So I went to the doc today for an ear infection/sinusitis thing and my doctor sent me home with some info, along with a printout from my labs last time, and the second line said "morbidly obese" with a medical code next to it! I am having a major reality check right now and just found this site. After browsing a little while I decided to join- y'all seem like a nice positive and motivating bunch.

I am a single mom of a 5-year old, work full-time (or more) in a pretty demanding job. My general stress level is moderately high on a daily basis. I have a fair amount of anxiety on a regular basis, and this new "label" doesn't help! But know I need to re-prioritize my health and it starts here today.

Hoping I can move that ticker along to my goal like a lot of you!!

Peace

Hi and welcome to 3FC's. I had a similar situation, but it was about 25 years ago. I had never heard the term morbidly obese before. I knew what morbid meant and I knew what obese meant. I was truly heartbroken and could not believe I would be described that way. I was close to 400 pounds at the time. It was a real eye opener for me too. The big problem was that I actually had a thyroid issue. It took 3 years to get a proper diagnosis. It seems, as long as my meds are correct I do fine. In the past year I was under extreme stress and it caused thyroid issues again. I have had several adjustments to my meds to keep things regulated.

Anyways, I wanted to welcome you and tell you that you are not alone and I have also faced that term. Don't let it have a negative impact on your life and cause you any stress. I wish you luck in your weight loss journey. I have no doubt that you can do this and be successful with it.

Welcome!!

Since you are busy with work and raising a child, my number one tip would be to plan your meals ahead and make healthy freezer meals! I am a full time university student who also works full time and having easy freezer meals is the only thing that stops me from eating every type of junk food in the house after a 12 hour day when I am too tired to cook!

Good luck with everything!

Welcome!

Calculation: "Morbidly obese" is a BMI over 40--and at 5'7" and 228, your BMI is 35.7--which is "Severely obese" and not "morbidly obese".

That doesn't mean you don't want to lose weight, though!

I second Candeka's recommendation of freezer meals. It doesn't have to be a ton of work--I made 4 meatloaves instead of 1 on Monday--and 3 of them are in the freezer. I made 5 meals worth of taco meat yesterday instead of 1--and 4 are in the freezer. It really simplifies meal prep on future days to do a little more on the night you cook.

Good luck--and join whatever threads you feel most at home in!

I also had a wake up call at my doctor's office. I remember my doctor ordering me to get blood work done and I actually started crying after I left her office because I was scared they would tell me I had diabetes!

Welcome to 3FC! This community was a HUGE help to me all along the way and continues to help keep me on track

My advice is to check in here every day- even after any possible missteps! You don't realize it, but one day will turn into a week, then 5 lbs later you'll be regretting the absence!

Thanks for the input ladies. I will try and keep checking in. I am just not too accountable right now but that is changing with little baby steps...

And Beth thanks for the extra info. I guess it's just semantics, obese=unhealthy regardless of levels.

And Diana- I actually DO have hypothyroid, I have since I was 19. But it is under control and I have regular blood work done. Unfortunately I can't "blame" the thyroid at the current time.

I'll get to my goal though! One day!

Welcome, siobhan love! You're going to find many, many supportive people here who are in the same boat as you, including me. This is a great place for support, ideas, venting, laughter, and fun. Enjoy your time here, and best of luck with your weight loss journey!