Obesity Discussion Forums

[sarcasticdoll]

Hi!~ I'm a 27 year old single mom of a beautiful 3 year old. I'm a graphic designer and I live in Canada. I've struggled with weight my whole life.

I had finally reached a healthy weight, just before I got pregnant (thanks to strict one year regimen of healthy eating and regular exercise). This was the happiest time of my life. I was confident, I had control over my excessive eating, I was okay.

When I got pregnant, my marriage began to fall apart, my husband and I were dealing with financial troubles and I gained ONE HUNDRED POUNDS! Shortly after the birth of our child, my husband left me for another woman. We have been separated for almost 3 years and I have yet to lose ANY of the 100lbs I gained during my pregnancy.

Food is a comfort to me. My weight is a mask I wear to keep men at a distance because my heart is still mending. I am unhappy. I am not motivated. The only thing that brings me joy is the comfort I find in food.

I have been struggling to stop eating so much. I have been struggling to motivate myself to exercise. I have succeeded for a few days at a time, then just went back to old habits. My will power is shot, compared to how it was before, and I'm hoping that finding this group will help motivate me to do what's best for ME and my child.

I'm so thankful to have stumbled upon this forum. It brought tears to my eyes to know that I'm not alone in this struggle.

Thank you for making this kind of group available!

[valr]

Hi sarcasticdoll and nice to meet you!
Sounds to me like you are well rid of your ex! Everyone would struggle with financial problems on top of pregnancy and new babies and consequent changing roles and priorities in the relationship... tiredness, stress, less sexual desire etc - but who said it would be easy? "In sickness and in health", right? But what does he do? Runs off into the arms of another woman. He sounds weak and immature.
You on the other hand are a talented independent woman and have a beautiful child!
A suggestion that my sister made which has helped me - is to think of it as doing something for your SON, not for you. You want to be healthy so you can remain in his life as long as possiblle. You want to have energy to play with him and run around. You want him to be proud of you. He wants to see his mum happy.
Really sorry if I sound like a patronising cow- I don't mean it that way! My heart goes out to you.
Please keep posting and we will all support you and each other. You CAN do this! New year, new start, new you.
Big hugs.

[matt007]

Originally Posted by CMEspinosa

I'm 26, female and live in Denver, CO. I have always exercised and been pretty active, where I have a problem is portion control. I've always been around guys and eating is almost a contest. Instead of being on the muscular side, after bulking up on protein, I still gain fat in my mid section. I was recently diagnosed with PCOS and it explains a lot of the issues that I've had with weight. I am really happy to have found a place for support, and I'm looking forward to tracking my progress here! 5 lbs down, 51.5 lbs to go!

Welcome CME, nice to see another Denverite around. Do you do much of the outdoorsy stuff?

Originally Posted by sarcasticdoll

Hi!~ I'm a 27 year old single mom of a beautiful 3 year old. I'm a graphic designer and I live in Canada. I've struggled with weight my whole life.

I had finally reached a healthy weight, just before I got pregnant (thanks to strict one year regimen of healthy eating and regular exercise). This was the happiest time of my life. I was confident, I had control over my excessive eating, I was okay.

When I got pregnant, my marriage began to fall apart, my husband and I were dealing with financial troubles and I gained ONE HUNDRED POUNDS! Shortly after the birth of our child, my husband left me for another woman. We have been separated for almost 3 years and I have yet to lose ANY of the 100lbs I gained during my pregnancy.

Food is a comfort to me. My weight is a mask I wear to keep men at a distance because my heart is still mending. I am unhappy. I am not motivated. The only thing that brings me joy is the comfort I find in food.

I have been struggling to stop eating so much. I have been struggling to motivate myself to exercise. I have succeeded for a few days at a time, then just went back to old habits. My will power is shot, compared to how it was before, and I'm hoping that finding this group will help motivate me to do what's best for ME and my child.

I'm so thankful to have stumbled upon this forum. It brought tears to my eyes to know that I'm not alone in this struggle.

Thank you for making this kind of group available!

Hi Sarcastic, figuring out your issues is the 1st step. I know I had to figure some stuff out about myself before I could start losing right. So hopefully that will help you get back to where you want to be.

[ChadSabre]

Hey Everyone, I have been searching around through the threads for awhile and decided it was finally time to join up! It has been great seeing some of the success stories on here keeps me motivated and lets me know my goals are achievable.

Name: Chad Sabre
Age: 25 (male)
Job: Commercial Real Estate
Hobbies: Concerts, playing guitar, white water rafting

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 275 lbs.

Fitness goals: I started out this year with the New Year’s resolution to get in shape that I have made the past few years but this time I am making it stick and have stayed on my diet and workout plan for almost six weeks now and have lost 11 pounds. I do a lot of weight lifting and have felt some great increase in muscle and my lifts so I am sure I have lost more weight than that as far as pounds of fat goes.

How Obesity affects my life: When I graduated college I worked full time and played in a band intent on taking over the world. During those 3 years I had barely a free second and my eating and drinking habits were awful and my exercise regiment was non-existent. Somehow, I didn’t even realize it until the end of last year but I had gotten really heavy and out of shape and started getting out of breath doing the simplest things. I am 25 and single and these should be some of the best years of my life so I am ready to turn it around one day at a time!

[reshadar]

Hi there,

I am new to this site. I just turned 40 and I am bipolar. For the 15 or so years that I have been on medication, I have seriously struggled with weight. My highest was 250. About 2 years ago, I got down to 175 (my lowest since starting the meds), but went through some traumatic events in the past year or so and I went back up to 205. Most recently, I have been put on Seroquel, which has been wonderful, except that I gained 15 pounds in just 2 weeks. I am currently stuck at 220, and though I feel great as far as the bipolar goes, I feel horrible about the weight. It's to the point that I stay inside as much as I can because I don't want anybody to see me. I am hoping that talking to others with weight issues will help me to fight through this and lose this weight. It is extra hard for me because the meds have that weight side effect, but if it is just those extra 15 pounds that is because of the medication, I should be able to lose the rest of it. I can handle being 15 pounds over a healthy weight, but not 70 or 80 pounds over it. My goal is not to be skinny, just healthy and happy - I am 5'6" so 140, 150, or even 160 would be okay with me!
Anyway - that is my intro - I am happy to be here and hope to get help and be of help as much as I can :-)

[SteveO]

Hi!

My name's Steve, I am 29 years old (almost 30), 5'6'' and currently tip the scales at 198.5 pounds, down from about 205 pounds at the start of the year. I write computer software for a living. Really glad to be here. Hoping to get and give some support, make some pals, and move steadily towards my goal weight of 135 pounds. Thanks for reading

[jamieday]

Hi all,

I'm brand new to forums so please bear with me. I'm 28 and female, 5"1 and a 162 pounds. I am very worried about conceiving at this weight which is why I guess I've really started being serious about weight loss. I'm on a diet plan now and hoping to lose about 30 pounds.

Nice to meet you all

[Fluffymomma]

Lots of new members, welcome everyone! Sure do hope to learn more about you.

Jamieday, what is your weight loss strategy going to be?

Reshadar, we are close to the same weight issues, age as well. My goal is 160 but I know truly I will probably need to be lower than that since for my height at 5'7" is 145-160. But I want to reach 160 since that's first! hehe

Chad and SteveO and everyone else, we're all here for ya!

[angela]

Hello My name is Angela. I new and looking forward to being part of the forum. Seems like a great place to learn lots of great things and talk to other people who are struggling with the same issues. Can't wait to get to know some new people!

[Lafka]

Hello everyone!

I am a young women, 18 years of age who has been dealing with obesity since she was 7. My name is Carol-Ann, I've been engaged for about a year ( Happy me! )I am 5ft 11in and 270lbs ( ) I tried allot of weight loss methods and none of them worked. Due to my excess fat I have a hard time with my back and can not do allot of exercise of manual labor. I also broke an ankle about 2 years back and even to this day due to it I can not walk on it for very long. I decided to join this group for support and help because I decided I wanted to be a mother.(Waiting to loose a bit of weight before conceiving.) Not just a mother, but a HEALTHY and ENERGETIC mother. I need your help to loose weight and keep it off. I found the determination, now I need a good support group! I hope you guys can help me! I want to be the best mother I can!

Thanks! <3

[reshadar]

Hi everybody!

Fluffymomma, since we are so close, how are you trying to lose weight? I am trying the South Beach diet. I had tried it before, years ago, and it worked great. It was also the best way for me - not only is it about a lifestyle change - changing to much healthier eating, whole grains, etc. etc,. but because I am hypoglycemic and South Beach is also about cutting sugar, it is a really good way for me to lose weight. When I was previously on it, I lost 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks, and then was losing 2 - 3 pounds every week. I just didn't stick to it and I started eating the sugar again. The truth is, though, that I felt so much better, not just about myself, but also physically - I had more energy and I NEVER had any hypoglycemic episodes while I was on it. The first few days of withdrawing from sugar is difficult, but after that, it was REALLY easy - I didn't even want the sugar at all - I don't know why I cheated on the diet. Since then, I have been trying to get into that frame of mind that I was in when I previously started the diet. It's been hard, but I am determined. Yesterday was my first day in a long time that I didn't have any sugar at all. It's one day at a time, but like I said, it really only takes a few days to withdraw from the sugar and then you're on your way. I hope to be on my way in a few days. Wish me luck!

[reshadar]

Oh, and I put 135 as my goal weight, but like you, my real goal right now is 160 - then I'll go from there :-)

[pursuitofhappiness]

Originally Posted by angela

Hello My name is Angela. I new and looking forward to being part of the forum. Seems like a great place to learn lots of great things and talk to other people who are struggling with the same issues. Can't wait to get to know some new people!

Hello Angela,

Welcome, This is a great site, many people enjoy this site allot (myself included
I see in your stats you lost 20lbs from your start weight! congrads!!!!

what kind of game plan do you have for losing weight so far?

I look forward to learning more about you

Bob

[EricaC]

Hi, everyone! My weight has ranged between around 214 and 222 over the past couple of years. Right now I'm at the high end, and I've been aware of my clothes getting tight recently. I don't have the energy I'd like, and I'd like to be able to quit taking medicine for high blood pressure. But none of these things have been motivation enough to get me started--here's what did.

I had just bought tickets on Southwest Airlines for a trip this spring, and then a news story hit about a movie director thrown off a flight because he was deemed too fat to fit in one seat. Their policy is that if you are too large to fit safely in one seat, with armrests down and belt buckled, you have to pay for a second ticket.

I found this website while googling around, trying to figure out how big is too big. My husband says I don't have to worry, but I told him that this worry is my only motivation, so don't take it away from me!

[pursuitofhappiness]

Originally Posted by reshadar

Hi there,

I am new to this site. I just turned 40 and I am bipolar. For the 15 or so years that I have been on medication, I have seriously struggled with weight. My highest was 250. About 2 years ago, I got down to 175 (my lowest since starting the meds), but went through some traumatic events in the past year or so and I went back up to 205. Most recently, I have been put on Seroquel, which has been wonderful, except that I gained 15 pounds in just 2 weeks. I am currently stuck at 220, and though I feel great as far as the bipolar goes, I feel horrible about the weight. It's to the point that I stay inside as much as I can because I don't want anybody to see me. I am hoping that talking to others with weight issues will help me to fight through this and lose this weight. It is extra hard for me because the meds have that weight side effect, but if it is just those extra 15 pounds that is because of the medication, I should be able to lose the rest of it. I can handle being 15 pounds over a healthy weight, but not 70 or 80 pounds over it. My goal is not to be skinny, just healthy and happy - I am 5'6" so 140, 150, or even 160 would be okay with me!
Anyway - that is my intro - I am happy to be here and hope to get help and be of help as much as I can :-)

reshadar,

Welcome! You have come to the rite place, I have many similar problems, actually theres allot of people with problems like yours.

Staying inside is not good at all, I can tell you from personal experience. Thats what will put the weight on more and can cause other problems too.
Have you come up with a weight loss plan yet? if not let us no, especially ODA (obesity discussion administrator)

He has a ton of knowledge on losing weight!

your introduction was a great step! Everyone here likes to support each other.

if you have any questions at all on how to fill out your profile, list pics, post a thread, what came first the chicken or the egg? LOL or anything feel free to private message me or just start a new thread

I look forward to talking with you more

Bob

[pursuitofhappiness]

Originally Posted by EricaC

Hi, everyone! My weight has ranged between around 214 and 222 over the past couple of years. Right now I'm at the high end, and I've been aware of my clothes getting tight recently. I don't have the energy I'd like, and I'd like to be able to quit taking medicine for high blood pressure. But none of these things have been motivation enough to get me started--here's what did.

I had just bought tickets on Southwest Airlines for a trip this spring, and then a news story hit about a movie director thrown off a flight because he was deemed too fat to fit in one seat. Their policy is that if you are too large to fit safely in one seat, with armrests down and belt buckled, you have to pay for a second ticket.

I found this website while googling around, trying to figure out how big is too big. My husband says I don't have to worry, but I told him that this worry is my only motivation, so don't take it away from me!

Hello erica and welcome!!!

my clothes were getting tight and i was already in a 5xl before i started losing weight. so i know how that can get to you.

You have come to the best website out there (in my opinion) I have only been here a month and already made some great friends!

do you have a weight loss plan in mind yet? feel free to look at my story so far, Ive only lost 20 lbs so far but I already have more energy and allot more confidence.

I take blood pressure meds too, so do some other folks here. I look forward to learning more about you

Bob

[pursuitofhappiness]

Originally Posted by jamieday

Hi all,

I'm brand new to forums so please bear with me. I'm 28 and female, 5"1 and a 162 pounds. I am very worried about conceiving at this weight which is why I guess I've really started being serious about weight loss. I'm on a diet plan now and hoping to lose about 30 pounds.

Nice to meet you all

Nice to meet you to jamie,

look forward to seeing your posts and chatting

Bob

[pursuitofhappiness]

Originally Posted by Lafka

Hello everyone!

I am a young women, 18 years of age who has been dealing with obesity since she was 7. My name is Carol-Ann, I've been engaged for about a year ( Happy me! )I am 5ft 11in and 270lbs ( ) I tried allot of weight loss methods and none of them worked. Due to my excess fat I have a hard time with my back and can not do allot of exercise of manual labor. I also broke an ankle about 2 years back and even to this day due to it I can not walk on it for very long. I decided to join this group for support and help because I decided I wanted to be a mother.(Waiting to loose a bit of weight before conceiving.) Not just a mother, but a HEALTHY and ENERGETIC mother. I need your help to loose weight and keep it off. I found the determination, now I need a good support group! I hope you guys can help me! I want to be the best mother I can!

Thanks! <3

Hello Carol theres allot of good ways to lose weight here! theres so many people with great ideas that will be glad to share with you.

you have a couple obstacles(your back and ankle) But they can be overcome.

you still have other parts of your body you can exercises,(arms, abs,upper legs... whatever breaks a sweat) in combination with a good diet plan you can start dropping pounds fast!

this site is full of people ready to motivate!

Do you have a place to work out, like a gym nearby? or even some exercise items at home, whatever can motivate you to get started is the most important.

I look forward to hearing back from you

Bob

[Telliconesys]

Hi, My name is Telliconesys, and I'm addicted to food!

I am a 28 (almost 29) year old woman, love being out doors and active, but have a job that keeps me exhausted and getting home late with a ravenous hunger. I became overweight over the past 4 years- especially the last 2.5. My healthy weight is around 170-175 lb. I carry a lot of muscle on my body, so I am happy with this ideal weight. However, I am currently 252 lb!!!

Having pneumonia for over a month this winter sapped my strength, willpower, and health. So starting Valentines day, I decided I had to take some active steps to improving my fitness and health. I started with cheesy magazine-type workouts and could barely make it through! Having always been uncommonly strong for my size/age/body type, I was just floored at the ugly truth staring me in the face.

My plan is to get some exercise 2-3 times a week to start with- gradually improving my stamina, strength, and lung capacity (which is decimated!), and to try to shoot for 1700 calories each day. I have so far made it 5 days!!!!!!!

My biggest challenges are these:
1) I have an addictive personality. I over do everything, and have often over done diets and exercise to the point of harm. I am just as at risk of becoming anorexic as I am to overeat. I must avoid replacing food with alcohol, exercise, or any other activity that I could conceivably do to the extreme.
2) I work 10-13 hr days, with a 1 hr lunch break around 1:00, and NOTHING from 2pm until I get home, starving. My best intentions break down around 5 or 6 oclock, leading to binging when I get home. My job is NOT conducive to a mid afternoon snack, and I don't have the luxury of 10-15 minute breaks. So if it can't be swallowed in 5 seconds or so between patients and leave my breath nice for talking, it isn't practical
3) freakin Chips Ahoy Candy Coated blasts- I am tempted to sell my soul for another box right now! I can eat an entire box in 1 sitting. Usually this happens at the end of a week of dieting, when I think I've earned a cheat meal and I have intentions of eating 2-3 cookies. But by the end of the night, all those perfectly-textured, satisfying yummies are in my tummy!

So that's me in a nutshell! I look forward participating in these forums for support and knowledge!

[SimplySeppy]

Hi, My name is September but my frineds simply call me Seppy...thus my handle on the forums! =) I'm 36 3/4 years old and ready to end my lifelong dance with obesity. I am 5'5" tall and 287 pounds. I've recently begun working out with wii fit, and taking walks as the weather permits. I am serious about losing my extra weight and have come up with my fit by forty plan. I figure since I need to lose around 150 pounds, and there are 52 weeks in a year....if I lose a pound a week for the next three years...I'll be at my goal! lol I actually hope to lose the weight a bit quicker than that, but if nothing else...1 pound a week gives me a minimum goal.

Well any way there's the bare bones. Let me add....I'm extremely determined!