LIVING THE LIFESTYLE Friday 05/05/2017

TimDumez

Everyone says it, but just how do you do it? How do you take the guidelines of the WW program and turn them into a lifestyle you can live every day...from now on? That is what we are here to explore. Each weekday, a new topic is offered up for discussion. Newbie? Join in! Veteran? Join in! Your thoughts may be just what someone else needs to hear.

Monday - Jimb376mfp (Jim) & 88olds (George)
Tuesday - Podkey (Biker Bob)
Wednesday - GadgetgirlIL (Regina)
Thursday - misterhub (Greg)
Friday - TimDumez (Tim)

Today's topic: Diet-Why did you decide to lose weight?

There are 179 of us in GoaD as of today. We, as a group, had/have many reasons for changing our lifestyle (dieting). Some noticed that their weight was creeping up a few pounds per year or even per month and just decided to get it off before it became a real problem. Some had let themselves get overweight to the point that they could not imagine how they would ever get back to a reasonable weight again. There were those who couldn"t care less about being overweight, but were urged by family, friend, doctor, employer, or health insurance provider to try to get the surplus weight off, and in spite of their feelings started a WL program. Still others, most probably, were already beginning to experience health problems, and knew that if they wanted to be around for much longer, now was the time to finally do what needed to be done.

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

TimDumez

I don't have time to answer these questions right now, but I'll be back later today to share my story.....

DavidKuhnsSr

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

I was active, fit and healthy my whole life until my mid 50s, then my weight ballooned up. I wanted me back.

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

I was thin for most of my life. I tried to gain weight, not lose it. I intentionally lost weight one time and did it on WW.

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

I did it, so I give myself credit. I couldn't have done it without the help/support/nagging of my DW, though.

88olds

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

I had sleep apnea, HBP, back pain that limited my ability to walk more than a couple of blocks, and what seemed like a permanent cold. I had 2 little kids at home. I was going to either just die, or have a debilitating stroke.

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

Twice in my life. First, watched what I ate. I was in my early 20s, walked, ran a bit. Pounds just disappeared.

Second, quit drinking, watched what I ate, walked. Lost a bunch, Joined a gym. Lost some more. Stayed stuck for years. Joined WW.

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

Not a particularly religious person, but in a sense, I think I was delivered.

I've also posted on here before that CPAP saved my life. Only after getting some real sleep was I able to escape the daze I had been living in for years.

The rest I attribute to genetic tenacity. My grandfathers were coal miners in the early 1900s. Down in the ground with picks and shovels coal miners. My life has been a walk in the park.

steve0mania

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

My Wii called me obese! My weight had been creeping up since college, but I was "stably-overweight" for a number of years. I figured that was my lot in life, and thought that losing weight was impossible. Then I developed ulcerative colitis, and as part of the therapy, I had to have multiple courses of steroids. Each time I went on steroids, my weight ballooned up, and when I stopped only some of the weight came off. After a few steroid courses, I was up by about 20 pounds that didn't come back off. Again, I figured that was my lot in life.

I wasn't having weight-associated health issues, but I felt really bad about myself in terms of how I looked, how fit I was, and how I felt helpless.

When I realized I was no longer overweight, but instead I was "obese," that was the final kick in the rear I needed to finally do something about it.


#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

I had vaguely wanted to lose weight before, but never had a plan and never joined a program. Instead I just sort of had a vague idea that I should eat less. That, of course, never worked.

Thus, joining WW was really my first formal attempt at losing weight.


#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

I've been under my WW goal weight for over 7 years now (but would like to get back to my personal target). I guess the "success" here is really due to a few different phases. For the first year or so, it really was sheer willpower. I followed the WW plan as closely as I could. I tracked food, I calculated points, I went to meetings, I weighed-in, I took my vitamins, and had my healthy oils. Etc.

Over time, though, I felt like I learned the underlying principles of the program. I felt like I came to better and better appreciate that weight-loss is simply taking in fewer calories than one burns. Thus, I learned the "tweaks" that could be made while maintaining the "spirit" of the WW program. This coincided with moving away from counting points to the Simply Filling Technique, and then later on to intuitive eating.

Finally, these lessons ultimately became a "lifestyle." It really takes very little active thought for me to eat properly. I make the better choice more often than not, but am not crazy restrictive either. That's probably why I'm floating ~7 pounds above my personal target weight. For the moment, this seems to work for me!

Jimb376mfp

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

Thanksgiving 2012 my youngest son told me "Dad, every time we talk to you about losing weight you just blow us off!"
I retired in 2010, weighed 376# was sedentary and knew what he meant.
My Light Bulb moment was him reminding me of when I was very young and our family tried to talk to my Mom about her drinking. Mom never quit drinking and died at age 56. It was the realization that I was doing the same thing and that not only was my weight and health affecting me but also my family. I promised my son I would do something. Joined WW January 2013.

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?
At age 69 I can't remember how many times but there were a couple times when I lost 80, 60 40 pounds on WW. But then I went back to my old eating and drinking habits and gained it all back plus more over the years. I did Atkins once.

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

When I answer this one I have to say Me, Myself and I! I realized that I am the ONLY person who puts food into my mouth! I am the one who decides to walk, go to water aerobics, swim laps. Track what I eat etc etc!

What has helped me THIS TIME?
1. Having same WW meeting Leader over four years. Makes going to my weekly meeting WI fun.
2. GOAD taught me a LOT about WL.
3. On line Apps make tracking easier, social media support is new.
4. Found activities I like, aqua aerobics, swimming and tracking steps on Fitbit.
5. Knowing there is No. Finish Line, that my new Lifestyle is permanent, I'm not "on a Diet!"

goldenfrisbee

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

A better quality of life and I could feel my body breaking down from all the years of being morbidly obese


#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

3 times
2001: I weighed 278 and really started feeling that it was slowing me down. I lost weight on my own by restricting intake and exercising consistently. I dropped 40 lbs, but I remember the day when I decided I was tired of "being good". I raided the pantry and never looked back.

2014: I weighed 329 and was really inactive. My wife had been talking about joining WW, so I signed us up. I dropped 50 lbs using the Simply Filling technique, but then lost focus. After loosing focus, I started to get discouraged that the weight wasn't dropping off anymore. Instead of being happy that I was at least 50 lbs lighter, I went back to my old habits

2016: I weighed 321 and all of the NSV's that I had experienced had disappeared. I was getting close to my highest weight again. I joined MFP and discovered that the WW board was going away. Found you guys here by coincidence and have checked in every day since. I dropped 20 lbs counting calories and then lost focus again. This time I was amazed at how slow weight is gained. For me, I gain at about the same rate I lose. I put back on the 20 lbs and then realized in February that I was back to very, very little activity. I also realized that I would be of no help for the summer wedding of one of my daughters if I stayed at this weight. The thought of being totally embarrassed in front of my daughters future in laws (they are hosting the wedding on their farm) was the kick I needed to get started again. I'm hoping to be in the 270's by then and should be able to help with anything that is needed.

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success? It's all on me. I gain or lose depending on my mindset. I plan to continue this for the rest of my life so that it can be a healthy life, filled with activity instead of snacking and watching TV.

myallforjcbill

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey? The first time I did it with my wife made goal and stopped. The 2nd time it was alot of encouragement from my Dr who was worried about my coronary risk factors combined with an attempted family hike in Yosemite that left my knees aching, my lungs burning and the need to turn back after 15 minutes. On of my sons had told my wife he would rather have me lose 50lbs then get a Christmas gift from me. Took off 100. Slowly gained some back over 6 years, especially after hurting my knee and back.

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use? I am on journey #3. First two were pure WW. This time I am using WW/MFP since I didn't like the cost of WW, the crappy Etools, and the adjustment to Smartpoints was not going well. I go to a monthly WW Lifetimers meeting.

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success? I am working my way back to a target weight. Most of my success I attribute to my desire to be healthy and minimize weight impact on my back, family support, the online community and my old meeting leader who continues to support my hybrid method since I focus on a WW lifestyle, just not the measurement system.

gadgetgirlIL

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

I was the fat kid when kids weren't fat. I was tired of not fitting in because of my weight.

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

All weight loss has been via calorie counting.

4 major weight losses during the course of my life. Age 16, 28, 41, and 50.

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

I would attribute my success to my personal attributes: I'm detail orientated, I'm tenacious, and when I get my mind set on achieving a goal, I don't give up easily. And this last time around, I decided that I wasn't willing to spend the rest of my life feeling so crappy from the excess weight.

gadgetgirlIL

I also need to mention that having the support of like minded people this time around has really helped with weight maintenance. I didn't have any support group involvement for my earlier journeys.


**distracted at work today, thus the numerous edits to my response.

Al_Howard

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?
This time, when my PCP told me I was diabetic. Others, I just wanted to lose weight.

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?
WOW! I can't count that high, even if I take off my socks.
As a "FAT KID" until High School it wasn't hard to see that I needed to do something. I started an at home exercise regimen and stopped pigging out. Leveled off at 195# solid.
Joined the service and got fat again (bacon in all the vegetables?). Actually had a MD give me "diet pills", which I stopped after developing a tic.
On and off during the next few years yo-you'd on Lahey, calorie counting, exercise, and finally joined WW in 1978. Made goal in 1979, stopped going to meetings.......
Continued sliding upwards for many years, rejoining WW on occasion, but after the diabetes diagnosis..


#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?
Tenacity, Tracking and TOL (who has re-gained her Lifetime, and complains I'm costing her money, especially when I'm not really working on program.

podkey

OK I was obese. True dat.

Just over the line but too much is too much. Having said that I joined WW by "accident" and not with a conscious willful effort at that brief moment in time. I was going on a Saturday morning bike ride with a couple I know and they asked if we could stop by a place out in the boonies for them to weigh in at WW. Gosh WW is a sensible approach from everything I had heard and so I joined up without pressure or much on my part.
That was in October of 2007. I made goal weight in May of 2008 so about now I celebrate 9 years at goal if I do the math right.Right????
I had done a number of other diet schemes from "target" to Atkins to Medfast to Nutrisys. etc but somehow always let the plan slip away. Maybe because of the weekly meetings and nobody telling me exactly what to eat I found my way with WW. And of course all you peeps for keeping me real and honest probably helped too. {{{{shrugs}}} dunno but it's still working and me too.

You might ask if I was active why the weight gain. Uh it was easy for me to "out eat my legs" from college age on.

OK I more or less answered #1 and #3 and touched on #2. I honestly don't know how many times or programs I have done over the years but I am sure I have likely lost several times my whole body weight and regained it if you total it up.

My personal favorite was "wishing my weight off". Uh you know the one disguised as "eat healthy" and "exercise". Without an actual plan I just slowly gained on that one.

Jerdtrmndone

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

I was 298 lbs. Had back and knee pain for a while but the kicker for me was the embarrassing moment at an amusement park. I was on this ride and they locked down the chest harness and I could not breath and had to get off in front of all those people
.
#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

Lost 30lbs. then plateaued then a friend got me to join WW and lost 80 lbs. making goal all to gain 40 lbs. again but still trying to go downward but much more difficult this time.
so 3 times.


#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

WW leader and the camaraderie of the members I lost every week for 7 months. Now my reason for succeeding is this board's contribution of everyone's input and inspiration.

TimDumez

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

I reached my all-time high weight of 417 pounds in 2002. Like George, I had many health problems: Severe Edema, several hospitalizing bouts of Cellulitis, bad knees and back, mobility problems, Breathing issues, Sleep Apnea, and Type II Diabetes. I may have missed a few. I had trouble just getting up from sitting, which was often very embarrassing. At 53 years of age I figured it was now or never. That was my first trip with WW. I made it down to my proper BMI weight and thought I could go back to my old habits. You all know where that thinking took me. lol

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

I have been on innumerable WL programs for the last 47 years. I can't even remember most of their names. I was on several that I concocted also. I was very successful every time while losing the weight, but I never remained disciplined after reaching goal. I ALWAYS gained that weight and more back again, sometimes much more. I used WW only, for 3 times including 2002. And this time I started out using a hybrid system, WW/MFP. I switched to MFP only, several months ago. This WL plan is going really well for me. Now to reach goal and stay there...

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

I had a little urging from doctors, family, and friends, but I payed absolutely no attention to them at all. I finally decided on my own that I HAVE to get this done.

The last few efforts were accompanied by an exercise regimen, but I hated the equipment which I was using. I absolutely hated any kind of walking, including walking on a treadmill. I also hated riding bikes, I thought! What I discovered this time around is that I hate standard bikes, outdoor or stationary, with weird shaped seats up high with the pedals south of the seat. This time I am using a NordicTrack stationary recumbent bike with a chair type seat with back and the pedals are out front and slightly lower than the seat. It has high quality videos of the routes programmed in or the ability to program my own routes, again with high quality video. NOW I LOVE TO EXERCISE!!! I finally found something that I like to do to burn calories. I believe that is why I have not had a gain or a push since I restarted this WL thing back in November. My weighing/counting/tracking are getting the weight off and the exercise is keeping me from yoyoing up and down from week to week.....

minimyzeme

To begin, I really appreciate you taking the time to participate on this set of questions. Your answers are forthright and honest; just the kind of tone that led me to GOAD after joining WW. Each of your stories is inspirational to me and gives me a nudge here or there that adds value--thanks.

#1. What was/were your reason/s for beginning your WL journey?

I was fatter than I wanted to be. By several incremental years. Though I had been a fat kid too, through no real program other than getting my *kitten* together and moving away from home, being interested enough in natural resources to pursue a career that initially involved a lot of fieldwork, etc., I guess I lost most of it and for decades was a relatively healthy weight.

My most recent bout with weight gain came after about 20 years of living in the Western US. I moved cross-country, closer to home of origin when my mom's health was declining due to her age and lifetime of smoking. Things just piled on--challenging circumstances (frequent trips to where she lived, numerous hospital visits for her and home & work pressures). I started leaning back on food and drink as crutches to deal with (or not) emotional / stressful stuff. And boy, did I know how to eat and drink! I could make it social or do it behind closed doors, but it became THE way I dealt with anything.

By 2014, after 11 years of stuffing my face, I took special note of my sister, who was very successful losing weight with WW. In my mind, I slowly conceded I needed to do the same. I realized I was hiding from myself and even though I was in front of an audience often (giving presentations) and could usually pass for jovial, I didn't like the person I had grown into (and stuffed into progressively bigger clothes).

The final transition from 'thinking about losing weight' to actually doing it was when I talked to my doctor about the fact that I thought I probably had sleep apnea. He explained I could be analyzed at a sleep clinic and I heard myself respond that I'd rather try to address it with weight loss. Then I had this almost out-of-body experience of watching us talk and asking myself how the hell I thought I was going to do that. Actually the thought was more along the lines of 'You fat *kitten*, you have no intention of doing that. You're just like all the others who've sat here and made some excuse so you could get out the door and forget about this talk.' Then my doc saved the day. In music to my ears, without lecturing, he said 'Just lose five pounds; you can do that.' It made sense, so I signed up for WW and did just that.

#2. How many times have you intentionally lost weight and what WL program did you use?

This is it. Well, unless you count the two weeks or whatever it was that I did South Beach. It was a blip that simply didn't last long enough to count. Except in memory exercises like this.

#3. Whether you are at goal or still progressing downward, to whom or what do you attribute your success?

Obviously, for the reasons many of you have already stated, myself. But aside from that, my partner who does all our shopping and food prep is right up there. She's been great about helping me help myself. I could and like to think I would certainly do it without her help, but there's absolutely no doubt she makes my part much easier!

WW provided the structure I needed and it worked for me. I have a really fantastic meeting leader and our weekly group has evolved into a wonderful leg of support.

Finding GOAD back in 2014 was key for me and has played a major role since! The experience, trials and tribulations for those who've gone before me has taught me a lot. I needed the straight story and GOAD delivers.

My sister and I commiserate a lot together. Unfortunately, she left the program and has gained back about half of what she lost but she's just started anew and I hope for her sake she can lose what is now really giving her some difficulty. From my end, it's more motivation to stay the course for one more day...