Fought the good fight, but...

I've been trying to lose weight in some form for years, and honestly the only thing that's held me back and kept me at my highest weight ever (30lbs higher than when I originally signed up to MFP) is because I kept quitting, or slacking, or losing accountability to myself.

The next year will go by whether you stick with it or give up. So you will either be 20-50lbs lighter by September 2015, or you won't. 100% your choice.

Honey, no one can make you stay, but just the fact that you've lost 14 pounds in four months is something. It's taken me five months and I've lost less than you have. But I'll be dammed if I'm giving up.

^^^ Respect, you just earned mine.

I've been trying to lose weight in some form for years, and honestly the only thing that's held me back and kept me at my highest weight ever (30lbs higher than when I originally signed up to MFP) is because I kept quitting, or slacking, or losing accountability to myself.

The next year will go by whether you stick with it or give up. So you will either be 20-50lbs lighter by September 2015, or you won't. 100% your choice.

AMEN. I have been struggling with my weight all my life. I lost a bunch of weight, had my son, and ever since then I have struggle to lose weight and stay committed. My son turned 2 earlier in summer.

Don't blame "the cards". It's you. There's 2 things: 1. You overestimate what you burn or you 2. Underestimate what you eat. That's it. Well, MAYBE MAYBE a third...there's a medical reason at play you don't know about but you can't really know that until you really determine you are being as specific on your burns and weighing/measuring every single bite you put in your mouth.

I'm hypothyroid. Losing weight is a very hard battle. My medication is my sledge hammer. I still have to wield it. Are there days where that brick wall looks bigger and stronger than I am? Of course, but that baby is coming down one brick at a time if I have to. I lost 20 lbs in 2 months.. Sure that looks amazing, but I had to learn how to do it. Food, exercise, patience. I have a very long way to go, but I don't dwell on the end result, just 20 lbs at a time.. no time limit, just me, my sledge hammer and those bricks.

You have lost 14 lbs in a month, and that is not quick enough for you?


Remember, you did not gain all this weight in a month, it will take as long if not longer to lose it.

I'm hypothyroid. Losing weight is a very hard battle. My medication is my sledge hammer. I still have to wield it. Are there days where that brick wall looks bigger and stronger than I am? Of course, but that baby is coming down one brick at a time if I have to. I lost 20 lbs in 2 months.. Sure that looks amazing, but I had to learn how to do it. Food, exercise, patience. I have a very long way to go, but I don't dwell on the end result, just 20 lbs at a time.. no time limit, just me, my sledge hammer and those bricks.

I love the imagery in this! But it is true. This is my second time around on MFP. I lost around 38 pounds my last time around, it felt good, I felt good, I swore I'd never let myself gain it back. Then life happened and $&!@ sucked for awhile. I fell into the routine of making bad choices and not exercising and I gained it all back. But guess what, I am back because I don't want to continue to feel this way and/or gain more. It's not easy. If it was everyone would be healthy! YOU have to make the choice to make the commitment. It took me over year before I was mentally ready to tackle this again. The reward is so great if you stick with it.

But, if you are going to have the mindset that it's too hard and you can't do it then it is and you won't. It's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.

Personally, I would rather spend my emotional energy on positive things. I'd rather focus on the positive changes I've made then the fact that I have lots of weight to lose because I know I'll get there.

It seems you've made up your mind, though. None of us will change it, only you can do that. I wish you good luck on your journey!

I've lost weight before. 12 lbs for my wedding 10 years ago (142 to 130) and 12 lbs for a contest a few summers ago (148 to 136). Recently, I've gotten up to 165 after holding my weight in the 140's for the better part of 10 years and 2 kids. Never was really happy there, but it wasn't painful enough for me to change. Honestly, the last time I was happy with my weight was when I was a junior in high school. (115, my super ambitious goal)

With that being said, I know I can do this because on a smaller scale (lol pun), I already have. As have you. Both times I lost the 12 lbs it took me 3 months. I lost a pound a week. Painfully slow at times, but I would rather be 12 lbs lighter 3 months from now than to quit all together. I think of it right now. If I would have started in June instead of August, would have been further ahead. Oh well, there is no time like the present. And if the present is the only thing I've got to work with, then by golly I'm going to make it work.

Hang in there.