I didn't recognize myself.....

Someone gave me a picture they had taken at a party. I was in it. I was speechless. I look in the mirror all the time. I try to look at myself how I really am. but I was shocked at this picture. I didn't even look like 'me' anymore. It''s not like I've gained a lot of weight recently or anything. I know I've gained, but I haven't really 'seen' myself. I feel embarrassed.
I've used this site before, but this is a fresh start.
I feel like I've got to make this work, or I'm just going to be doomed to being fat, and probably fatter as I age. it's not just normal middle age spread. I don't expect to have the body of a 20-something. I can handle aging, but I can't handle 'fattening'.
I am almost 49, 5'5" , and probably 205 lbs.
I will weigh in officially tomorrow.
And I don't even care that it's the holiday season. I am not waiting till January.
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Replies

  • oligard
    oligard Posts: 141
    im sure its not bad like that.welcome to mfp.feel free to add me
  • IDCY843
    IDCY843 Posts: 78 Member
    You will get there with the determination that you have. Stay strong and positive...feel free to add me if you like :flowerforyou:
  • pwittek10
    pwittek10 Posts: 723 Member
    Tomorrow never comes

    This is YOU, start eating smart NOW,
    Be aware of what your eating always
    it is shocking how many calories we
    eat when we do not watch it.
    Do not give in due to holidays,
    eat smart, you will be glad you did
    (for example say your eating 4,000 calories, you drop to 2,000
    that is a start!)
  • I know how you feel, I'm there myself. I can deal with aging but I hate being fat and I can't stand it when someone says 'oh that's part of life' because it doesn't have to be. About 20 years ago I went from 184 to 115 and I have around 50 more pounds to go. It will take longer to lose this weight then it did in the nineties (It has taken me four months to lose 19 lbs.) but it will be worth it! Hang in there and add me as a friend if you want.
  • BonnieandClyde29
    BonnieandClyde29 Posts: 1,026 Member
    :happy: you can do it!!! feel free to add me if youd like
  • Tunkabean
    Tunkabean Posts: 2 Member
    I had a similar experience with some pics of myself I recently saw. I was shocked at how horribly overweight I've become! I'm starting back tracking at MFP from today as well. All the best!!! I wish us both good luck & positive experiences =)
  • scicco
    scicco Posts: 58 Member
    I know how you feel, it was a picture I didn't recogize myself in that started me on this journey. I'm 51 now and down 40 pounds. You can do it, add me if you like.
  • fldiver97
    fldiver97 Posts: 341 Member
    'And I don't even care that it's the holiday season. I am not waiting till January"

    Good for you! Just start logging, take it one day at a time. Good luck!!!!!
  • LesaDave
    LesaDave Posts: 1,480 Member
    I will weigh in officially tomorrow.
    And I don't even care that it's the holiday season. I am not waiting till January.

    That is a GREAT attitude! Why put of till tomorrow what you can do today!!

    Good luck!
  • kenazfehu
    kenazfehu Posts: 1,188 Member
    My aging joints hate carrying my big fat body around. It's really a damn shame, but at least I (and we) are doing something about it. I got started in September.
  • stacy_1971
    stacy_1971 Posts: 104 Member
    Someone gave me a picture they had taken at a party. I was in it. I was speechless. I look in the mirror all the time. I try to look at myself how I really am. but I was shocked at this picture. I didn't even look like 'me' anymore. It''s not like I've gained a lot of weight recently or anything. I know I've gained, but I haven't really 'seen' myself. I feel embarrassed.

    I can relate to you. I feel embarrassed and ashamed that I let myself get so big, especially since 2 years ago I lost around 30 pounds. I have since gained it back, plus another 30.
  • kazza2cats
    kazza2cats Posts: 87 Member
    Sometimes it takes a shock treatment to make people do something. Good luck on your journey.

    Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.

    There will be tough days but there are plenty of us on here to help and guide you on your way x
  • twinteensmom
    twinteensmom Posts: 371 Member
    I really know how you are feeling. I turn 50 in April. It was right after my birthday last April that I got serious about this. I don't even know what woke me up but, I am damn sure I am gonna make a permanent change. For me, there is no turning back. I am making a lifestyle change and it will always be. You can do this. If I can, anyone can. Friend me if you would like.
  • eastcoastlisa
    eastcoastlisa Posts: 5 Member
    As you can see you are not alone! I too go along thinking I look "ok". And then I see a picture and I'm like OMG is THAT what I really look like????
  • I'm so glad so many can relate. Needless to say, I will keep that picture and take a good hard look, every time I think it's ok to over eat, or eat empty calories.
    Thanks for all the comments and support. I've sent friend requests to some of you . But if I didn't send one to you, please feel free to add me.
  • kingofcrunk
    kingofcrunk Posts: 372 Member
    Good luck, you can do it if you want it bad enough :)
  • Cindib13
    Cindib13 Posts: 234 Member
    I had the same shell shock. I still avoid being in pictures. I'm planning to have family pictures done when I get to my goal weight. I was 207 at my heaviest and I'm done to 172.8. It's been a long process and I still have a ways to go but I'm getting there and so will you. Feel free to add me if you like. Good luck and welcome.
  • mj698
    mj698 Posts: 2 Member
    I am new to this site. Your topic caught my eye because I experienced the same thing. I have been trying to keep from gaining weight since I quit smoking, but it's just not working (13 lbs so far). Hopefully, with a little help from this site, we can find the motivation we need to battle the bulge.
  • codylee98
    codylee98 Posts: 37 Member
    I had to respond. I joined this site over a year ago and never did anything except gained 6 more lbs. I need to lose 50 lbs. I'm 51 years old 5'2" and weigh 176. I hate seeing myself in pictures and I feel the same way about not waiting until after the holidays...I want to start NOW. I hope you don't mind if I add you as a friend, since we have similar stories, are close to the same age and have similar weight loss goals. Let's go, US!
  • Calm_Lotus_06
    Calm_Lotus_06 Posts: 104 Member
    First off I can say great job for getting on the band wagon now and not waiting until January 1st! If you ever need a buddy feel free to add me! Just get to it.. and know this is a great place and there are amazing supportive people everywhere!
  • katmix
    katmix Posts: 296 Member
    Someone gave me a picture they had taken at a party. I was in it. I was speechless. I look in the mirror all the time. I try to look at myself how I really am. but I was shocked at this picture. I didn't even look like 'me' anymore. It''s not like I've gained a lot of weight recently or anything. I know I've gained, but I haven't really 'seen' myself. I feel embarrassed.
    I've used this site before, but this is a fresh start.
    I feel like I've got to make this work, or I'm just going to be doomed to being fat, and probably fatter as I age. it's not just normal middle age spread. I don't expect to have the body of a 20-something. I can handle aging, but I can't handle 'fattening'.
    I am almost 49, 5'5" , and probably 205 lbs.
    I will weigh in officially tomorrow.
    And I don't even care that it's the holiday season. I am not waiting till January.

    Yup...took a couple of horrid pictures of me to ask myself why I had let myself go like that? I started in October last year, and can confidently say that if you WANT to lose it enough, no amount of holidays, cookies, pie, or candy will stand in your way. Many, MANY of us on here can attest to that! I've been in maintenance for months, and YOU can do it too!

    12029845.png
    Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    And I don't even care that it's the holiday season. I am not waiting till January.

    ^^^This is an indication that you are really ready to make a healthy change in your life. WOOT!! Feel free to add me. I had a similar moment, and have been working on getting healthier.
  • Kimaw65
    Kimaw65 Posts: 74 Member
    I had to respond too because it was also a picture that got me started on this journey. The bad thing was I did recognize myself and totally did not like what I saw. In fact I'm using that picture as my profile picture. I can also relate to the age because I am 47 and 5'6" and although heavier than you I could only see myself getting heavier as I got older and all the problems that would entail.
    Feel free to add me if you would like.

    Kim :)
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    Welcome
  • I am also new and I'm exaxctly where you are. I'm 51 and in the past 1 1/2 years - put on 33 pounds. Avoid mirrors and pictures. At this age you have to work even harder.. I'm on day 3 . Good luck and be strong over the holidays!!!
  • daggs95
    daggs95 Posts: 51 Member
    Pictures can be crap, I am not photogenic, even though I am attractive (as I am sure you are) Doesn't matter how much I weigh, photos lose a dimension so everything gets flattened out,plus we are always really critical of ourselves. Try not to let it really affect you.If you feel you need to lose weight that is one thing,but don't do it because of your apperance,especially one in a picture.

    FYI - I did have that problem,I never had issue with what was in the mirror,but did in most photos,then I realized it was the photos and not me.
  • Italiano7
    Italiano7 Posts: 382 Member
    First of all congrats on joining MFP! This is your first step on becoming a new healther you. Its going to be a tough road but remember we are here for you and that you are not alone.:drinker:
  • Danni3ll3
    Danni3ll3 Posts: 365 Member
    I am also 5'5" inches and was shocked at how the weight had creeped on during my 40s to 190. Before I turned 40, I had lost 20lbs through walking. Life got busy and I stopped walking. Well I put those 20 lbs back plus another 25. The scale was a real shocker! Because I dress well, no one believe me that I weighed that much, however, pictures did tell the tale. I was a fat 50 something woman!

    For me the key is walking. Doing classes at the gym or lifting weights allowed me to lose 8 lbs (that I promptly put back on when I stopped going) and that was it. So I have gone back to what worked for me which is walking. I have been walking for the past 3 and a half years and did get down 50lbs but a trip to Europe and not being careful enough put about 17lbs back on. I am down 11 and back on the way to my goal weight.

    So I encourage you to get moving and do what works for you to lose the weight. The sooner you start, the sooner you see results and it doesn't get any easier the older you get.
  • kymw
    kymw Posts: 7 Member
    Welcome and way to go on not waiting until January! I used to go to Weight Watchers and it was overwhelming the crowds in January! I think it is wonderful to start NOW-even if we don't lose a ton, we are not just giving in and eating free will and then facing an even bigger number on the scales after the holidays! I know what you mean about being shocked by a picture, I would think I looked ok, then see a picture and want to cry. Two years ago I got to meet one of my childhood pop star favorites and I HATE the picture I got to have taken with him....I look so old and heavy, even tho I was happy, my smile didn't light up my eyes because I was so unhappy how I looked. How sad is it to let food have such a hold and power over me that it ruins happy days? I am proud of all of us for being here, and if anyone wants to add me as a friend, I would love to help anyone, cos that only helps me more! BTW I am going to be 51 in January-lost weight earlier in the year but really, really struggling to rein it in right now. You would think a heart attack scare and being miserable with acid reflux would encourage me more-but dang food is one heck of a powerful drug!
  • jjstokes
    jjstokes Posts: 47 Member
    I turned 60 this year. I had gained weight through my 50's and this site has given me back the control. Stick with it and you will feel much better. Love this site!