Back after two years or more

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2007
Back after two years or more
12
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 8:56am

Hi all.. I think I may have reached rock bottom, perhaps that's where I should be to get serious about my health. I'm in my 50s; have been hefty now for about 27 years, getting heftier, and though I can't stand the way I look (no mirrors in my house!), I don't seem to be motivated to do a dad-gone thing about my weight. I have a job which requires me to not only sit in front of the computer, but to work at home as well...I can go a week or more without leaving the house and am beginning to wonder if I've become a little agoraphobic. Interestingly, though, when I finally do leave and go run errands or whatever, I'm in no hurry to come back to the house. I used to love to go to the fitness center and do my workout (the treadmill was the pits though, I'd rather walk around the block); now, I pay the dues but don't go. Maybe it's just a matter of how much I want to change, yet I'm so ashamed of how I look...I hate to introduce myself to people and even more hate to be the fattest person in the room. I'm not sure why I'm here, I just know that I have to make a change.

I have a real fear of losing the weight and then having the skin hanging down like disgusting crepe paper.. lousy excuse for not losing weight, but a reality to me.

Thanks for "listening."

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2006
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 8:20pm

Don't let your age or your occupation discourage you-or your starting weight.

I am 51...and I too work at a computer all day (well, sometimes I'm in meetings, but I'm sitting most of the time). And four years ago I decided that I would join a gym for three months, and that I would committ to myself that for three years I would make taking better care of myself the most important thing in my life.

Calling the gym was one of the hardest things I ever did. I was lucky that the person I talked to was really really nice, and she didn't make me feel like 'What's wrong with you you fat old lady, this is a gym for fit people'. No, she told me that she had struggled with her weight, that they had lots of different kinds of members, and I would enjoy it there. Then she hooked me up with an awesome trainer.

I really did not beleive that I could change, but I decided that I would 'prove' that by going to the gym three times a week for three months. And after a few weeks, I decided to make a few small food changes (no chips with my sandwich each day was the first one). By the end of the summer, I could see a difference-not a big difference, but enough that I knew I'd been wrong when I thought I couldn't change.

Now, at 51, I am in the best shape of my life-not as thin as when I was 29, but much more fit, and much happier with myself.

One key for me was that I knew it would take a long time, and I knew it would be hard - and it has taken longer than I planned-four years and I'm not there yet, and it is very very hard. But if I can learn this, anyone can...and if this is what you want, you have found a great place for support.

Best wishes on your journey
SJ
225-168-135

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 6:07am

Hi and welcome to the board


Getting started (or re-started) and sticking with something is probably the hardest stage for me. To find the motivation and willpower to do it. I hope you find something that clicks for you.. maybe if you write down all the reasons you have for losing the weight.. even vain reasons, they're the most fun ones LOL... then hang it on your fridge or something as a constant reminder. Maybe you can start small, with one goal on mind, like drinking more water or switching to diet soda or getting out 10 minutes everyday for a walk (only 10 minutes, you can do anything for 10 minutes). And once you are able to stick with that for two weeks, add something else. In a few weeks, you'll be on track to a newer you.


Please stick around and keep posting. Tell us how we can help you


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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2007
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 6:35am
Those are good solid ideas, thank you. It just seems so overwhelming, so focusing on something small will make it less intimidating. I'm thinking of putting up two full length mirrors in discrete places in the house as well, to remind myself of how I look (gag). I really noticed myself while on vacation, staying in a condo covered in mirrors (gag again). Makes for a sobering reality check though. ~ Anna
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 8:03am

Welcome and best of luck to you.


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Angela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 8:18am
That's great Anna.. So when are you starting? And what will your first goal be?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-26-1999
Mon, 05-14-2007 - 6:25pm

Welcome Anna, we're glad you found this board! I totally agree with the previous posters who encouraged you to just

 

 

 


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2007
Tue, 05-15-2007 - 5:52am
I meant to start walking yesterday (Monday), but I was simply too sleepy to get up and out; mistake, as it started to rain early in the afternoon which derailed me. If nothing else, I could have walked around the pool deck for ten minutes in my shorts and T-shirt (sans bra) right after work, but I didn't. I think 10 pounds a month weight loss is doable, and probably have to focus on that rather than to think about how long it will take me to reach a more human appearance.. For today, I will still aim for 10 minutes of walking (which is about all I can manage at this size).. Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate the encouragement I've gotten from the board members thus far. ~ Anna
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2006
Tue, 05-15-2007 - 7:46am
I did the same thing yesterday. I scheduled exercise but was so tired at the end of the day and I skipped it. But today I know I will exercise.. if I can do it, so can you. Tell me how it goes

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2006
Tue, 05-15-2007 - 9:22am

You know what...........IF I CAN DO ANYONE CAN DO IT!!! LMAO


I exercised already this morning.......so I encourage, give you a gentle push to get moving today.


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Angela

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
Tue, 05-15-2007 - 7:00pm

Hey, Anna, how did the walking go today?

I'm just back here after a few months of serious slacking, and the first steps are sure tough, aren't they? But I promise that each day, you'll see a little improvement (really, it's absolutely amazing) and before you know it you'll sneak in the next little change.

Best of luck!!!!! Keep us posted,

Misha

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