Trying To Drop The Weight

It is the story of my life...since I was 5 or so I have always been overweight and now I am more than just a little overweight and it is a battle that has become my priority.

I'm not talking about losing 5 or ten lbs - I'm talking about dropping 200 lbs or so. So, I'm looking for any inspiration, ideas, encouragement etc!

Let's battle the bulge together!

The only thing I have learned so far is that you really need to make a lifestyle change. That is very hard to do when you have a lifetime of bad eating habits and little to none regular exercise. You didn't put that weight on overnight, you can't expect to lose it quickly either. (Generic you, no you specifically Heather)

I've been trying to eat smaller meals throughout the day (including breakfast!) and eat healthier foods (more fresh produce/lean protein/whole grain and less processed foods), and I have noticed a weight loss. Now, I need to incorporate some form of regular exercise...that's the hard part for me.

Best of luck to you Heather! We'll be here to cheer you on and for a shoulder to lean on.

Thanks Amanda - I really, really appreciate the support! I'm incorporating more exercise starting today by using my doctors recommendation of walking just 20 mins and building that up - we'll see what happens!!

Ditto that from me, too, Heather!

I've had my share of weight ups and downs (mostly ups), and certainly need to lose more than a few pounds myself. I know in the past using a food diary helped tremendously - writing down every little thing I ate made me think twice about popping in an extra cookie or going over the limits. I found the best diet plans were those that used portion control and number of servings per day, such as the old Weight Watchers (the plan before they introduced 'points') and the diabetic plans. Yes, weighing and measuring the portions was a pain at the beginning, but after a while it was easy to recognize a proper sized portion.

The worst things I've done trying to lose weight: buying a lot of 'diet' food (lo-cal, no-cal, etc.) - between the taste and the chemical composition, most of it was worse than not having the real thing at all. Also, along the same lines, trying to 'get around' the diet with substitutions. Like trying to convince myself that ice milk is as good as ice cream, or that diet coke with rum extract is a rum & coke. All that ever did was make me crave the real thing more, until I broke down and went off the diet.

Right now I know I'm not at the right mindset to really start a good lifestyle change, but maybe lending support to you (and hearing your tips) will motivate me to make that commitment to better health.

Oh, and if it fits into your life, a dog is a great motivator for going on walks!

Good luck, Heather! We're here for you!

I'm here for all of you too! I know about the weight battle and having dropped 48 pounds over the last year I am now stuck and can't get below the weight I am now. All of you that have met me have seen me after the weight loss except for Heather who I have seen at least once a month for a while now.

Walking is great because I am on the treadmill at least 5 days a week and it really worked to help me lose that weight. Now I either have to go on for a longer time, which is tough now that I am working, at a faster mph, or change my eating style again to get past this plateau.

Anyone have that magic pill to make it all go away??????

That's a great way to do it! Start with one small change. Once you've mastered and/or incorporated that into your regular routine, add something else to your routine. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. And don't get too discouraged when you stumble, keep on trying. We all have our "bad days."

One thing I have done is to limit my non-water beverages to less than 8 oz. a day. So on any given day, I may have up to 8 oz. of Snapple, OJ, Grape Juice, or Apple Cider. The rest of the day I just drink plain water. Some days I only drink water. I save my juice for breakfast or a "snack."

I thought once I started back at school the pounds would start to melt away. But seeing I must have eaten 30 munchkins yesterday, I'm rethinking that thought.

A trick I have is I park my car in the morning at school and I don't move it all day. Since I am constantly going between two campuses, I get at least a mile in a day...with a good 20+ on my back.

Also, for you nonstudents....when I go somewhere in public, I always park away from the doors (unless it is raining). That way I get some walking in during my day.

I agree that mini goals are the most satisfying way to lose weight. Don't expect too much or the frustration will make it harder.

Well just to update everyone - A week since I started walking etc and I lost 7 lbs. Guess I just have to keep on pushing!

Whoo Hoo! Congratulations! That's a great start!!!!!!!!!!

just keep swimming, ah, walking, just keep walking!

Trust me - with all this rain I think I'm going to need to take up rowing soon - well at least that would be good for my arms! LOL

Congrats Heather!! Keep up the good work!

So another week over and another 4 lbs lost! I'm dropping the weight but I'm also considering weight loss surgery. Anyone have any dealings with this surgery?

No. However, I think you should fully explore all the ins and outs of this surgery before doing it. It's not some simple little procedure you get done and ...*poof* you're a size 4 in a week like the media will let you think. There is recovery/adjustment period that isn't so pleasant from what I hear.

And in the end even with this surgery, you still need to modify your eating/exercise habits to healthier ones.

Hi Heather,

I know all about the weight thing. It seems I've been battling it all my life. I actually have a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, and basically the easiest way I know to describe it to people is that my body decided it would be fun to start menopause at 20 instead of at 50. So I'm all all kinds of medications and basically my body works against me at every turn in the weight loss department. My body also produces way more insulin and just turns right to sugar and more fat and more weight. If I wasn't on the meds I'd probably be over 400lbs by now.

I am never motivated to work out, except in the colder weather. Then I LOVE to walk. I usually will also go with my dad or sister and we have such great conversations it makes the 3 mile walk go by fast. Don't worry I didn't start out doing 3 miles at a time. Once around the block was about all I could manage when I first started.

I also found that for me and my body chemistry, the Suzanne Somers or a lower carb diet works really well. (When I can stick to it.) Those cravings for fudge brownie ice cream are really hard to turn down.

Anyway, I'm here for you!!! If I can lend any help, send any recipes etc!! Keep up the good work! I'll keep you in my prayers too!
MaryAnne