Bummed out :(

Focus on the 28 lbs you've already lost, congratulations! Try working toward another 25 lb goal and not worrying about the "122 lbs to go". You've already proved you can do this...just keep on keeping on.

Keep the big picture in the back of your brain and focus on some small goals. A lot less daunting this way! You WILL get there. Yes it will take time and dedication but you've got this!!! I believe in you And when you do get there that light will shine the brightest that it has ever shined!

Sounds like you're moving in the right direction. If that goal is bumming you out, then change it to 99 pounds. When you make that goal, then do a 23 pound one. Just keep on track.

My brother has degenerative disk disease and is in constant pain as well. He was overweight, and it took him some time but he's gotten down to his goal. The only exercises he could do was walk and swim. Swimming seems to be easier for him, and he's enjoyed that. He is still in pain, but with the extra weight off, he says he feels better and has more pain free days, and is getting prepared for another surgery. I'd say just set yourself smaller goals, 10 pounds at a time or something, and celebrate each time you reach them. It sounds like you have done well so far, so don't keep your focus on how far you have to go, but on taking one day at a time and eating healthy and walking those steps. You can do this!

It's normal to feel that way. The important thing is that you stick to what you are doing. You will see results and your body will thank you later. This will take time, but in the end you will be so glad you did it. Try to keep a positive outlook on this. Its harder to lose weight while being so critical. I have to tell myself that all the time. Focus on how far you have come and how much better you feel. Maybe if it helps just focus on being healthy and not the weight loss.

And on a second note - I have 4 bulging discs in my neck and 2 in my back. I use that as an excuse, but there are still ways to exercise....walking and swimming are two of the best!

I have 25 pounds to go (and I know it's not even close to how you feel but hear me out a moment), but 25 seemed like a lot to handle. So on my profile, I wrote out smaller goals, at 5 pounds each, to take note of and mark as a celebration. I've lost nearly 5 pounds and I celebrated making it there (writing it down with the date), instead of focusing on the 20 more I had to go. It's helped me out, and not making me feel so overwhelmed. Now instead of 20 more pounds to go, I focus on the 5 more pounds until my next min goal. Feel free to check out my profile to see it.

You can do it! I was out of commission for about two years after major knee problems and I'm starting over again. I can sympathize with how hard it is but I know anyone can do it! My friend lost 115 pounds and in the beginning the main change was changing her diet. Try your hardest but don't overdo it because it will cause you to go backwards. You can do it!

I know what it feels like when you feel like no one believes in you because I am right there with you. My support network is much larger than it used to be because I looked for people who would support me outside of my family. Everyone needs a cheerleader, don't be afraid to ask for one! Have a friend go for short walks with you to keep you motivated!

You're doing great so far, so don't let that "final number" mess with your head. One step at a time, one day at a time. Appreciate every little victory along the way and brush off any missteps. You got this. :happy:

Set small goals because the overall goal can be too big (I'm in the same boat)

Do a 5% goal, 10% goal, 15% and so on. Set milestones (for me its going from "obese" to "overweight", under 200, etc)

You need to take one day at a time, it's going to be a long journey, but the end is gonna rock

I was first diagnosed with degenerative disks over a decade ago. One was pretty clearly bulging, even with the Xray. Just getting stronger has helped immensely. I have a cousin the same age who has been through surgery twice. Even now that I am waaayyyy over weight again, my muscles have been keeping me safe. I just have to get back down again before I jinx that.

I have thrown my back out with water aerobics, I have aggravated it with walking, with spending too much time in bed, too much time in the car...I know what it is like. I have struggled to walk across a parking lot without collapsing. I have had times when I couldn't drive because I couldn't lift my right foot enough.

Are you in physical therapy? If you are doing therapeutic exercises everyday, you are doing something. Add on five minutes of marching in place.

Look for no (not low) impact activities to get started. I sometimes take regular classes, but I do not hop, I do not jump - one foot on the ground at all times. A good instructor can help you figure put good substitutions - crunches instead of sit ups - and will warn you not to try things that might strain your back. Get in a pool. I recommend deep water aerobics (don't worry, you get a floaty!) over regular water aerobics. If you do take regular water aerobics, don't jump at first, don't take long strides and be mindful when twisting.

Now I take dance classes, but I can't take class for certain styles. Six count swing is real easy to learn and low impact, but you keep rocking back on the same foot, putting too much strain on one side. I love collegiate shag, but an hour of that foot work is impossible for me, same with Charleston. I am at the highest class level of lindy hop, but if the teachers try to throw in any actual hopping, I ignore them. I have a couple of really fun leads that we look like a comedy team with them jumping around while I basically tap my feet in the stereotype of the fat, older woman that I am. But that isn't why I am not jumping around.

Change your sticker options to show "pounds lost" instead of "how much to go". Let's face it, we doing this ONE POUND AT A TIME, so why not show that side of the coin?

I find it more motivating to see the number increase with my efforts and I also set my goal weight higher than my ultimate goal(130) because the big picture is too overwhelming right now. I'll adjust the goal when I get closer to the one I now have(180).

You are doing great! We started at the same time, both fighting back issues, and you're dropping faster than I am.

I say the glass is HALF FULL .... so go change that ticker and pat yourself on the back!

This!