[Penny Loewen]

Hi, my name is Penny. I am 46, and have struggled with weight all of my life. I have been very sick this year, and because of that have gained an extra 40 pounds, I want to lose 95. I am diabetic, so I cut out sugar and most every starchy thing from my diet long ago... My downfall has been exercise, and eating the wrong combinations of foods...

I feel so dang uncomfortable in my clothes anymore, and when I finally had to buy 3X the last time I shopped I was mortified, soooo this is it. I don't know exactly how this forum works, but I guess I will find out soon enough... Any tips and or suggestions are most welcome.

I would like to have a buddy that is about my age and has my same weight loss goals of 95 to 100 pounds...

Also if there is anyone out there with Diabetes, that has any tips, that would also be appreciated...

Looking forward to hearing from y'all...

Penny

[JORDEE]

Hi--I am Jordee and am 47 years old. I weigh 265 and need to lose 100 pounds. I used to be pretty and shapely with an hourglass figure. Because of depression and other life circumstances, I lost all my friends, became almost a recluse, and I look a shadow of my former self. I hate to look at me in the mirror and see what I have done to myself. I am a professional. I want to lose 75 pounds by June. I know my problems--portion sizes and uncontrollable eating before and after dinner. I am not a regular here but would post daily if I had some thread friends for support.
I know if you have diabetes your blood sugar fluctuates..during low sugar periods is when supposedly you get cravings..recently I had my A1C checked and it was 6.3.

[emerald dragonfly]

Hi Penny! I am from Oregon too. Nasty out today where I live but it looks like some blue sky is trying to show.

I am diabetic also. I do know the "ups & downs" and the struggle each day of preparing & eating foods. It's hard when you have to make meals for 6 family members who do not have a eating problem. But, It took me 2 years to convince the whole family to start eating better. It worked! The kids do get their sweets/desserts and I am now at the point where I can eat at least 1/2 a serving of anything sweet. Lately, I have cut back on the sugars because I was noticing a weight gain so I am back on a "NO SUGAR" kick. I promised no sweets for the month of January. So far, so good! LOL! yeah, it's only the first day! LOL!!!

Anywho, I want to welcome you and assure you that you'll get lots of inspiration, motivation and a kick in the butt every once in awhile! Don't worry, we won't kick hard. LOL!! Seriously though. we are here for you. Don't hesitate to ask any questions...no question is to dumb to ask. Look around, and check out all the wonderful ways we are losing our weight and gaining control of our lives.

Take care and stay strong!

emerald dragonfly

[Penny Loewen]

Thank both of you so far for responding...

Your responses made me think that I should tell more about myself...

I'm from The Dalles Or, and its has been nasty out side for weeks with the rain, at least no snow, you know how bad that can be in these hills...

I don't have a problem with snacking, nor with sweets, THANK GOD! I don't crave them... I will eat them on occasion, but not often. Its gotten where I would rather FEEL GOOD than feel the way I feel after eating any kind of starch or sweets with the diabetes.

Its portion size that I know is a problem for me... I don't snack in-between meals, but I can eat a big plate full when I eat... I normally just eat two meals a day, and I never go back for seconds, (No reason to when I already have the second portion on my plate the first go around) My doctor wants me to eat three times a day. AND EXERCISE... Bummer... (grin)...

What I think I need to learn is food combinations... I don't eat potatoes often, (because of how they make me feel) and other starchy foods like pastas and a lot of breads, but I do LOVE the skin of chicken and the fat off beef... (yeah I know also not good for me) and I have stopped doing that too as of last week...

I have a treadmill and a bike, so I have no excuses not to exercise... I am having my son and husband bring them both upstairs into the living room thinking maybe if I SEE THEM I will use them everyday...

My husband wants to lose weight too, but unfortunately he is has a sweet tooth, which he only indulges in at work... He also wants to do this, so I will have support with him... He USE TO BE a health club nut, would go work out at least 2 hours a day, plus he was into yoga, then he met me three years ago, we got married and both got lazy, actually I use to walk a couple of miles a day but I don't even do that anymore because of the hills where we live...

I need someone who will kick my butt, and encourage me at the same time... I am tired of getting bigger each year and having more joint pain. Also I use to be a hot little number, and now,,,, well... at 245 no one is giving me second looks anymore, (grin)... Not that I am looking, but it sure did feel good to get them WAY BACK WHEN... I would like to experience that again, and I would like to make my new husband proud to walk down the street with me. He loves me to pieces and married me fat, but I know he would like me to look normal size...

Hey... I also have a question about aprons... You know that ugly saggy skin that droops down to the tops of ones thighs from the belly... Will that EVER go away? I would love someone who has lost 100+ to answer that for me... That is a fear of mine, that it will always be there even if I loose all my weight...

Thank you, I am all ready feeling good about this...

Penny