Dropping pounds with inspiring pals [CLOSED GROUP]

can i join?

My name is Tami and I'm 40 years old. I started MFP in January at 327lbs and my goal weight is 140lbs, so I have 182lbs to lose. I've currently lost 4lbs. I had however lost 14lbs and then I went MIA for a month and gained back 10lbs. But I'm back and ready to take this on! I am on MFP because I love all the features that make this process a little bit easier and it's FREE! Plus I LOVE the people here!! I feel so uplifted and encouraged here! I am a food addict, which I came to this realization almost 2 years ago and when I did, I ate more, about 100lbs more. Plus I suffer with depression and I became very sedentary, which did not help the eating, so I gained. I have Polycystic Kidney Disease, hypertension, borderline diabetic, and now they think I have sleep apnea. Plus I have chronic pain because my back and hips hurt so bad from all the weight. So I am so ready to kick this in the shins and get off this weight!! I want to live a healthy, long life with my family!

It's a closed group but I take it everyone/anyone can see our posts right?
Im here but it's the Easter long weekend so I'll likely be away until Monday
I'll be updating my food/excerise diary but probably not on the forums much ..
thanks for the invite!!!

Good morning everyone! My name is Teresa and I am 23 years old. I have been overweight my entire life. Never really thought much about how I got to the point I was at or what I put into my body until September when I joined MFP. My starting weight was 285 pounds. In the past six months, I have lost 85 pounds from exercising, eating healthy, and staying under my calorie goal. My goal weight is 140 so I have another 60 pounds to lose.

I am currently finishing up my Masters in Teaching. I graduate on May 12th and I'm applying for elementary school teaching positions for the area that I live in... but the market for teachers is really bad right now. In the meantime, I work part-time in a preschool classroom (of 2 1/2 to 3 year olds!) and babysit about 14 hours a week. I am single, I have no children, and I live at home with my parents and oldest brother (other brother is married and moved out). I have two dogs and two gerbils. In my free time, which I haven't had much of because of school, I enjoy reading, artsy things, and shopping. My favorite color is green. Uh... I guess you'll learn more about me as time goes on. Haha.

Friday Fitness:

I ordered two yoga DVDs off of amazon last week and they came yesterday. The one is yogaworks for beginners, and I had been doing it on OnDemand for free but I wanted to be able to do the 10 minute long AM "wakeup" and PM "relax and restore" workouts in my room as soon as I wake up and before bed. So I bought the dvd and I did those short programs last night/this morning. So far, so good. I have zero strength and so I really want to make a committment to doing yoga more often to build up some muscle since I'm such a weakling. I haven't tried the other DVD yet.

My other main form of fitness is walking my dogs outside along the canal. The only problem with doing that is I am at the mercy of the weather. Can't go a lot in the winter if it's snowed, don't go in the rain, and it can get too hot/humid to go some days in the summer. I'm going to try to squeeze a walk in before it starts raining today.

Happy Friday everyone! :flowerforyou:

Hey everyone!! My real name is Sue and I'm so glad to be here! I'm 45, married for the 2nd time with 5 kids, 1 is a step son, but he's mine in every sense of the word! I was hanging around 250 for the longest time and within 3-4 months added 30 pounds to that. When I saw 280 on the scale I panicked and found this place. I love how easy it is and I'm determined to make it to a healthier me!!

Friday: So, you'd think after 45 years of life and the fact that I'm a Registered Nurse I would "get it" but it just hit me like a ton of bricks that excersie really is the key to losing weight. Sure, sure you can just diet your way down, but really it's not the way to go. I tried running on the treadmill and didn't love it, but I did it because it was excercise. I just (as in 2 days ago) started swimming and I'm in LOVE. Sore, all over sore, but I love it! I can't imagine a better fit for me and I'm determined not to give up!

I look forward to gettng to know you all!
xoxo

Wow, it's completly inspiring and motivational to hear some of your stories, also makes me feel like I am not alone in this long journey.

Teresa - 85lbs in 6 months is AMAZING!! What great work you have done!

My name is Elly, I am going to be 32 this year. I have an amazing husband, who I love and cherish to the worlds end. We do not have any children at this time, but we have been TTC for 4 years. I met my husband online in 2003, and we had our first date in 2004, and married in 2007. We have 3 fur babies, Narah (127lb rott/shep/chow), Mack (85lb Rott/Chow) and Ozzie (11lb Snorkie). I work as an Administrative Manager for the Service Department at a Photogenic Lighting Company (the big lights that shine down on your when you get your picture taken).

I was not always a BIG girl, but was chubby. My weight really started hitting me when my grandmother died my sophmore year in highschool and everything spiraled down from there. I had alot of yo-yo diets and exercise plans in place through out my young adult hood, and @ one time lost 65lbs right before I met my husband. I hate to blame our relationship on the weight gain, but we both put on a lot of weight over the next 6 or so years and before we knew it I was 297lbs and he was 360lbs. I was diagnosed with PCOS in September of 2008, and I finally thought I had an answer to a lot of questions. My hubby and I saw MANY doctors about fetility and went through three rounds of Clomid with all fails. In 2010 we decided it was time we did something about our weight, so we started slow counting calories, and joined the gym. I signed up for a Personal Trainer and stuck with that faithfully for 4 months. From Feb-2010 to April 2010 I lost 21lbs, and from April-2010 to July-2010 with a trainer I had only lost more lbs, come July I gained 9lbs back, switched trainers and by the end of September I had lost those 9lbs. I started losing motivation and committment because I was not losing weight. During this same time frame my husband lost 90lbs (total to date 110lbs) and my mother lost 50lbs and we were all doing the same thing, only I was using a trainer!! I was so upset and lost a lot of what I was doing. In November of 2010 I cancelled my training and switched gyms (which I only went to I think may 6 times) and I began eating again! Finally, saw a Doctor regarding my thyroid and find out I had hypothyroidism!!!! and she immediatly put me on Synthroid 50mcg. Even still I just felt so blah, and kept eating horribly, and through Dec 2010 to the end of Jan-2010 I gained 12lbs back... I was feeling horrible and decided to re committ myself.

My husband I cancelled our gym membership and joined a more convienant (little bit more expensive) gym closer to home. They offered free classes!! However for the first 4 weeks I did not lose a single lb, I would go up 1lbs, down 1lb, up 2lbs, down 2lbs, it was CRAZY!! and I had to figure it out, so I went back got my thyroid retested and it came back down to the normal range, but not great, so we upped my dose to 62mcg of Synthroid, I changed my diet to a Low Carb Diet, and amazingly enough I dropeed 4 lbs in my first week!!! .... I feel so much better... I see a trainer twice a week and have found a new found love for Spinning!!

I love MFP, there are some days that I don't know what I would do here with out my MFP girls. It brings me so much more than motivation, inspiration, committment ... it's brough me some great friends. I keep track of calories, but most of all I keep track of my carbs (not net carbs), I've been eating around 50-60 carbs per day for the last 3 weeks and it seems (cross my fingers for tomorrows weigh) I have lost 6lbs in those three weeks, currently sitting 274lbs.. which means I am ALMOST to that original point I was at last year. Now for the last week and half I did not step in the gym, with life and personal matters, but Wed I went back for the first time since the 11th and I MISSED IT!


Exercise Friday - I actually LOVE exercise! I always have even when I was bigger I had no problems going for a walk, I was never the "sit on the couch" type of person, I was always up and going. My biggest problem was always food, not exercise! But now I have found a new LOVE for exercise SPINNING... it started out with just a little interest and my husband was talking to one of the instructors after our Aqua Fit Class and she was also teaching spinning, and he told her my fear and she encouraged me to come to the class... So I took one class, and before you knew it I went again, and again... and prior to last week I was going twice a week. I couldn't breath the first time I did it, I stopped probably 10 times and could only Stand for about 30 seconds, and now I can do position 2 standing for over 3 minutes!!! I can't imagine not doing spinning, I love it!

Hi everyone!

My name is Sarah and I am 26 years old. I live in Northern Virginia and am marrying the love of my life on June 10th, 2011! We have known each other since I was 14 and he was 17. And now, he is 28 and I am 26 like I said. I've tried to lose weight over the years but, haven't been very successful. Probably because I didn't give it 100%. A few years ago, I lost 40 pounds in a few months but, was having stomach issues at the time so, it was easy to do. I didn't even exercise. I have always had meat on my bones starting from when I was young but, luckily I had height on my side to balance it out a bit. I created my account on here back in 2009. I lost a little weight but, gained it right back. In 2007, I lost the most important person in the world to me, my Grandfather. That took it's toll along with some other person stuff...and my weight kept going up.

Last October, my fiance and I got our engagement pictures dones. I was so upset at how horrible they turned out. I looked like a balloon. I got on the scale and it said "E". I read the scale and it says the weight limit is 300. I thought there is NO way I weigh over 300. I got on again and it read, I believe 310 or 308. I kind of blanked out. I could NOT believe how much I had gained! I was SO unhappy. January came and I still could have cared less if I lost weight. And, then a light turned on. I knew I was getting married in 6 months...I HAD to do something. I did not want to be the fat bride. So, I started working my butt off in the gym with my fiance. We take long walks together with my dog, hit the gym, etc. Since January 16th, I have lost 37 pounds. I have sort of been slacking here lately. Walks everyday but, nothing extreme. We need to get back in the gym and work super hard. Our wedding is coming up and I want us both to look fabulous. My fiance has lost 20 pounds and I am so proud of him. I can't remember the last time I felt so good about how I look and I don't even know when I saw the number that's on the scale. I want to continue to lose weight AFTER the wedding. We want to start a family! So, right now, I am shedding it for the wedding but, afterwards, I want to do it so we can have a long life together and start making babies ASAP!!!

Friday Fitness: I go to the gym and do the treadmill and elliptical. Lately since it's been nice out, we have been taking lots of walks after we get home from work. I walk on my lunchbreak at work as well. I always wear my Polar FT7 HRM. I LOVE it! I bought the Zumba DVD's but have not tried them out yet.

I have lost 37 but, have 91 pounds to go!

Everyone feel free to add me!!

wow sorry - didn't relize my post got that long! lol

Hey no worries!! That's what we're here for right? I personally enjoyed reading your post! :0)

wow sorry - didn't relize my post got that long! lol

Hey no worries!! That's what we're here for right? I personally enjoyed reading your post! :0)

agreed!

Hey guys!

My name is Amanda and I'm 25 years old. I have 3 kids, all under the age of 2 years old! Twin girls who will be two in about a month and a 6 month old son. I started this journey at 230 pounds and am currently 217 pounds. My ultimate goal is to be 165 by my wedding anniversary (February 21st), but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

My biggest issue is portion control and stress eating. I just got told by my doc yesterday to stop exercising so hard, but I'm not sure I'm going to listen... I really want to lose weight. Honestly, I almost cried when she said that... I asked her, "Well what the hell am I supposed to do then?" And she had nothing to say. Got home and had a letter in my mail (couldn't have possibly be sent the same day) about a "Medical Weight Management Program". Contemplating doing that, but felt really upset that someone (I'm still not sure who) thought it was necessary to send me this information for people who have "over 40 pounds to lose". Maybe I should take it as a good thing and actually look into it.

Anyway, I'm struggling and pretty upset right now as I'm trying to decide what to do... but things will work out. They always do.

Have a great day and it's WONDERFUL to meet you all! :happy:

Why is the Dr. asking you to stop exercising? That's weird...almost as weird as that letter.....could it be something you signed up for, or tracked to you by searches and such you have done online? Curious to see what that program is.

Thanks Ladies! lol

How is eveyrone doing today! I'm struggling with what to do for lunch... we only really have fast food restaurants around my work, and my hubby packed my lunch and some how forgot the "lunch" part.. all I have is my snacks LOL

Oh no!! Well, he tried!
I do well with my Lean Cuisines and Weight Watcher frozen meals for lunch. Easy to grab out of the freezer when I'm running late (which is always!) for work.
We have a grocery store near my work that sells pre-packaged salads in the produce department. They are called "Ready Pak Bistro Bowls." I love them! The highest one I've seen is about 290 calories for the Chicken Cesar. I love the Spiniach Salad with chicken, cranberries and almonds. I have that and a fruit salad sometimes, fills me up!
Hope you find something good for lunch!

Hello!

I am Dasha - a.k.a. SassyMissDasha .. I am *gasp* 30 years old. I have 3 children, 1 from my first marriage ..I eloped in Vegas, and 2 little ones from my second marriage to my current hubby Daniel .. well not curent .. lol you know what I mean. I also have struggled with weight all my life. I don't remember most of my childhood, and I have been told I block out stressfull events .. which is kind of good I guess, or might be bad. If I knew maybe it would make me a stronger person. But anyways, I finally had the lapband in February/2006 .. I was 394 lbs at the time. I initially lost 94 lbs with the help of it, went to Curves and Weight Watchers .. then I got pregnant with my last baby - and had to have the band loosened. So after that I just basically gave up, started eating everything and drinking pop again. Then my dad passed away in September/2009 on my son's 4th birthday. So I just didn't even care anymore, I was so lost and depressed. Last year I was at 405 lbs. When I started MFP, I think I was around 387. Then my cousin and uncle came to visit from Russia and we had taken some pics together, and I saw them ..and I guess I had a "epiphany" ..and finally put my foot down and said that is enough. Went in and got my lapband filled again, and have lost 162 lbs since then. So currently I am at like 241 - 243 .. depending on the day. But I'm ok with that for now.

I am hoping to lose 60 - 70 more lbs, so I can be around 180 - 190. I am tall 5'9 .. so I don't want to be too skinny, just healthy.

Can't wait to get to know you all!

Thanks Ladies! lol

How is eveyrone doing today! I'm struggling with what to do for lunch... we only really have fast food restaurants around my work, and my hubby packed my lunch and some how forgot the "lunch" part.. all I have is my snacks LOL

Oh no!! Well, he tried!
I do well with my Lean Cuisines and Weight Watcher frozen meals for lunch. Easy to grab out of the freezer when I'm running late (which is always!) for work.
We have a grocery store near my work that sells pre-packaged salads in the produce department. They are called "Ready Pak Bistro Bowls." I love them! The highest one I've seen is about 290 calories for the Chicken Cesar. I love the Spiniach Salad with chicken, cranberries and almonds. I have that and a fruit salad sometimes, fills me up!
Hope you find something good for lunch!

Ya I use to be a faithful Lean Cuisener until I start tracking carbs, which thye are filled with! .. so I went off them, mostly now I do chicken and salad... and even some of the prepackaged salads at the store I won't touch...