src79
03-04-2009, 02:17 AM
Hello everyone.
I have used healthboards a few times for other things, but tonight I was looking for weight loss help and stumbled upon this board. I hope you don't mind my jumping in.
I guess I kind of just need to get things off of my chest and tell my story (to strangers - odd how that's more comforting for some reason!), so here it goes...
I am 29 years old, and I have been fat my entire life. I remember being called fat by other children as a preschooler, and that has been my life since then. By the time I was in high school I weighed 275 lbs., I am a 5'3" female, by the way.
When I started college I got caught up in the "fat free" craze of the 90's and got down to about 165. Even though I was still overweight, I felt awesome. It didn't last long at all though, and I ended up bigger than ever, at 300 lbs.
I got married, had two children (now 4 and 2), and decided about a year ago that I wanted to get healthy for my children. I started trying to eat right and exercise and I lost over 50 lbs. A few months ago I gave up again, and I finally made myself get on a scale the other day and found out that I have gained 25 lbs. back. So, here I am at about 275 again.
I have a real problem with food. Growing up, everything my family did revolved around food. There was always a lot of it, and it was always unhealthy. I had grandmothers constantly cooking fatty (delicious!) southern food, and when we ate at home it was usually fast food or something else unhealthy. I would go to my grandmother's house after school and eat a full meal of whatever she had cooked that day, and then when my dad got home from work later that night we would have a full meal at home. It really was ridiculous, but I learned to associate good feelings with food, and it has been a hard habit to break.
My dad's mother died at age 47, she was probably around 400 lbs (just a guess). My dad is now 48 and recently had heart surgery, and the doctors said he was very close to a massive heart attack. I don't want to be like that. My children deserve better. I am very careful about feeding my kids healthy food, but I just can't stop myself from eating crap.
Sorry this is so long. I don't blame you if you didn't make it this far. No matter how motivated I get, I always end up screwing up. I want to change this, and I am so mad at myself (so mad, in fact, that I just had a pb&j and a dr. pepper at midnight, ugh).
Has anyone else succesfully overcome obesity after a lifetime of bad habits? Thanks for listening!
I have used healthboards a few times for other things, but tonight I was looking for weight loss help and stumbled upon this board. I hope you don't mind my jumping in.
I guess I kind of just need to get things off of my chest and tell my story (to strangers - odd how that's more comforting for some reason!), so here it goes...
I am 29 years old, and I have been fat my entire life. I remember being called fat by other children as a preschooler, and that has been my life since then. By the time I was in high school I weighed 275 lbs., I am a 5'3" female, by the way.
When I started college I got caught up in the "fat free" craze of the 90's and got down to about 165. Even though I was still overweight, I felt awesome. It didn't last long at all though, and I ended up bigger than ever, at 300 lbs.
I got married, had two children (now 4 and 2), and decided about a year ago that I wanted to get healthy for my children. I started trying to eat right and exercise and I lost over 50 lbs. A few months ago I gave up again, and I finally made myself get on a scale the other day and found out that I have gained 25 lbs. back. So, here I am at about 275 again.
I have a real problem with food. Growing up, everything my family did revolved around food. There was always a lot of it, and it was always unhealthy. I had grandmothers constantly cooking fatty (delicious!) southern food, and when we ate at home it was usually fast food or something else unhealthy. I would go to my grandmother's house after school and eat a full meal of whatever she had cooked that day, and then when my dad got home from work later that night we would have a full meal at home. It really was ridiculous, but I learned to associate good feelings with food, and it has been a hard habit to break.
My dad's mother died at age 47, she was probably around 400 lbs (just a guess). My dad is now 48 and recently had heart surgery, and the doctors said he was very close to a massive heart attack. I don't want to be like that. My children deserve better. I am very careful about feeding my kids healthy food, but I just can't stop myself from eating crap.
Sorry this is so long. I don't blame you if you didn't make it this far. No matter how motivated I get, I always end up screwing up. I want to change this, and I am so mad at myself (so mad, in fact, that I just had a pb&j and a dr. pepper at midnight, ugh).
Has anyone else succesfully overcome obesity after a lifetime of bad habits? Thanks for listening!
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nina7281968
03-04-2009, 06:35 PM
Being over weight stinks I know with me I would get depressed about summer shorts I was so embarresed that I wore capri's all summer long wouldn't swim if anybody was there. Now I am 40 years old have had 4 kids I'm 5ft 2in and weight 181 lost some weight gained it plus some went to 194 my husband got lap band 6 months ago and has lost 65lbs well I decided enough is enough I finally put the taco down! my sister and I decided to lose weight together and be each others support shes 4ft 11in and 244 but in two weeks she has lost 11lbs and I am at 180 I believe if you have somebody to lean on talk to work out with give low cal recipes to it makes all the difference I think we are doing great and I know we feel better. But I beleive when you put your mind to it and have support it work it is a life changing thing but you have children that need you around so get a friend relative or spouse lifes already too short so lets try to give ourselves more time.
jann71
03-06-2009, 05:20 PM
I can sure identify with you src. I can remember weighing 152 pounds in the 5th grade. I am almost 38, 5'7, and I weigh 340 (I can share that with you since you are a stranger lol). In the summer/fall of 1995 I weighed 252. I started having trouble with my back and was on prednisone several times over the years which contributed to getting me to the weight I am today. Eating whatever I want when I want doesn't help either though. Like you, I can remember the meals with grandparents, the real "unhealthy" way they cooked which tasted awesome!
I think my problem is that I just love the taste of food. I don't eat when I'm upset or depressed, I eat because I like how something tastes. I've always said if they would remove my taste buds I would lose weight. I will sit and think about certain foods, like say the local chinese buffet, and I'll talk myself right into it and get myself into a tizzy wanting it so badly that I'll jump in the car and go eat there. I lay in bed at night thinking about what I want to eat the next day. It's bad. I think I am obessed with food and I have zero willpower. My stomach must be huge. I can really hold some food.
I have so many medical conditions, most of which would be helped if I could lose weight, but I don't ever forsee that I will. I live in a really rural place, so the closest place I could go to for lap banding or bypass surgery is a 6 hour drive away. And honestly, I would probably just stretch my stomach back out and negate the surgey anyway. I guess I'm destined to be obese. And it will probably kill me. And I don't know what to do.
I've always said that I have more important things to worry about that what I put in my mouth. I reason it out like this: a person can eat healthy, exercise, do everything right, and then could be kiiled in an accident or fall over their own feet and hit their head and die. So what was it all for? I may as well enjoy my life while I'm alive. And I enjoy food. I wish I didn't. I wish I could lose it. I have never been slim in my whole life. Just once I would like to know how it feels to look good, to be able to buy nice clothes, etc. As it is I'm just hoping I don't gain anymore. I've been at this weight for going on two years. I've practically given up on getting any smaller.
I'm sorry but I don't have any answers for you src, I just wanted to share my story with you and say you aren't alone. Thanks for reading. God bless!
I think my problem is that I just love the taste of food. I don't eat when I'm upset or depressed, I eat because I like how something tastes. I've always said if they would remove my taste buds I would lose weight. I will sit and think about certain foods, like say the local chinese buffet, and I'll talk myself right into it and get myself into a tizzy wanting it so badly that I'll jump in the car and go eat there. I lay in bed at night thinking about what I want to eat the next day. It's bad. I think I am obessed with food and I have zero willpower. My stomach must be huge. I can really hold some food.
I have so many medical conditions, most of which would be helped if I could lose weight, but I don't ever forsee that I will. I live in a really rural place, so the closest place I could go to for lap banding or bypass surgery is a 6 hour drive away. And honestly, I would probably just stretch my stomach back out and negate the surgey anyway. I guess I'm destined to be obese. And it will probably kill me. And I don't know what to do.
I've always said that I have more important things to worry about that what I put in my mouth. I reason it out like this: a person can eat healthy, exercise, do everything right, and then could be kiiled in an accident or fall over their own feet and hit their head and die. So what was it all for? I may as well enjoy my life while I'm alive. And I enjoy food. I wish I didn't. I wish I could lose it. I have never been slim in my whole life. Just once I would like to know how it feels to look good, to be able to buy nice clothes, etc. As it is I'm just hoping I don't gain anymore. I've been at this weight for going on two years. I've practically given up on getting any smaller.
I'm sorry but I don't have any answers for you src, I just wanted to share my story with you and say you aren't alone. Thanks for reading. God bless!
nina7281968
03-09-2009, 12:45 PM
Jann I know you could stretch your stomach from lapband but what about gastric they reroute your stomach right to your intestines and I think they remove part of your stomach I really don't know my husband has had lapband and he's doing great he off his blood pressure meds and his labs look good for once .I too love food and love Chinese but I try to find lower cal like chicken terikayi with rice and vegges low cal I know not everything we crave comes in low cal but maybe if you looked into gastric that might work for you I wish you the very best I hope you write us back in the near future and tell us I know what it feels like to be thin!!!!!!
src79
03-10-2009, 02:39 AM
Thanks for the replies everyone. Jann - I understand where you're coming from. Any time I go out with my family, the main thing on my mind is "where are we going to eat." I look forward to meals more than just about anything else. I'm going to change this, I really have to.
resolution09
03-13-2009, 08:26 PM
This is just an FYI.
A co-worker had gastric bypass about 6 years ago. She can now eat a normal sized meal again and has gained back about 1/2 of what she lost. When they began the r-n-y procedure they touted it as a cure all that you could NOT stretch your stomach back out. Look at Al Rocker. He had the surgery. Does he look like he's not able to eat a full meal?
Basically, your stomach does stretch back out even with gastric bypass. As the doctor told my friend "it's something you have to work at" and it did take 4 or 5 years, but she did manage to "work at it". It's just a caution and, if you are considering the surgery, ask. Now they are more honest about the results. They kind of have to be since almost everyone now knows someone or of someone who had the cut and is now in the "gain back" mode. Don't get me wrong, if I had good insurance that would cover it I'd still give it consideration. But other things have to change for it to work long term.
A co-worker had gastric bypass about 6 years ago. She can now eat a normal sized meal again and has gained back about 1/2 of what she lost. When they began the r-n-y procedure they touted it as a cure all that you could NOT stretch your stomach back out. Look at Al Rocker. He had the surgery. Does he look like he's not able to eat a full meal?
Basically, your stomach does stretch back out even with gastric bypass. As the doctor told my friend "it's something you have to work at" and it did take 4 or 5 years, but she did manage to "work at it". It's just a caution and, if you are considering the surgery, ask. Now they are more honest about the results. They kind of have to be since almost everyone now knows someone or of someone who had the cut and is now in the "gain back" mode. Don't get me wrong, if I had good insurance that would cover it I'd still give it consideration. But other things have to change for it to work long term.
Hollyshere
03-23-2009, 11:25 AM
Hi, I know just how you feel. I myself have never been thin. About 2 years ago I weighed in at about 325-330 lbs. I am 36 years old. 5'8. I have tried every diet out there. So I now am finally going about it the old fashion way. (good ole diet and exercise) In the first year I had lost about 100 lbs. I thought this was great!!!!! It took me a while. I could barely walk a few blocks. I also cut out everything from my diet that I could think of. I didnt even look at a cookie or a piece of cake knowing I would eat it plus the rest of the cookies or the whole cake. needless to say I could not live my life that forever. then came winter here in good ole wisconsin, and i didnt walk as much, and i started to fall back into some of the old patterns. I would want something sweet, and would end up eating all of it because i had already eaten to much of it.... then if i ate it all it would not be here to temp me..
so i gained back????? at least 50+ lbs. so now i am really trying to do it the right way. I am making small lifestyle changes. I joined a gym. (ended up actually enjoing it???) who would have thought. I have made new friends there. I am now trying to work on a better diet. (not an easy task for me) LOVE pizza... sweets ect... yum yum... but i am hoping small changes will work for me. I am now down to 260 lbs. I know I have a way to go, but it took me a while to get here.
so, you are not alone. <removed>
good luck
so i gained back????? at least 50+ lbs. so now i am really trying to do it the right way. I am making small lifestyle changes. I joined a gym. (ended up actually enjoing it???) who would have thought. I have made new friends there. I am now trying to work on a better diet. (not an easy task for me) LOVE pizza... sweets ect... yum yum... but i am hoping small changes will work for me. I am now down to 260 lbs. I know I have a way to go, but it took me a while to get here.
so, you are not alone. <removed>
good luck
IseekKnowledge
09-11-2009, 08:35 AM
It's not easy at all that's for sure src79. I am 32 years old and weighing in at 292 pounds. I had a gastric bypass in 2000 and went down to 215 in less than a year and now 9 years later I am back up there. There is really no simple or easy solution to losing weight from what I've seen or tried. I know this is such a demon for some, like me. I've had 3 kids along the way therefore I've retained some of my pregnancy pounds as well. I know I have to put my part in it in order to lose weight, but it is very, very hard. I've been overweight/obese all my life until I wen down to the 215 pounds and I felt and looked great. I do want to be around for my kids and I know they need me as I do them. All kinds of heart disease, diabetes runs in both sides of my family tree. So I do have a lot to consider if I keep this up. I am trying to see if I join a gym hopefully pretty soon. As a means to make a start somewhere. I need to be more active, as if chasing after 3 kids is not an exercise on it's own, ha, ha. I know what and how you feel all to well. I don't pretend to have the answers to weight loss, but I do want you to know you are not alone and there are far more people out there in this world going through the same exact thing you are. Hope this helps at least a little.
Cali Italiana
09-21-2009, 05:16 AM
Hi,
I just want to tell you that you can change and lose weight.
I wasn't a heavy child, but in my adult life I went back and forth.I had a thyroid problem that went undetected and my eating habits were crazy!! I have recently lost a large amount of weight. I know for a fact I will never be heavy again. My relationship with food has changed. I found out what made me trigger and eat and made changes to healthy outlets for that behavior. I also think about food as my body's fuel. I also exercise and realize how much effort it takes to burn calories.
If you fall off the wagon and eat things you shouldn't, forgive yourself and move on. Cut back a little the next day. Take a longer walk or something.
Know you deserve to feel healthy and happy. My best advise is small changes and don't deprive yourself. Eat in a way that is responsible but allow yourself treats. Not very many people can give up their favorite things forever. You need to find a balance and you will do fine!! The biggest change has to happen in you thinking process, and emotional eating.
I hope this helps!!!
I just want to tell you that you can change and lose weight.
I wasn't a heavy child, but in my adult life I went back and forth.I had a thyroid problem that went undetected and my eating habits were crazy!! I have recently lost a large amount of weight. I know for a fact I will never be heavy again. My relationship with food has changed. I found out what made me trigger and eat and made changes to healthy outlets for that behavior. I also think about food as my body's fuel. I also exercise and realize how much effort it takes to burn calories.
If you fall off the wagon and eat things you shouldn't, forgive yourself and move on. Cut back a little the next day. Take a longer walk or something.
Know you deserve to feel healthy and happy. My best advise is small changes and don't deprive yourself. Eat in a way that is responsible but allow yourself treats. Not very many people can give up their favorite things forever. You need to find a balance and you will do fine!! The biggest change has to happen in you thinking process, and emotional eating.
I hope this helps!!!
leopard777
09-25-2009, 07:00 AM
I’m sorry for your situation .
What i know it’s when you stop being at home , and find a good job , not a part time job , or an
easy job , the real work , 8 hours or more , that motivated you ,your bad habits suddenly ,
vanish .
You don’t want to sleep one hour in the middle of the day , in fact you can’t and you don’t need
it also . Over sleeping makes fat i think .
You don’t want to open the fridge and eat a crispy something or a soda .
At lunchtime in the company restaurant , things are easy , already cooked . Real food .
My neighbor work in a modern plant producing wash machines parts with nine team members .
In this company they had a project like a policy : hiring 15 overweighed people .
Then they were welcome .
Then his co-worker , a friend of mine now , get hired , his waist line seriously improved the day
he founded this job that he liked . this company offered them Informatics class and electronic
class also .
By the time he was at home , he weighed 230 pounds . Then he has lost 40 pounds within one
year since he works in this company .
Now it has been 5 years . Finish for him this difficult time. Girls look at him now .
But even when he was 230 pounds , He always tried to manage it with humor .
I think : live the house absolutely if possible , and a work you like , with a possible carrier helps
a lot .
good luck
What i know it’s when you stop being at home , and find a good job , not a part time job , or an
easy job , the real work , 8 hours or more , that motivated you ,your bad habits suddenly ,
vanish .
You don’t want to sleep one hour in the middle of the day , in fact you can’t and you don’t need
it also . Over sleeping makes fat i think .
You don’t want to open the fridge and eat a crispy something or a soda .
At lunchtime in the company restaurant , things are easy , already cooked . Real food .
My neighbor work in a modern plant producing wash machines parts with nine team members .
In this company they had a project like a policy : hiring 15 overweighed people .
Then they were welcome .
Then his co-worker , a friend of mine now , get hired , his waist line seriously improved the day
he founded this job that he liked . this company offered them Informatics class and electronic
class also .
By the time he was at home , he weighed 230 pounds . Then he has lost 40 pounds within one
year since he works in this company .
Now it has been 5 years . Finish for him this difficult time. Girls look at him now .
But even when he was 230 pounds , He always tried to manage it with humor .
I think : live the house absolutely if possible , and a work you like , with a possible carrier helps
a lot .
good luck
src79
09-28-2009, 12:52 PM
Thanks for all of the replies. I haven't been here in a while, but I joined Curves again today and I can't wait to get started losing again. I appreciate the responses!
Lulubells
10-02-2009, 03:39 PM
If you "fall off the wagon" don't let it discourage you one bit. Tomorrow is another day and you can start again.. I had a doctor tell me that one time and it made sense.. "So, today you backslide SO WHAT?" he said... "Tomorrow is another day and you start again tomorrow!".. So just keep at it, keep trying and don't give up on yourself. My first husband died at the age of 32 from obesity, leaving his 10 year old son that he adored.
In the last 4 years I have lost 50 pounds myself. I wasn't obese (to me) but headed there. I just set a goal weight, not a date to do it by so if I goofed today (and I did have those days), I would start again tomorrow..... Now, get this, I am still loosing and I really don't want to loose anymore. If I miss a meal, I loose weight, if I get out and walk.. I loose weight. I had planned to stop loosing at 130 and am 118 now and that is with increasing what I am eating.
Let me clue you in, do it BEFORE you start getting old or you will have TWICE the wrinkles and flab!
In the last 4 years I have lost 50 pounds myself. I wasn't obese (to me) but headed there. I just set a goal weight, not a date to do it by so if I goofed today (and I did have those days), I would start again tomorrow..... Now, get this, I am still loosing and I really don't want to loose anymore. If I miss a meal, I loose weight, if I get out and walk.. I loose weight. I had planned to stop loosing at 130 and am 118 now and that is with increasing what I am eating.
Let me clue you in, do it BEFORE you start getting old or you will have TWICE the wrinkles and flab!
need2losefast
11-16-2009, 02:54 PM
hi im from texas too and i was reading your artical and it made me cry because it reminds me of me so much. execept i am stuck at 218 pounds now for about 5 yrs and atired of trying diet that dont work, its getting worse now i cant feel the tips of my fingers or toes i havnt had period in about a year and i look like im prego for five yrs now if youv found a way to lose the weight let me know. good luck