HI All!! I am relatively new to the site, but since I just turned 40 (last week), I thought I would post to the forum. Probably like most people, I have gained, lost, and then gained even more weight hundreds of times in the last 40 years. I was just recently diagnosed with diabetes. I am just barely over the line after having been pre-diabetic for a year, but none the less, I have now crossed the line. I decided what better birthday present to myself but to lose weight and get healthy. Its not like I haven't said that before, but I am hoping this time is different. This time it is not just for vanity and a better social life ... this time it is basically a matter of life or death (or at least earlier death). I bought myself a GoWearFit (like a Body Bugg) for my birthday, and I hope it will help me in this journey. My biggest challenge will be exercising, as I hate to exercise. I conditioned my body very well to not move! I am a pro at it! I work from home and when I wear a pedometer, sometimes I don't even get 500 steps in. I know that is absolutely pathetic, thus it is my primary focus right now as something that needs to be changed. I have just started walking on my treadmill and I am slowly increasing my time/distance every day. I just have to keep telling myself I didn't get this way overnight and therefore I wont lose it overnight.

Sorry for this post being rather long, but thanks for letting me share my story. I look forward to getting to know the other 40-somethings and I know I will learn alot and be inspired by you!!

Hello FloridaGirl!

I see similarities in your story and my own. Welcome to the site! There's so much support here and so much to learn from others, right? It's been a real help in my journey and I know that it will be for you, too!

Sounds like you're off to a good start, so I wish you great success! Congrats for getting started and a "Happy Birthday" to you!

HI THERE!!! Are you secretly me? I hate exercising with a passion. However, if it's fun and it doesn't feel like exercise, I may do OK. I dusted off the treadmill and actually walked on it this morning...felt like the longest most boring time of my life. I just wanted it to be over. i also dislike sweating! LOL

Much like you I need to change activity level. I don't know if you are looking for a buddy on your journey, but if you are please PM me.

I'm not a big fan of exercise either, though I've been doing it. Like Wicked Crafty, if it's fun I'm much more likely to do it (I consider the treadmill a glorified hamster wheel, and use it only as a last resort). FYI, there are a large variety of exercise DVDs out there, many of them available for free from your local library. You can try out things like kickboxing, pilates, yoga, etc for free and only buy ones you take a liking to. They also have lots of beginner ones, which is helpful if you haven't been active in a while.

Hey glad you are here and taking a proactive approach to your diagnosis. About 6 years ago I was diagnosed with PD also but I think now it was caused by a medication I was taking (which I no longer do) but I didn't want to go down that road again thus for my goal of heathier eating.

This is a great site been here for two days now, good luck and keep posting

WickedCrafty - I just sent you a PM. Sorry it has taken so long to respond. Congrats on dusting off your treadmill! Since that was over a week ago, have you kept it up?? LOL I have been officially on my "get healthy" plan for about 30 days now, and I do have to say, that the exercise is getting easier. I have gone from struggling through 10 mins to going a whole hour at a time. One day I had a total of 1 hour and 49 mins in treadmill walking (split into 3 sessions). I am amazed at how just doing it consistently has increased both my speed and my time. LOL, who would have thought!!

neurodoc - thanks for your reply. I agree the treadmill is basically a hamster wheel, but for the moment it is working for me. I live in FL and we are having record high heat, so the idea of walking outside is not an option, at least not one I am willing to consider. The treadmill is working for me because when I dont want to exercise, I convince myself to just walk for 10 mins, but then once I get started I am more motivated and usually walk for at least 30 mins or more now. Your idea about the DVD's was great, and I do have a few, but I dont think I am physically ready for that. I could probably do it if I pushed myself, LOL, but I know if it feels to hard I wont do it. Its a bad attitude I know, but its the truth. For now I am delighted that I am even exercising at all! I have lost almost 10 lbs in a month, which for me, is excellent!! I will definitely keep your ideas in mind as I continue to get a little more fit. The library was also a great idea!! Thanks for the suggestions!!

Losing It 2010 - thanks for your reply. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond back. I have really been trying to get more exercise in the last month, and I can really tell a difference in my Blood Glucose numbers. I dont have my next dr's appt for another two months, but I think they are going to be very happy. I have also lost almost 10 lbs in the last month! YEA!! Go me!! haha I am really annoyed that I waited so long to try and turn this all around, but I cant change the past, so better late than never.

Your right this is a great site. Everyone has been so nice and supportive!! Its just what I needed!