That AHA moment: What made you start?

jenilla1

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events A family member wanted me to join for support. I was never technically overweight, but I realized I was getting older and had started heading toward the top of the healthy weight range. I wanted to stop heading in the wrong direction BEFORE it became a problem.

2. When did you start this journey? March 2011. It was the first time I've ever attempted weight loss. I found it to be very simple, straightforward, and fun. It was more of a game to me.

3. Where are you now? I'm heading toward year 7 of maintenance.

4. What keeps you going? It's an easy habit now, and I really enjoy being fit, happy and healthy. The alternative does not appeal to me at all.

donthegeek

1. Turning point
This is my second go at it. The first time I dropped down to 250, tore my MCL and just kind of went back to all of my bad habits. Gained all the weight back to 300lbs and I'm only 5' 10".

Two months ago the headaches from high blood pressure got to the point where it became pretty clear that if I don't drop the weight, it'll eventually kill me.

2. Starting a new Journey (great band by the way)
March 1st, 2017

3. Where are you now?
I'm down to 284, that's 16lbs down. I'm back to working out three days a week and am managing 20 sit ups at a time.

4. What keeps you going?
My wife and I are going on a three week cruise in April of 2018. Right now, I am ashamed of the way I look. I just want to be confident enough to go swim in the pool like normal people (that sounds pretty sad).

Side effect of working out and losing weight, maybe I can be my wife's arm candy instead of the other way around.

danim10278

1. Turning point- My doctor and I were in serious talks for weight loss surgery. I decided to give myself one more chance with making a life style change.
2. Started 5 weeks ago
3. Down 15 pounds as of today
4. What keeps me going is my 4 kids. They are 9,8,7, and 4. I don't want to tell them I'm too tired to run around with them outside or get out of breath walking up stairs or buy any more size ups in clothes. I want to be a role model and make myself feeling good a priority:)

The_Movie_Chair

I never thought I would be here answering these questions but here I am.


So this is pretty straight forward. Please share the following:

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events

It was a Lady's night out. We went out for lunch and to the movies afterward. The seat beside me stayed empty, nobody wanted to sit there because I had gotten so big. That was the wake-up call I needed. The next day I came here.

2. When did you start this journey?

87 days ago.


4. Where are you now?

I lost 30 pounds and fit in my 2X clothes.

4. What keeps you going?

The empty chair beside me.

natruallycurious

What was the turning point?

I've been slowly and steadily gaining weight since high school. Even in high school when I was dancing 5 or 6 nights a week, I talked about wanting to lose weight (super unhealthy eating habits, but I was just barely overweight at the time). Then in the middle of the last summer, my ring that my fiancé (then boyfriend) had gotten me on our one year anniversary didn't fit anymore after five years of wearing it every day (we started dating sophomore year of high school). The most impactful turning point though was losing my grandma this past January. She died of congestive heart failure, and I learned soon after that heart disease is the number one killer of women. While I can't ever guarantee I won't end up with some form of heart disease, I can do everything I can to treat my body right and lower my risk!

Also doesn't hurt that I'm getting married in January and want to rock a bikini on the honeymoon!

When did I start?

February 7, 2017

Where am I now?

I've lost 17.7 pounds so far. I've also started running (couch to 5k program), and have gone from one minute intervals being really difficult, to running (slowly) for 28 minutes. I'll work on my pace next, but I'm proud to be running so much longer for now!

What keeps me going?

Seeing results. My clothes fitting better/looser, and starting to fit back into some of my previously too small clothes. I also want to surprise my fiancé with a boudoir shoot for the wedding, so just the idea keeps me from skipping the gym or not logging my calories!

dearcassandrab

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
I was pregnant with my first child. At 270 pounds. Miserable. Absolutely miserable. I felt terrible and honestly was self-conscious the entire time. I wanted to feel beautiful like everyone said. I couldn't.

2. When did you start this journey?
April 2016. Shortly after having my daughter.
3. Where are you now?
I am 207 pounds now.
4. What keeps you going?
I want to be healthy for my daughter. I want to enjoy every moment with her. I want to be in every moment and not lost in self-consciousness. I want to show her healthy eating habits, and body positivity! I need to be the best version of me for her and myself!

roxvidican

1.What was the turning point for you?
It was January, right after the Winter Holidays when I decided to check the scales. It was awful, I was at my biggest weight ever and I had gotten there without even realizing it. I had the most miserable moment of my life and decided it was time for a change. I was at 102 kg (225 pounds) at a height of 177cm (5'8")

2. When did you start this journey?
Started on January 3rd.

3. Where are you now?
My current weight is 87 kg (191 pounds). I want to get to 77 kg (170 pounds) in the next 3 months, with a final goal of 64 kg (143 pounds). But my final goal depends highly on how I look, because I'm a mesomorph and I tend to carry a lot of muscle, which will probably make me stop before my goal.

4. What keeps you going?
I just wake up every morning eager to start my day. I love the food I'm eating (counting calories has helped me greatly in being able to keep away from fad diets) and I love going to the gym and just improving myself. It's no longer a question of choice. I just know this is what I want my life to be like.

beerfoamy

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
I was about to have to start buying size 22 (UK) trousers. nope nope nope. Also I was getting fed up of telling myself, 'you have time to lose weight'. Had been saying that since I was 22. Can lose it by 30 don't worry. Well now I am 30!

2. When did you start this journey?
Jan 10th 2017. Gave myself a 'free' week after Christmas before weighing in, but began tracking bit earlier

3. Where are you now?
At 205lbs, lowest I can remember being

4. What keeps you going?
Everytime I see a new dent/shape/muscle appear. And fitting into clothes I bought 9 years ago to 'get into when I lose weight'.
Also I feel so good realising that I can eat what I like. Fitting it into calorie goals has really helped stop binging and held me accountable alot more. I can see much more clearly what I do and how I eat. I have enjoyed my exercise for over a year, but when combined with the deficit, I can really see the progress and feel like I am getting somewhere!
Also after years of thinking that I couldn't lose that much and be 'normal sized' am starting to see (thanks to the threads in here) that I actually can be!

aemsley05

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
In the run up to Christmas I was feeling awful - I'd wake up in the night with stomach pains because I'd eaten too much, my back was in pain from standing awkwardly as my body wasn't used to carrying so much weight, and even my 'fat' clothes were getting tight and uncomfortable. The final straw was when I went to a family gathering. My family are all thin and fit (sister runs marathons, brother plays soccer, parents run and bike). I couldn't fit into any of my 'smart casual' clothes so was already stressed about being dressed wrong and sat there feeling really uncomfortable, arms clutched across my stomach trying to hide myself. So I decided that enough was enough.

2. When did you start this journey?
Start of January

3. Where are you now?
I'm down 9kg/20 pounds - over half way to my current goal of achieving a healthy BMI (for only the second time in my life)

4. What keeps you going?
How good I feel! I've gained so much confidence and pride in myself. I've also promised myself that I'll get my first tattoo when I hit my goal weight so I've got something to look forward to. I'm really enjoying going to the gym and going out for runs - seeing the improvements in my times and abilities really keeps me motivated. Oh, and reading everyone's success stories on MFP

chrisa7474

My moment was while playing monopoly with some friends. Had been really depressed recently as really hate my job and felt like I was stuck in it. I'm a chef and was 27stone 11lb. My friend told me about a job opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do and it was like a giant light telling me I'm not trapped if I don't want to be. Applied for the job and and got accepted for an interview just waiting for the date.

Where am I now I have so far lost 33lb in 2 months and feel better every day where.

What keeps me going is hatred for the person I let myself be and the job I'm in. Never had motivation like it. Feel so Patrice each day and does not really feel like a diet not fighting urges as I want it so much more than any sweets or take away. Also setting goals like being able to go and ride everything at Alton towers, go ape etc. Have a goal to aim for and the. After you reach that set another one

georgeous66

Uandi328 wrote: »

georgeous66 wrote: »

Turning Point: Being diagnosed with idiopathic intercranial hypertention (to much fluid on the brain due to slowed absorbtion rate -cause...drumroll.....being overweight). In addition to a series of uncontrolled health issues from and accident; I had to try and fix something I could change....and accept what I could not.

Started : March 26th 2015

Where I am now: down 80+ lbs and 40-50lbs to go.

What keeps me going: feeling better, hypertention is going away/gone, my beautiful children and amazing hubby....and just overall improvement in different areas. Life still isnt what it used to be but Im going to take the best of what ever I can and roll with the punches.

Wow!!! Truly inspiring.

If you don't mind my asking...how did they diagnose you? Is this the condition where they do a lumbar puncture to improve it? Are you all better now?

Sorry. I'm in a science nerd.

Btw...80 pounds!!! Rockstar.

Hi....i actually got diagnosed because i said yes to getting the picture done of the back of my eye at an eye exam. There is diabetes in the family and this picture can often indicate risk. Well it turns out that i had optic nerve swelling....that can be caused by several things. So after a brain mri and an eye ultrasound they sent me on to a neuro opthomologist. He told me i had it but to technically diagnose it I'd need a lumbar puncture....I told him I'd take his word for it...lol. i have had dozens of procedures including back blocks die to other health issues, and I didnt need anymore. I see him in May and have lost enough it should be my last visit.

georgeous66

georgeous66 wrote: »

Uandi328 wrote: »

georgeous66 wrote: »

Turning Point: Being diagnosed with idiopathic intercranial hypertention (to much fluid on the brain due to slowed absorbtion rate -cause...drumroll.....being overweight). In addition to a series of uncontrolled health issues from and accident; I had to try and fix something I could change....and accept what I could not.

Started : March 26th 2015

Where I am now: down 80+ lbs and 40-50lbs to go.

What keeps me going: feeling better, hypertention is going away/gone, my beautiful children and amazing hubby....and just overall improvement in different areas. Life still isnt what it used to be but Im going to take the best of what ever I can and roll with the punches.

Wow!!! Truly inspiring.

If you don't mind my asking...how did they diagnose you? Is this the condition where they do a lumbar puncture to improve it? Are you all better now?

Sorry. I'm in a science nerd.

Btw...80 pounds!!! Rockstar.

Hi....i actually got diagnosed because i said yes to getting the picture done of the back of my eye at an eye exam. There is diabetes in the family and this picture can often indicate risk. Well it turns out that i had optic nerve swelling....that can be caused by several things. So after a brain mri and an eye ultrasound they sent me on to a neuro opthomologist. He told me i had it but to technically diagnose it I'd need a lumbar puncture....I told him I'd take his word for it...lol. i have had dozens of procedures including back blocks die to other health issues, and I didnt need anymore. I see him in May and have lost enough it should be my last visit.

All i had to do was lose weight....turns out fat hinders the absorption process that lead to my excess amount of fluid. I could have opted for a shunt in my brain to drain the fluid or possible blindness....i figured id just stop eaying like a ravenous beast lol

surprisethekids

So this is pretty straight forward. Please share the following:
1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events

Going to the doctor and finding out that yes, I really did weigh 290 lbs. With all the health related issues that went along with it. Also, I was nearly finished with school. I had to look for a job soon, and I already had one hurdle with my age (I'm 52) and I didn't want my weight as a strike against me as well.

2. When did you start this journey?

February 22, 2016

3. Where are you now?

Back on the wagon after a hard fall off the back of it. Took the holidays (4th of July through Valentine's day, UGH) off, and put 30 lbs back on. Taking those off again and moving forward.

4. What keeps you going?

How much better I feel, and wanting to not look like a beach ball with appendages when I get glimpses of myself in the mirror.

I know I can do it, I just need to let my mistakes roll off and not think one slip up is the end.

STC02

1.What was the turning point for you?

A- Couldn't even tie my shoes without gasping for breath, I honestly didn't believe I was so overweight that that would happen, and then buying an XXL jacket when I'm 5ft 9 was a killer. Squeezing through a turnstile at a football match was the real turning point for me, because I knew if I had to go back to another turnstile I barely squeezed through when I was 2st lighter then I would have to ask to get let in the door. I was scared to sit on seats at some grounds incase I broke them!

2. When did you start this journey? 10th January

3. Where are you now? 33lbs lighter

4. What keeps you going? Graduation, holiday, just being generally fitter and healthier.

madisonamanda

1.What was the turning point for you?

Seeing a photo of myself Junior year of college. I had gained a significant amount of weight it college, and knew I had gotten chubby... but didn't realize HOW chubby I had gotten. I'll never forget, I was FLOORED.

2. When did you start this journey?
The summer of 2011- that's when I joined MFP

3. Where are you now?

145 lbs, 19% body fat. At my heaviest I was about 195lbs, 28% BF.

4. What keeps you going?

That results are constant. My body has changed EVERY year since I started. First with dropping weight, next adding muscles, dropping more fat... gaining more muscle. I've been targeting a specifically shaping certain parts of my body now which is absolutely fascinating. I think never being satisfied and always wanting more keeps me going.

nykoeldkahn

So - this is my first time replying to any of these posts but...

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
First time: Fall 2011 - I was at my heaviest and kept getting sick. Things that used to be minor illnesses (colds/the flu) would land me in the hospital for a day or more. I was only 24! When I ended up in the hospital for the third time in 6 months in October 2011, I knew that something had to change. I made an effort to eat reasonable portion sizes and started running a few times a week and lost 10-15 lbs.

Second time: Summer 2012 - My dad had his second heart attack and needed a double bypass at 52. Talking to my family while he was in the hospital, I realized that every single one of my uncles had a pacemaker, that my grandfather died of a stroke, and my uncle of a brain aneurysm (all before they were 60). I knew that if I didn't make a big change starting ASAP that I was heading down that path too. I made some serious changes and started working with a trainer and lost another 45 lbs.

Third time: December 2016 - I was getting married in January 2017 and had changed jobs, and started a new life with my now husband. Unfortunately, I had gained back 40lbs of the weight that I had lost. I started going to the gym more regularly again, then when my husband and I went on our honeymoon we walked ~20K steps each day. It made me feel so great! I realized though that unless I really start paying attention to both my diet and exercise, it's too easy to eat junk food all the time and waste time on netflix/TV/whatever and not make it to the gym. So I joined MFP and here we are now!

2. When did you start this journey?
Most recently - December 2016 (with a brief break in January 2017 for my wedding)

3. Where are you now?
As of yesterday, I'm down 12lbs from my heaviest and 7 lbs from where I was when I started.

4. What keeps you going?
The way I feel when I eat a balanced diet with reasonable portion sizes and exercise regularly. I don't know that I could even list all of the ways that I feel better when I live my life more healthy but just a few: (1) I sleep better on days that I exercise. (2) I don't get sick as often. (3) I can handle stress WAAYYY better on days that I exercise. (4) I'm less hormonal during those times of the month and am not as PMS-y.... (5) and a ton of other ways that would take me too long to name.

Happy Journey!

beth0277

1.What was the turning point for you?

So, I've tried to lose weight for a while and had tons of "reasons". For myself, for my 6 year old son, for my husband, for my health, nothing ever "stuck". After not really caring for a while, I found out that my mentally ill mom called me "fat**s" behind my back. Something about the feeling of betrayal to have your mother say something like that was enough to kick start it for me. She's taken a lot from me during my life, due to her mental illness, so I am going to take the ability to call me that name, accurately, from her.

2. When did you start this journey?
March 21st

3. Where are you now?

Down 5.6 pounds

4. What keeps you going?

Seeing losses on the scale. If I waiver a bit, I just remember what my mom said and how much I want to take her right to call me names away from her.

Jennifer10723

I wish I could say that I had a turning point. It was more of a rock bottom for my addiction to try and make myself feel better. I eat for any situation. Happy, sad, anxious, depressed, angry. I eat to change my emotion and not feel it. I finally found a combination of medication that lifted my depression enough to see what I had done to myself. I started trying and really wasn't very successful. Then my son got in a fight with a kid because the kid called me a fat C word. Broke my heart. Then I started seeing daily just how bad I had gotten. When you are in a cloud of depression .. you don't realize what is happening. Or at least I didn't.

I am on week 2 of the Transform app with Chris & Heidi Powell. I feel different this go around and I will not stop this time. Not going to happen. 3/27/17 is the official start date.

Down 4 pounds the first week. This is the week that I am interested in seeing as the first week is usually water right?

At this point I am not qualified to answer what keeps me going bc it hasn't been very long, but at this point my determination is here. I think there is a difference in motivation and determination. I am determined to see this through. I can't be like this anymore. I just can't.

bizgirl26

1.What was the turning point for you? It's ok if it was a series of events
Being uncomfortable on an airplane . worried I would need a seatbelt extender. Seeing how I looked in pictures.

2. When did you start this journey?
Restarted Nov 2016

3. Where are you now?
I have lost 51 pounds More than halfway to my UGW

4. What keeps you going?
Not where I want to be yet . Just in a better frame of mind this time. Feeling more determined. I will get there

JeromeBarry1

1. My turning point was 00:00 of 1/1/Y2K. At that moment my mind switched from using food to kill myself to choosing to live as long as possible with the magnificent genetic inheritance I have.

2. I started this journey 00:00 of 1/1/Y2K.

3. I am presently slightly above the Healthy BMI, yet below the weight my doctor advised me to reach, while above the weight I want to reach. I don't know precisely what I weighed 00:00 of 1/1/Y2K, but it is not unrealistic to think that I have lost nearly 200 lb.

4. The thing that keeps me going is that mind switch of 1/1/Y2K.