Today I learned that I weigh nearly 400lb

MattyFTM
MattyFTM Posts: 68 Member
in Introduce Yourself
I've been using MFP for around two months now, mostly ignoring the community section, but today I feel like sharing. Despite the fact that I have been improving my lifestyle and trying to lose weight, I didn't actually know how heavy I was. I had always estimated that I was around 360-370lb. I knew I was very, very heavy and needed to do something about it. I purchased a set of scales in order to track my progress, but they refused to weigh me. I had suspected it may have been because I was over the 400lb weight limit of the scales, but didn't know for sure.

Today I stepped on them in a hope that it would give me a number, instead of the usual "Err" error message. I looked down and it said 180.9 KG. That's just shy of 399lb. And you know what, I'm pretty happy about that. Firstly, it means I have definitely succeeded in losing weight. I was over 400, I'm now under 400. That's progress. And now I can directly measure my progress going forward. I'm really happy that I can finally weigh myself regularly and properly measure my progress.

I know I've still got a long hill to climb, but I'm ready for it. My current strategy is simply calorie restriction. I'm still eating far too many processed foods, and eating too many unhealthy snacks, but I'm keeping my overall calorie consumption down. I do plan on cutting down on the overly processed, high sodium foods in my diet, but I'm taking everything one step at a time. Trying to do too much in one go is a recipe for failure. I'm making small, sustainable lifestyle changes one step at a time. I'm making progress and I'm absolutely thrilled about that.

If you're in a similar situation, have been in the past, or even if you just want to be generally supportive, feel free to add me as a friend on MFP!!!
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Replies

  • lucille_heather
    lucille_heather Posts: 650 Member
    awww well done hun.
    that sounds amazing, defiantly sounds like your working hard!
    keep it up!! so good to see results and keep yourself motivated :smile:
  • audaciousred
    audaciousred Posts: 6
    Great Job - Having good mental focus is 75% of the battle if you ask me! Keep on tracking your calories - great inspiration for me.
  • denveracoury
    denveracoury Posts: 1
    You should take pictures! You'll want to be able to look back and see how far you've come on bad days! On days I feel like I'm heavier than usual ill look back at where I started. Good luck I know you're feeling I started around 300 pounds and I'm just starting to calorie count but I've made it to around the 270s just watching what I eat and moving a little more
  • MscGray
    MscGray Posts: 304 Member
    Nice Job!!!! Keep up the positive attitude and great work! So far I have found the community so helpful, even if your not actively posting just reading some of the post helps inspire you to work harder and stay dedicated!
  • PinUp2014
    PinUp2014 Posts: 79 Member
    WOOT!! Great job!

    And I second the photos thing. They will hurt to take, mine made me very sad. However, when you're feeling down, you can compare the now to the then....and then share the insane progress to the rest of MFP struggling with the process.
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    Well done!!

    One change at a time was how I did it, as well. And you know what - it works! Go get it!
  • candrusiak
    candrusiak Posts: 11 Member
    I started off the same way. Back on January 3rd of 2013 I was shocked to learn that I was 390lbs! You can see the progress that I've made.

    Stick to the plan, measure EVERYTHING and make sure you celebrate your victories.

    YOU CAN DO IT!
  • kelseyhere
    kelseyhere Posts: 1,123 Member
    Sounds like you are doing all the right things! Slowly making changes will mean you are much more successful in the long run. Do you best to start incorporating fresh food and you will get to your goal! Sounds like you reached your first milestone, now what is #2?! :)
  • SharlynB14
    SharlynB14 Posts: 1 Member
    I'm new to MFP and your post is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you'll find lots of support here!
  • EJOY1988
    EJOY1988 Posts: 254 Member
    How awesome, great job! And I completely agree with the pics. It was definitely a big help for me. Every time I wanted to give up, I would just go back and look at the picture, and even when I only saw a little progress it still helped me keep on track. I still have a little ways to go myself, so I know how frustrating it can be. But just take it one step, one day at a time. As they say, slow and steady wins the race. It took me a couple years to realize this, but afterwards it has become easier over time and I'm actually keeping it off this time. I'm not saying it's easy, just easier... just keep a positive attitude and you can accomplish anything. Good luck!!! :)
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,032 Member
    You should take pictures! You'll want to be able to look back and see how far you've come on bad days! On days I feel like I'm heavier than usual ill look back at where I started. Good luck I know you're feeling I started around 300 pounds and I'm just starting to calorie count but I've made it to around the 270s just watching what I eat and moving a little more
    absolutely agree... pictures, pictures, pictures.... even if you don't want to look at them now. Take them monthly and one day soon you'll be able to see the progress the days you feel you haven't made any! Don't miss the chance like some have to take 'before' photos.

    Also very true about much of it being mental also good idea on doing moderation and then getting a handle on that, then find fitness that works for you.

    You're doing great Hon!:heart::drinker:
  • toadg53
    toadg53 Posts: 302 Member
    Good for you. You've definitely come to the right place. You will find a lot of good people and support here. Slow and sure wins the race, and sounds like you're off to a very good start. I'll gladly be your friend for support and encouragement. EDIT: I didn't take pictures, becuz I hated the way I looked, but I did do measurements. Since I started my journey with MFP, I have lost a total of 39 1/2 inches. When I think that I've lost over a YARD on my body, that just boggles my mind. It's hard to imagine. But that's good !!! So I would definitely encourage you to do that ... that AND the pix like everybody else said. Good luck!!
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    Yay! I love your attitude! :D
    I look forward to reading more of your stories gong forward!
  • sufferlandrian
    sufferlandrian Posts: 8,244 Member
    Nicely done. :-) Keep it up and don't worry about the set backs from time to time. A journey is not measured in how many times we fell down. It's measured in how far we got in the end.
  • BaconBit
    BaconBit Posts: 5 Member
    Well that's just friggin AWESOME ! GO you GO you
  • MsValerieAnne
    MsValerieAnne Posts: 90 Member
    Great job, that's a great mindset as well.
  • DoctahJenn
    DoctahJenn Posts: 616 Member
    I would LOVE to support you through this, because I'm honestly inspired by your post. :)
  • ShellyBell999
    ShellyBell999 Posts: 1,482 Member
    I'm excited for you and wish you continued great success:flowerforyou:
  • ehample
    ehample Posts: 19
    I started this at 350 Lbs so I know a lot about how you feel. I work in the mechanical trades and have to climb ladders and be mobile, that was getting hard. I have had a lot of success, if you would like to track along with me feel free to friend. One piece of advise. What you are doing is absolutely correct, one issue at a time. Prioritize the sodium, it causes severe retention and other health issues. Good luck.
  • ashmarie8722
    ashmarie8722 Posts: 247 Member
    Amazing! Such a great victory! I seriously cried happy tears for you :) Keep it up!!
  • gobraves47
    gobraves47 Posts: 213 Member
    You can totally do this! My scale only went to 330, so I have no idea what my max was. It was a great feeling when my weight finally registered. You'll get that feeling every time you hit a big milestone. Good Luck!
  • jasoncbackus
    jasoncbackus Posts: 131 Member
    I started out close to 400lbs, although I don't now exactly where I was because I didn't own a scale until about a month and a half after I started losing weight. Feel free to add me!
  • larsanna
    larsanna Posts: 7
    I think your story is very motivational. I appreciate your honesty! I have struggled with my diet FOREVER! I can relate to where you are coming from. I find it hard to find snacks that taste good and that are good for me. Recently I have been trying no sugar added fruit cups and low fat cottage cheese. I also like yogurt. One reason I really like this community is for recipe ideas!
  • Cynner2007
    Cynner2007 Posts: 46 Member
    Well done you! You were over 400lbs, you are not now! Everything in baby steps..perhaps take your weight loss in 10lbs chunks. You are on your way to success, how very exciting :)
  • Pusarah
    Pusarah Posts: 124 Member
    I agree with everyone who says the right state of mind is a huge thing to have and will hopefully result in great success :) I am in the same boat, tho a little lighter and can't wait to be a success story.
    Congrats on your success so far and I hope you keep going! You are on the right track to a healthier you.
  • pissedlizzy
    pissedlizzy Posts: 1
    Way to go :).
    I haven't been able to get myself to take photos. I just can't do it. But I really like the measurement function of MFP. The scale and I are not always in agreement about my progress, but the tape measure is usually there to reassure or kick me in the butt. Good luck and lots of energy to you!m
  • elbaldwin0525
    elbaldwin0525 Posts: 159 Member
    this time 5 years ago...I was right there with you man.I was over 400lbs actually and seeing that really made me change my weighs. I lost 75lbs in about 4 and 1/2 months. Just keep the momentum going now
  • HighGlossSauce
    HighGlossSauce Posts: 8 Member
    Exciting! Eventually your tastes will change and you won't want all the crap. Good luck!
  • caNwa
    caNwa Posts: 26 Member
    I feel your pain and rejoice in your motivation! I am in pretty much the same boat. What really pisses me off is that I was doing so well here. I had lost 35 lbs.. and then I don't know what happened. I lost my mojo, I guess. I am just disgusted with myself! I have hated having to change my weight UP after seeing my ticker go down before. :( I started a new medication about 4 months ago that I feel has sabotaged my progress..not that alone..believe me.. I admit my shortcomings... and know I haven't been eating right (like I was when I was losing.) I have spoken to my doctor and she doesn't think the meds can be doing it plus it's something that I sort of need. ARG! I am so dang mad at myself. I told a friend today.. "it would be easier to tell you what DOESN'T HURT than to tell you what does." You would think that would be motivation enough. So, I am starting yet again. Heavy sigh.
  • Thatsmywrapgirl
    Thatsmywrapgirl Posts: 60
    That's so exciting!! Congratulations!! It's inspiring!

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