Hi Everyone-

My name is Kelly, I have been a member of the 3FC community for years now, and still have not lost the weight. I feel so discouraged and lonely, and with my wedding looming but four months away, I am starting to lose hope. I am just hoping for some inspiring words and maybe some helpful advice. First, let me give you a bit of a background story.

I have struggled with weight my entire life. I suffered from an eating disorder (bulimia nervosa) for ten years, and needless to say, it has been a never ending battle. I am now twenty- four years old, and a day that I have looked forward to my entire life, my wedding day, is only four months away. I don't know why, but I always just assumed I would become magically inspired and energized once I got engaged, but lo and behold, I am not. Now it is just around the corner, and I am at the highest weight of my life. I know, I know- it seems it should be simple. Just work out and eat right! How hard is that?!? Well, I think all of you know JUST how hard it is, and I am hoping to hear your stories and get some advice on threads I should check out, or just some kind words. This situation has me more depressed than ever, and my medication is just not enough. I FEEL SO ALONE AND ASHAMED. I have even relapsed with my eating disorder. I feel out of control.

Any other brides to be out there having similar problems? Or has anyone else suffered from depression/ eating disorders? I just want to be at peace with my body, and be determined to lose weight for the RIGHT reasons.

Thank you in advance,
Kelly

Well, you just have to look at the four months as four months where you have to focus and lose the weight. You can do this. I'd suggest something like Atkins where food choices are extremely limited. Something you can stick to and something where your scale measures will come down enough to stop you from throwing up what you eat.

BUT... unless you get the underlying issues in control you will almost certainly gain that weight back. Sooo...I'd start looking for a psychologist or a programme where you can deal with your eating disorder in a positive way. You might want to check into an OA meeting near you... You might want to check out Paul McKenna's I Can Make You Thin programme which has some fast and easy techniques to deal with stress that aren't food.

You are going to be under so much stress until after the wedding. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try to lose the weight before your big day, but I am saying that I think hard dieting before the wedding should be seen as a wedding preparation rather than a lifestyle change. After that you need to really work on those issues...you know this.

And I'll say this too...even if you don't lose an ounce, you are going to be a beautiful bride and have a wonderful day. Please don't let anything spoil what should be a romantic and fun time in your life - that's far more important than weight or food.

Losing weight is not easy. I admire people who lose heaps of weight. I found that planning ahead and making a date to start my weightloss journey, getting rid of all the junk food out of my cupboards and buying in healthy food and snacks and weighing and portion control and most especially keeping a daily food diary, all help me keep on track. Also, if you haven't as yet, I'd recommend you starting a blog, it really helps keep you accountable and you'll get encouragement and support too. You have to really be ready to lose weight, but think of it as a lifestyle change, not a diet and don't deprive yourself. You can still eat healthy and have some of the things you like, if they have to fit into your daily calorie allowance. Read all you can and really get educated about food choices - it's not all about boring salads and carrot sticks. Good luck and congratulations on your engagement! Keep us updated on your progress.

Based on your profile pic, you will be a beautiful bride no matter what...

That being said, this weight loss journey is hard and I cannot imagine doing it with bulimia. I think the first place to start is to make sure you are open about these struggles with your doctor...with bulimia, there is such an added layer of complexity that makes weight loss harder. Maybe there is a medically supervised weight loss program (with a nutritionist) that will be helpful.. (and if there is cost to it, I'd look at it like another wedding expense)....with bulimia, I don't think you should be going about this alone. In place of or in addition to the medical aspect, psychologist or counselor might be helpful with the emotional aspects of overeating....the emotional piece may be why the simplistic eat less/exercise mantra is not working for you.

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

Well, your certainly not alone. Congratulations on your engagement. Loved your profile pic you look so happy. I've had experience with the depression and eating disorder as well. Specifically bulimia. I no longer have issues with it though and it wasn't overly difficult to stop when I stopped considering it a choice. I treat my depression myself with meditation and yoga, but if its overwhelming I'd highly recommend weighing the pros and cons with your doc. I've had decent luck with Prozac. Well, welcome to the board. We're all in this together I figure. I'm renewing my vows in a few months so I feel you. Neverthe less I plan to wear whatever rocks my boat and have a blast irregardless of what my weight scale says after all it is my day to be a princess.

Hi
Good luck on your journey, you can do this! Remember that! xx

Thank you so much everyone! It has been a while since I have checked this, and all of your advice was so uplifting. I am glad to know I am not in this alone. I just have to keep remembering that!