New here!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2005
New here!
7
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 7:32pm

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to say how happy I am to have found a community like this. I've been struggling with my weight my whole life and I guess it's about time I stop making excuses and start doing what I need to do to be healthy.

Being overweight has become more than a cosmetic issue - my health is in serious trouble. I haven't been to a doctor in over 2 years because last time I went I had all I could take with another "you need to lose weight" lecture. I wanted to look at my PA and be like "Thank you Captian Obvious!" I hate when people say that. Like I don't know that I'm 100 lbs too heavy.

I turned 27 on Wednesday and my sister had a baby in September. Those are my two driving forces right now to stop living behind my weight and to start being real - and healthy. I want to be around to watch my nephew grow up and I want to be happy with myself. I don't want to be 87 looking back on my life knowing I could have done something about it and did not.

I've steadily gained weight since high school - I used to be a size 14/16 and think I was huge. Now I'm a size 22/24 and feel like I'm slowly climbing toward a 26/28. I'm tired of being worried about what people are saying as I walk by them and wondering if I'm ever going to fall in love, get married and have a family. I realize my weight may not be stopping me from doing that, but it certainly isn't helping. If I'm not happy with myself how can I be happy with anyone else?

It's funny - I know all the stuff intellectually about how and why I need to lose weight. I just can't seem to put it into practice. And my support group is non-existant. Not because they don't want to be helpful, but because all I can think is "you have no idea what it's like to be this size and how hard it is to stop hiding behind it." I guess that's why I'm here, for support. Maybe someone else understands better than I think.

Sorry this was so long and I look forward to getting to know all of you!!

Corrie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2005
In reply to: ventmonkey
Sun, 11-06-2005 - 7:47pm

Hi Corrie! Welcome! It was amazing reading your post as everything you said could have been written by me. I'm also 27, and struggling with the same issues, including finding the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I know I'm not helping my cause by being this big. I've known for years, I needed to do something, but couldn't get over the hump. I hadn't been able to find the support needed to make the change, but in the 48 hours I've been on this board, I already feel welcome and inspired. I'm sure you will as well. Welcome and good luck!

Jen

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2005
In reply to: ventmonkey
Mon, 11-07-2005 - 12:25am

Hi Corie!

I read your post and had to reply. We have so much in common! Your feelings are very similar to mine. I'm new here also, and just posted. I know how you feel about doctor appointments. I really DREAD them. I went to see my doctor for my pap smear last July. AGAIN, I had to hear the lecture. I was thinking the same thing as you. "Like I don't know that I'm 100 lbs too heavy". They act like we are totally oblivious to being 100 lbs over weight. That's one reason why I posted here. I know that people like you go through what I go through every day. I too was 14/16 in high school..Then 3 years ago, I was a 18/20, then after I broke my ankle 22/24, now I'm in 26/28 and that size is even getting tight so I've moved up to 30/32 just to be able to wear baggy clothes to hide the fat.

My support group is non existent also. I think my husband has given up on me. I've gone on diets so many times before, and always failed, that when I say "it's time for me to lose weight", he doesn't believe me anymore. This week I started cutting out sugar, eating really good and I walked on my treadmill for 30 minutes, 5 days this week. I was feeling really good by Friday. And what does my husband bring home for me??? 2 chocolate cupcakes. I know he means well, but he just doesn't understand that I need his support, not his cupcakes! Every day I have to look at those cupcakes on the kitchen counter, and it's so hard NOT eating them! But I am NOT going to cave in this time.

Good luck to you Corie! I'm here if you need someone to talk to!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2003
In reply to: ventmonkey
Mon, 11-07-2005 - 3:58am

The kitchen counter is a bad idea. Put the cupcakes somewhere you can't see. And great job in getting on track and exercising. That's an awesome start!! Just keep going!!

Mary
247/218/165

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-01-2003
In reply to: ventmonkey
Mon, 11-07-2005 - 4:48am

Hello Corrie and welcome to the board. I know what you mean about knowing a lot about weight loss, but not actually using it. I can write a great book on weight loss. But this is definitely one of the things that is "easier said than done". Or there will be no more overweight people in the world. I think this is all about discipline, willpower, and lots of support. We can take care of support here. And yes obviously we do have an idea on <<>>

Please post often and tell us how you're doing.

Mary
247/218/165

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-03-2005
In reply to: ventmonkey
Mon, 11-07-2005 - 2:06pm
Thank you everyone for the warm welcome! I look forward to getting know all of you and hope that we can be a support system for one another!! :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-09-2005
In reply to: ventmonkey
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 11:49am

Hello,

I am new to the site also. I have to lose about 70 pounds. I understand about the "Husband" not being encouraging. I know it's not nice to get rid of gifts, but maybe you can freeze the cupcakes or toss them in the trash.

I've been married for 21 years and started gaining weight after my Son who is now 20 and gained even more after my 2nd Son who is 14 today. This is my 1st time joining a on-line support group. I've tried Weight Watchers about 3 times, and several other diets.

Thanks for listening.

Sugie

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2003
In reply to: ventmonkey
Wed, 11-09-2005 - 5:21pm
Just wanted to throw in a quick welcome Corrie.