Glad I found you! I too have a significant amount of weight to lose. I have three kids, (2,4,7) and married to a guy that loves me no matter what size. In fact, he is the only person that makes me feel like a human being-I'm very lucky. I work part-time, and going to college full time to finish up my degree.

Does anyone ever feel overwhelmed? That somehow it is just too large a number to overcome?-And how do you pull yourself out of it. I'm totally stuck in the mud.

Welcome! Really glad you are here.

I spent about 27 years feeling exactly like that. It is really not about willpower at all - all you need is willingness. Willingness to change. You can do it! If I can ever help - let me know.

I wish you the very best!

WELCOME to the board! Make yourself at home and get comfy. We are here to support you, however you need it.

This time around, I refuse to be overwhelmed. In the past i would see how much I had left to lose and get extremely flustered, then quick in disgust with myself. I am NOT going down that path again.

Sara

Hi and welcome to the group. You've certainly found a wonderful place for support and encouragement.

You can do this - absolutely you can do this. Try not to get too caught up in the big picture (it can be quite daunting) and start to focus smaller things. Set a short term goal for yourself, whether it be 5 pounds, 10 pounds, a smaller clothing size, an exercise goal etc. and just go for it. Before you know it you'll have reached your first goal and be ready to tackle the next. All those little goals add up to one huge accomplishment.

Do you have any type of plan in mind?

~Dee

I have had that feeling many times but not this time. I have learned to look at things with a different perspective - don't look at the "total" amount you have to lose because it does seem overwhelming. I am making many small goals - right now I'm just a fraction of a pound away from having lost 25. I'm only concentrating on that right now. After I do that, then I'll look at the next 15 and so on and so on.

I wish I could wake up skinny but I won't - it hasn't happened yet and I've never seen it happen to anyone else either. I have yo-yo dieted for all of my life and that hasn't worked. I have had to finally accept the fact and be willing to do what it takes to get there and I am willing this time. I didn't gain the weight overnight (although it seems like it) but deep in my heart, I know I didn't and an expectation that it will vanish overnight is totally unrealistic. I have every bit of faith in myself to do it this time and I'm going to - NO EXCUSES, JUST DO IT!

Good luck and come back to see us often.

DNR

Honestly, after trying every plan, sans diet pills and 'solar fitness'-that one cracks me up each time I see it, I have decided to eat more vegies, lean meat, eat less processed food, cut back-tear drop-on coffee and increase my water and exercise. I'm trying to stay around 1800 calories.

Charles...your story brought me to tears. What a wonderful inspiration! Thank you

100lb sounded a lot at first, I didn't really believe that I could (or needed to) lose that amount. But if you break it down into smaller goals it makes it so much easier. You keep on going because your next goal is close, then when you get there you set another one and start again. It really does help you feel a little less overwhelmed.

Hi Bluigirl! I've let that big number I need to lose stall me so many times! In fact, I'm just back here again after a long absence in which I have been spinning my wheels. This time I am going to try to focus on mini-goals, as DNR and Helen suggested. I have been told that losing 10% can be very beneficial to my health, so that's going to be my first goal. This is a great place for support! I'm glad you're here!

As others have said, breaking the loss into little mini-goals, and rewarding yourself as you reach those goals (not with food! ) will make the journey much easier. Posting here often helps, too.

, Bluigirlusa!

Another vote here for the small goals. They're great confidence boosters, and each one you reach will move you closer to your overall target without your becoming bogged down by the big picture.