This is not a success in terms of achieving my own weight loss goals, but it still makes me very happy.

I was talking to my mother today, who is not a small woman either, and she said that she's decided to start losing! She said that I've been really inspiring, and that she's ready to start taking better care of herself because she has some health problems that are made worse by carrying around extra pounds. She has arthritis in her knees so she won't be able to do hardcore exercise, but since it's starting to get nice out maybe she can take her dog for walks or something. Anyway, it just really made me glad that she's decided to take the first step-- wish her luck!

Good luck to both of you!

Thanks, and to you as well!

I wish you both great sucess!!!! (I also wish it really would get warm here in Michigan)

That's great!

My mom is also trying to lose (and her problems with weight are what make me want to get this in hand now- and not have to deal with it my whole adult life). It really does feel wonderful to share this with her! And it motivates me to provide a good example for her.

Thanks Brandy! And yeah, this Michigan weather has been crazy as always. You'll think it'll be warm enough to go for a walk, and by the time you've been out there for 20 minutes you're in the middle of a blizzard. I can't wait for February to be over.

Swingchick, it's so cool that this is something you and your mom have been doing together. It's the very best form of support, and it would be so nice to go shopping for smaller clothes together!

that is awesome that you have motivated your mom to join you. congrats on that. for both of you. good luck to each of you.

That is very cool!

Congratulations to your mom for taking this very important step. I detinitely wish her luck! You must be so proud of her.

I wish I could convince my mom to take better care of herself. She has been overweight for a long time and now has diabetes. I would have thought that she would have done something when she found that out, but she has just gone from mild tablets, to stronger tablets and now to injections. I think that she finds it so easy to control this way that she doesn't see the need to do anything about her weight. I know that it took ME years to decide to do something about my weight, but I was never diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening disease either. Mind you, maybe that wouldn't have been enough of a reason for me either. I suppose we shouldn't judge until we have been in someone else's shoes. I think I just get disappointed because she SAYS she wants to lose weight, then gives me 20 reasons for why she can't eat healthy food all the time. "People coming for morning tea", "Them going out for afternoon tea", "Have to bake just in CASE someone comes for morning tea - then we just have a little each night, instead of dinner" (Not a good substitution - cream cakes instead of veggies)

Oh well, I'll just keep being proud of YOUR mom and keep hoping that mine will see some sense. I do worry about my parents, seeing as they are both now diabetic. That was a MAJOR incentive for me when I decided to change my lifestyle. I wanted to avoid that if I could. So far, so good.

Well done to both of you!

Take care,

Zelma

That's wonderful, Kate! How neat that you able to set an example for your Mom and to inspire her to lose weight too! Maybe someday the two of you can go out shopping for new "skinny clothes."

Thanks guys!

And ZedAus, that must be very scary for you. It's hard to have someone you love in danger's way, particularly when you know they have the power to step out of it. Maybe your mom just doesn't feel like she can do it, so why bother trying... I mean, I know I tried about 100 times before I saw any lasting success, and I have no idea what changed that last time that finally made me able to start-- and continue-- losing. I guess all we can do is to keep encouraging those around us to be healthier, and hope!

That is so fantastic that your mom has been inspired by your success. I hope your mom’s health is all the better for your influence Kate!

My father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes a few years ago and also prefers to medicate rather than lose weight (he’s just under 6’ and probably around 300#). It is very frustrating and sad to see a parent who just doesn’t seem to be able to/want to lose weight even when it is having such an adverse affect on his/her health. My mom doesn’t eat any better and just makes the food that he wants, but I know nagging won’t do any good. Lord knows any comments my family has made about my weight or eating habits have been anything but motivational or helpful.