I don't know where to begin
Find a Conversation
| Sun, 02-15-2004 - 8:30pm |
My name is Dawn and I'm new here. I have about 120lbs. that I NEED to lose and I don't know how to begin. I have always been one of those all or nothing people and now it's out of control. I am actually twice the size that I was when I got married 15 years ago. I have been this heavy for about 2 years now and I am at my wits end. I have become an emotional overeater and it's way out of control. I have hit the hopeless point and I know I need help to lose this weight. There is NO way I can do this alone. I would LOVE to have the Rouen-Y surgery that my friend had but I have no insurance and I don't have a spare $30,000 laying around to pay cash for it! ;-) I am currently a full-time college student pursuing an elementary education degree. I would love to lose most of this weight by the time I student teach in January of 2005.
Help.

Hi there Dawn =)
Welcome to the Board. I hope you find this a great source for support and encouragement.
You have one huge advantage. You're a full-time college student! (I'm in law school myself, so I understand about not having insurance or lots of money.) That most likely means that your campus has lots of great resources for you to use in your weight-loss journey. Take advantage of them!
I highly recommend you make an appointment at the student health center. Talk to the doctor or nurse practitioner about what you want to achieve. This is how I got started with my weight loss. I went in for treatment for my eczema, and came out with packets of information on hypertension, weight loss, stress management, and nutrition. You can get a referral to a dietitian for nutritional counseling, as well as blood glucose and cholesterol testing. My nurse is a wonderful woman; she's given me lots of advice and encouragement. Build a relationship with a health care professional--that's what they're there for!
Take advantage of the student recreation center for exercise. Most universities have excellent gyms, the kind that would cost you hundreds of dollars a year if you weren't a student. My SRC will customize exercise programs at a relatively low cost, too--see what they have to offer. It's great if you've never lifted weights before or don't know what types of exercises you should be doing to get the most out of your work out. Don't be intimidated by the gym. I see men and women of all ages, shapes, and sizes working out at my SRC. (Also, you should be able to get your husband in for free or at a reduced fee if you need a workout buddy.)
I think journaling what you eat is a really important tool, but you have to be honest with yourself. EVERYTHING that goes in your mouth has to be counted! You should become a whiz at reading labels--count out individual chips, find a set of measuring cups you love, and have at it. I keep track of my food intake on an Excel spreadsheet; some people here use http://www.fitday.com. However you do it, have in mind a general calorie range you'd like to stay within.
I'm sure the others will have great advice. Please stick around and let us know how you're doing. Good luck!
Good luck and post often!
~~Linda
~~Linda