Hi. My name is Lisa. I'm 46 and crying inside. I've had great success with Ideal. I lost 65 pounds the first time. I love the program. I am a huge emotional eater. Short story, I'm an only child and spent the last 18 months taking care of my elderly parents. My mom became very ill and required alot of care. Needless to say, the only way I knew to cope was with food. During this time I had 2 rotator cuff surgeries...I often think I have the worst luck. I put on a great deal of weight during this time. I have actually reached my highest point, and I don't feel good internally or on the outside. I suffer from depression, anxiety, diabetes, fibro, rumatoid arthritis and the list goes on. I'm scared. Scared I won't see my son grow up...my mom passed away suddenly on Valentine's Day. I've not been able to grip the program at all. I need to. I want to. I'm just looking for some chat friends, support...whatever help is out there, I need it.
Thanks
Lisa
#DYINGINSIDE

Hi Lisa I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother, that is difficult enough without everything else you are dealing with. We all understand the "comfort of food" and understand why you are where you are.
You've taken an important first step in coming here to post, imho.
It is so much easier if you aren't making this journey alone.
Join in one of the discussions - the 2106 starters or 2016 rebooters might be good threads - and you'll find some friends to help you day by day. And that's the way to do this - focus on getting through just one day - and come here to let us know how well you did, or what challenge you faced, or what problem you had, on that one day. Celebrate each success, and before you know it, you'll have many days behind you.
I know for me, posting here every day, was a huge factor in staying focused.
Good luck!

Hi Lisa!
Very sorry to hear about your mother. I'm an only child as well, and the thought of my parents getting to their end paralyzes me. You are a strong amazing daughter to step up for them. But of course, easier said than done, you need to make time for you! At times, I've broken the program down into ONE MEAL AT A TIME, and take pride in every smart choice that I make, and find it gives me momentum, and like Blue said, before you know it, you have many meals behind you. Also, don't let one bad meal throw you off course....as my coach told me, its ONE meal out of TWENTY ONE IN A WEEK, its not like you had TWENTY ONE bad meals.
Stay in touch - I rarely post on the boards, but read/follow religiously.
Stay strong!

Lisa, I am so sorry for your stress and loss. Trying to take it one meal at a time is great advice. It a chaotic emotional world, taking that first step is tough. But you did it before, and your son is fantastic motivation. You can do it!

Thank you all. I feel like I'm making friends and gaining support already.

Hugs

Hi Lisa! My deepest condolences on such a heart-wrenching loss. There is support on your journey, here.

I also extend and invitation to join the July 4th weight-loss challenge. Those usually help me when I find it terribly difficult to get on the bandwagon. I've been up and down the past three months, as well, though for no reason as your own. Point is, I've been up and down the same 5 pounds and so I'm going to use this challenge to re-commit and re-charge, maybe something like that with others trying to keep each other accountable would benefit you, too. (((Hugs)))) Best wishes!

Lisa, I am an emotional eater too. In the past this forum has been a great help. I am sure it will be again for both of us. Make sure you take care of yourself and look to professional help too when you need it. I was mowing the lawn yesterday and had to stop. I was short of breath, sweating like crazy and my knees were killing me. I got it done but the extra weight is killing me. I need to loose it so I can move better, feel better and live longer. I want to see my kids grow up too. Let's get this done! XOXO

Hi Lisa,

I hope this email finds you well. Just keep moving forward time heals. Your reasons for wanting to be healthy are great. Use your son as an inspiration and a reason to stick to your plan.

Lisa I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I know what you are going through I lost my dad a year ago this month. By far, the most difficult thing I have ever gone through. Oddly enough I was able to stay on plan during that difficult time. I'm not sure how I did it!!! I'm like you, I want to get healthy for my family. I want to be able to enjoy my grandkids, play outside with them, take them to the water park and wear a swim suit! I just want to be healthy. My dad was 76 when he died, his parents died in their 50's, and his siblings died in their 40's. Heart disease runs in the family, my dad took care of himself, his heart was great! Cancer got him. I don't want to die young!! We can do this! These boards are a huge help!! The women here are so inspiring and encouraging. You came to the right place!!

Lisa,
You can do it! I know too well about loss and stress and weight gain. I lost 95 pounds in 2003 and first gained back half (lost it) and then gained back 3/4 of it 4-5 years ago. It stinks and can be so hard. I, too, want to grow older and be healthy. Hugs!