[motherdawn]

My story begins in August, when my father had an emergency quad-heart bypass. Apparently I got an ear infection due to weird pressure changes from the flight and had my own ER appointment, where I weighed in at 322lbs. My highest ever. I decided then and there that I needed to get healthy because I didn't want to have the health worries that my parents are currently going through (diabetes, etc.). That, and I'm only 26! I want to go out and live my life and not be uncomfortable in my own skin.

Today I weigh 270 (-52lbs). It's been a lot easier than I thought, but the past month has been difficult. I've been losing the motivation to calorie count (which has been my method), plan my meals, and workout (sporadic at best) but I know I need to push myself and I'm hoping the forum will help push me too!

[mmiller2829]

We are about the same weight/height/goals. I do have 12 years on you but I would love to buddy up and kick each others but to lose the weight.

[motherdawn]

Sounds like a good idea to me - having a buddy with similar goals and ready to kick my butt is just what I need!

What plan are you following? To be more specific, I'm following the 4-3-2-1 food pyramid (4 servings fruit/veg, 3 protein, 2 whole grain, 1 extra calories) in the Bigger Loser book and so far, I'm happy with it. My main issues with this are binging. If I've had a bad day, I will eat everything in the apartment (granted, I try not to keep junk food in the apartment - but still, eating a whole bag of rice cakes isn't exactly healthy either - that's like, 600 calories! I know because I've done it. On multiple occasions.).

What I'm really bad at? Working out. I hate it. And I swear, the only reason I even attempt that Cardio Max Biggest Loser DVD is because I can pretend to punch Bob in the face during his kickbox sequences.

What do you, my new buddy, need pushing on? I'd be happy to help!

[mmiller2829]

I am counting calories.1200 a day. We as a family joined the local YMCA. I HATE to working out too BUT it must be done. What I am reallllllllllllly trying to do is exchange my love of food/addiction to food to an addiction to working out! So when I go to the gym I have a little talk to myself "this is it this is FUN! I can do it"
My DH turns 40 this August and to tell you the truth I'm only a year behind him and that scares the crap out of me. I have been fighting with this FAT for over 20 years! I'm DONE!!!
I posted mini goals on the fridge and the bathroom mirror to remind me and all in the household daily.

My weakness foods are pizza and beer. Good thing my kids don't really care for pizza!

BTW at my heaviest I was 360!!!

[leeway]

Hi MotherDawn!
Congrats on your success so far, you've done great - how smart to make your priority health and not just a diet or a number - sounds like you're ready to step it up a notch - the support you need is here - we'll all be here to cheer you on..

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try the 20 somethings, the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. The Calorie Counters are a great group for you to share support and advice for getting through the ups and dpwns.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee

[motherdawn]

Good morning from Philly! I'm glad to hear we're both using the same method (calorie counting) and I'm shooting at about 1500/day. I'm also encouraged to see you've already lost so much weight even though you hate working out too! I have a long day today (work 9-5 then class 6-9) but I'm determined to get in my workout after class. One of my new year's goals (I set 110 of them) was to get on a workout regime and keep it for two weeks (this just goes to tell you how bad I am at sticking to a workout plan!).

Have a great day today and make good, healthy choices! I'll try to do the same!

PS: How do we PM?