If you believe in yourself, you can do it.

My name is Lisamarie, MFP codename: Midnight1210. :wink:

My success isn't what you'd consider phenomenal, but I thought I'd share in the hopes that some people would take from it a measure of inspiration. I started MFPal 70 days ago. I weighed about 219 lbs. Today I reached 193.8 - almost 25 lbs. lost. I still have a long way to go to reach my goal, but every step is another step closer.

Now, 25 lbs. doesn't seem like much considering some of the amazing weight loss stories I've seen on here, but for me, it's a triumph over not only myself, but a great big middle finger at the doctor's who said my chronic pain syndrome would pretty much cripple me by age 40. Every time I lift a hand weight with my nerve-damaged right side - that's a victory.

Let's be honest. There is no quick solution, no easy way, no miracle pill. Weight loss is a total life-changing committment and if you're not mentally prepared to give 100%, you can find yourself bogged down and feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of what lies ahead. There is a certain level of dedication to exercise and eating smarter, if not healthier. Watching your food portions. Pushing yourself to exercise regularly - even when you can think of a hundred excuses why not too. It's not easy, but you CAN do it.

For the last year I tried exercising regularly, I tried eating right, but something was missing: serious motivation. That's when I found MFPal and I discovered the support circle - that's when everything. At that moment I had found what was missing - support from dozens of other people all in one place for the same reason. I really believe have some some of the best MFPals one could ask for. They keep me on the path with every word of encouragement and piece of advice. :smile:

I have chronic pain. I have accepted the fact it will never go away and that it will only get worse. The difference is that it is MY choice to not let that stop me. I WILL reach my goal. I believe in myself and I believe in MFPals. Every victory - however small - is shared among us all.

So keep true to your food and exercise, surround yourself with dedicated and positive MFPals and you'll find yourself riding a wave of support that will help carry you through even the most difficult moments of your weight loss journey.

Believe in yourself, and you can do anything you set your heart too.

I wish you all great success and leave you with this final thought: The only true failure is to give up.

Replies

  • mightdomightnot
    mightdomightnot Posts: 181 Member
    Hi - I've just joined MFP and saw your message. I'm sorry to read about our pain and inspired by your positivity so thank you for taking the time to write about your experience. I hope it will be possible for you to find a reason for your condition and a cure for your pain.
    Keepstrong

    Kat
  • kimosabe1
    kimosabe1 Posts: 2,467 Member
    You are very correct! That was such a wonderful post and speaks measures for those of us that have disabilities... Thumbs up my dear!
  • diver71_au
    diver71_au Posts: 424 Member
    Congratulations and well-done. Having positive people like you on my friends list helps keep me accountable. Your story is inspiring and you should be proud of yourself.
  • bohrsy88
    bohrsy88 Posts: 56 Member
    Well done LisaMarie.. I too have had health struggles over the last few years and its so hard to stay positive so i really admire you! Your weight loss is great.. every lb is a struggle in itself and you have done so well! Keep up the good work!! xx
  • californiagirl2012
    californiagirl2012 Posts: 2,625 Member
    My name is Lisamarie, MFP codename: Midnight1210. :wink:

    My success isn't what you'd consider phenomenal, but I thought I'd share in the hopes that some people would take from it a measure of inspiration. I started MFPal 70 days ago. I weighed about 219 lbs. Today I reached 193.8 - almost 25 lbs. lost. I still have a long way to go to reach my goal, but every step is another step closer.

    Now, 25 lbs. doesn't seem like much considering some of the amazing weight loss stories I've seen on here, but for me, it's a triumph over not only myself, but a great big middle finger at the doctor's who said my chronic pain syndrome would pretty much cripple me by age 40. Every time I lift a hand weight with my nerve-damaged right side - that's a victory.

    Let's be honest. There is no quick solution, no easy way, no miracle pill. Weight loss is a total life-changing committment and if you're not mentally prepared to give 100%, you can find yourself bogged down and feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of what lies ahead. There is a certain level of dedication to exercise and eating smarter, if not healthier. Watching your food portions. Pushing yourself to exercise regularly - even when you can think of a hundred excuses why not too. It's not easy, but you CAN do it.

    For the last year I tried exercising regularly, I tried eating right, but something was missing: serious motivation. That's when I found MFPal and I discovered the support circle - that's when everything. At that moment I had found what was missing - support from dozens of other people all in one place for the same reason. I really believe have some some of the best MFPals one could ask for. They keep me on the path with every word of encouragement and piece of advice. :smile:

    I have chronic pain. I have accepted the fact it will never go away and that it will only get worse. The difference is that it is MY choice to not let that stop me. I WILL reach my goal. I believe in myself and I believe in MFPals. Every victory - however small - is shared among us all.

    So keep true to your food and exercise, surround yourself with dedicated and positive MFPals and you'll find yourself riding a wave of support that will help carry you through even the most difficult moments of your weight loss journey.

    Believe in yourself, and you can do anything you set your heart too.

    I wish you all great success and leave you with this final thought: The only true failure is to give up.

    What you say is so true and right on! Never give up. I almost did. I was in pain, and it went away when the fat was gone. Please don't give up. My success story here --> http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/740340-i-lost-60-lbs-at-age-51-anyone-can-any-workout

    I'm super glad you are not giving up. :) -Bobbie
  • sam308lbs
    sam308lbs Posts: 1,936 Member
    i am soo proud to be your friend lisamarie.It's amazing seeing your dedication and perseverance everyday on the newsfeed.You inspire me every single day and today is no different :)
  • sonjarogers72
    sonjarogers72 Posts: 110 Member
    That is awesome! 25 lbs is a BIG deal if you ask me! You have decided to make yourself a priority and not an option...Hats off to you my dear! YOU ARE AWESOME! Keep it going! Just goes to show you that if you put it in your mind, it can be done!
  • LoriA6724
    LoriA6724 Posts: 99 Member
    I'm happy to be your MFP friend. You are doing a fantastic job! Knowing now, that you are doing this while fighting through pain, makes me even prouder of you. Keep up the fight!
  • nturner612
    nturner612 Posts: 710 Member
    way to go! 25lbs is ALOT and i know it took alot of hard work and dedication and SWEAT! so DO NOT underestimate yourself YOU ARE AWESOME!!!