130 to lose... need some pals

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2004
130 to lose... need some pals
12
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 9:51pm
I'm 26 years old and weigh 265 currently (I'm 5'3"). I never thought I'd let myself get this out of control, but, none the less, here I am. I'm single, have friends (none with weight issues) and I have a career. My weight is my way of screaming "Hey, I'm a mess here! Can somebody help me?! I'm obviously out of control." Anyway, being an obese woman is no cup of tea. I'm looking for some cool people to relate to. I know if I don't make some big changes I won't be around for a good long time. If you want to e-mail, my e-mail address is mskatie8877@yahoo.com or we can talk right here.


Edited 3/30/2004 12:58 am ET ET by mskatie8877

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 10:15pm

Hi there and welcome to the boards!

  Shawna-- Proud Cl for 100 Pounds or More to Go 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2004
Sun, 03-28-2004 - 10:27pm
Thanks so much for responding. I hope to hear from others as well. This seems like a very cool place to be. I want so much to be different and successful. I just got up and went to look in the cupboard (a primal reflex for me) and I said to myself "nothing here will make you feel better or be an answer to your problems." A small revealation. I need lots more of those. Can any of you offer advice on how to get started?

Katie
Avatar for suamomi
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-23-2001
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 12:40am
Hi Katie...(assuming that's your name...lol)

I'm Sarah...I had 141 to lose (I'm 5'5" and started at 276) and I'm pround to say that I've lost 71 pounds (maybe more...my weigh in is Monday morning).

When I started toying with the idea that I need to lose weight that number seemed so overwhelming...and it really is...that's a whole person to lose! But you know, if you're committed and excited about it you will succeed. It's not always easy but with support and friends it makes it easier.

I'm so proud of what I've accomplished so far...and I feel more confident in myself and my body.

As for getting started...I think the most important thing is a plan. Whether you choose something like Atkins or Weight Watchers or make up your own...you need some structure and "rules" so you don't start justifying things. RESEARCH diet plans and think of them as a Way of Eating (WOE) instead of a temporary diet. You hear that catch phrase "lifestyle change" and it is so true. You need to change the way you think about food. Your revelation is awesome! I just recently realized that I am now eating to live not living to eat. That was a huge breakthrough for me. I feel in control of what I eat. Yes I slip up sometimes (this last week I was BAD!!!) but I don't beat myself up over it. I am human...I get up and move on. I did great today and I feel great. Food isn't the focus of my life anymore though. And that is a very liberating feeling!!

Try cutting out processed foods...eat foods that are fresh and "whole" (meaning fruits and veggies and whole grains, etc)...no convenience foods.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!! Staying hydrated is KEY to keeping water weight off your body. And it keeps your skin healthy too! :o)

It's nice to meet you and I hope we can get to know you better!

Sarah

Atkins since 8/25/03

276/205/135


Edited 3/29/2004 1:54 am ET ET by suamomi

Sarah


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-2003
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 5:58am
Welcome to the boards! I'm brand new here too. I thought I'd respond to your post because I think we're in very similar situations. I'm 22 (will be 23 in April), and at 299 pounds (my highest weight ever), I have about 130 to lose. I'm just getting started and a having a hard time staying focused on the goal already (grimace), but I plan to stick with it despite my chocolate cake cravings. Good luck today on getting started. I'll think of you and all the other "newbies" as I head off to the first weigh-in today.

Amanda

P.S.- I'll be your "pal" :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-04-2004
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 9:54am
Welcome! You've come to the right place for support and encouragement. We're all in the same boat and know exactly what you're going through. Sometimes I don't think anyone quite understands this journey the way that everyone here does.

Deciding what works for you will take some time and patience. Do some research, ask around at what others have done and how much they have succeeded, and try to find something that's right for you. A lot of people on this board are on Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, and others are just counting calories or doing their own thing. I'm not on any formal plan. I guess I haven't found one that suits me yet. I've been doing my own thing of making more healthy food choices such as eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, etc. It's also important to understand why you're eating. Are you truly hungry, are you eating for emotional reasons, or is it just reflex to grab something. It sounds like you've already noticed that reflex action. That's a great start! I've often started to reach for something, and then I ask myself, do I really want this? Is it worth ruining the hard work I've done so far?

Portion control is also important. I do allow myself a treat now and then, I just make sure that I only have a small piece. Just yesterday I was at a family gathering and they had this awesome dessert that was called a chocolate bomb because it was chocolate cake filled with chocolate mouse and stuff. I had a tiny sliver of it, and then I was satisfied. A couple of months ago I probably would have had two large pieces and still wanted more. So it is possible if you really put your mind to it.

I also exercise at least 4-5 times a week. If you haven't exercised for a while, start slow. Take a 10 minute walk. Slowly build up so that you're walking 30 minutes or more. And try to drink at least 64 oz of water a day. Again, if you're not used to doing that, start slow and work your way up.

I hope that this helps. Good luck with whatever you decide to do, and stick to these boards, they are a great inspiration.

~~Linda

~~Linda

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 10:10am
I'm right there with you, Katie - a couple of inches taller and about 30 pounds heavier. Congratulations on taking the first step - this is a WINNABLE battle! The ladies here are great, with lots of advice and support :-)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2004
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 1:34pm
Good luck to you! I see you've already started, by reaching out, and that's a good first step. Now take control of every meal, try to eat a healthier one each time and maybe leave something behind on the plate, and then maybe take a little walk after dinner (or find some activity you enjoy and start doing it). It didn't come on all at once, so it won't come off that way either. But if you do a little bit each day, it will happen. And one good thing, when you get a chance, take a trip to your bookstore or library and become informed about food choices, maybe pick up some new healthier recipes you'd enjoy trying, it will happen for you!
Avatar for angelinoh
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 3:05pm
welcome to the board!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2004
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 6:52pm
Hi Everyone! First and formost, I wanted to thank all of you who responded and made me feel so welcome and so much less lonely in this struggle.

Second, my e-mail is actually mskatie8877@yahoo.com in case any of you tried to reach me there and it bounced back.

I'm going to weigh myself tonight and report back later. I'm going to the gym around 7 or so tonight.

Next, I wanted to ask all of you what plans you're on and some pros and cons of each??? I'm considering which to commit to. As I do that, I'm researching a little, working out and praying for guidance.

I'm reading a book right now called "Changing for Good." It's about the best way to make permanent, positive changes in our lives whether those changes are food, drugs, etc. My best friend, a social worker, recommended it. So far, it's very good.

Below are some messages to those who replied to me. Thanks again.

Sarah- Congratulations on losing the 71 pounds (maybe more) that's awesome. You make me feel like I can do it too! I am considering Atkins, can you tell me why it's worked for you? I'm doing my best on the water. I will miss soda a lot!

Amanda - Welcome to you too! It's good to be new here with you. We can be 'pals' and do this together for sure!

Linda- As I elluded to earlier, I am getting on the workout bandwagon. I went yesterday and will go tonight too. I'm starting at 30 minutes walking this week and will move up 2 minutes a week. Portion control is something I need to be more conscious of. I can eat so much it scares me sometimes. Good point on the treats sometimes. Have you tried Skinny Cow icecream. Low fat and fabulous.

Mom2morgan - This is a battle we can win! I look forward to sharing success with you!

fortelo - Really good point about the weight not all being gained or lost in one fowl swoop. I will keep that in mind before getting too discouraged when I don't see immediate results. I'm going hit my fave used book store this weekend for some good reading materials.

angelinoh - Thanks for the welcome!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2003
Mon, 03-29-2004 - 7:41pm
I am also new to this board and have been looking for an email buddy to talk with.....I tried to email you at mskatie@yahoo.com but it was returned and said that it was not registered with yahoo. just thought i would let you know....not sure if there is just something bad on my end or not.

I haven't begun to change my lifestyle yet, but I am starting to feel that it is possible now that I have read different stories from other members. They also have alot of good suggestions to offer as well. I am 5'2 and weigh 225 and I am 22. I never thought that I would let myself get this big and it really disgusts me now. I know that I need people to talk with that understand what it is like, so I thought that maybe you and I could talk through email (my computer is brand new, but for some reason this is the only site that takes forever to load).

Since my attempt to email you didn't work, I thought that if you would like, you can email me. my address is BabyLiam1002@WMConnect.com

I hope to hear from you sometime!

Heather

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