven't turned to food when I'm upset, but rather looked to activities that will help me cope or take my mind off of it. I started crocheting and doing other things to keep me away from the kitchen (including working out) and it has helped me a lot. And also made great stuff to give away as gifts :)

Good luck! Take it slow- don't worry about being "perfect." Choose something sensible that works for you :)

Thanks girls. Strangely, I'm already feeling a little better just hearing from you two. :)

Hi and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle