from frustration to progress - don't lose hope!

jonikeffer

I just wanted to make a quick post to the folks who may have started a concerted weight loss effort without seeing any results. I'm 35 y/o, 5'0" and started at 155 lbs. I have had autoimmune thyroid disease (aka Hashimoto's) since I was 21, and in the last 5 yrs have had symptoms that point towards now also having PCOS.

I started my efforts last September, by adding 45mins/5 days of a fairly high intensity of exercise. Since I have a "desk job" and sedentary lifestyle, I thought such a radical change would do *something*. But it didn't, and I was annoyed. In 2011, I decided to give it even more effort, and started to really watch my diet, getting to the point where two meals a day were controlled and the third was still a "free for all". I thought surely this would do something, right? But alas, still no results. By this point I was feeling fairly deprived considering that I was still not seeing any loss. I was about to give up and say "if nothing is going to happen then dang it, I'm going to go back to eating tasty things and enjoying myself!" Even my father, a nutritionist and 66 y/o man in better health than I have ever been in, said "shoot, I would think you should be seeing some results, I feel bad that your efforts aren't being rewarded."

Then I came here, and started counting all the calories....doing the math. How could something so simple actually work? Seemed silly to me, but I figured before I gave up, it would be the last thing I could try. And what do you know, it worked! I couldn't believe how many calories I had been eating before without even realizing it. I've only lost 10 lbs so far, but seeing progress finally is plenty motivating enough to keep me going. My husband comments on how I already look and feel different, which is so rewarding to hear.

I just wanted to let those folks who are having trouble getting started know that it *will* happen when you get the equation right. I know firsthand that it can be profoundly disappointing and discouraging when you feel like you're putting so much effort in and not seeing any results. If anyone needs help or just support (especially if you have thyroid issues), feel free to send me a note or friend request. :flowerforyou:

bovbjerg

WOW - good for you to not give up and keep trying!!! Good job - keep it up and you will definitely see more rewards coming your way!