Can't do this anymore

rlshopp6

Hi Katie. Like so many on this site, I have a lot of similarities to you. Although I'm older, I have gained and lost weight several times. And by starting something again and asking for help you are doing exactly what you need to do. As i got heavier and heavier (I'm 5'6 and highes weight was 320) my back got worse and worse. I've seen osteopaths, chiropractors, pain management specialists. and once when it got really bad, a spine surgeon. So definitely if there is pain, be super cautious about any exercise program until you've seen a dr, you don't want to cause injury. but walking or anything in a pool should help. I know for me the thought of being in a swimming suit and in a pool was horrifying, but the gym i found, there were mostly older people and or people my size in the pool, so i really didn't have to worry about how i looked, and when even walking was unbearably painful, the relief of being supported by the water but also able to get some activity was fabulous.

I agree too with so many other of the posts, set small goals. When I started I tried to focus only on a 10% loss, so instead of the 150 pounds plus i wanted to lose (that just seemed overwhelming), i focused on 15 pounds.

And it was the spinal surgeon who told me that losing weight is wonderful for your back, that 1 pound loss translates to 5 pounds as far as your back is concerned.

Jasonhannen

I am Katie, 5'3, 276 lbs and my goal is 139 lbs.

50% loss????

Katie If you are gonna shoot for the stars it's a loooooooooooong way, try reaching for the moon first.

I does not matter what I do in my life whether it's weight loss, sales targets I find hitting short term goals are more likely to helping me on my way to achieve my long term goals.

I have an annual sales target at work, we are in April and I dont even know my annual target, I worry about hitting my daily and monthly sales targets. a manager mentioned to me in March that I was 50% towards my annual target. Wow what a nice surprise.

You need to think short term, Keep your long term goals but put them at the back of your mind. set some short term ACHIEVABLE targets.

What you want to achieve is not impossible, you have the strength and courage inside of you, stop frightening yourself will such big goals, this isn't a race it's a marathon. We are not trying to break world records, we just want to reach the finish line.

Fear is your worst enemy, you are no different than the people who success you admire.

STEP BY STEP YOU CAN DO IT.

75Juniper

I have stopped, started, lost gained, lost and gained. I have deleted my MyFitnessPal account three times in frustration and embarassment of myself.
Last night I had another sharp pain throw my back and chest, and my back just hurts all the time. I am done. I am 20 and am in in more pain with my body than I should be for my age.
I am Katie, 5'3, 276 lbs and my goal is 139 lbs. I want to feel fanastic and fit enough to run like I did when I was 14 years old by this time next year.

You don't have to start out big. I struggled with some back and foot pain when I started my journey, so I took it slow. Try swimming or light walking and see how your body tolerates it. You don't have to lose a lot of weight to start feeling better. I've only lost a little bit and my pain issues have resolved. Then you'll be able to do a little more and a little more and you'll build momentum.

You can do this! Just take small steps, make small changes, and focus on your health. It will get easier, I promise.

kathyc609

Listen honey, next year is coming... NO MATTER WHAT. You have the choice to be exactly the same, worse or BETTER than you are now. It will still be 2013. Time doesn't care!! It keeps on coming! Don't wake up at 40 and realize you lost 20 years of health and happiness. Do you really want this? REALLY REALLY want it? Then throw away the scale, forget the typical "diet", AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE. good luck.

this is so true -- i spent 18 years obese before i did something about it.
dont let that happen to you.
i am 43 and really feel better than i have since 1995
you can do this!

kacbldmm07

First do not set a time frame of when it has to be off by or how many lbs per week you want to come off. It will set you up for failure every time. If you feel like you are overwhelmed then focus on one thing at a time and add little by little. If your biggest problem is fast food then stop eating it, once that is under control then work on eating your correct calories in one day, then focus on running. Putting to much stress on your mind at one time is going to fail your body. When your not in it 100 percent you will def not be working out at that rate either. Which in turn is doing you little good. I lost 91 lbs in almost 2 years. It does not come off over night. If it was that easy we would all be skinny, fit. Do what you can right now and worry about the others tomorrow. You can do this if you really want it.

lisanume

today: eat healthy, track calories and go for a walk.
tomorrow, do it again.

I love this!

I was going to say the same exact thing!!! just baby steps.... just track and walk for now. eat as healthy as you can and move as much as you can. let your back have some rest, then get movin.
I was 347 and I am only 5ft tall!
I am still a work in progress but I can tell ya, my back doesn't have nearly the problems as it did when I was way heavy....

Lisa