Obesity Discussion Forums

[elderboots]

I dont know too much about forums, but I do know that I need some support. I welcome all encouraging words, and friendships. My family dont understand why I am depressed all of the time. They tell me that it is all in my head. I have struggled with eating all of my life, and I know that it is more than just my head. I eat for comfort, and then hate myself for the rest of the day. I am disguested at what is looking back from the mirror. I want to change my life, but I feel like I cannot do it alone. So far alone is all I have had. I know that there are other people in the world that feel the way I do. From the things I have read so far on this site, seems like there may be hope. Looking forward to hearing from someone.

[Obesity Discussion]

We're all here for one another, and are trying to reach the same goals. You have stumbled across one of the best communities and support groups on the internet! We'll be with you every step of the way.

[caniwasteurtime2]

i know exactly how you feel. eating as an emotional habit comes naturally, because i was left alone when i was younger to deal with emotional issues. food became comfort. you've gotta break that bond though, that's the biggest step. when you become emotional, do something else, exercise especially helps. getting a good workout when you're upset often helps me...

but again, i know exactly where you're coming from. no one would understand unless they were in your shoes. and quite simply they're just not.

[Audrey]

I didn't realize it until I looked back, but I put on my last 15 lbs (to get me up to 180 lbs) when I found out my mom had cancer. I never put the two together at the time, but when I look back now, those directly coincide.

Food is a comfort for a lot of people, and I think it's still a comfort for me sometimes, except that I don't keep unhealthy stuff in my house anymore for me to eat. Changing my lifestyle and buying only healthy food really helps. If it's not there, you won't eat it.

[shesmilesnwinks]

Welcome..I know the feeling, I to eat for comfort. You will find a lot of helpful people here.

[alliecat]

Hi Elderboots. I am new to this forum. I have been reading all the weight loss mags and they have suggested joining a weight loss site for support is one of the better ways to go. I can hear your sadness and desperation. I feel the same way. I look in the mirror can't believe what I have become. I am so discusted with myself. I am trying to to become positive though. Again, that is something else I came accross in a mag is to try to be positive. I know for me, when I do positive things and good things for me I feel good. Exercised today 1 mile in home walk, have not eaten any crap like cake or cookies so far. I have done well. I am doing the best I can do today. I have to remember it isn't going away over night. It didn't come on that way. I am no counslor and I have been through the ringer myself. I am struggling with cravings as we speak. I am going to do my best not to break cause if I do I know I will feel low and want to eat more. I hope this helps. I look forward to talking to you more. I think we can help each other. Take care. Smiles Allie

[elderboots]

Hey Allie,
It was so good to hear from you. Looks like we are in the same boat. So far this site has been a great help for me. Since nobody at home understood what I was going through, I had to look at other options. I try to take it one day at a time, but alot of days I struggle terribly. I have to take it one day at a time, and try to do my best. Seems like every Monday I start all over. If I dont get it under controll, I feel like it will get the best of me. Depression is also a big thing for me. When I look in the mirror I hate what I see. Dont know how I went from 150 to 250, seems like it just crept up on me. Even worse, we live in a world where extra weight is unaceptable. Sometimes I dont think some people have a heart the way they poke fun at me. Still I need to stay strong. If there is anything I can do for you just let me know. If you need help with something, or you just want to vent some frustration. I WILL LISTEN. The only people who can understand us is us. Best wishes, good luck, and my prayers are with you.

[alliecat]

uggg. depression. I have been struggling with that myself. I was on an anti depressant for 9 years and two months ago told my dr. I have had enough of the side effects and wanted off. Most antidepressants as you may know hinder weight loss in fact a lot of them cause weight gain. Anyway, I have been off for a couple months now and wish I could say I am doing great but I am very weepy. I feel like I could go in my room and sob for hours most of the time and I am not sure why. I am trying not to wallow in self pity. it isn't easy. I am broke, not working a lot because of my health problems and feeling like a tank and in turn of feeling this way I see no comfort except but to eat. I know it isn't the anwser. I have got to get out of myself and find the solution. You have come so far. Could you give me an example of what you eat for meals and how many calories you eat? I need to get on some kind of a food plan and stick to it. Thank you for writting. Smiles Allie

[elderboots]

Hey Allie,
I am also on anti depressant drugs. Zoloft 300mg per day. I have 5 herniated disk in my back, and carpal tunnel in both of my hands. I also have been out of work for over a year now. I have had 4 surgeries so far to try to correct the back problems, but not much luck yet. I dont know why eating is so comforting, but its just like a saftey blankett. Seems like sometimes that food is the only friend we have. I know that isnt very positive. Sad but true! I know that I cant just let myself go because I am out of work, but sometimes pity is just easier. Some days I dont even feel like looking at other people. I guess its because I feel like they are looking at me and laughing. Crazy huh! I had a pretty good job before I got hurt. Where I come from good jobs are hard to come by. The future seems a little grim, but I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just have to keep my head up, and press on. Normally I just eat oatmeal for breakfast, turkey sandwich with fruit for lunch, and lean chicken with vegies for dinner. I try not to take in more than 1500 cals, and no less than 1200. I also use the treadmill everyday, whether I want to or not.Mostly not. Hope this helps. Keep your head up, it does get better. Hope to hear from you soon.

[adam&emilysmom]

I'm a comfort food eater who suffers from depression too! My doctor said that it is a chemical imbalance in the brain because of a lack of serotonin and the anti-depressants are suppose to balance everything out in order to stop the moodiness and anxiety. There was a time when I lived in a dark world, but I'm better now. I still get depressed, but not as bad. I used to work 60 hour weeks as a paralegal, but I haven't worked since my son was born three years ago. I really think that not being able to work has contributed to my depression because I'm the type of person who needs distraction. I think too much and I worry too much. Believe me, my son does his best to keep me distracted and busy, but we really get in a rut being stuck in this house day in and day out! After he was born, my depression worsened and my doctor put me on on zoloft. I also have seasonal affective disorder, which means I get the blues when it is dreary outside. I know it sounds silly that the weather could have so much of an affect on your mood, but believe me, it does. Winters where I live get pretty cold and dreary, so it is a struggle for me. I try not to let my depression and my food addiction control me, but sometimes that is easier said that done. That is why I joined this forum, because I knew there would people here experiencing the same things. It really helps me to keep busy and to set goals for myself. I like to make plans so that I will always have something to look forward to, whether it is a shopping trip, dinner out with a couple of my friends, going to the movies with my husband, etc.. It always makes me feel better when I have something to look forward to. As corny as it sounds, we have game night once in a while and invite my sisters and a few friends to come and play Texas Holdem. I always look forward to that. Sometimes when I'm having a bad day, I'll remind myself that in 3 more days I get to go here or there or do this and that and I do feel a little better. I know everyone is different and everyone deals with things differently, but that seems to help me with my depression, and usually, when my depression is under control, my eating habits are too.

[Irving]

you are in the right place. everyone here is so nice and i have never seen such a tight group before. welcome!

[alliecat]

Originally Posted by elderboots

Hey Allie,
I am also on anti depressant drugs. Zoloft 300mg per day. I have 5 herniated disk in my back, and carpal tunnel in both of my hands. I also have been out of work for over a year now. I have had 4 surgeries so far to try to correct the back problems, but not much luck yet. I dont know why eating is so comforting, but its just like a saftey blankett. Seems like sometimes that food is the only friend we have. I know that isnt very positive. Sad but true! I know that I cant just let myself go because I am out of work, but sometimes pity is just easier. Some days I dont even feel like looking at other people. I guess its because I feel like they are looking at me and laughing. Crazy huh! I had a pretty good job before I got hurt. Where I come from good jobs are hard to come by. The future seems a little grim, but I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just have to keep my head up, and press on. Normally I just eat oatmeal for breakfast, turkey sandwich with fruit for lunch, and lean chicken with vegies for dinner. I try not to take in more than 1500 cals, and no less than 1200. I also use the treadmill everyday, whether I want to or not.Mostly not. Hope this helps. Keep your head up, it does get better. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hey EB how are you today? It is a struggle to live with a lot of pain isn't it? I know because of some arthitis I have. I have not had to experience a lot of back pain TG and can't imagine. My knee, ankle and calf pain are enough. Pain and depression go hand in hand. It is hard to have one without the other unfortunately. We seem to have a lot in common. I noticed you joined the same day I did and have about the same amount of weight to lose. I had a really bad day yesterday. I was wallowing in self pity though at the time it didn't feel like it. I felt hopeless, helpless and ended up baking. Well, today is another day and I am going to get back on the horse, so to speak. Please let me know how your doing. I would love to chat. Take care.


Smiles Allie

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by alliecat

Hi Elderboots. I am new to this forum. I have been reading all the weight loss mags and they have suggested joining a weight loss site for support is one of the better ways to go. I can hear your sadness and desperation. I feel the same way. I look in the mirror can't believe what I have become. I am so discusted with myself. I am trying to to become positive though. Again, that is something else I came accross in a mag is to try to be positive. I know for me, when I do positive things and good things for me I feel good. Exercised today 1 mile in home walk, have not eaten any crap like cake or cookies so far. I have done well. I am doing the best I can do today. I have to remember it isn't going away over night. It didn't come on that way. I am no counslor and I have been through the ringer myself. I am struggling with cravings as we speak. I am going to do my best not to break cause if I do I know I will feel low and want to eat more. I hope this helps. I look forward to talking to you more. I think we can help each other. Take care. Smiles Allie

Originally Posted by elderboots

Hey Allie,
I am also on anti depressant drugs. Zoloft 300mg per day. I have 5 herniated disk in my back, and carpal tunnel in both of my hands. I also have been out of work for over a year now. I have had 4 surgeries so far to try to correct the back problems, but not much luck yet. I dont know why eating is so comforting, but its just like a saftey blankett. Seems like sometimes that food is the only friend we have. I know that isnt very positive. Sad but true! I know that I cant just let myself go because I am out of work, but sometimes pity is just easier. Some days I dont even feel like looking at other people. I guess its because I feel like they are looking at me and laughing. Crazy huh! I had a pretty good job before I got hurt. Where I come from good jobs are hard to come by. The future seems a little grim, but I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just have to keep my head up, and press on. Normally I just eat oatmeal for breakfast, turkey sandwich with fruit for lunch, and lean chicken with vegies for dinner. I try not to take in more than 1500 cals, and no less than 1200. I also use the treadmill everyday, whether I want to or not.Mostly not. Hope this helps. Keep your head up, it does get better. Hope to hear from you soon.

Good for both of you, I think you're on the right paths!! No pain , no gain, trust me when I say the extra effort now will pay off 10 fold down the road.

[butterflyluv]

Depression can be a very hard thing specially when food is your comfort. I was put on anti-depressants for about a year a half back in 2003. I was put on Prozac which is actually known to help weight loss. It did for a while, but my eating habits were the ones needing to change for weight loss solution. It is my opinion that anti-depressants really help out when prescribed correctly. You have to have a good doctor that wont just medicate you to get rid of the problem at hand. My psychiatrist had me see him once a week for evaluation as well as see a psychologists 2 times a week. They both worked together to help me get the best results. If I would miss either ones appointment the other would know and had me on check to make sure I went. It was an awesome system and I thank God I had them to help me out with my depression. But it is about finding the best doctors who truly want to help. I only took 1yr and a half of meds and quite honestly it was all I needed. Now I am relieved of depression and feel much better in that sense. Now I just need to work on my weight and I will be brand spanking new! lol (if only it was that easy)

[limichelle23]

I have never did handle my eating very well. When I first put on the weight I joined all of these different weight loss diets and I found It almost turned me bullemic. I would litterlly throw up so by the next weigh in I wasn't over a pound.

I saw a dietician and that almost threw me over the edge. I stopped seeing her. Now I have a supportive doctor who tells me just to basically eat healthy cut off junk food but don't deprive maybe treat yourself to something once every weekend. And exercise.

I know what you mean about the mirror that used to be my biggest issue.

Then one day I stopped caring and then the stopping of the caring turned to "i'm big right now and it's a slow process but I wont be big forever. But since i'm big for now I have to love who I am right now."

So I look in the mirror and find nice features about myself.

I focus on those and it helps because I also suffer from a major mental illness and I can get easily depressed.

Also working out really helps in that area as well.

I mean I feel like a brand new me after I step off the treadmill.

Lisa

[SunShine]

I wish I could get myself out of this rut I am in to. I just do not want to do anything when I get up in the mornings. I drag around until the day is mostly over with and then get mad at myself for doing it.
I know I need to exercise and I try to in our pool but I canot get in it alone during the day without my husband with me because of some health problems I have. I am so big I feel miserable. I hate myself for ever getting like this. I have always been heavy but I was active and did so much and never slowed up but these last three years I have almost become imobile.
I have no desire to do things anymore. I stay in pain from my arthritis and I know that is why but I take all my medication my doctor gives me but he is so skeptic about giving me to many pain pills to take. I do feel so much better when I do thake them and I do alot more and go more to but then I run out of them and get back to hurting and can't do much at all. I have tried to explain this to him but it does no good.
Have any of you ever experienced anything like this before? why are doctors so skeptic about giving out pain medication when someone may need it in order to have a functional life of any kind.
I am 62 yrs. old and have arthritis so bad in my whole body. This goes way back in our family tree for generations. I just feel that doctors do nopt understand a person much when it comes to pain.
I know my pain is what is keeping me so depressed and I eat to because it seems to make the pain ease up for a few minutes while I am eating. I know that may sound crazy to you all but its true.
I feel I am in a no win suitation.

[friendly1]

Hi sweetie, I'm new to this site too!! Comfort eating is not something crazy. It is soo common. So just settle down and view this whole site, I just did and there is tons of information here. This might sound a little mean, but with the no support from family and friends thing you have going remember this. YOU ARE A SPECIAL PERSON, A UNIQUE PERSON ON THIS PLANET.oKAY???? iF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU WILL FEEL BETTER, YOU HAVE TO FOCUS ON SOMETHING YOU LIKE TO DO. Not the diet or weight loss program. That to me is secondary. Just pick something. Like I like to take my binoculars and go find cool birds to look at. Well I go to the woods and walk too. Or take long walks with my daughter. Or go to the malll and window shop really fast. lol. really we do! Or go to river and swim for hours. Anything we can do to keep moving. For some reason , moving and me makes me not comfort eat. Try it.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by SunShine

I wish I could get myself out of this rut I am in to. I just do not want to do anything when I get up in the mornings. I drag around until the day is mostly over with and then get mad at myself for doing it.
I know I need to exercise and I try to in our pool but I canot get in it alone during the day without my husband with me because of some health problems I have. I am so big I feel miserable. I hate myself for ever getting like this. I have always been heavy but I was active and did so much and never slowed up but these last three years I have almost become imobile.
I have no desire to do things anymore. I stay in pain from my arthritis and I know that is why but I take all my medication my doctor gives me but he is so skeptic about giving me to many pain pills to take. I do feel so much better when I do thake them and I do alot more and go more to but then I run out of them and get back to hurting and can't do much at all. I have tried to explain this to him but it does no good.
Have any of you ever experienced anything like this before? why are doctors so skeptic about giving out pain medication when someone may need it in order to have a functional life of any kind.
I am 62 yrs. old and have arthritis so bad in my whole body. This goes way back in our family tree for generations. I just feel that doctors do nopt understand a person much when it comes to pain.
I know my pain is what is keeping me so depressed and I eat to because it seems to make the pain ease up for a few minutes while I am eating. I know that may sound crazy to you all but its true.
I feel I am in a no win suitation.

Wow, I'm sorry to hear this! This doesn't sound crazy, and you aren't the only one who has gone through this! Can you get your husband to commit to helping you more often?

Originally Posted by friendly1

Hi sweetie, I'm new to this site too!! Comfort eating is not something crazy. It is soo common. So just settle down and view this whole site, I just did and there is tons of information here. This might sound a little mean, but with the no support from family and friends thing you have going remember this. YOU ARE A SPECIAL PERSON, A UNIQUE PERSON ON THIS PLANET.oKAY???? iF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU WILL FEEL BETTER, YOU HAVE TO FOCUS ON SOMETHING YOU LIKE TO DO. Not the diet or weight loss program. That to me is secondary. Just pick something. Like I like to take my binoculars and go find cool birds to look at. Well I go to the woods and walk too. Or take long walks with my daughter. Or go to the malll and window shop really fast. lol. really we do! Or go to river and swim for hours. Anything we can do to keep moving. For some reason , moving and me makes me not comfort eat. Try it.

Very well said!!! Gotta stay active and find things to keep you in a positive mindset!!