Hello, everyone. Not quite sure of how to start this off, since I tend to be a bit nervous introducing myself, so please forgive the awkwardness of my post.

I just turned 39 2 weeks ago. I have been overweight/obese all of my life, beginning in my early teens and proceeding upward from there. Unbelievably, my current weight of 303 is not the highest it's ever been (but it's not far off).

To be fair, I have not tried absolutely everything yet - I've only done Weight Watchers (still currently on it, though it's not really helping much) and my own regimen of exercise (gym memberships, etc.). I haven't done eating plans like Nutri/System or Jenny Craig, or tried a lot of the exercise programs out there (I've just gotten a hold of Zumba, and while it looks nice, it also looks intimidating for someone my size). I am lucky in that I have a fairly physical line of work that allows me to stand and walk a good deal of the time, but it's not helping me much in the way of taking off weight.

I have the possibility of rather hard obstacles to weight loss, including extremely severe depression (due to child abuse), intense body image distortion, and massive issues with food and eating in general. I'm not letting it stop me from trying, however. But all of these problems have contributed to my feelings of isolation and loneliness, with no support network whatsoever. I know that battling weight problems can be hard, but when you are isolated from social contacts, the battle seems magnified a thousand times over.

I look forward to becoming a part of this community, and fervently hope that it will serve as a tool to keep my spirits up and to remind me that I, too, can change my life and be the person that I want to be.

I can only try, anyway.

Thanks.

-ff

hi!! we can be new together!! Keep your chin up, u can do this

Hi FrozenFyre! Welcome to 3FC!



It sounds like you're already working toward being healthier. I saw that you mentioned having some emotional/mental health issues that were making things more difficult for you - are you seeing a therapist or counselor who can help you work through your issues?

Good luck, and I hope to see you around the boards!

@garcherbrooks, thank you so much for the encouragement. It's great to be here, I've only been here for an hour and I've already taken away so much from this site. I have a feeling that it's going to be a good place for me.

@theox, I am currently seeing a therapist. However, the emotional and mental damage from past abuse is proving to be massive in scope, so the weight issues/habits have been and will continue to be pushed onto a back burner for some time. The only thing that the therapist has stated so far that makes sense is that the weight could be a symbol of "the wall I hide behind to keep myself safe", if that makes any sense.

Thanks again for the warm welcome.

-ff

That does make sense. I'm glad you're working with a therapist. Mental health is one of the keys to physical health - things will fall into place eventually.

Good luck ..YOU can do it!!

FF,
Welcome to 3fc!!! I hope to get to know you and that you find all the support you are looking for in this board!!

Lynn

ff-

I definately agree with the weight being a wall. I know I used it a lot as a form of protection, to keep myself isolated from those around me. It's also easy to make food your constant companion! However comforting it is..it's really killing us.

Good luck on your weight loss! Start forming some "relationships" here. From what I've seen on the boards so far, this is a very open and helpful community.

If you find the excericizes daunting at your size. Start small. Go for a walk when you get home from work. More steps = more calories burned.

Once you have pm's (i don't yet. 20 posts and 20 days..I'm close, but not there yet) feel free to pm me. I wouldn't mind having a weightloss buddy. I'm really new too!

Each step counts!