Hoping to find support from like minded folks

pantherlily0424

Hey all,
I just turned 26. I want to loose, well ideally 250lbs... yes 250lbs. I currently weigh 390lbs. I am no longer a naive 24 year old that thought loosing that amount could be achieved in a 2-3 month period. I have always been overweight and have tried to loose lbs, but always in the most unsafe, naive, and laziest manners. I would start out one thing and not finish, then start out another weight loss journey and fall short of that as well. I would always have excuses and bargain with myself with why I should eat this, or not go to the gym because of that, all the while my health has been suffering in ways I ignorantly refused to acknowledge. At 24 I finally realized how unhealthy I was, i then began to make healthier choices food wise and also exercise more. I did well, so we'll that i lost 80lbs. However, I, could not SEE the difference, though my doctor (who started me on my journey) always told me I was doing well, and pleased to see me dropping weight consistently. I even saw the difference when I weighed myself, but when I looked in the mirror, i didn't see a difference once so ever, neither did my family or friends. My doctor advised me that it would show later I just had to stick with it, and i believed him, up until I hit a plateau. I couldn't loose anymore weight, I exercised, logged in my calories and everything but still had no luck for the next couple months. Family issues came up that forced me to move and with that move, I completely fell off track. Getting settled in, finding a new job, debating if I should go to school, trying to please my family, and of course participating in my own personal pity party all got the better of me and eventually I gained every last pound back.
So, now I'm trying to start fresh, yet again, but not only as my journey (like I've done so many times in the past)But as the journey that leads me to making eating healthy and exercising a lifestyle change. I know the basics of eating right, it was something I enjoyed doing when I started. It was actually hard to stop eating right and i didn't completely break it. But i still need to reprogram my habits drastically there. Now, exercise, ah exercise has always been my weak point. I actually lost most of those 80lbs by eating right alone. (Which is why I think, I hit that plateau, though i did exercise I feel like i didn't exercise either correctly or consistently enough) But i feel like that is where my second biggest challenge will be. My main challenge being, to encourage myself to stay consistent. Just encouraging myself period. I've never had any real support when it came to health and fitness. My family and friends say they love me for who I am, which in fact is what has enabled my bad habits for so long. It's nobody's fault but my own that i currently am morbidly obese but I honestly feel like if I just had some kind of sincere and consistent support from people who understand the stress and heartache that comes with being over weight, it would make my journey into my new lifestyle, a little easier.
So, that's my story. Sorry it's so long, but it sure feels great to finally be able 'say' it. Even if it is to a world of strangers. Open, and hoping to finding new like minded friends

vixtris

Welcome to MFP! Starting off is the hardest believe me! But the motivation you have in the beginning really helps out. You may not see any difference in your body for awhile, even after a couple months. There are people that still have a hard time seeing any change in themselves but other people do. If you see the scale moving, however, that is a great sign and should motivate you to keep pushing on! If you dread exercise, don't sweat it too much. you can lose (as you have) strictly on diet. When you get more comfortable with your weight loss later, then you could add exercise if you want - hell not just for a help with weight loss, but to help your heart and lungs too! If you are looking for friends you can add me, everything is open to my friends.

karen_fitzgibbon

Exactly what she said!

Well done on starting the first step in the long journey to an awesome life!
Weight loss is a pain in the butt. It's so frustrating when we don't see a difference in the mirror.

Ok so far you are doing well! I would totally suggest going and getting yourself a set of food scales. Mine are $12 ones from kmart and so far I've bought another 3 sets. One for at my mum's house, one for work and one for at my sister's house lol. My family always said the same thing (you're beautiful no matter what you weigh, who cares if you are a bit chubby - here have another piece of cake) Now that I've put my foot down and log everything that goes on my mouth they are finally getting the message that I'm serious about my health.

Ooh another thing I'd suggest? Become best mates with your tape measure. Because although you may not be losing heaps of weight, you could be losing size too. My mirror shows bugger all difference but wowee my tape measure certainly does

Good luck with everything!!!!!

pantherlily0424

Thanks Vixtris! I appreciate the kind words and advice so very much

karenrich77

Add me if you are looking for buddies. YOU CAN DO THIS. I was in your boat 14 months ago and now I am almost 100 pounds down. We can motivate each other.... x

pantherlily0424

Thanks @karen_fitzgibbon for the wonderful advice. Never thought about food scales but will definitely be investing in one now. And also have my tape measure ready.

@karenrich77 Definitely will be adding you, thanks for the offer. Congratulations on loosing 100lbs. That is so freaking amazing. You're truly an inspiration!! Can't wait to motivate each other

Carol_

I wish you the best. The people here are very nice and supportive. There are days, I am soooo good. And take today for example....I got all frustrated over something...and over ate. So don't expect every day to be 'good'. Just don't give up. You are still young....you will lose the weight...before you know it.

marykate_1203

Hello! I'm Mary Kate-- im also 26 I'm looking to lose 40 pounds. Wishing you the best!

truelight_photo_craig

Check out my profile for my "story", and feel free to add me if you'd like. It's not easy, but with hard work, faith, and support from your friends, you will do it!

xesixb

Wishing you the best! Hopefully you'll achieve your goals soon. A strong mindset is a good start.