Hi -
I've gone from 140 to 260 over the last four years (height 5'4''). I'm bipolar and have to take medicine that makes me feel lazy and crave carbs- the weight gain started after I started that medicine. (just posted over in the depression section). There was also a period where I had untreated gastritis, and I was interpreting heartburn as hunger pangs - probably gained 30 lbs that way!
So I've had a bunch of factors contributing to weight gain, not to mention that for part of that time I was finishing up in graduate school, which is so stressful! Over the past few years I alternate between wanting to lose weight and essentially "giving up" and feeling like there's nothing I can do with all these obstacles. Or, I'll lose a few pounds and then give myself permission to loosen up my regimen again - and then its all downhill.
I'm now in a position where I have good insurance, and I saw on my benefits that they would pay for 6 visits with a nutritionist per year. I scheduled an appointment at a women's health center in the city, and went to the appointment last weekend, with my husband (the chef). I learned alot about what counts as a portion, and my first goal is to bring in food and healthy snacks to work rather than going to the food carts. When I was done with the appt and checking out, the administrator at the front desk said that my insurance would pay for their whole weight loss package. With trepidation I signed up. In two weeks I have a fitness assessment, meeting with their psychologist, and a meeting with the doctor. The fitness assessment is really scaring me - can't I just tell them my fitness level is 0?
So far I've been pretty successful with avoiding the food trucks, and eating healthy snacks at work keeps me from binging when I get home. But I still have a really hard time getting to the gym, even though its just down the hall in our apartment building! I've gotten at least one extra workout in since I discovered this site a few days ago, though - I was so inspired by everyone's success.
Anyway, this has gotten long - mostly I just want to say hi!
-Grace