I am new to this forum. I am 37 years old. I have 75 pounds to lose. I just recently had a Meningioma (benign brain tumor) removed sucessfully. Diagnosed with Sleep Apnea beginning of this year.

I need a buddy or just lots of encouragement and some direction/encouragement on where to start. I am way out of shape.

Heidi

I just found this website last night. I could use an accountability partner, too. I'm 46, have a great hubby and 14 yo daughter. They are so supportive. I have diabetes, so this is a health thing for me. I've got a big jug of water I've been trying to drink every day and paying attention to everything I put in my mouth. What are you doing? Chris

Well, I'm not much of a water drinker, so your doing better than I am. I just keep coming up with excuses and tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll start....

I'm getting angry with my lazy attitude about this. It has been hard for me...

Heidi

Welcome to the forum. This is a great place to get ideas, talk about struggles and just put down your thoughts. I have a continual battle with my weight (up and down, then up and down again). It's a vicious cycle that I've decided to break.

I have a hard time drinking water as well. I have a large cup I keep on my desk and fill it up in the morning. I sip on it throughout the day and when it's empty, I fill it up again. I don't drink near as much as I should but I figure a little bit is better than nothing.

One trick I did when I first started back up was not so much to limit or restrict items that I ate but instead change my routine. For example, if I was having steak, and veggies for dinner I would get larger portions of veggies and a smaller piece of steak. I would make sure there was a salad with dinner and I would eat my meal as follows:

Salad first, then most of the veggies before starting to eat the meat. This would allow me to fill up on the better stuff faster and not eat as much of the "bad" or "not so good" stuff.

I also switched to making Fat Free pudding and Jello and to tell you the truth even my 13 year old son didn't know the difference.

We're not trying to punish ourselves and restrict ourselves from ever eating bad again, we're just trying to make lifestyle changes and better choices.

My background: 41 year old, married 23 years (almost) and have 3 kids (22 yr old son, 18 yr old daughter and 13 yr old son). I have lived in Texas all my life but plan on retiring in Colorado some where (hopefully in the next 5 to 10 years). I love to play soccer, read and quilt whenever I can. I'm getting ready to try a new craft, jewelry making. I figure if I keep myself (or at least my hands) busy I won't be as inclined to nibble and munch. If I'm busy I won't be bored.

Take small steps and be proud of yourself. You will succeed at this and feel better in the process.

Again, WELCOME!