[Ufi]

Hello. I've read many posts and thought it was time to connect. I have a lot of weight that I need to lose, and right now I'm feeling the need to reach out to others sharing similar struggles. I'm going back and forth between thinking I can do it and thinking that I can't. I hope interacting here will help tip things in favor of success.

I'm 36, no children, have never married and haven't been in a relationship in years. My family is pretty messed up, alcoholic and abusive parents (now deceased) being a factor, and it's been in the past few months that I've been able to decide that it is healthier for me to distance myself from them. I had counseling for PTSD and depression; I no longer have flashbacks and am usually able to shake off triggered depression in a day or so.

I have friends, but none of them truly understand what I've been through and what I'm facing. I recently read "Fat is a Feminist Issue" and felt moved by the idea of connecting with others about body issues. That was my motivation for coming here.

I was of average weight into my early 20s but developed a binge eating problem. I had some success addressing that with Geneen Roth's books. I'm still not healthy enough, or I'd be losing weight, but I can't remember the last time I binged. I'm now up to a size 20-22. I like clothes, and I want to be able to wear what I want to wear.

I was diagnosed with PCOS about a year ago and put on Metformin, which I'm now taking three times a day, 500 mg. Just recently, I was put on high blood pressure medicine. My weight is harming my quality of life, and I know I'm at a critical point.

The approach I want to use is one that is based around a lifestyle of healthy foods but that doesn't entirely eliminate sometimes eating the not-so-healthy foods I love. I have been working to increase consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, etc. I'm still searching for the right food balance. One of my big challenges is making exercise a regular part of my life, as I've never been athletic and don't really like sweating.

[meowee]

UFI . . . so glad that you found us. This is a great place for support and understanding while you travel down the often very bumpy but rewarding road to better health and fitness.

We have a PCOS/Insulin Resistance forum . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=70 . . . hope you'll drop in -- it can be so helpful to share thoughts and ideas with others who know what you are going through.

Hope to see you soon . . .

[beautifulone]

to 3FC!!!! There is so much information and support here, make yourself comfortable and browse around

[Sweetcaroline]

Welcome Ufi...
Give yourself a pat on the back for sharing and reaching out ... I really think you'll like this site.. it is just filled with inspiring stories and really lovely people who are willing to share a whole range of experience good and bad... I personally think it is a little 'slow' in here lately, but there are new people coming in every day... I can relate to a lot of your story. You are not alone. So stick with us for awhile, ask some questions and let us know how you are doing... Good luck on your journey

[SunshineCA]

Welcome!

[andreaphilip3]

welcome ufi drop me a line if you want we have ALOT in common-pretty much almost all you said except metformin i took 1 or 2 pills and it made me ill.

good luck! i like ww....

[Diane0309]

What you wrote could almost be my life in a nutshell as well. I am new here and just starting out too. If you ever want to chat I am always up to a new friend.
I am glad you found this place. I have a feeling its gonna work out for you! keep smiling and working hard, it will pay off in the end!