[jenniferrojo2002]

hi everyone im jennifer im 25 & i live in illinois
i recently had a heath scare which pretty much put me in my place when it comes to losing weight.
last month i got sick. i thought it was broncitios sorry i cant spell. bad bad me.
when i went to the doctor he told me i had an enlarged heart due to high blood pressure cause by genes and my weight. long story short if i dont control my weight i will be on meds the rest of my life and i dont want that.
i have tried losing weight with my friends but they dont really get it since they are all smaller than me. so i figured here i might be able to find people who know what its like and who can help me along the way.

i really look forward to meeting you all.

any advice anyone had is much appreciated and welcome

[InfertileMyrtle]

Hi, Jennifer!
I know what you mean that trying to share diet struggles with someone that only has 20 lbs to lose can be disheartening. I'm glad that you have a good support network, though, because good friends (no matter their size) can be lifesavers when trying to keep your sanity on a diet.

I have high blood pressure as well, although I've had it since I was a much much lower weight (below 200). I have to take meds that I may have to take the rest of my life. I also take thyroid meds that I may have to take the rest of my life. I hate the idea of taking pills, so it is really depressing to think I have to be dependent on perscriptions to keep my body going.

Given your heart condition, I would recommend that you meet with your doctor before you start a new diet plan. He may, for example, not want for you to cut your calories too low or he may recommend the sort of exercise that would be appropriate.

I've just recently (maybe 3 weeks ago?) started the DietToGo program where they mail you all the food you eat for the week. I've lost a few pounds, as you can see in the ticker, but of course I have a LOOOOONG way to go. For exercise, I LOVE my treadmill. It's not so much that I love the act of exercising so much, as I love the fact that I let myself watch any trashy TV show I want while on the treadmill. For instance, I love watching Americas Next Topm Model but I would never watch that if I wasn't on the treadmill to justify the total waste of time. LOL! So finding an exercise that you actually enjoy will be great. Now that winter is setting in (I live near you in Wisconsin) finding and indoor activity would be best.

I'm so sorry that you had to go through such a medical scare. But the positive thing that has come out of it is your committment to yourself. These boards are fun to read and be motivated by... so I hope you stick around.

Take care!

[Heather]

Welcome, Jennifer!

I think many of us have had health scares. For myself, it was definitely part of what put me on a healthier track. It does help motivate, but for me the key is keeping committed, even when the motivation wanes (which it does) and not having that all-or-none attitude that makes us throw in the towel when we cave!

For many of us, this process is overwhelming. If that's the case for you, then you may find that you need to take "baby steps". I started by just taking lunches and snacks to work and watching portions. I slowly added in exercise, and then became a calorie counter, etc...

Also, feel free to join us on the weekly numbered thread! It moves fast, but don't feel you have to respond to other people!

[NotTheCheat]

Jennifer! Congrats to you for deciding to do something now and now ignoring the issue. A lot of people get that same kind of news from the doctor and don't take steps to make changes. I agree that you should definitely work with your doctor regarding your condition. I would think you should make sure to ask about how much sodium you should have and how high you can take your heart rate up. Starting with small steps is a great way to work into things gradually and to start and find out what works for you. I also count calories. You don't have to start out really low. I started at 2000 and lost really well there to start.

[Heather]

Just to echo Nancy, when I started counting calories, I also started with 2000/day and lost an average of 2 pounds/week.

[jenniferrojo2002]

thanks everyone for welcoming me.
what all of you said really make me feel better that im not the only one dealing with things.
last time i went to my doctor he said i can pretty much do any exercise, so thats not a problem. i help watch my neices so that keeps me moving around alot since they just dont stop ever unless they are sleeping. lol
the only real thing he wants me to watch for is my sodium which i have been pretty good about since i got out. im constently checking the backs of lables to see how much is in it. im always freaking out about how much is in things. i did a little to good in the beginning when i was eating i cut out to much food and my blood sugar got to low but it wasnt a big thing.
the last few days since i registered here i have been looking around and been really good about watching the calories im taking in so thats a step in the right direction for me too. now if only the holiday would get past i think i will be good for a while. the only thing left for me to do is dig out my exercise bike out of the garage and start using it. i also have tons of work out tapes to use now i just gotta find one i like and will stick with

again thank you all for welcoming me

[azcyn]

Welcome to the group! You might have had a health scare, but you are now taking steps to improving your life. This group is so great! Lots of people who truly care. I know how you feel about loosing with others who dont have alot to loose. It is hard for them to understand.

[jenniferrojo2002]

thanks very much everyone again

im gonna try to stay as active as i can here its really hard right now with all the holiday stuff to do but im really looking forward to sharing what goes on with me here with some of you