Yes, New Mexico is a state in the U.S.!

I had to get that one out of the way. You can't believe how many people think we're part of Mexico!!

Well, a little about me. I'm originally from Michigan, met my husband in Yellowstone National Park, lived a while in Washington (Seattle & Ranier) and moved to New Mexico, near Santa Fe, to be near his family. We've been married 20+ years. I had my 1st child when I was 29, 2nd at age 33, and adopted child #3 when he was 8 (and I was 43). I'm now 48 years old and a little over 100 pounds overweight.

I'm the yo-yo diet queen! I've been overweight nearly all of my life. When I graduated from high school, I weighed 280 lbs! Near the end of my 1st year of college, I decided to do something about the weight when I overheard my roommate telling a friend that she felt sorry for me. I lost over 100 lbs in a year. I met my first boyfriend, at age 19, after losing the weight. Gradually, over several years, I started to put the weight on again. I would go on mini diets to keep it from escalating too rapidly. I met my husband when I was still "only" 20 or so pounds overweight. Then I just started eating what I wanted and not really paying attention to my food intake. When I got pregnant with my daughter, I was 100 lbs overweight again!! My 2nd major weight loss attempt started after my son was born. I joined Weight Watchers and lost my 2nd 100 lbs. I was a meeting leader! I became a Lifetime Member. Then, I guess I was over confident, and I started gaining weight again. I was embarrassed about gaining the weight, and dropped out. After experiencing hip pain a few years later, I found out that I had arthritis in my right hip. It was painful to do the exercises I enjoyed. I just gave up. The weight crept up again.

Two years ago I was promoted to "Program Director" for the non-profit I've worked for for 14 years. With the new job responsibilities came extra hours (20 per week), poor eating habits (due to long hours & lots of fast food), and no exercise. I was under extreme stress and I was loosing touch with my family, as I saw to the welfare of at-risk teens in the program. It was a very unhealthy situation.

In June on this year, I decided that I needed to take care of myself. I resigned from my position, giving 2 months notice. I was offered another position (one created for me) and a promise that I wouldn't have to work more than 40 hours per week. I joined a local gym and started using the eliptical machine, stationary bikes & pool - all activities that did not cause pain to my hip. My knees were starting to hurt by this time, and these activities also didn't stress them. I then started to lift weights. I knew that in order to be successful that I had to make time for the gym. I had tried to exercise at home, but something always got in the way (bed, TV, kids, household chores, etc.) I pack my bag and change of clothes in the evening before I go to bed. I wake up at 5:00 a.m. Monday - Friday, throw on my gym wear, and drive 25 miles to the gym. I work out for a little over an hour, get ready at the gym and go to work. I find that when I get it out of the way, first thing in the morning, that I feel good. And, if I don't do it 1st thing in the morning, it doesn't get done. Currently I'm not working out on the weekends. I want to add some sort of weekend activity to my schedule.

After I had the physical activity down, I decided to give Weight Watchers a try again about a month ago and am an online member. I have less stress in my life, I'm eating healthy foods again, and I have the support of my family. I plan to make this my last yo-yo. Being a veteran dieter, I realize that it will take me at least a year to lose the weight. I also have challenges. I realize that I'm older and my metabolism has slowed down considerably. And, I have 3 teenagers (19, 15 & 13) and a hubby at home that don't like all of the healthy stuff I'm feeding them. I spend a lot of time scouring the WW website and other websites for kid friendly recipes. My kids know how to cook though - a skill DH and I started teaching them at a young age. DH cooks also. So, if they want something that is not on "the plan", they cook it and I make something individually for myself. I pack a lunch and breakfast (at night before going to bed so I can grab it when I'm going out the door to the gym). Breakfast usually consists of oatmeal & fruit. I mix the oatmeal with water and microwave it when I get to the office. Lunch usually consists of dinner leftovers. I'm finding that the WW Core Plan is working well for me.

After I lose the weight, I plan to have hip replacement surgery. Then I'll be able to go on the long walks that I enjoy!

I look forward to "meeting" people and getting all of your helpful tips.

[alinnell]

Hola! and Welcome!

You'll find a lot of great support here! I recommend you get some motivation--look at the Goals section and read Glory87's post. It is more than enough to motivate anybody!

[Meg]

Hola!

I cracked up when I read the first line of your post because my daughter is a paramedic in Albuqerque and I know exactly what you're talking about! It's so funny that NM is the only state that says 'USA' on the license plates.

Welcome from another yo-yo queen - I yo-yo'ed all the way up to 257 before I finally lost it for good when I was about your age. It sounds like you are off to a fabulous start! We hope you stick around and keep posting because you'll find all the help and encouragement you need to get it off and keep it off for life.

[rockinrobin]

Hello and welcome. Well it certainly sounds like you've got things in order and are off to a great start!! As for the yo-yo dieting, I never really yo-yoed - I've just gone up and up and up and up, but now I'm ready to take it downnnnnn. Good luck in your journey. Hope to hear from you soon.

[the slim me]

I just noticed that you'e originally from Michigan and wanted to say "HI". After reading your post I find we have a lot of things in common..mostly our tendancy to yo-yo! I decided the only way to handle it was to change the way I thought about food and to just eat healthy. I admire your determination and totally agree with you that exercise is a must! I don't belong to a gym, can't make myself go, but I walk every day, for 30-40 min. In the winter time (which will be anytime soon) I use the treadmill in the basement, in front of the TV. I lift weights too. I am a rehab nurse and I see lots of hip/knee replacements. It will make such a difference in your life!

Good luck, but I don't think luck has much to do with it! It's just determination and hard work And you sound like you have both taken care of!

Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement! It helps. I read Glory87's post in the goals section and found it very inspiring! Thanks for the tip alinnell! I plan to keep plugging away and keep all informed of my progress. People are noticing already - exercise and weight lifting help! We're all in this together, so I'll be seeing you on the boards!