Someone could mistake these successes as fake

Jennieam

So on my first visit to the success stories forum, my first thought was that the site is fake, like those adverts you see 'GET RID OF 500lbs IN A WEEK CLICK HERE'. The reason for this, the amount of effort you guys put in is almost unbelievable.

You've renewed my faith in the possibility for people to change their lives, and when I work next, I shall be sure to remind my coworkers of the same.

Thank you for your post. I have had a trying few days, and logged onto the "success stories" for some good news.

(My cat was admitted to intensive care at the weekend, and just returned home. He MUST have his antibiotics. He won't eat the food his liquid antibiotics are in. The other dog and cat would LOVE to eat his food. Sigh).

Anyway, as a Type 2 diabetic (whose blood sugar levels weren't under great control), I advised my doctor that I needed to lose 10 kg (well more than than, but I figured that 10 kg would make a big difference). I was going to see a dietician, but before I did, a friend pointed me to MFP.

After about 10 days, I made an urgent appointment with my doctor. I explained that my blood sugar was dropping dramatically, even though I had reduced my insulin to half. (It is now lower). She was happy with what I had done, and also told me that one of her colleagues referred his diabetic patients to MFP. I think she's now a convert too.

So here in Australia, there is also recognition within the medical profession as to the benefits which people can gain through using MFP.

As for the cat ... well MFP helps us to strengthen our commitment and perseverence, so I guess I'll just keep on trying.

kandrews24

Thanks, well yeah, we're pretty awesome!

MaryAnn678

As one that is just starting off on MFP, I can tell you this losing weight thing is an everyday struggle, and MFP helps because you can come here whenever you want to chat, listen, learn what others are doing and how hard everyone is working to succeed. It's not a once a week meeting, a weight in, it's actually ppl talking and supporting each other every day every minute of the day I can come here and read what others are doing. I get inspired and get up and do something too. Besides you can't eat when you are typing.

mamalula

I totally argree!!!!

debswebby

I for one am working my *kitten* off (literally)......my successes are not coming easily.....and people ask me how I am losing weight....I say "it is this new, really super secret, plan.....I am burning more calories than I am consuming....I am eating less and moving more" so fun to see their response.

LOVE that answer - I might have to use it - super secret plan :laugh:

I use this answer all the time. You should see their faces fall with disappointment :laugh: What did they expect me to say? That I lost it all by eating toilet paper and dust? There's no quick fix. Its a long arduous journey. But boy its worth it

debswebby

Doc, I'd like to ask for your mercy on those who struggle with feelings of defeat, food addiction, ill treatment because of their weight, and all sorts of other circumstances. And, there ARE happy fat people out there. Some people don't feel there is a reason to lose weight - and good for them, as long as it's not hurting their health. But for the prior, permanent change doesn't [always] happen because of how they want others to see them. It's because of how we want to see ourselves, and having hope for success. And hope and encouragement is, thankfully, something the MFP community is great at providing.

We need a "like" button. I love this :flowerforyou:

alyssamiller77

I for one am working my *kitten* off (literally)......my successes are not coming easily.....and people ask me how I am losing weight....I say "it is this new, really super secret, plan.....I am burning more calories than I am consuming....I am eating less and moving more" so fun to see their response.

LOVE that answer - I might have to use it - super secret plan :laugh:

I use this answer all the time. You should see their faces fall with disappointment :laugh: What did they expect me to say? That I lost it all by eating toilet paper and dust? There's no quick fix. Its a long arduous journey. But boy its worth it

I honestly believe people hope that you're going to tell them about some great easy new way to lose weight that no one discovered because they themselves are hoping to find that holy grail of weight loss. When you tell them that you were successful by reducing calories and exercising it disappoints them because they already know that is the right way to go and it's not how they want to do it. So many people want to be able to lose weight without making much of a commitment or putting forth a whole lot of effort to do it. So when you don't show them the easy way out, it is a disappointment for them.

Fit4sure

I know what you (the OP) mean...

But...I for REAL worked to on purpose lose the 120 lbs. of excess that was on me (brag...brag...brag...) by sticking with it and continuing AFTER I became a walkin', talkin' success story...to maintain that loss for over 5 years now. It's kind of rare with that sort of weight loss for folks to maintain it and I'm (another brag...brag...brag...) registered in the National Weight Loss registry as a participant to be studied to see what makes successful loser's "tick".

Cool, huh?

I think so...

I'm so inspired by the very committed people here on myfitnesspal who stick with it as well! It's WAY awesome!!

soccermum75

I never would have thought possible for me to lose the 30 lbs I lost. But with the help of MPF i did it! one step at a time, one day at a time. It's not easy but it works.

Uerzer

I just finished med school... Ive seen it from the other side also, and there are a lot of patients who just complain and do nothing. At least in my country, most docs get fed up and start lacking the right attitude.

as a fat student and now a healthier doc.....


.... I hereby certify that I will try do my best to help those who come to me looking for help with overweight problems.

MFP is teaching me a lot, you all are teaching me... and I just hope this helps my future patients.

Fatbuster205

I personally can't wait until I next get called in to have my blood pressure checked! I'm on HRT and have been mildly hypertensive - I am determined not to have to take yet more medication so I have embarked on this journey. I suppose that is why I am so determined. At work today people were beginning to notice that I have lost some weight - such a great feeling! Currently I take meds for familial hypercholestremia - mine was 7.6 fasting! colitis and asthma! If I jump up and down I probably rattle! I piled on the weight in 1998 when I injured my back (torn ligaments at T6,7 & 8) and was out of action for a year. I went from 9st 4lbs to almost 15 stone and have "battled" since - meaning I have done little about it but moan. The high blood pressure thing triggered me into action. I suppose I was in denial and a little depressed. Not helped by my sister crashing into a tree three years ago and dying! But last winter I was ill, ill and ill for 6 months. My immune system was shot and then I started with the blood pressure! ENOUGH! So here I am and doing OK. Yes a lot of people moan and do nothing. This site is full of people who at the very least have taken a first step. Some will go no further but (hopefully) most will gain something! And I don't mean weight for the most part but self belief, self respect and enjoyment for being a part of this amazing site!

Uerzer

Good job and keep it up! i agree, this site is amazing because eveything is possitive! that's the best way to motivate ppl!

debswebby

I for one am working my *kitten* off (literally)......my successes are not coming easily.....and people ask me how I am losing weight....I say "it is this new, really super secret, plan.....I am burning more calories than I am consuming....I am eating less and moving more" so fun to see their response.

LOVE that answer - I might have to use it - super secret plan :laugh:

I use this answer all the time. You should see their faces fall with disappointment :laugh: What did they expect me to say? That I lost it all by eating toilet paper and dust? There's no quick fix. Its a long arduous journey. But boy its worth it

I honestly believe people hope that you're going to tell them about some great easy new way to lose weight that no one discovered because they themselves are hoping to find that holy grail of weight loss. When you tell them that you were successful by reducing calories and exercising it disappoints them because they already know that is the right way to go and it's not how they want to do it. So many people want to be able to lose weight without making much of a commitment or putting forth a whole lot of effort to do it. So when you don't show them the easy way out, it is a disappointment for them.

Yes they are looking for that magical formula that will make them lose weight and not have to work for it. I feel sorry for them in a way because they can't think much of themselves if they're not willing to put the effort in (just my opinion). When they say "oh I can't do that. Its too hard" I say "so is being fat and so is looking in the mirror every day and hating what you see" Life is too short to complain and hate yourself for something YOU created. But the good news is that YOU can do something about it. Its entirely your choice.

janeinspain

It is not easy to lose weight, in fact it's damn hard. especially if you do not know how to do it safely and sustainably. for me it started to work only when I found the right way for me (low-ish carb/carb aware + counting calories + lots of exercise). you just need to find the right formula that works for you. overweight people do want to be slimmer, it's just that it is nearly impossible if you don't understand how and why to do it, for yourself and for a long time.

debswebby

I'm not sure how it is in the US, but certainly in the UK with a growing obesity problem, there is an increasing attitude that overweight people are not helping themselves, and lack the right attitude, are lazy and resort to drastic measures (surgery) to solve their problems.

Doctors really have to get their heads out of their smug a*ses sometimes as well. They tar all overweight people with the same brush. Not everyone is looking for a quick fix and not everyone is lying.

I went to see my doc to see if she had any advice about shifting tummy fat. When she realised I WASN'T interested in surgery, she lost interest. Basically called me a liar. Said that I wasn't burning that many calories at the gym and I must be eating more than I think. I told her that I'm 41 years old and have better things to do with my time than come here and lie to her. She wouldn't have it. And the look she gave me when I left the surgery - like I was something she just scraped off her shoe.
I was so annoyed. Here's me doing all the right things to help MYSELF without being a drain on their resources and I get called a LIAR!

And GP's are no experts when it comes to weight loss especially in the UK. They cover up their lack of knowledge by accusing us of being lazy and lieing.

Shausil82

WItout this site im sure, like myself, most of us wouldnt have come as far as we have.

This site is amazing with all of its encouragment, motivation, and friends that you gain along the way.

)

This is exactly how I feel! This site is a godsend. It has changed my life! I tried so many diets and nothing worked, then I find this site, and am 12.5 pounds away from my goal. I've lost more weight, and gained more self-esteem and confidence than I ever have had in my whole life. I even told my doctor about this site, and she is going to tell others who are looking to lose weight.
The people I've met on this site have been amazing. I've met so many awesome people!
All of us on this site have worked so hard, and we all should be proud of ourselves!:flowerforyou:

spicypepper

I for one am working my *kitten* off (literally)......my successes are not coming easily.....and people ask me how I am losing weight....I say "it is this new, really super secret, plan.....I am burning more calories than I am consuming....I am eating less and moving more" so fun to see their response.

Touché!

What infuriates me is the media's perception on people with a weight problem. That's another post though... It irks me when people who've not struggled with their weight cast doubt. I am living proof as are a bunch of others on this site that you can make a change and it's not a hoax. I didn't gain this weight over night, and it's surely not going to come off quick, but with the right combination it will happen. - 47 lbs in 4.5 months is proof enough for me!

I hope you are successful in enlightening your friends

ctalimenti

I for one am working my *kitten* off (literally)......my successes are not coming easily.....and people ask me how I am losing weight....I say "it is this new, really super secret, plan.....I am burning more calories than I am consuming....I am eating less and moving more" so fun to see their response.

Ha ha ha! That was great! You just made my day!

kmbrooks15

One thing that doesn't help with perceptions is that so many people who want to lose the weight want a "quick fix" or magic pill to shed the pounds without putting in the work. Whether it's hormone drops/injections, or single food diets, or a superfruit, or a pill that will melt away the pounds...so many are looking for a quick, easy, painless way to do this. As everyone here can testify, there isn't one! It takes hard work, discipline, and self-control. I am thankful for people like the OP who see this and realize that there are some of us trying to do this the right way, but I can also understand where some of the perception comes from. It doesn't make the perception correct, obviously, but I can see where perceptions can be colored by seeing people who are obsessed with finding the "magic pill" of weight loss. It's the same kind of prejudice that still affects African-Americans. People see one African-American who is lazy and mooching off the system, and they immediately assume all African-Americans are that way. It's not true, but it seems like it's human nature to overgeneralize and stereotype based on our experiences. Hopefully, now that the OP has seen a different side of the issue and seen some of us who are breaking the stereotype, he can help spread the word! The more people we get on board and having success here at MFP, the more we can help stop the overgeneralization of all overweight people. That's why I'm thankful for the Success Stories section...it really motivates me because I think, "Geez, if they can do it, so can I." You watch Biggest Loser, and you think, "Well, of course they can lose the weight. They have people monitoring what they eat and they can work out 15 hours a day with a trainer who can tell them what to do." Not encouraging to a single mom trying to work and raise two kids alone. But the Success Stories...you guys are moms and dads, college students, spouses, single parents...all walks of life trying to fit eating right and exercising into your daily grind and succeeding. That's inspirational.

KyleB65

If someone had told me about this web site a year ago I would have laughed and walked away.

Now 7 months + into my new life. I swear by the help that MFP has provided. Note that the reality is that the "work" is all mine. What MFP has provided is a methodology by which I can help myself. In addition to a community of people facing similar struggles. With these people I can share my successes and failures as well as take encouragement from their successes and learn from their failures.

12skipafew99100

I have gotten so sick of peoples' upset look when I tell them that I have worked my butt off and watched what I eat, that I have decided to just tell them what they apparantly want to hear. I just tell them that I eat a crap load of bacon every single day and the weight has just been falling off like crazy. Sadly, there are some people who don't even question it and just say "cool". Everyone wants to hear that you are doing some new fad diet, so I am just giving them what they want. ::

Ahhh, the bacon diet - wrap everything you eat in bacon and you'll loose weight! For extra fast weight loss, use two pieces of bacon!

*too bad I'm at work and have to hold in the hysterical laughter*

I'm home and I did laugh out loud! totally love this one..............

KelliHatfield1

This is a very inspirational and supportive site. It helps people connect, and I am so grateful to be a member.

kerrymh

the fact that I resorted to surgery to help myself out does NOT make me lazy!
I worked to get to where I am, and I am proud of it..not everyone needs to resort to these measures but for people who do, the attitude of judgement that other people give them might prevent them from doing something that very well could save their lives.
I tried for 32 years to lose wt on my own with out the help my surgery gave me..the results I yoyo'd to 390lbs. never losing more than 30lbs at a time. Now with my band, I've lost 185lbs, learned to run, it helps my portions that I have a switch in my brain that is different than a normal eater...I always want more...now that is controlled I can't eat more..I have to work on myself, but I have a physical reminder that this is a lifestyle change and I couldn't be more happy I did it.

NovemberJune

the fact that I resorted to surgery to help myself out does NOT make me lazy!
I worked to get to where I am, and I am proud of it..not everyone needs to resort to these measures but for people who do, the attitude of judgement that other people give them might prevent them from doing something that very well could save their lives.
I tried for 32 years to lose wt on my own with out the help my surgery gave me..the results I yoyo'd to 390lbs. never losing more than 30lbs at a time. Now with my band, I've lost 185lbs, learned to run, it helps my portions that I have a switch in my brain that is different than a normal eater...I always want more...now that is controlled I can't eat more..I have to work on myself, but I have a physical reminder that this is a lifestyle change and I couldn't be more happy I did it.

That was one part I didn't tackle but thought about it. I only know 1 person who had weight loss surgery and she was in the gym every day for months before her surgery and in the gym everyday now. It's just another judgment...
Congrats on your success Kerry!!!