Hi everyone. I am new here. I actually found this through a friend's blog. Because of my health issues lately, I have decided it is time to get serious. I have been struggling with my weight since my first son was born 12 years ago! Now I am heavier than I have ever been in my entire life. It is depressing.

At the end of June, I was diagnosed with anemia and lost over 50% of my body's blood. Needless to say I was slowly dying... all because of my periods apparently. I had a blood transfusion and that helped tremendously. At the same time I was diagnosed with PCOS and Type II diabetes. I have been pretty much sick for the past three months and I SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED.

I have gained and lost about 10 lbs in this period and am now back to the same weight I was when I got sick. 249lbs. I am 5'3.5" (gotta get that half in there) and WAY overweight. I need to lose 130 lbs to be at my ideal weight for my frame. I am feeling the effects of the weight on my knees and I am tired of feeling bad about myself.

Hopefully by mingling with all of you, I can get the motivation and support I need to keep going with this. I need to... hubby and I have been ttc a child for five years... well now I know why that is...

So there you have it... of course right now I have pneumonia (just another thing to add to the constant barrage of crap I have had to deal with over the last three months)... but as soon as I get better... I will be hitting the gym.

There are so many different diets and plans out there... it is confusing. I have tried Atkins but it was too hard on me.. I need something simple where I am not depriving myself but getting what I need that also will help my blood sugar. I have heard about the GI diet. Anyone doing that and how is it working for you? Where do I begin!?!

Anyway I look forward to making some new friends and losing this weight together!

SpicyMom,

I would consider Weight Watchers if I were you because you can have a lot of flexibility with that plan.

Sorry you have had so many health problems lately. I hope you will be better soon.

Spicy Mom! Hey there, I too was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

I am using a low carb diet "South Beach Phase 2" which helps me get my Blood Glucose levels in control. It took me a week and a half, but my results are finally at or under 110 for fasting and at or under 140 for 2 hours after a meal. I am staying within 90-100 carbs a day and 1000-1500 calories a day. There are alot of really good sites to help you count those nasty little carbs and calories. Here are a couple of my favorites: Nutrition Data.com and Calorie King.com. Both have been a huge help for me to analyze and plan my meals. By tracking your meals and BG levels, you will be able to see from day to day how your body is adjusting to what you eat.

My doctor says even more important than diet...is exercise. He would like me to get at least 1 hour a day of exercise. UGH! read on...not so hard to do. AND you do not have to do 1 hour all at once. Break it up into do-able minutes.

At 51, I was so out of shape, even a 15 minute walk got me huffing and puffing. But I started with walking for 7.5 minutes away from my house, turned around and walked 7.5 minutes back. Voila...15 minutes! But the great thing is, even if you do 15 minutes at a time (a walk around the block) and go after every meal you will really improve your body's cell sensitivity to insulin.

I am walking 20 minutes after each meal. Walk for 10 minutes away from your home and it will be 10 minutes getting home. Not too hard to do an hour of exercise afterall.

Anyway, I am glad you are here...we can support one another. I too am a newbie on this forum. I just found out 2 weeks ago that I am Type 2. I am still learning, but so far I am doing good. You will too.