Hi, I`m new here. I`m 41,and have been overweight as far back as I can remember.

Let me first say that I have been up and down on the weight loss rollercoaster, as I`m sure all of you have been also. I know what I`m supposed to do and not do. I know how to lose weight. I have lost a significant amount of weight in the past and told myself I would never let myself get heavy again, but of course I did because here I am. I am heavier now than I have ever been and it is almost all I can think of every day. I have not gotten the chance to do things in life that I would have liked to do because of my weight. I used to do things that I can no longer do because of my weight. I know it is physically possible for me to lose weight, but no longer know if it is mentally possible because every time I think of it, I feel overwhelmed by the numbers.
Yes, I know I should ignore the numbers, but I can only do that for a short time, and then they`re back. Every day I want to start losing weight but I never do. Or if I do make an effort, it`s pretty half-hearted. In the meantime I`m getting bigger and bigger and my health is starting to suffer for it. I`m not diabetic or anything like that, but this year has brought alot of physical symptoms on that I know are a result of me being too freakin` BIG, and I know it has to stop.

Just wondering if anyone is in the same boat as I am and how do you suggest getting out of it?

Welcome, firehorse!

Two years ago, I could have written most of that post! But it IS possible!!

I started by committing to weight loss, but like you, was overwhelmed. I started small. I began by just paying attention to portions and bringing lunches and snacks to work. I added on after that.

The biggest difference was MENTAL. I had never had "willpower" before. But this time I saw the health risks of morbid obesity very starkly. I saw the choices where I resisted a brownie for instance, as not saying "no" to the brownie, but saying "yes" to me.

My siggie says a lot about how I've approached this: Commitment to conscious control, with the understanding that choices have consequences.

I choose to no longer be morbidly obese. I committed to the process. Everything followed from that.

Feel free to join us on our weekly numbered threads -- they move fast, but don't feel you have to write personals to everyone!

Thank you, Heather! I am planning to make this forum a daily experience. I hope I can be as successful as you are!

Six months ago it could have been me writing your post (except I'm two years older). Then something clicked. I didn't have any great goal when I started, I thought I'd just see how it went. I resolved two things. One, that I would only eat food that I like so that my weightloss would be sustainable and two, I would do this on my own this time as I really can't see me going to weightwatcher for a lifetime. I know #2 will be strange to many on this board and I'm certainly am not knocking such clubs and have indeed been very successful when I'm attending these. However for me they have not be a sustainable way of weightloss so I'm trying a different way this time.

Less than 6 months on I'm 46lb lighter, I hope to reach 50lb at the six month mark. Five years ago I lost the same amount with WW but then it took me 15 months. I'm feel so much better and now looking forward to a future free from medication for high blood pressure or diabetes. I was fortunate in that my unhealthy lifestyle had not had a significant impact on my health but I knew it was like a ticking bomb that could have gone off anytime.

Getting your head in the right place to lose weight is the hardest part of it and I know from experience that if its not then nothing will get you to lose the weight. I wish I knew what it was that made me 'click' but I don't, I just know it happened on 7 May 2007.

Kitty

I'd say the biggest thing you have to do is just do it. Accept even the smallest of victories, because they're still victories. Never accept defeat, because the only way you are defeated is if you give up trying. Try changing one thing at a time, and give it enough time to become a habit. Jumping in with both feet is great, but realistically speaking, for most people it's just too overwhelming.

You can do it! Good luck!

Hi Firehorse66!

I've been struggling with my weight for a long time too. Then something just clicked with me. I realized that I'm tired of being like this and I'll never be any different if I don't face facts. That was key for me. I keep reminding myself that every good thing I do for myself today will result in a better tomorrow.

One thing I've found to be helpful is to find a small notebook or 3x5 photo album (something you can put in your bag and carry daily). In my book I've collected quotes, pictures of people who've lost over 100 lbs, catalog clippings of clothes and shoes I want to sometime be able to wear and weight loss info like how many calories need to be burned to lose one pound. It's fun to put together and you can be as creative as you like. Whenever I'm feeling the need of a little boost but can't visit 3FC, I pull out my book, take a deep breath and then I have the motivation I need to give it a go again.

Best wishes!

Welcome Firehorse66!

Most of us here at 3FC have experienced the same feelings that you are having. Most of us have lost weight and gained it back. Several of us have been right where you are and we still fight the battle everyday.

Heather is so right that you have to have a MENTAL change. You have to decide that you are worth the change. You have to want the weight loss more than you want the temporary satisfaction of food. If it seems too overwhelming starts with one small change a day. This is a daily battle so make sure you are equipped for it. One of the best ways I know is to come to 3FC and read about people that are making it happen.

Welcome to the group! There are lots of wonderful people here who are willing to help!

I am just starting out..the one thing I have done is commited to exercising. I have walked about 15 min a night BUT it is 15 more then what I was doing. And it hurts to walk and I get outta breath and sweaty..but i still do it.

So make small changes at a time and youll see you can suceed.