Need support, trying to get weight

(I just uploaded this under introductions, but then realized that there is a place for those of us trying to get weight!)

It has always been such a lonely journey! Anyone out there going through this?
It has been very hard for me. Everyone else seems to be going in the opposite direction, and I get the worst looks if I open up and (finally) make a comment about how hard it is for me to even maintain weight. I understand that when someone has been trying to lose just 10 lbs for years, and can't, and suffers hunger, deprives themselves, and kill themselves with exercises and diets, and then someone comes and eats the whole menu in front of them, and still doesn't look happy -and says she is feeling down because she can't add an ounce, they have a hard time empathizing. Because I do understand, I have kept it to myself for years. But is it fair? Guys, if you have either high metabolism, poor diet, or another physical or mental condition that doesn't let you catch up and have energy, concentrate, or be your very best, it can be just as bad. When your clothes don't look right, and you are flat as a ruler, and you have to use layers and long pants even in summer because you are self conscious, it is not better than what you are going through. Skinny is NOT better. Too skinny is just as depressing and seriously bad for your body as overweight. The media surrounds us with this message that unreal-skinny is perfection, and manages to hurt both, the ones heavier than that unrealistic weight, and the ones that actually are around those numbers! Because some can't ever get there, there is a conscious or subconscious hate for the lighter group. In the meantime, because those numbers ARE unreal and not healthy, those there feel isolated and rejected, on top of unhealthy and lethargic!
In my case, something happened when I had my 2nd baby. I started losing weight (unintentionally) but I never stopped at my pre-pregnancy weight. It kept going down. At the time I needed my energy more than ever, the baby was colicky and I seldom slept more than 3 hrs on a row, usually during the day. I slept through the night for the 1st time when she was 4 years old! In the meantime, chores needed to be done, food needed to be cooked (and I was on a mostly organic, from-scratch philosophy), kids needed to be watched, fed, cleaned, walked and entertained, clothes needed to be washed and ironed... ah, I forget I liked to sew, so lots of that as well. I went to a nutritionist 4 months after the birth, and the guy was so scratchy (I didn't know better, so I actually bought into that). Not having run any tests, he recommended 4 smoothies a day of so much disgusting stuff, I got sick from just the smell. It was high in fat and so thick I had to consume it with a spoon. Didn't gain an ounce, but had to stay awake and energize myself somehow, so started going back to the Y, mostly aerobics/dance. Mood went up a bit, but I was still tired and too skinny. Neither my general doctors, nor my hormonal specialist or even OBGYN's could, in 20 (twenty) years hit the nail on the head or put the whole puzzle together. In the meantime, this vow of silence that I learned to keep for the sake of not being left totally alone, has been an additional torture. We gals tend to lean on each other and help out, pass advice we heard of, recommend good specialists. I couldn't get ANY of that support, because I learned I could not, should not, even mention that I wanted -needed!- to get weight if I wanted to keep any friends. Either obviously or silently, everyone got hurt if I said anything.
I am not anorexic -I looove food, all foods. I have eaten balanced diets as well as crazily caloric, overly carbs, paleo, vegetarian, all organic in my desperation to get it right. I now eat anything, 80% organic, fish and poultry 4 times/week, not too many vegetables (heck, I've tried the "perfect" diet for so long for nothing, I now just eat what I want)
I've always liked exercise, mostly aerobic type, and for the last 10 years, more yoga and less aerobic. However, in the last 2 years I have started a depressive trend. I don't see the light at the end of this tunnel. I stopped all exercise when my pal moved away (she was my accountability partner) and just did walking when I had to move. Raising 2 girls I've been all too aware of not letting my concerns show, and again, chose to wear a mask at home too, pretend all is right, and never transfer the weight issue to them one way or the other. But I had to perform like if I had the energy and the will, and only I know (and maybe others out there with the same problem) how hard that was. And my teaching job keeps me fairly mobile and mentally exercised, so I guess I have to thank it for still being alive. But, unlike other stories here that start either with w/ physical issue (e.g. thyroid) or mental issue (depression) leading to overweight, mine started at the goal weight and is ending with the depression (and God knows about how the physical part is by now).
So, today is my 1st day here. I found this site, and started measuring my stats and intake to have a baseline, and I also made a fitness plan. It is a very fragile moment, I can get discouraged easily because I am still carrying this on my shoulders alone, I have nobody to share this with -I really really need support. Hopefully from others on the same track? I'll take good info (I realize I know nothing about how muscle/fat are made, just learning about anabolic/metabolic process! I know nothing of the role of insulin, or the right times for proteins or carbs consumption :-P). I am the worst at sticking to it when it comes to my own exercise and a diet, but I can cheer you back. I have to say that, after downloading the mobile app of myfitnesspal, I need even more support than ever, because unfortunately the app developers didn't think of me either. The first thing one sees when opening it to check progress is the name, and the two main goal stats : "weight LOSS" and "friends"! Dear myfitnesspal, not everyone here is trying to lose pounds, and many of us are struggling on the "friends" department because of our weight issues. Being reminded of that every hour is not a good motivator.
BUT I am ready to overlook that each time I look at the app (out of the 10-15 a day), if I only start seeing some progress.
Anyone there that has this kind of issue?
Anyone there that made some progress? What was the turning point for you?
Anyone there with tricks on how to eat so many times a day (I am a 3 meals-no snack teacher)
Could anyone out there maintain consistent weight after reaching the target one? What was the key for you?
Thank you!!!

C.E
BMI 18
myfitnesspal calorie goal: 2030 net/day
exercise: 300cal/day (aerobic) 300/day strength

Replies

  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Have you had blood work and recent tests done to see if you have a medical issue?

    You can do three meals a day --whether you are gaining or losing the same principle applies --- eat the right number of calories for the total day.
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    I agree. Check with your doctor to see what your status is and if there are no medical issues, set your calorie goal at a reasonable level to gain 1/2 - 2lb per week to your goal. The same as losing weight, in reverse. I'm not saying it's easy. I've been on both sides and both take dedication.
  • cwoyto123
    cwoyto123 Posts: 308
    There's nothing to get help with haha, just eat more!

    I need 6000 calories to gain weight, and even then it's stalling so I may up it.
  • 2014myyear
    2014myyear Posts: 60 Member
    Hi - yep hearing ya... basic thing i have learnt is you have to eat more but it has to be the right kind of eat more that fits in with you. The only way i manage to get my intake is by logging it cos I dont seem to naturally eat as much as other people, no eating disorder no depression just me. Im eating 2700 a day (was 3000 but just wasnt hitting it lately) raising two kids on my own working full time. Sounds stupid for those that put on weight easily but sometimes it hard to find the time, but like everything and anything you get out what you put in. Since being on here I have put on 6 kg which for some is not a lot... for me.. a flipping miracle! Good luck to you and and if you wanna add me as a friend then please by all means... and hey... youre not alone.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    I would find a new doctor and get checked out soon because unintentional weight loss is never something to take lightly.
  • Thanks guys for checking in! It means a lot on day 2 :-P
    @cwoyto123, Wow, 6000 calories a day will just drive me crazy! Good luck staying focused and reaching your goal. But for me I don't think it is a matter of eating more. I've done it, and stay at the same place, or go down... I did it today, but myfitnessplan is not happy, marked all the stats that went above and beyond red, with a minus sign. The only thing green was my proteins, that again I couldn't get nearly enough. What gives?

    @RodaRose and 47Jacqueline, yes, I have several times done the full blood test, sugar, and separate hormone tests. Technically all is fine, and drs. send me home thinking I am making too much fuss of nothing. Next month, I am 2 lbs lighter, and I just can't afford loosing any! It is sad that medicine now is such a puzzle, every specialist is good at his own thing, but nobody sees the whole picture to make sense of the real person and truly understand what is going on.

    @2014myyear, I am not sure this platform will work for me. Just eating lots of calories 1st it is hard to do when we are on the go all the time (no way I can do 6 meals or snacks, between making them, logging in, cleaning up, that is all I'll be doing all day! Today was a good example of it), I agree, but also it is difficult when I am not even hungry. The thing is, I am convinced it has more to do with what we eat (carbs, proteins -and then, fast acting or slow-release, like creatine?, fat) and when in relation with exercise and resting time, than it has to arithmetics and just adding up.
    But all and all, I am doubting this platform will be helpful for me beyond the friendships and support, and yes, that is great. But as I am using it, I realize that it is not sending an alarm when I passed the sugar, fat, or total calorie goal, and it is not letting me know that I need to focus even more on getting my numbers with protein because again, I am lagging behind. I need a i-personal trainer sort of thing. At the end of my day today I had gone over my goal 500 calories (which I thought it'd be impossible) but the wrong way, without knowing it: 30% too much fat, and still quite below in protein, which is my focus.
    Because my phone app and my laptop platforms don't sync (do you all have that problem?) I don't get to find out until I sit at home for 30 mins, manually upload all the info I had logged earlier on my phone, and then "complete the entry". That is not helpful, a notepad to keep track will be faster... and then instead of some positive comment because I actually reached and passed my goal, the totals appear in red with a minus, the only thing in green (associated with positive) are the totals where I didn't meet the goals. Again, I do think the developers had those seeking to get weight in mind.
    Maybe those weight lifters out there can tell me if I am using this (or reading it) the wrong way???
  • emkelsall
    emkelsall Posts: 39 Member
    I have had 4 children and with all of them I gained approximately 30 pounds. However after both of my boys were born I lost 50. Pretty damn scary when your pre-pregnancy weight is 100 pounds. It took almost 5 years for me to get back to 100 after my last son (end of the line right there!). I have a hard time eating a ton of calories because, well it is expensive! I buy food for the kids and if it intrests me I will eat it. If not, more for them. I understand what you are going through. It is very hard.
  • @2014myyear and emkelsall, yes, I think we are on the same boat not putting ourselves first and just having a lot of other things to do besides eating, counting, loggin-in, checking, and doing it again, all day. Honestly, I forget about food during the day, unless I make it a goal, like I just did joining MFP. And I am not interested in sodas and sweets, so adding up calories does not come easy.
    emkelsal, I laughed when I read your avatar, because today was a "crawl if you have to" day. Zero exercise besides walking at the store :-P I will have to be content with that for now. In theory, I will gain weight fast this way (yeah, right! I can be a total couch potato and still not get anything but a sore butt) i was walking 1 hr a day, but MFP says no, just burn 300 calories a day, walk 30 mins each day (isn't that the same as crawling?! Boring)

    @FatFreeFrolic, I am TIRED of spending money on doctors that don't bother to call each other to complete the puzzle. Last summer I spent over $1500 on tests at different specialists (mostly not covered by the insurance because this was not due to a disease, just patient choice) and all I got was my hopes below floor level when the only conclusion was that all was within normal range. I wonder whether doctors are trained to prevent anymore, or are just taught how to fix broken systems. Maybe there is no budget to prevent, and they simply patch up these days?
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    @2014myyear and emkelsall, yes, I think we are on the same boat not putting ourselves first and just having a lot of other things to do besides eating, counting, loggin-in, checking, and doing it again, all day. Honestly, I forget about food during the day, unless I make it a goal, like I just did joining MFP. And I am not interested in sodas and sweets, so adding up calories does not come easy.
    emkelsal, I laughed when I read your avatar, because today was a "crawl if you have to" day. Zero exercise besides walking at the store :-P I will have to be content with that for now. In theory, I will gain weight fast this way (yeah, right! I can be a total couch potato and still not get anything but a sore butt) i was walking 1 hr a day, but MFP says no, just burn 300 calories a day, walk 30 mins each day (isn't that the same as crawling?! Boring)

    @FatFreeFrolic, I am TIRED of spending money on doctors that don't bother to call each other to complete the puzzle. Last summer I spent over $1500 on tests at different specialists (mostly not covered by the insurance because this was not due to a disease, just patient choice) and all I got was my hopes below floor level when the only conclusion was that all was within normal range. I wonder whether doctors are trained to prevent anymore, or are just taught how to fix broken systems. Maybe there is no budget to prevent, and they simply patch up these days?

    As long as all tests have come back normal, my guess is that you just have a fast metabolism and will need to eat A LOT of food to gain weight. I had a BMI of 16 my whole life and wasn't able to put on a pound no matter how much food I ate (I was naturally very petite). Some people are just built that way.
  • Cappa124
    Cappa124 Posts: 131
    My husband has to eat around 4-5000 calories a day to maintain his weight - he drinks a protein shake made with whole milk with each meal to up his calories. He used to drink Scandishakes as well and loved them but they're a little on the expensive side so he switched to just protein shakes. (He has also tried protein bars, ensure drinks, etc. But scandishake was by far the best). Good luck:)

    While I myself am trying to lose weight, you can still feel free to add me- I understand the weight gain struggle is just as hard!:)
  • Thank you all for your suggestions.
    @FatFreeFrolic, I hear you, but it has been too long hearing this "high metabolism" thing, and still being just skinny. Nobody in my family has my body shape or low weigh pattern, either I am doing something really wrong, or I have a straight talk with mom about my real dad ;-P

    @Cappa124, yes, I find it a lot easier to get even closer to the protein intake suggested by MFP taking supplements. Whatever it takes.

    I read about possibly adding calories slowly. Guys, I just went about 700 above my normal from one day to the next, come what may. But you can laugh at me, I just completed week 1 and these are the "changes":
    scale=0 (zero!)
    tummy=definitely bigger (pants are tighter, profile is somebody else's!)
    inner tights= never done this, but now they are flabby and rubbing each other, what gives?

    How can this even happen???? The only goal I am not really meeting is water intake, just forget to drink all too often. Instead of 7-10 glasses, I am drinking 5-6 (but I assume there is water in juices and other foods, right?) Still, because of that, I don't think the bulkier tummy is due to water built up. Really, how can this even happen?????
    Planning on doing abs (daily, or every other day? here is the 1st time I read about "rest day") to reduce chances of accumulating in the stomach (which I hear is very hard to turn around), but no idea what to do about inner tights. What exercise will deal with that????