About 600lbs, Time to Lose a Few

Dani, I don't have the same amount to lose, but I would argue that whether you're trying to lose 5 lbs or 100 lbs (or more, in my case!), you have to start somewhere...and every pound down is one pound closer to your goal! My mom passed away when I was 18 from weight related issues (pulmonary blood clot) at age 42, and my brother died last month from CHF that was made worse because of his weight. YOU HAVE TO DO THIS FOR YOU. Make a short term goal...try to cut out one type of drink, one extra piece of bread, etc...don't focus on a year out..focus on the day. Then the next day....then the next day. If you mess up one day, don't give up, just start again tomorrow and do better. Recording your food will be a huge help, I'm sure--for me I didn't even think about how much I was actually eating until I started writing it down..."oh, salad isn't so bad...like no calories, right...but wait....I have to add those croutons...and that cheese...and the bacon bits..and the dressing...and wait, this salad is now 300 calories? Holy cow"....so it has helped me be way more conscientious of what I eat, but I honestly don't feel like I'm deprived...your body gets used to cutting back, and I let myself celebrate every once in a while..but instead of a king size candy bar, I have a fun-sized...or a snack size Kit Kat....so I still get the sweets (my weakness!) Anyway, I say all that to say that you can do this. You have to. Add me and we can encourage one another!! God bless, and I will be praying for you!

Oh...I almost forgot! exercise..I know mobility is a problem, but even sitting down you can get some dumbbells--1 lb, 2lb, etc...whatever you need to start with...and work on your upper arms. You can start with 5 reps each arm, rest, and repeat...then more up to 10 reps each, etc...you can also get a stretch band thing--the one with the handles on each side...pull out, butterfly style--as far as you can....5 reps each, etc....you can also step on it and pull up like curls...5 reps each, hold, etc...you can do this. you have to. Keep saying that..Phillipians 4:13 says, "I can do ALL things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." You can do this. You have to.

I'm here to help! I love lending my support to people!

Im not your size but I am your age! I've sent a request keep smiling!

Dani-

Don't give up on yourself hon !!! I am 61 and I am still working to lose over 100 lbs, so put your work into it while you are still young , it does not get any easier as you get older. For exercise you might want to check out some DVD 's that use a chair so you will not harm your knees while you are losing weight. The cut one bad habit out at a time is good advice someone gave you, otherwise you will get overwhelmed. Hang in there Dani, you are worth it !!!!

Lynn

I do not have the same situation as you however, i am here to offer my support as well. Feel free to add me.

Dani I wish you luck on your journey, anything is possible if you put your mind to it and take little steps to reach your goal, you really need to be eating foods that fill you up and keep you that way for a few hours, chocolate is good as a treat but not over 1000cals for breakfast :embarassed: Making healthy choices even if they are just small ones like water instead of soda, wholemeal bread instead of white, coffee without sugar one thing at a time will have the lbs dropping off in no time lady :happy: :happy: Good luck and keep at it:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Hi Dani!

I admire your courage and strength. I have a sister that is about the same size as you and it has been very difficult for her.
Feel free to add me if you'd like encouragement.

You HAVE to look forward to this. Try to be as positive as you can. You are making a wonderful lifestyle change!

As far as exercising when walking is difficult, just start there. Give yourself a goal. 5 minutes. 10 minutes. Whatever gets you tired to start. Stay there for a week. Go a little longer after a week- add 1-2 minutes. Gradually increase. All you have to do is just start moving.

Just remember- this isn't a race. This is for you for the rest of your life.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

I'm not your size either - I started at 282lb. However I'd be happy to offer support and advice.

I watched a program on someone that was around 600lb a while ago, and his personal trainer simply made him stand up from the sofa over and over again. It may not seem like a lot but he said he's having to shift his weight up and down, it got his heart rate going and it was a good starting point. Once you've gained some mobility then you could look at doing small walks, and work it from there.

As for food, you can do a lot with 4000 cals. Eat plenty of fresh veg, lean meat and fruit, and you will still have plenty left for occasional treats, A lot of people on here are 'clean eaters', but I'm a firm believer in not cutting out anything you couldn't cut out for the rest of your life. Personally, I couldn't cut out chocolate, so I eat it every day and just make sure it fits into my macros.

Don't think you will hate it before you do, or you will start this with a negative view straight away. Some days are easier than others, I won't lie to you, but the important thing is not giving up. You CAN do it, and there are many people on here that are supportive and friendly and full of good advice.

Agreed!

Hi guys,

I wanted to give you a little update. So admittedly these last few months have been hard for me, I think that deciding to lose weight itself is quite an emotional rollercoaster for me. As much as its hard being the size that I am right now, the actual actions of being on a diet really suck, and I think the hardest thing is to actually feel it emotionally ready to be doing it. I don't know if that makes any sense, but its just this murky difficult thing, I think.

So yeah, its kind of crazy, but I feel that the stress of being about to diet has made me a bad eater lately. Or, let's just say it hasn't helped. I sent away for a scale a while back because I figured it would help to have one that works for me. But since I've had it, I've just watched the number go up.

Today it read 623.

Having now GAINED 10 more pounds since I started here, rather than lose 20 (which was my goal) is a little disheartening. But, yesterday I was under 4,000 calories for the first time, so I'm very proud of that.

Thank you guys for your support! Hopefully I can keep the victories coming!

-Dani

CONGRATS on being under 4000 calories! That is an awesome step! I know it's overwhelming, but just keep making small steps. Don't think about the big picture right now, just concentrate on that victory and try to repeat it. Make small changes and remember it takes a few weeks to make a new habit. So make a small change today, try to keep up with it for a few weeks, then consider another small change you can make.

try not thinking of it as a diet --- instead think of it as your life, what you want to be in 5,10, 20 years. Small steps will add up

Good Luck