Thanks for all of the posts!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Resipoo
Exactly. I find the waiting to be the worst part. I know I didn't become this obese over night, but I want to be smaller NOW. So, I really struggle. I saw a picture of me from the side today. I look pregnant! I almost started crying but then told myself "you're fixing this." If only I could fix it a lot sooner...
At least it seems like you have the determination to really work and not stop until you achieve your goal. If you don't have determination there is just no way you are going to lose a lot of weight.
Quote:
Originally Posted by threenorns
i don't have a problem with the actual mechanics - i'm quite well versed in diet and fitness - it's the psycho-social aspects i have a problem with.
i find it difficult to get others to take me seriously - i tell them "no, thank you, it looks delicious but i've already eaten" and they *push* it ("oh, come on, one little bit isn't going to hurt" while they're shoving an overflowing plate in my face) or i am trying to walk for fitness and ppl want to stop me and gab (i put that in another thread and there's ideas in there i'm going to do next time, which will likely be tomorrow morning). or i get ppl telling me "you're losing weight too fast!" (even though i see my dr weekly) and telling me dire stories about their aunt's sister's cousin's daughter's niece who dieted the *exact* same way as i and grew so weak she fell on her head in the middle of her pole dancing fitness class and died.
it's like ppl have some kind of mental short-circuit when you try to climb out of your cozy little box or take white-out and a sharpie to your nice, neat little label.
the mechanics of weight loss and fitness are readily available (if difficult to winnow) but i find the social aspect of changing shape is rarely addressed.
Wow I never thought of that before, thank you. I'll see what I can do to help you out with that problem.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kaplods
For the most part, 3FC members seem to be pretty knowledgeable (or soon become so by reading the current and old posts, as well as the articles and such on the main page, and on other sites).
Not everyone's an expert on everything of course, but our discussions and debates still can get rather deep into the subjects. We have doctors and other medical professionals, personal trainers and fitness instructors and self-taught amateur-experts, and folks with just a lot of weight loss experience under their belts.
There are of course newbies looking for basic information, but I think what most of us come for is the support and comraderie.
So the best way to contribute is to read the threads and "chime in" on the topics that interest you and are near and dear to your own heart.
If you don't know where to start, you might try using the "new posts" tab at the top of the page. Browse through the thread titles and "jump into" a thread if the thread topic interests you.
You may find a particular niche and want to stick to those threads, or you may flit from topic to topic.
Or start a thread and talk about what interests you.
The only caution I would give would be to try to avoid preachy and teachy tones. "I found this interesting article that says...." works a lot better than throwing information at people, which some of us have learned to associate with spammers selling something or diet "evangelists" who want to persuade and lecture rather than communicate as equals.
The atmosphere here reallly is one of friends getting together to share our experiences, vent, and receive emotional support. Often the most helpful threads/interactions aren't event about factual information, but rather social support and encouragement - a "hang in there, it gets easier," or "that sucks, and I hate that too," and "I get through the same feelings by doing....."
Ok sorry if I came off like that. I will adapt and try to give more emotional support