I'm back again! Doubt you remember me.
I came back after I had my child in Jan. I was 225 then. Guess I should start at the beginning...
Struggled with my weight as a child. During college, I made a lot of healthy and unhealthy changes. I worked out and changed my diet, but worked out for 2 hours a day and only ate a baked potato. BUT, I did lose weight, and I got down to 160lbs. I finally started eating again (once I was in a comfortable relationship). I've yo-yo'd since then. I got to my heaviest (at the time) when I was graduating nursing school in 2005. I soon found out I was pregnant, and started my new job as an ER nurse. I lost weight. Between the lifestyle changes (of new job that meant I didn't get to eat a lot and moved a lot- worked at Pizza Hut before), and the increased metabolism of the pregnancy, I lost weight. I went from 270 to 225 when I gave birth. I was able to wear most of the same clothes throughout pregnancy.
Post-partum, I kept the same eating habits. I wasn't moving (was home on maternity leave), but continued to chow down all day while in front of the computer. Even though I've been back at work for a while now, I gained weight back. I'm now 260lbs (and my daughter is almost 11 months old).
I eat. A lot. I eat fast food before I got to work. I get greasy food in the hospital cafeteria for dinner with soda. I stop by a fast food place when I leave work to get something to eat. I eat when I'm not hungry, just because it feels good. I get to celebrate, I eat when I'm down. I clean when I'm angry though.
So, I'm going back to the gym. I'm doing cardio (working it back up though), and doing weight training. I do a lot of heavy lifting at work, and like to be able to help where I can. I managed to do 20 minutes today on the elliptical machine. I'd like to work back up to 30 minutes three times a week, but need to work it up, since I'm so out of shape. I've made dietary changes. I try to listen to my body more. I try to think "Am I hungry or bored?" before I chow down. If I want to snack, I try to make it a more healthy snack. I'm trying to only drink one soda a day. Soda has been a big downfall of mine- I drink way too much. I don't want to give it up totally. I've done it before, and it's come back to bite me and then I binge on soda.
I have a closet full of clothes I cannot wear. I have a lil girl who will be looking up to me, and I want her to see a happy and healthy mom!

My God, Andrea. I can't imagine going through such a struggle at your age. I remember being 25 and putting skis on my then-six-year-old for the very first time.

I hope you get a handle on this.

I'm curious, though... with all you know about medicine, being a nurse, would you say that obesity is a bigger problem than smoking? Just based on your experiences... what would you say?

Yes, I think obesity is.
Smoking is an addiction. I think that there is definitly a medial aspect to obesity, not just lack of control and willpower.
IMO, they're both equally dangerous, but obesity has many more ramifictions on the body as a whole than smoking does.

Andrea,

I feel for you. I am in the same situation (except w/ no child). I am eating to suffice so many emotional issues. I was on this site last holiday season and actually lost weight thru the holidays. But did not carry on thru the year, got hooked up w/ alot of good supporters here but they fizzled out one by one. I know that w/ support from this site we can all do it (be accountable and lose the weight that is) so I am looking for someone to chat w/ for the long haul. I think I am an expert on how to lose weight (as are you being a nurse and all) but get emotionally tied up and don't follow thru for myself. Sound familiar??? I'm looking for a buddy, we can talk and deal w/ the tough stuff together, it really is the only way. I have a hubby that doesn't understand the weight stuff and makes it really really hard. Let me know if we can chat and I will be here daily...

Talk to you soon.

emjay

Hi and back, Andrea! I think you will find lots of support here as well as many, many people here who are struggling. We can do this together! I need to do better myself! on beginning again for a Healthier you!