[recidivist]

Hi ladies (and gents?),

I've never joined a support group before, and would not do so in person, as I'm reluctant to be around people, especially when I'm not pleased with my body image...but I would like to talk to others who are dealing with the same kinds of challenges I have been facing most of my life. I have fought weight and other problems since I was 20, and I'm 59 now. I hate dieting. I don't believe in dieting, as such, as I feel it's not healthy...but I'm desperate, and started another diet thirteen days ago. I have a lot to lose, and am hoping that this group will help give me the encouragement not only to take the weight off, but keep it off.

About 2 1/2 years ago I lost 70 lbs. I kept it off about a year, and then went through another episode of depression which started my downfall (thus the user name)...and I've gained it all back, plus a few pounds. I don't know why it's so hard to get my head in the right place to start another diet, but it is. It's taken me over a year to get serious about this again.

I am a binge eater when depressed. I have been bulimic off and on since my early 20's. I choose fats and salt, over sweets. I tend to drink too much wine when depressed, which takes away any desire to curb my eating, while adding calories.

I have some other health problems exacerbated by the weight, and I am going to try it again. With your help, maybe I can learn how to keep it off this time.

I look forward to getting to know you all. I would like to commend the women who started this forum; and all of you who have joined to work toward this goal that can be so frustrating and is so easy to fail at...and yet is such an integral part of our feelings of self-worth and good health.

I don't know why it took me so long to find you. I was searching google for information on why my fingernails grow stronger when I'm losing weight...and bingo...there you were.

It's good to be here. I'm excited about this new/again journey, but have already had moments of temptation. I've been good so far, but would like to know I can come here for support when I need it, and also give support and/or share wisdom with others. Not that I have much in the second department, or I wouldn't be starting a diet again.

So, Hi everyone.

[mandalinn82]

and

The -vast- majority of people here don't believe in "dieting" either. We, as a group, tend more toward making long-lasting lifestyle changes that gradually reduce weight, and keeping those changes up for the rest of our lives. So it sounds like you might be in good company on that front!

We do have a wonderful and active 50+ group here, as well as the Chicks in Control forum, for those who struggle with binge eating and other disordered eating patterns...so look around, find a spot or several, and settle in.

I am so glad you found us and can't wait to get to know you better!

[Lovely]

You aren't alone. As Mandalinn mentioned, we don't tend to "diet" here, because diets don't work. They have an end date. We don't intend to end our new healthy eating & exercising.

You CAN do this Best of success!

[migotokokoro]

I've had the same problem since I was 7 or 8. I lost a good chunk of weight about 2 1/2 years ago too, but have gained it back and a bit more. I just turned 18 a couple months ago, and I'm in college, so that's not helping... However I think I found new motivation in myself. It just... happened... very odd..

[recidivist]

Thanks for the welcome.

I agree that going on just a diet is not the solution, it has to be a life-style change. But I know myself well enough to know that slow weight loss would be self-defeating for me (I need to see quick results to keep my spirits and resolve strong), and would not improve my mobility soon enough, so I am considering this a "starvation diet" till my weight is down to something more livable, and then maintenance for life (with your help ).

I wish I could do it more gradually, as the last time I lost weight, I had so much loose skin everywhere it looked pretty bad. And the boobs...oh my! No boobs left...just sagging skin.

I've decided the boobs are not important (even though I'll miss them ).

[Sunnie]

Hi! I'm new here too, and 57, and can relate to a lot of what you shared. Love to be a buddy and help do this together!

[recidivist]

Hi Sunnie,
I'm off to see the wizard...come join me! Looks like you're just starting. We have a long road ahead of us.