Newbie
 

Hi all :)
Hoping to get some support here. I am at my highest weight ever, 257, needing to lose more than 100lb. Never in a million years thought I would have to say that. I was at 195 on my wedding day (pic in avatar), and at that point that was my heaviest weight. When I crossed 200 I thought "this is crazy, I need to reverse this," but here I am 10 years later at 257. Now I look at my wedding picture and think how skinny I looked.

I am so tired of having to buy new clothes just because I'm gaining weight. Can't afford it, plus buying plus size clothing is such a pain in the @ss! I have high blood pressure, PCOS, and am borderline diabetic. I can't do this anymore. I just can't. I feel like if I don't do something soon, I'm not going to be around to see my kids grow up. :( My endocrinologist wants me to have gastric bypass. But I just haven't given up the hope that I can do this through diet and exercise.

I need to stop making excuses. I tend to get overwhelmed and stressed by stuff, and use this as an excuse to stop my diet or stop exercising. Today I decided I have to stop this.. even though there are lots of stressful things going on right now and my life isn't "perfect," I started counting calories again. I'm using the "My fitness pal" app.

My biggest goal is that my husband and I want to try for another baby in a couple years. I really really really want to be at a healthy weight. Last pregnancy I developed preeclampsia and had to have my daughter prematurely. If there's anything I can do to prevent that again, I want to do it.

Looking forward to getting to know you all. :) The biggest piece missing from previous attempts at weight loss is not seeking support. I need people to encourage me to not give up when things get tough. I need accountability and help from others. Hope this is the right spot. :)
Emily

If you are looking for support, accountability, and encouragement then you are definitely in the right spot. Everyone has their own reasons for being here, but no matter your's we are here to help. The catch is, you gotta be here for us too. :)

You definitely have found a great place for support! Welcome!

Cutting the excuses was a huge thing for me as well. I had to really take a look at why I was making these excuses. There are plenty of thin people, and people actively losing weight, who have much more stressful lives than I do. I took a good look at myself and asked "Why would you make excuses to NOT do something that you really want to do for yourself!?" I still don't know exactly why I allowed myself to gain so much weight, but I decided that it was to stop immediately! Yes, it is hard. Being fat is also hard, and I truly think it is much more difficult to be obese than to lose weight. It may take more outward effort to lose weight -- but the toll obesity takes on our bodies, minds, and spirits, is much more taxing and destructive.

Congratulations on making the decision to better your life!

I also made excuses for several years: I can't lose weight because my life is too stressful, because I need snacks to fuel my late-night freelance writing, because I need rewards for my hard work... Then one day (Jan. 1, 2011) I just stopped making excuses and lost the damn weight. It sounds like you're ready to do the same.

F.

I like this a lot. I need to keep reminding myself of this when things get hard. :goodvibes:

Welcome Emilymama! I too am a newbie. Today is my third day on this protocol and I have to say it is challenging. I LOVE food. But I feel awful, tired and like I being dragged down. I joined this forum a while ago just to see how people were and what this diet was like. I have to say, there is more support and encouragement here than you can imagine. It is inspiring to come here every day and hear and see success and to get encouragement from others.. Good luck on your journey!

Losing weight is a commitment and it takes courage, discipline and concentration to stay in the game. Plus, it is not an easy thing to do. Food, weather, work, name it you have it - these are just some of the factors that might tempt you to cheat or fail. But as long as you have the courage to beat all odds, you have the right discipline to control yourself on eating moderation and you stay focused on your goal, you will succeed. Good luck on your journey. You are not alone.

Welcome. This board has provided me with TONS of support and good advice. I have really relied on it...the great people here have kept me on track and accountable on more than one occasion.

I wish you the best on your journey. It is definitely not easy! But it will make you healthier and hopefully happier.