[cynnymynn]

I'm new to the group, and so glad I found you!

I was overweight prior to menopause (190 at 5'1"), and am now at 230. I've read so much about how difficult it is to lose weight after 40 and after menopause that I was ready to give up. But I love my life, and I want to have the energy and physical flexibility to really enjoy it! Anyone out there in a similar situation?

I've cut back on my "comfort foods"--occasional treat only--and am watching portion sizes with my regular meals. I had been working with free weights sporadically, and am now on a regular routine. (This brought me down from 235 to 230.) I have a "stuck in front of a computer" job , but am trying to work in walking and just plain *moving* whenever possible.

I'd love to have some buddies!

[the slim me]

HI, Yeah it is harder to lose weight when you're older. but that doesn't mean you can't. It might take awhile longer, but what is the alternative? I am losing, slowely, but it's a journey for health too.

If you would like to be buddies i'll send you my e-mail address.

Hey, i'm 5'1" too!

[jules1216]

Hi, I am new here too, I turn 40 this month, have peri-menopause symptoms, just had to get a D & C six weeks ago. I am almost 5'6" and weigh 210. I recently joined a Slim-n-Tone which is like a Curves. I was doing really well but had to stop for two weeks from the D&C, then I got the flu and then a period from he##. I started getting depressed since everytime I make the decision to lose weight something happens, but I am forcing myself to go. I am watching portion sizes and trying to cut back on my coca-cola intake.
I have a computer job too along with having to stay glued to the desk for the phone.
I can be an email buddy with you too.

[cynnymynn]

To the slim me and jules1216--thanks so much for responding! I've sent my email address to you privately. Hope that was okay to do, I'm new to this board and still getting the hang of things.

I've noticed that when I start working seriously on an exercise program, I'll invariably end up with a bad cold or something similar. Can't help but wonder if maybe it's toxins coming out of the system or something!

[NowOrNever!]

Ah yes, weight loss and menopause (or peri or post or any of the ickies involved)! In short...it sucks! I'm 46 and have been through a LOT of ups and downs this last year. I had a D&C last year and a whole host of other hormone-related issues which, in short, means that I'm on BC pills right now to try and control my cycle (although my diet & exercise changes this week seem to have all of that completely out of whack at the moment).

anyway, what do I know about myself this time around? It's harder to lose weight overall. More specifically, much as I'm a weigh-in freak (with morning weighing) I am going to HAVE to learn to temper my frustrations with the fluctuations on the scale. I know that I gain 4-5 pounds in water around my period and that it can take 7-14 days for that to all disappear. This is just the way my body works now. So....while I track my weight loss with an official weekly weigh-in, what I'm really going to try my darndest to focus on this time around is the change month to month on the same day in my cycle. I figure that will give me a clearer picture of what is going on in my hormone-befuddled body.

I'm currently reading Calorie queens which I think is a very realistic and long term approach to weight loss. However, I have found that their calculations may be a bit high for my metabolism (at least at this point). I recommend it though if you're looking for information about long-term thinking with respect to weight loss. Also, it was a family-written book--the mother is 47, her daughter (30ish?), and her husband, an MD.

I know that I can't do this based on diet alone--I have GOT to exercise (and that is 50% so I lose weight, and 50% so I can eat enough food to feel some satisfaction and have an occasional treat--otherwise I will never, ever stick with it). I'm going into all of it this time with different expectations--I want to lose the weight, but I'm not looking for a really low final weight (in fact, 175 might be where I stop)--just one that is healthy for my and my activity level. And....I'm not trying to make it happen all at once because I know that tune--it's good for 1-4 months and then that's it.

Are you feeling mortality sneak up a bit more? I know I sure am and I definitely do NOT want to be some crippled fat lady at 60....shoot, with my retirement, I'm gonna be needing to work as long as I can and I don't want to go from my fabulous job as walmart greeter (just kidding) to the nursing home. So...it's not enough to have a lower weight, it's about being healthy and active as I get older (and older). Hey, for us, we can get BETTER as we get older :-)

Feel free to email me privately.