[graciaincito]

Well I'm really horrible at writing, and even worse at describing myself. This past year has presented a number of challenges for me that has made me step back and look at my life and the direction it was headed. Last January, a week after losing my job, i wound up in the hospital with a pulmonary embolism. I spent months out of breath constantly, and unable to do much of anything. I had a great support system behind me, with my husband, and family, but none of them truly understood how much it really scared me. I developed severe anxiety about my health. Every little tingle in my hand or ache in my back or arm made me worry that i was dying. I spent the rest of the year in doctors offices and emergency rooms. But a couple days before Christmas this year, my grandfather, who had been battling emphysema for 14 years, passed away. It made me realize that it was time for me to just take things into my own hands. At 317lbs, of course i had health problems. I had stopped taking care of my own body, what was i really expecting doctors to do for me if wasnt doing anything for myself.

so a few weeks ago i started a 1800 calorie a day diet, and joined a gym with my husband. the gym was hard at first because my lungs are still recovering but i've seen quite a bit of success so far.
With a start weight of 317.5 lbs, I'm now down to 301 lbs.

[elvislover324]

Welcome graciaincito!

Congrats on your weightloss so far, what a great start!

I'm sorry for the loss of your grandfather.

This site is great inspiration and a wealth of information on so many subjects, weightloss and everything else.

I hope you post often and use this site as the valuable resource it is. It's changed my life, I hope it changes yours too.

Good luck, I hope you reach all your goals and dreams.

[penmage]

[Mozzy]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

[Fluffypuppy]

I have experienced health anxiety and know it is no fun! I still sometimes have fears about pains and tingles but it is better. Congrats on your loss so far and welcome!

[lynnkath]

You are on a great start!

I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather, and sorry you have had the worry and stress...

[graciaincito]

thank you everyone for the warm welcome. Fluffypuppy, the health anxiety is tricky to deal with, but even now, only a few weeks in, i feel it getting better with each pound i lose. Really made me realize how truly in my head I was.
I hope that this place can be the resource I need to stick to the lifestyle changes.