350lbs and hate what I've done to myself

ShannonMpls

I just want to let you know that you can do it. My highest weight was 322. I started here at 308. Now I have a healthy BMI (high end, but still healthy - my usual weight is 176-178, and I am 5'11"). I've been maintaining this weight for 2.5 years.

I could write a book of tips and support to you, but mostly I just want to say that the best way to move forward is to drop the self-hate. So you hate your weight and hate what you've done to yourself. Fine, that's history. Every healthy choice is an exercise in self-love. Every time you nourish your body with healthy food and mindful eating, every walk you take, each step will get you closer to simply feeling better. And you deserve to feel better, mentally and physically.

I cannot explain to you the difference this weight loss has had in my life. Thin does not equal happy, but self-care does. You deserve to feel comfortable and happy in your skin.

My blog might have insights and tips you would appreciate:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/ShannonMpls

Just keep going. When you have as much to lose as you do (and I did), this trip is long - so make it enjoyable, celebrate each small milestone, and know that you CAN get to a healthier place.

Good luck

Caseys925

Hi Carrie...good job! You are making the right steps towards being healthy and happy. I am a food addict also and it is difficult not to dive into a bowl of ice cream when I am sad, work goes bad or anything else that makes me upset. I know you can do this, and know that your are not alone and that everyone on this page has probably struggled a time or two or more. In October of 2009 I weighed 256 lbs. I lost over 100 lbs. and have kept it off since. I run and do yoga as often as I can....so what I am saying is, if I can do this I know you can. Best of luck and you have my support!!!

mom4tav

ShannonMpls, your comments on dropping the self-hate ring so true!! I love what you said "Every healthy choice is an exercise in self-love" and being a believer of the law of attraction, I need to replace the ugly words I say to myself with positive ones.

Thank you!

wandalula

Carrie,
You are probably not as different as you think from so many other people on this site. Good luck to you through your journey. Remember, each step in the right direction is a good one and each meal that you take control of is one step in the right direction.
I am 45 (and a half), have a husband and 2 kids, and work in the medical field. I have my Master's degree and still cannot believe that I cannot control myself when it comes to food. Hence, the reason why I am on this site.
I hate to have to think about this every day, every meal, but clearly, I cannot do it on my own. I need help from a site like this.
I hope you find strength and inspiration here and that you and your husband continue your journeys together and get stronger each day.

mom4tav

Thank you Wandalula.. food is terribly powerful, isn't it? I am glad I started up again and appreciate all the kind words! Have a terrific weekend!

IslanderLily

Carrie! Congratulations on getting started, I really think this the hardest step. Thank you for sharing your story and know you aren't alone! This is my second go at this after a few years of hiding behind a wall of anxiety and depression and eating my feelings. It's time to rejoin the land of the living. One day at a time!
You have friends here, and all the encouragement you could ask for!

lov3fill3d

These people said awesome things.... All I can say is that it is not your fault... We do have a choice but addiction is addiction. Weight gain is a symptom of the food addiction. Please add me would love to go on this journey with you. I have 150 to lose. It's been a long go for me to.... But I'm back. We can do this.

clarkkentdh

i havent had time to read the people above me but congratulations for realising that you need to change your ways , that is the hardest step and no matter what happens the most important thing is to put one foot in front of the other . the fact that you know you need to change is why i have faith you will make it just remember we all started from where you are , well i know i did. You can do it! baby steps one day at a time

JMC3Terp

Hi Carrie! I am really glad you have started. I started two weeks ago. I weighed 321 lbs. I am 24 and have struggled with my weight since I was 18. I think the important thing is to realize you have a problem.

I am in law school and we had to sit through a drug and alcohol addiction seminar (law students have a higher rate that most people of addiction issues). During the presentation I realized many of the addiction signs for abusers were identical to mine when it came to food, but more importantly to pop (Coke in particular). Identifying this is huge.

Understanding your situation is the first step to correcting it. Just stay positive and take it one day at a time and don't give up if you struggle, that has always been my problem.

Good Luck!

NicoleMartinelli8

Do you feel motivated now? I tried to comment on your intro it took me a while to get to the end of the page to comment!

tgordonmack619

Hi Carrie,

I'm sure you can do it, you are a mom and we can do amazing things

meganmjo

Hello Carrie,
My name is Megan and it sounds like we are in the same boat lol. I started gaining weight when I moved out also. I just drank way too much beer. I went from 160lbs to 230 lbs in a year. And it just kept going up from there. I am now at 343. I started running and screwed up my feet real bad and had to use a cane for a year. And now my right knee feels like it's caving in. I bet you already know this, but, my little piece of advice is to get some really good shoes to go walking. But they say that Diet is 80% and exercise is 20%. So I am hoping to lose at least 50 lbs before I do any exercise other than walking. I work at a doctor's office and the majority of our patients are addicted to their pain pills, so I can understand how difficult it is to have a loved one addicted to those. I wish you all best

sprickersprecker

Thanks for sharing this Carrie! I think something that is helping me right now as I also have a good addiction... Telling myself I do NOT have to say goodbye forever. I plan on treating myself to a small portion controlled treat one in a blue moon. Now that I have begun practicing portion control I feel like i can trust myself when I do decide to have a treat. I feel like i am the one in control! Good luck carrie!

mom4tav

I'm so touched and yes, nicolemarinelli8, I AM motivated!! I've never felt so much support before and I'm so grateful for this community! This is the first place I want to visit in the morning when I wake up.. lol.

These past five days, I've been trying to voice my feelings rather than eating them. It's not easy..The other night I came home late from work and everyone had gone to bed.. I could feel the loneliness wash over me..and the the familiar urge to sit down and eat.. I had to acknowledge the loneliness.. lol. I actually talked to it like it was a person..'Hey there loneliness! Good to see you again..where've you been?' kinda conversation. It was really rather silly. I might be slightly crazy..hehe. but it helped and I was able to push pass the need to eat.