Message Boards

Messages By: sparow64

User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
happy
September 10, 2008, 1:01 pm PDT

Hi!

Hi!  I'm Lori.  I am 44 years old, and have been a confirmed couch potato most of my life - even when I was not overweight.  I have been overweight most of my adult life.  2 years ago I was diagnosed with "advanced arthristis for your age" in my hips and groin & bursitis in my thighs as a result of being overweight.  In June I was diagnosed with diabetes.  I began seeing a new Dr. who told me that I didn't have to walk everyday, just everyday that I eat! LOL  It really put things in perspective for me.  I do NOT want to have all the problems that I have seen family members have with diabetes.  And, heart disease and high blood pressure run in both sides of my family as well.  

 

After YEARS of having no will power, I have started walking - almost every day.  I walk for an hour, and go about 3 miles.  I also take water aerobics, which is good for the arthritis.  I have cut out the regular soda - I could drink 4-6 a day, and I have also cut out the refined sugar, and cut way down on the bread and starch.  I am trying to eat healthier.

 

I have lost about 28 pounds.  I started at 236 lbs, and my goal is 135 lbs. I haven't weighed that since well before kids!  I am only 5' 3 1/2", so, that is a healthy weight for me.  My boyfriend has actually lost over 30 pounds over the last year, so, I have good support there. 

 

I am looking forward to getting to know others who are working on healthier lifestyles and tracking our progress together!

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
September 10, 2008, 4:21 pm PDT

Join the 100 Pound Club

Quote From: nononora

Hi Donna.  I'm almost 54 and need to get lose 100 pounds.  My email address is tyrannanora@yahoo.com if you'd like to givr it a go with me.  Do you have a copy of the dr.'s book?  I'm going to find my copy and read it again.  Nice to meet you!!

 

Nora

Hi Donna & Nora,

 

I would love to email with you as well.  And, anyone else that is interested. 

 

My email address is:  sparow64@yahoo.com

 

There are so many messages here that sound so familiar...it's hard to respond to all of them!  As I said in my intro, I am a 44 year old confirmed sofa spud.  I have also been an emotional - stress eater my whole life, and a chocoholic to boot!   I never thought I would enjoy exercise, but, now that I have started walking, I miss it when I let life get in the way and don't take the time.  The thing that really helped me get started is something my Dr. said:  that I didn't have to walk in a marathon.  The important thing was to get out and get moving.  To not worry about pace, time, or distance.  Just get out, and get moving.  You will find your way to pace/timing etc.  But, the first goal is to get moving.  There are lots of articles on walking online, and you can find the healthy way to walk if you have challenges like I do, with arthritis, etc.  And, if you are just plain old out of shape, like me.  (Such as, if you can't carry on a conversation without losing your breath while walking, you are going too fast, etc.).  It gets easier.  And, it becomes enjoyable.  AND, you begin to feel better.  At this point, I have lost 28 lbs, and people are beginning to notice.  I have dropped from a size 22W in pants to a 16 reg, and a 26-28 shirt to an 18-20 since June.   if I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!   I am not there, by any means, but, I see the light at the end of the tunnel now, and I haven't seen it in 12 years or more.  It IS doable!! 

 

Please feel free to email me anytime you need to chat, vent, or need support and encouragement...or even a laugh.  It's much easier with buddies! 

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
September 11, 2008, 9:32 am PDT

isadeera

Quote From: jseeders

 I am 62, from Alabama and weigh 229.  I've got rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure; am unhappy with my activity level and the way I look.  Something Dr. Phil said today made so much sense to me....about one year passing and I could be a healthier weight in one year or I could be the same or worse.  That pretty much says it all.  I'm a great starter but not so good at finishing.....at least anything for me.  I have no trouble helping others; I am presently caretaker for two elderly aunts.  There's a lot of stress with this as one is extremely difficult to work with.  I have dealt with sickness, hospitals and dying since 1989 and I feel pretty burned out.  I decided today while watching the show that this has to be the time for me to "get real with myself".  I admire Dr. Phil and have all his books; I think he's extremely intelligent and has the gift of motivating people from all walks of life.  I'd love to participate in this race but could never do it on television so I'll do what I can here.  The people in the challenge are lucky for they will have lots of things at their disposal but we all have to do it ourselves ultimately.  After all, we are the ones who will benefit at the end.  Look forward to hearing from anyone who wishes to answer.
I'm right there with you!  I'm a great starter and planner, not such a good finisher.  I understand about the arthritis, too...at 44 I have "advanced" in my hips and groin.  FUN!  But, for the first time in my life I am moving, exercising, and liking it!  I am beginning to see some results, which motivates me even more!  This is the longest I have stuck with anything.  I think it's because I made the decision and the choice to be healthier.  Instead of going on a quickie diet to look better, or taking a miracle diet pill, etc.  I feel better than I have in years, and I still have 80 lbs to go!  Feel free to email me anytime:  sparow64@yahoo.com
 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
September 11, 2008, 9:38 am PDT

in Sweetwater TN

Hi All!  I live in Sweetwater (right below Philadelphia), and I work in Lenoir City and am in West Knoxville often.  I have lost about 28 pounds, and have about 85-90 to go!  I walk in my neighborhood every night, for an hour, and cover 3 miles.  Would love to meet new friends for support and encouragement, exercise and fun!  E-mail me at:  sparow64@yahoo.com
 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
giddy
September 11, 2008, 11:23 am PDT

ain't that the truth!

Quote From: downsiznagain

Let's get real, We can all cut back and eat healthy, but lets make a committment to get off  our BUTTS and get moving....however small a start it may be.....just start!  Im on board and looking forward to RESULTS. I like one of the well known commercials that no longer focus on size but being happy with yourSELF.  Isnt that all that all that matters, if you dont love yourself with the right kind of love, how can you ever be happy with your husband, kids, job, life....it's not their fault. Shake it off and get on board!  Treadmill, here I come!

Love your outlook!

 

We have to burn the calories!  We don't have to run marathons, we just have to get moving, the best way that each of us can.  The important thing is to do SOMETHING, every day!  It will get easier, and you will get stronger, and you will begin to see results!   And it's so true...you must be happy within yourself before you can be happy with others. 

 

It's amazing to see the response this board is bringing!  There is power in numbers!  We all have the need to lose weight in common along with the desire to make the change to become healthier...and now we are beginning to learn with whom we have even more in common than that!  What a great support system!!  Can you imagine how it will be this time next year, when we are all at or near our goal???

HOW EXCITING is that??? 

 

 

I'm happy to e-mail with any of you:  sparow64@yahoo.com

 

 

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
happy
September 11, 2008, 1:59 pm PDT

I understand Sherry

Quote From: sherryrrt

i am 43 and weigh 254# at 5'8. I have always struggled with food and have done the yo yo more times then a yo yo. I would like to make this the last time i have to lose weight. I am married with two beautiful girls 19 & 21 of which none of them need to lose weight. I need someone when i'm tempted to eat that i can fall back on to get me past the point of no return. Once i start, I forget to stop! I am a very emotional eater wether it be happy sad mad or bored. My only catch is that I have struggled with bulemia that every once in a while rears its self when i start watching what i eat. Is there anyone that can relate? I don't want to go back down that route. I have been keeping it at bay for several years, but still have a day or two every couple of months. I can't beleive that i am the only one out there who is struggling. I want to lose this weight this time the correct way.
You can email me at sherryrrt@hughes.net.
I'm ready to go!!!

Sherry,

I am so glad you posted here.  I do understand, as I was married to a man who was bulemic. I have sent you a private email.  Hope to hear from you soon!

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
September 11, 2008, 3:38 pm PDT

Portion Control Tips

Just a few tips I learned from my Mom, that really work.  So many of us have a bad habit of eating too fast, "wolfing down" our food.  And, I have always been the worst!  I thoroughly enjoy food and cooking, and use to eat every meal as if it were going to be my last!  That only piles on the pounds.

 

It actually takes our stomachs 20 minutes to signal our brains that we are full!  So, when we eat until we are full, much less stuffed, then we are over eating. Slowing down and enjoyng the food really helps with not overeating.  (I'm eating less TUMS, too! LOL).  I am not one who is going to measure everything I put on my plate.  That's just not me.  BUT...I AM losing weight using these tips, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

 

1).  Put your meal on a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. 

2).  Put your fork down between each bite

3).  Drink a glass of water before your meal and with your meal

4).  Eat only until you are satisfied.  By the time you have the table cleared and dishes washed, you will realize you are full.  If not, then have a piece of fruit or something. 

 

A Couple of Tips from my Dr:

1).  Focus on one bad habit at a time if you must...First, cut out regular soda, then candy bars, etc. (that was my plan)

2).  Don't focus on the 100 lbs.  You only need to lose 1 - 2 lbs a week.  If you lose it too fast, you will likely gain it back

3).  Set do-able, short term goals.  (Mine are:  Get under 200 lbs, then, get out of plus size dept,  I will set a new short term goal once I have reached these two).

4).  Find some type of exercise that you like.  If you don't like it, you won't do it.  Start small...you don't have to run a marathon the first day.  If we do something for 30 days it becomes a habit...as you get stronger and exercise more often, you will gradually increase your time, pace, etc.

5).  Especially those who have been diagnosed with Diabetes, walking brings your sugar down.  His exact words to me "You don't have to walk every day, just every day that you eat". 

 

 

 
User Mood
Happy

Message Emote
blank
September 16, 2008, 12:55 pm PDT

Join the 100 Pound Club

Quote From: shaffershelly

My name is Shelley and I am 37 years old.  I weigh 236 and I am ready to be done with the weight!  I would love to get to my goal of 135.  I know this is a big goal, but I know I can do it!  I am so tired of having to shop in the "Plus Size" aisle.  I don't want to have to get size 3X anymore.  I am so embarrassed by that size.  Also, it is very important to me to do this on my own.  No surgery!  I am Ready!
I am right there with you Shelley!!  I am soooo ready to be OUT of plus sizes...my 3X's have gotten too big, but, the 2X's still fit... I have already lost some, but, I started at the same weight and have the same weight goal!   I would love to e-mail with you and support eachother if you want!   sparow64@yahoo.com
 

First Page | Previous Page | 1 | Next Page | Last Page
Return to Message Board