New here.. and the task before me is daunting.

xXsweetMiseryXx

Hello everyone. I'm new here, and I'm a little intimidated by the amount of weight I have lose. I've always been a large girl, and when I was 15 or 16, it wasn't that bad. Now, I'm 22 years old and have 3 little boys who are 4 and under. I started out, before I got pregnant, at 190. After all 3 of my kids, I was at 260. Then, I got post partum depression, and food became my best friend. Now, I'm sitting at 295. Recently, I had a health scare where the doctor thought I had diabetes because of my weight. Thankfully that wasn't the case, but it made me come to a realization... I need to lose this weight, or I'm not going to be here to watch my kids grow up. I'm only 5'4", so my current BMI is 50.1. That's morbidly obese, and it scares the crap out of me.

I started my diet and exercise today, and I'm not giving up. I have a family who supports me, a fiance who is willing to do whatever it takes to get me through this, and 3 beautiful little boys who need their mommy.

I've never worn anything below a size 14 in my life. I've never felt good about the way I look. I've never worn a bikini. I've never considered myself "hot", but I want all those things. Because of my emotional attachment to food, this is going to be incredibly difficult for me.

I have 150 - 160 lbs to lose. That's a whole person. I literally want to be half the woman I am now. It's daunting. My parents have given me incentives to lose the weight. My mom has told me that for every 50 lbs I lose, she'll take me on a $150 shopping spree, and my dad said that if I get to 140 lbs like I want to that he will pay for my fiance and I to go to Jamaica. Those are pretty sweet deals, right??

I know it's going to take time and persistence and that it's going to be hard. I just need a little reassurance that this isn't impossible, and to know if there are people out there who have done what I need to.

Thanks.

Fattack

Hey, I started out with a BMI of over 40, with 100lbs to lose. I'm getting there slowly, but I'm getting there! The hardest part is starting, so well done to you

Abells

you can do it! That's a great goal and some sweet perks for doing so. My best friend in the world from college was weighing in at 320 -- he now weighs around 180 -- He looks and feels fantastic. I was so proud of him and he hasn't gone back up since. YOu can do it! You have friends here-- make it happen!

I'll be your friend and motivator!

Atlantique

It's totally possible! As you look around the forums, you will see many folks who have lost over 100 pounds--some even 200!

When I started here(although I had less to lose) I just logged my food the first week so I could get a handle on what I was actually eating. Then I aimed for one new goal per week or two-staying in calorie goal, cutting some processed foods, eating more veggies or fruit, etc. For me, it was eaiser to try to make one change at a time than it was to try to change everything overnight. Maybe it will be for you as well.

You can definitely do this. There is a ton of support here in the community, so add some friends, ask questions and share your successes and challenges on the forums, and don't give up!!

sandyfeet10

Your story made me tear up. Someone told me to get a little flip pad and write down each of my goals on a page. I wrote everything from being able to do a quad stretch to lowering my risk of disease. I look at those cards every morning (and sometimes several times a day) to remind me of why I am on this journey. If you make a flip pad, put pictures of your man and your kids in it to help you remember to put the chips down and do something good for yourself!

You can do it!!!

BamBam1113

Wow. You have some pretty good motivators right there though. The hardest part is getting started though. Once you get in a groove, it really is quite easy, but it's always hard work. Good luck to you. I'm getting ready to book a cruise for next year. That's my motivation. Set small goals along the way too!!!

SueN113

I started at exactly the same place as you. 5' 4" and 295. I too have never been under a size 14/16 and was 200 lbs at age 15. I started with 150 lbs to lose and know it seems impossible, but it is not! I am currently 193 and still working hard to get to 150-160. It has taken me almost 3 years so far. So it is possible, but it is a life long commitment. It takes lots of will power and understanding that it will not come off over night. Good luck, and feel free to add me.

spgipson

I will say....it is a daunting task...BUT you have so much to work towards and the rewards (not just the shopping spree and trip) will be so worth it. Your boys will benefit with a Momma who can play with them and will inspire them that they too can do what they set out to do with determination and heart!!! Once you accomplish this goat you will be unstoppable!!!

Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet

Take your big goal and blow it up into 200 mini goals. Walking 30 minutes. Check. 1 push up. Check... 1 lb lost. Check check check! Its way less daunting that way. My fiance lost 130# before I met him. He cut everrrrrything out. Plain lettuce with grilled chicken, subway sandwiches, protein drink for dinner. While I dont advocate boring diets (hard to stick to a plain), he has a strong will power. Point of all this is that it's possible and you can do it..

ChrisR0128

Welcome to MFP. This is probably the greatest free site EVER. facebook......whats that LOL. I have been on here almost 3 months now and have lost almost 40 pounds. I hated exercising, now i run alot (ran 15 miles yesterday). Be honest about your logging food, ask questions, get up and move, add friends to support you (there are days they only people i feel understand me when it comes to getting healthy are here) Best of luck!!!!!! Dont gve up, you ARE worth it!!!!!!

36jessica

It's NOT impossible and you've come to the right place. Lots of nice people here ready to cheer you on Please, don't focus on how much weight you want to lose. That's a daunting hurdle for all of us, and to tell the truth, can be a little scary. Let's look at what you've done successfully today: You've decided you want to lose weight! Well, good for you!:bigsmile: Tomorrow, there will be some other sign of success (for example: you've stayed within your calories limit or you got some exercise). Don't underestimate the day to day challenges you overcome because they are JUST as important as reaching your goal:flowerforyou: It sounds like you have a wonderful support system and that is definitely a bonus. However, no prize is bigger or better than yourself and guess what? You've already won it! Good luck to you!

I'm sending a friend request.

deniseg31

Welcome! You are on the right track girl. The most important thing and at the top of your list is that you want to be healthy and you have people around you supporting you. Awesome! You will get a lot of support and motivation on MFP...it's a great site! It will be difficult but if others have done it so can you! It will get easier as time progresses. It can be done!

I agree with most...break down your major goal into mini-goals and it won't seem as daunting. :happy: You can do it girlie...

Feel free to add me if you'd like. :bigsmile:

fitnessjch

You can definitely do it.

Set yourself goals of 10lbs each, and give yourself a little treat when you reach each one (manicure, new clothes etc). I am looking to lose 82lbs, and that was daunting. I am now 17% of the way there though, and I couldnt be prouder of myself, even though I still have a long way to go.

calmmomw3minimeez

It's not impossible and you seem to have the right mindset. This journey is not easy, but being on MFP will really put things in perspective and you'll definitely appreciate all the support that you'll find here, so welcome to the site. As long as you're determined and willing to deal with some trial and error, I believe you can do it. You should check out the before and after pics that ppl put up! It's proof that no matter what your weight is that it can be done if you stick with it. I just hope that along the way that you try to remember that every day won't be perfect, you will need a break every now and again, but as long as you have a mind to always start anew with each day, there's no stopping you...best of luck!!!

zacksnana

I recommend putting aside for now that you need to lose a "whole person". Look at this as meeting many small goals. If you only lose 2 pounds per week, every week, in one year you have lost 104 pounds. Your first thought might be - but that is a whole year away! But you are sitting at 295. You are probably being pretty careful not to go over 300. That is right now probably pretty terrible to even think about for you. But if you accept 300, you will automatically relax enough with your eating that in a few months you will weigh 310 and on it goes from there.

You did not gain this overnight and you can't lose it overnight. But small baby steps for one year will have you at 190 pounds. You will be so happy with yourself! I recommend the Hungry Girl cookbooks or go online to the website. Little changes add up to so much difference in calories - you will be amazed!

Keep thinking of next summer at 190 and start one foot in front of the other and do it. Please keep us updated weekly or monthly on your progress....

One warning - I found that when i had a "bad" day and ate the wrong foods, i could put back on 2 pounds in one day. Just don't give in to those bad days, take a walk, drink lots of water, and we are looking forward to the new you!

joined march 2011 23 pounds lost

B140

You are gonna do great now that you are started! I suggest thinking up some things you can do when you want to emotionally eat that don't involve food. Some examples for me: take a long shower, go for a walk, go outside, dance around the house to loud music, watch a sappy movie, and, sometimes, yell at the top of my lungs and wave my arms around (you'd be amazed at how much this helps versus eating my anger). Also, since your parents are putting up some nice incentives, maybe a contract with them, written and signed by both you and your parents, that you can hang up somewhere you will see it all the time will help with staying on track. I'd love to help support you too, I'm sending a friend request.

shoebox13

You can do this! Just remember to use the logs and to be honest. I know that for me this has been so important. I just started logging my food again because it is so easy for me to say "screw it" and eat without thinking. It's easier to make food choices when you look at what you are really putting in your body.

Slow and steady wins the race, right?

alaskagirl5

Good luck girl! Even though you have a lot of weight to lose, make small goals for yourself! Emotional attachment to food is a tough one! Learning new ways to cope with stress will help get you to your goals faster! Instead of indulging yourself in a brownie, try taking a few deep breaths or going on a short walk! Good luck to you! We are all rooting for you!

bmw4deb

You can do it I look forward to seeing your future post

Jeepinmom4

Anything is possible if you want it bad enough! I have about 60-70 lbs too loose and I would love to help you on your journey! There's so much support here it's not even funny! I've found so many ppl here in the one week that I've been here. It's awesome! You'll do great if your ready for this change,it's going to suck *kitten* at times but when you see that scale move,it's GOING to be worth it! oh and one thing you really should do is set mini goals for yourself. Don't look at it like 160 lbs,look at it as 25 lbs or 30! It will help you to not get discouraged. Good luck

baya35

Hi! Im kind off new here too, I've been doing this for a week or so, and I dont need to lose a lot but it still feels daunting to me, because i havent been able to do it after many tries, I feel if u do keep track of all u eat here in this site, it helps u to hold yourself accountable for all u eat, and ,that's what it's all about, not how much you lose but to stop having chaotic eating habits where you dont even know how many calories you are feeding yourself!

DESIREE1210

First off congrats for starteing a program. When I started watching what I ate I was a BMI of 49.2, now I'm at 38.8 and hoping to be in the low 30's by the end of the year.
It's a struggle and very hard if you look at it like a diet. You need to make changes in your life and stay with them.
No matter what, how busy you are, no excuses, take a minimum of 20 minutes a day to exercise. Watch what you ut in your mouth and be 100% accountable for it.
I would say don't look down the road because it is a real long road. Start with a goal to lose 10#'s, after you achieve that, go for another 10#'s or 5#'s. Before you know it, your losing weight.
Were all here for you, anything we can do or if your having problems, just post:)
Good luck, thsi can be done, you need to decide to do this for you and only you. Make you a priority so you can be 100% for those children.
Don't live with regrets like I did with my kids. i was in the same situation as you, I was going to lose weight so we could go on rollercoasters etc. Well they are now 23&21, don't lose the special things and regret it as I have all these years:)

BuceesNana

Getting started is the hardest part. Good job! The thing you need to think about most is nutrition. I found that when I was restricting calories without eating highly nutritious foods, I was always hungry. That makes this journey really hard. I have found that the more nutrient-dense my choices, the less hungry and deprived I feel. Some things that help me through are almonds, low-fat dairy, lots of veggies, and lean protein. Don't get discouraged and know that it will take some time to lose the weight. Good luck and feel free to add me as a friend.

khk2010

Welcome and know that you can do this. You really can. Something that really helped me is journaling and writing my thoughts and feelings. As an emotional eater it has helped me to notice and write when and why I am really wanting to eat. It has helped to recognize my patterns and the things that sabotage my diet. I figure it's a long process but worth the effort.

Congratulations on the first step. You will find a lot of support here.

Shine004

This site is a great help. You have great motivation. Make small goals and before you know your smaller ones add up and before you know it you have accomplised alot. Feel free to add me for motivation if you would like. I know you can do this.

Ahzuri

Wow I could have written that first paragraph myself! When they weighed me before my c-section in 09 I was 300lbs even, I was soooo embarrassed especially because I had just lost 50lbs before becoming pregnant. Anywho I just wanted to say that it is possible, I officially broke into the 240s earlier this week for the first time since my daughters birth in Oct 09. Just keep your head up and focus on the goal! You will get there in no time at all

BTW I'm going to request to add you

jmruef

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Changing your life / lifestyle IS daunting. You're right about that! But you have so many good reasons to do it, including just plain being healthy.

I think the idea of breaking it up into manageable pieces is a great idea. Gives you more things to celebrate as you go along!

cweiler4

Welcome!! You have come to the right place. This site offers so much support and motivation. Nothing is impossible, you just have to try!! Be honest with your logging, set some mini goals and stay positive. You will have some "down" days, but the GOOD days will overcome those down ones!

Good luck on your journey and feel free to add me as a friend!!

amynicc

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." You can do it!!!!!!

jsoaper01

Just take one step at a time.

chollylops

Well you have taken the most important step - you have decided it's your time to do this. Look at this journey you are about to take as a lifestyle change def not a diet. Expect it to take a while and don't be put off by that. Set yourself realistic goals - I have been working on 2lb a week and luckily thats happening still - I am nearly 5 months in and 38lbs have gone this year. Yes I think it could have gone quicker if I had gone on a diet and upped the excersise but thats not what I wanted - I wanted a life that I can continue to live. I have learnt moderation. I still eat the foods I enjoy with all the family, I still have treats, I still have the occasional glass of wine, take away etc. Just all in smaller amounts. I know the changes I have made can be continued and hopefully by the end of the year I will be at a happy weight.
Exercise - for me that has been the key to losing I believe. I manage the gym 3 times a week which fits in with work and life - I enjoy that time just for me - not sure how you will manage to find you time with such a young family but even 30mins to yourself would be a start - home excercise maybe fitted around sleeps for the children?
Read success stories - you will find people who have had the same weightloss you desire - get intouch with them and ask them to support you - I am sure they will be more than happy to help.
It sounds like you have the support of your family and thats fantastic - once that weight starts falling off you will need your Mum to take you shopping for new clothes so enjoy!
Visit here as often as you can for inspiration and try and find a all the things that will work for you and your family routine. I wish you all the luck in the world it is soooooo hard knowing there is a long way to go but trust me when those lbs start to fall away it's worth it!

Hello everyone. I'm new here, and I'm a little intimidated by the amount of weight I have lose. I've always been a large girl, and when I was 15 or 16, it wasn't that bad. Now, I'm 22 years old and have 3 little boys who are 4 and under. I started out, before I got pregnant, at 190. After all 3 of my kids, I was at 260. Then, I got post partum depression, and food became my best friend. Now, I'm sitting at 295. Recently, I had a health scare where the doctor thought I had diabetes because of my weight. Thankfully that wasn't the case, but it made me come to a realization... I need to lose this weight, or I'm not going to be here to watch my kids grow up. I'm only 5'4", so my current BMI is 50.1. That's morbidly obese, and it scares the crap out of me.

I started my diet and exercise today, and I'm not giving up. I have a family who supports me, a fiance who is willing to do whatever it takes to get me through this, and 3 beautiful little boys who need their mommy.

I've never worn anything below a size 14 in my life. I've never felt good about the way I look. I've never worn a bikini. I've never considered myself "hot", but I want all those things. Because of my emotional attachment to food, this is going to be incredibly difficult for me.

I have 150 - 160 lbs to lose. That's a whole person. I literally want to be half the woman I am now. It's daunting. My parents have given me incentives to lose the weight. My mom has told me that for every 50 lbs I lose, she'll take me on a $150 shopping spree, and my dad said that if I get to 140 lbs like I want to that he will pay for my fiance and I to go to Jamaica. Those are pretty sweet deals, right??

I know it's going to take time and persistence and that it's going to be hard. I just need a little reassurance that this isn't impossible, and to know if there are people out there who have done what I need to.

Thanks.