[MamaApril]

Hello all. I stumbled upon this site while searching for support groups dealing with weight loss. I'm 29 years old, and I'm very morbidly obese. I've tried every diet known in existence and while I had a few short-term successes, they were all just that--short term. My last real dig-your-heels-in-the-dirt-and-stick-to-it diet was two years ago, during which time I lost nearly 50 pounds. However, it came with a price as I ended up very ill and in & out of the hospital due to malnourishment. I was eating far too few calories per day (around 700-900) for my weight. The plan was entirely my own with no medical support. I didn't seek my doctor's advice (stupid on my part) because frankly, I was embarrassed to talk to him about my weight... again. We've tried to work on it countless times, but I always end up failing and in turn I feel like I failed my doctor. Since then, I've gained all but 10 pounds back. I just want to learn how to keep myself healthy and lose weight, because I have a pretty awesome husband and a beautiful 7-year-old little girl that I want to spend MANY more years with. I know I won't find a "miracle" diet plan here, but what I am hoping to find are people who can relate to what I feel when it comes to weight.

See you all around the boards.

[CherryChan]

I am kinda in the same boat. Been fat all my life and keep yoyo-ing...
Lets support each other to a healthier life style..

CC

[Rhiko]

Hopefully I'm allowed to post this link here...

Check out this webpage here for some tips on the best way to lose weight. I encourage you to calculate your BMR and your TDEE (terms are explained on the webpage) to find out the daily calorie intake you need to remain healthy and keep out of the hospital. These will be a good guideline for you. If eating healthy is difficult, then try sticking to foods you know and like and getting used to them while you work up the courage to try something new (or not). As for exercise, you can do it inside or outside; it's your choice! (But, you already know that lol.)

Keep in mind that what you are doing is a lifestyle change. It's the start of how you are going to eat for the rest of your life.

[MamaApril]

Thank you so much for that information, Rhiko! It was very helpful and I have an idea of how many calories I should intake to lose weight the healthy way. I am very excited to get started!