Newbie 300lbs to lose looking for new friends/support

Candi_land

Hi all my name is Candice and I joined this site thanks to my best friend Jessica, whom is also a member. I have over 300lbs to lose, and at 5'2 I'm sure you all can imagine how difficult this much weight is on my body. I can't walk more than a few feet without extreme lower back pain, and my ankles and feet are usually tightly and painfully swollen. I started the herbal life diet about 3 months ago and have managed to lose 40.4lbs so far, however I can't imagine following this diet for the rest of my life to be honest. The 40lb weight loss so far has made walking/moving around a little easier, but I still don't think I am getting enough exercise. I would appreciate any ideas you have for exercises that someone of my size can do. Also, I've been thinking of eventually switching over from following herbal life to just cutting down on my eating and counting calories. Any suggestions on what works for you? I could use all the support I can get. I wasn't always this heavy, I've been overweight all my life but I was once confident, and felt attractive, mobile, working, and I "wore it well". I was in a relationship for 5 years with someone I loved and trusted dearly, he cheated on me with a mutual friend of ours and needless to say I was devastated and completely overwhelmed by the betrayal. I'm an emotional eater and turned to food for comfort..and completely sank into a downward spiral piling on over 100lbs in less than a year. I left everything behind, feeling as if the person I was died and moved in with family 1300 miles away because I could no longer work due to my weight and sudden onset of extreme social anxiety. I had no idea who I was anymore, and finding the will to live every morning took lots of effort. I still struggle, but I want my life back. I'm hoping to make new friends along this weight loss journey. Thanks for reading and good luck to you all!

alishawe

First off, I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS on starting the journey to taking your life back! I can attest that is one of the hardest parts. You have already done great losing the 40lbs. I personally probably have about 300lbs to lose myself, but I'm 6' tall. Either way, we're in the same boat knowing where we're at is not healthy and it has to change. I don't really have an "emotional" story such as yourself, I've just always been heavy all throughout my life. I've tried all sorts of "diets" and found that the best thing for me to do was to count calories. Make myself accountable for every bite of food I put in my mouth. You'll be surprised at the difference it can make. I started out by just writing everything down then once I got myself used to writing down what I ate, I moved to MFP and started tracking calories. As far as exercise, I just started walking in place at home while watching TV (Biggest Loser, in fact!). Then I bought a Wii and started doing some of the stuff on it -- Wii Resort games actually has some good stuff that will keep you moving, even while seated. I'll be happy befriend you, share my journey, and help you any way I can. I know how critical support can be to keep yourself going.

courtbell03

Hi Candice I would for us to work together on this!! I think people have their own story as to of why they gained weight but the getting the weight off is the true adventure. I have about 280 to lose so I think we could help each other!! A little bit about me is that I've been over weight my whole and have settled into that my whole life. I've just reached the point of being exhausted with it. I started to gain the most weight when my parents seperated and I was alone alot and only had food to turn to. So I'm ready to control of this and love as much motivation and help as possible. Friend me if you're interested!

horndame

Hello! Yes, let's be friends! :happy:

Currently I am down 106 pounds but still have about 100+ to go (I'm not really sure yet about my goal weight...I figure I will have a better idea when I get down the 100 pounds).

I am happy to help in any way I can...you can do it! I hope this week goes well for you and add me if you'd like. Take care!

pinky_pie

I'm new, and have 200lbs to lose and have limited mobility as well. I would love to be friends and my diary is open to my friends so we can encourage each other.

kimmisatch

YAY for you I think you are awesome.
I have about 170 pounds to lose I think (we work in KG here).
I don't log my food on here as I have a paper food journal based on a system but I log my exercise and use it as a motivational tool
Feel free to add me xx

moushtie

Friend me! I can probably find some exercises you can do. My pilates teacher gives exercises to people who are walking on crutches, things you can even do lying on a bed ( as long as it's not too soft). Good on you for losing the weight you have, and reaching out for more support

china415

1st congrates on the weight you've lost. Lol. Now as you can see from my tickler I to am a pleasantly plum diva. And though I don't let others bring me down I do know what it is to gain mad weight and have others judge u. I say the past is the pass sweetie. Just view it as there lost. M all time saying " ****s come a dime a dozen, and honey I keep a pocket full of dimes". Lol. Ya I have a lot of personality. Very conf. In me. I think any thing can be done if and when 1 puts there mind to it. Is it gonna be hard hell ya but can u do yes. I'm always here to listen hun. In china gd luck and see u at the finish line
. Doesn't matter how long it take just that u finish lol.

ElizabethObviously

Hi! First off congrats on losing 40 pounds! That is awesome! It is a great start. Take things one day at a time or 10 pounds at a time so you do not get discouraged. That is a big thing with me.

So let me introduce myself a bit. I'm Elizabeth. Almost 30! And I have about 300+ to lose. And i am 5'5''! I totally understand the pain! Lower back, ankles, etc. It sucks. But here is something you have to remember...you're inner voice that might be saying I can't do this, I can't do this...you have to realize...YOU ARE DOING IT. I know it is hard...I know that healthy voice is so quiet and over shadowed by the voice that says Nah, let's stay on the couch.

You should get some DVDs that you can do at home, in your own living room. Richard Simmons. is fun! Leslie Sansone is great! And here is my tip...remind yourself that you don't have to do the ENTIRE video. Try for 1 min. Try for 5 min. Try for 1 song. As long as you TRY, you will get better and you will succeed. Don't give up yourself.

As for your guy...he's a jerk. There is a great guy out there somewhere just waiting to find you. Right now, focus on yourself and getting healthy. Let love find YOU. It will happen! I am proof of that. I am over 500lbs and have been married 10 years! (((((((HUGS)))))))

sbcass

Congrats babe. I have about 210 pounds to lose and have almost lost 100lbs. Try water aerobics and/or swimming. I did water aerobics for a while but I have now added spin class to my rountine.

Good luck to you. I will friend you.

bamajes

Congratulations on the 40 lbs gone so far. And Congratulations on the decision to finally take back your life. I have suffered from depression for most of my adult life. My long drawn out divorce caused my self-esteem and my weight to take a turn for the worst so i can understand where you are coming from. I'm not sure what suggestions for exercises I can offer as I struggle with finding enough hours in my day to work in any kind of regimen (I'm a working single mom). But I know little things like, parking farther away or even walking around the mall window shopping (as your body will allow) tend to add up. I have dont weight watchers in the past and had a lot of success with it because it changed the way I looked at food (i.e. they focus on making sure you get enough dairy/fruits/veggies, etc).

Please friend me if you'd like. I'd love to be able to encourage each other on this journey.

mariamarchita

I know exactly what you mean about not being able to do much without struggling with the weight. I'm around 400 lbs myself and I can't walk or stand long and I have to take lots of breaks no matter what I'm trying to do. It's really hard, I know. I'm right there with you! xoxo