Hello,
I am 30 years old and have gained 70 pounds over the past 4 years due to surgeries and having a hysterectomy. It seems I have piled on the weight. I had a tumor removed from my para thyroid last year. Apparently the tumor had made may metabalism slow down to a halt for the past few years and I gained so much weight. Well I have just been so depressed about my weight and just can't find the motivation or willpower to stick to any diets. I need some support bad and any suggestions would be great. I feel so overwhelmed and don't know where to start. My appetite is crazy. Any suggestions on how to control it would be great. This seems like a great site and I am happy to be a part of it! *hugs everyone*

Your new Friend,

Teresa

wow you have had a tough time, havent you! For the appetite, try eating plenty of protein and veggies, they will fill you up and keep you going for longer (and are usually low calorie too). I like to count calories to keep me on track, but i know that thats not for everyone

Hey Teresa,

Have you found our "Dieting with Obstacles" forum yet? It might be a fabulous place for you to start..you definitely do have some obstacles, but many of us do...you CAN do this.

Can't wait to see you around more. You're NOT helpless, you'll just need to stay focused. Read the Obstacles forum, keep posting, find one or several spots to fit in here and STAY here.

I would say the first place to start is with a positive attitude. I like to read blogs of people who have successfully lost weight and kept it off to sort of delve into their psyche. Pretty much all of them have a very positive tone.

I have been personally following the South Beach Diet. I realize that the plan is not for everyone, but it's a good plan for people that have trouble controlling their appetite. It's based on choosing foods that keep your blood sugar under control so that cravings are very manageable and you don't get ravenously hungry.

With that being said, everyone here will tell you that their personal plan is the best one to follow and it's up to you to choose. I would recommend that whatever you do you follow A plan and don't just try to eat healthy on your own. This is a great place to come for support.

I know when you gain weight that you just feel like a failure, try to focus on the things you've been doing well so that your weight isn't they only thing you're using to define yourself. Good luck.