This is my story, now I am ready -- any suggesting?

carlosapolinarioferreira · September 2016

I have been overweight for almost 20 years, and I know i have eating problems. I have tried many ways of dieting but usually with no success. My biggest problem even is that everyone at home is thin including my kids and I am the only one that has a weight problem.

Since I haven´t been losing weight, but actually it has been a few months that I haven’t really given much thought to my weight issue, until I looked into getting the get gastric sleeve procedure. I actually when threw all the preparations, and in doing so I had the crazy idea of purchasing a digital scale and start weighing everything I eat. I quickly found out that all these years that I was actually lying to myself. I found that I have been over eating because I did not understand portion sizes. At the same time, I have been educating myself on how to eat because of the procedure I wanted to perform.
After many test to see if I was capable of getting the Gastric Sleeve procedure I found out that I have gastric problem were I produce way too much acid in my stomach, and this means the Gastric Sleeve procedure that I wanted to perform is not viable anymore. The specialist did try to convince me of other alternatives but I was not sure that the alternative I was going to be able to live with.
So I took a long look at myself, and starting thinking at life, I´m not getting any younger. Walking up the stairs at my present weight is starting to get harder. I am screwed, I have been literally giving up on life because of the bad habits I have always had on food, because of lack of education around food. Then I started reading and educating myself on food, on how to read a label, on food portions. The more I learned about what I have been doing to myself the more I felt like crying. Many times in my situation I always put myself last on list. Everyone else came first, my kids, and my wife. I never ever thought of myself. But the one thing I realized is doing what I was doing to myself and not fixing my problem I am not putting my wife and kids first, I have been also lying to them.
I recently went though some difficult changed as work. Lots of restructure, which in turn gave me some new perspective. In my recent education and also analyzing the bad habits I have. There are a few things I realize. I sit all day at work and don´t move. I need to start moving, so I did something I have not done was to join a Gym and getting started.
I have been going to the Gym every day now. My fist goal is to be able to way myself on my home scale. I started a little over 344lb now I am 335.2lb. Once I get there I am going to make myself a new goal. And we will go from there.

llwolford · September 2016

Great job! In order to truly love our spouses and children, you have to spend sometime on ourselves. If we are empty, no energy, etc. We can not spill over onto our families. Do not feel guilty for spending the time to take care of you. If they offer a class, try it out. Forming accountability groups is so important. Be honest with your journal. You will see results. You can do this the old fashion way eating healthy and sweat. You have taken that first step, and that is the hardest step. You should be proud and thankful. The healthier you will always be proud of the bravery you are showing now.

PinkPixiexox · September 2016

You are doing fantastically well - Instead of just 'doing it', You are taking the time to educate yourself about food first of all. This is absolutely vital and something not many people do (and as a result, gain back the weight lost!). Keep doing exactly what you are doing and stay positive. You can do this, I promise you that. We'll support you here

eIIekay · September 2016

Good for you for making changes. The sleeve is kind of scary to me. A few years ago, I contemplated pursuing it. Since then, I knew of three people who have had it done. All 3 were initially successful, then not. And it can really wreak havoc on your stomach. Not to mention, you have to be put under to do it. Keep doing what you are doing. You know how to do this....there will be ups and downs....but it will be worth it in the end. All the best!

juliet3455 · September 2016

Quoting and pasting a great compilation of Forum Posts that I found to be helpful. It's may seem to be overwhelming just read one/two post's a week and you will find one or two that become your go-too guide for success.

I like that you are setting small Reasonable Goals as these lead to success.
It's like making the changes in your life style. Small steps/goals that you can maintain for the rest of your life.

diannethegeek wrote: »

Hey, welcome to MFP!!
Just getting started?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1235566/so-youre-new-here/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1069278/acronyms-and-terms-for-new-mfp-members-v-6/p1

Exercise questions?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1161603/so-you-want-a-nice-stomach/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1217573/so-you-want-to-start-running/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10226536/bulking-for-beginners/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

Want to log your food more accurately or have questions about why you should bother?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1234699/logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1290491/how-and-why-to-use-a-digital-food-scale/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10191216/the-most-important-thing-you-can-do-to-lose-weight/p1

Have other food questions?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10232335/list-of-higher-protein-foods/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10142490/a-list-of-calorie-dense-foods/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1308408/why-aspartame-isnt-scary/p1
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10197460/sugar-faq-june-2015/p1

Motivation issues?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/818701/the-myth-of-motivation-and-what-you-need-instead/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1343719/get-rich-quick/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1346163/change-your-mindset/p1

Weight fluctuations got you down?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10084670/it-is-unlikely-that-you-will-lose-weight-consistently-i-e-weight-loss-is-not-linear/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10196160/scale-stress-syndrome/p1
One for the ladies
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10359984/women-menstrual-cycle-weight-and-fitness-matters/p1

Wondering about that quick fix?
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10202381/weight-loss-scams-and-how-to-spot-them/p1
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1159755/looking-for-a-detox-cleanse/p1

ntnunk · September 2016

Good job, and it sounds like you have the right approach. I agree with others about the sleeve or gastric bypass. Everyone that I know that's had one of the two procedures has ended up gaining the weight back. And sometimes even more. Plus the sleeve and especially gastric bypass can have unintended consequences for your health, metabolism, etc. Skip all that and do it naturally, just as you are doing. And it all begins with education so you are already starting off on great footing.

As for suggestions, I have the following:

As @eIIekay said, there will be ups and downs. Resign yourself to that now and be ready to deal with it.
Be patient. You didn't get this way overnight, and you won't fix it overnight either. Commit to being in this as long as it takes.
Related to the issue above, be patient and set realistic goals. Aim for that 1 or 2 lbs per week over the long haul. Too many people start off with that "I'm going to lose 25 lbs per month" mentality and it's just setting yourself up for failure, disappointment, and ultimately quitting.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Realize that one bad meal, one bad food choice, one moment of weakness will not really affect your progress in any meaningful way. Think about it as hitting weekly calorie targets, not daily ones.
If you make a bad choice, don't write off the whole day. A common thought pattern goes something like "Well, I've screwed this day up. I may as well just eat whatever I want and then do better tomorrow." Instead, realize you made a bad choice and resolve to make good ones the rest of that day and the next, and the next.

You've got this. Stick to your guns and success will follow. Good luck!

pedermj2002 · September 2016

I'll add one thing to @ntnunk's comments: I've had days where I just feel completely unable to restrain myself. I have my lunch, I have a protein bar mid-afternoon, and I'm ready to go back and have more food right away. Sometimes, the entire day will seem like all you want to do is eat-eat-eat, and it sucks being there.

Look for some healthy options that won't destroy your day, but will help you feel full for a little bit longer. In my case, I use rice cakes. The local store brand has some that actually taste good, do a passable job at making me feel full, and don't add a lot of extra calories. Whatever it might be for you will be your choice in the end, but find something you can use to help restrain yourself.

I've only been seriously at it for a month, but I have lost 10 pounds so far. And I have *no* willpower. If I can do it, I'm certain you can. Keep at it, and you'll be under 300 by the end of the year, and feeling better than you have in ages!

carlosapolinarioferreira · September 2016

ntnunk wrote: »

Good job, and it sounds like you have the right approach. I agree with others about the sleeve or gastric bypass. Everyone that I know that's had one of the two procedures has ended up gaining the weight back. And sometimes even more. Plus the sleeve and especially gastric bypass can have unintended consequences for your health, metabolism, etc. Skip all that and do it naturally, just as you are doing. And it all begins with education so you are already starting off on great footing.

As for suggestions, I have the following:
As @eIIekay said, there will be ups and downs. Resign yourself to that now and be ready to deal with it.

Be patient. You didn't get this way overnight, and you won't fix it overnight either. Commit to being in this as long as it takes.

Related to the issue above, be patient and set realistic goals. Aim for that 1 or 2 lbs per week over the long haul. Too many people start off with that "I'm going to lose 25 lbs per month" mentality and it's just setting yourself up for failure, disappointment, and ultimately quitting.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Realize that one bad meal, one bad food choice, one moment of weakness will not really affect your progress in any meaningful way. Think about it as hitting weekly calorie targets, not daily ones.

If you make a bad choice, don't write off the whole day. A common thought pattern goes something like "Well, I've screwed this day up. I may as well just eat whatever I want and then do better tomorrow." Instead, realize you made a bad choice and resolve to make good ones the rest of that day and the next, and the next.

You've got this. Stick to your guns and success will follow. Good luck!

Hello you talk about hitting a weekly calorie targets not daily ones. Question how do we do this?

triciale555 · September 2016

Hi, I don't have many lbs to lose, I really just have a few and need to tone up. My husband has about 125lbs to lose and we have a daughter. I understand where you are coming from when you say you are the only one in the house. I can tell you even if it was never a discussion about getting healthy, your family probably thought about it. I hope they are on board with you through all of this.
My daughter (aand myself ) understands that her father needs to get healthy. I have stopped putting het snack items that I know my husband craves out in the open. It makes it easier for him when he is hungry.
Keep doing what you're doing. This is a math game as much as it is anything else and understanding the numbers is really a significant piece.

Laurie6578 · September 2016

Hi, I know how frustrating it is to be very overweight and fail at diets. I'm 54 and started this journey at 273 lbs. I'm down 48 pounds with 80 more to go. Everyone has to tweak diets so they work for them. Be brutally honest about what is going in and try to increase what you do each day. If the weight doesn't budge cut some things out of the diet. I've found diet success lies much more in the intake than the exercise. The exercise brings other great things like increased stamina to get through the day and health benefits but it doesn't play a huge role in getting that scale to move. Don't give up, setting small goals is a great idea. It feels good to meet those goals and gives you confidence to set new ones once you reach them. If you go into community on this website and search for non-scale victories and what they didn't tell you about losing weight those are two good conversation threads that I find motivating and inspiring. Many people are dealing with the same issues that we are and it is really motivating to see people who have lost large amounts of weight and really improved the quality of their lives. Good luck to you, you can do this!!!

mysteps2beauty · September 2016

carlosapolinarioferreira wrote: »

ntnunk wrote: »

Good job, and it sounds like you have the right approach. I agree with others about the sleeve or gastric bypass. Everyone that I know that's had one of the two procedures has ended up gaining the weight back. And sometimes even more. Plus the sleeve and especially gastric bypass can have unintended consequences for your health, metabolism, etc. Skip all that and do it naturally, just as you are doing. And it all begins with education so you are already starting off on great footing.

As for suggestions, I have the following:
As @eIIekay said, there will be ups and downs. Resign yourself to that now and be ready to deal with it.

Be patient. You didn't get this way overnight, and you won't fix it overnight either. Commit to being in this as long as it takes.

Related to the issue above, be patient and set realistic goals. Aim for that 1 or 2 lbs per week over the long haul. Too many people start off with that "I'm going to lose 25 lbs per month" mentality and it's just setting yourself up for failure, disappointment, and ultimately quitting.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Realize that one bad meal, one bad food choice, one moment of weakness will not really affect your progress in any meaningful way. Think about it as hitting weekly calorie targets, not daily ones.

If you make a bad choice, don't write off the whole day. A common thought pattern goes something like "Well, I've screwed this day up. I may as well just eat whatever I want and then do better tomorrow." Instead, realize you made a bad choice and resolve to make good ones the rest of that day and the next, and the next.

You've got this. Stick to your guns and success will follow. Good luck!

Hello you talk about hitting a weekly calorie targets not daily ones. Question how do we do this?

The way I think of weekly calories is if I go over my daily budget by 200, I either have to exercise it off, or deduct 200 from the remaining days of the week, like 50 calories less a day.

This is my story, now I am ready -- any suggesting?

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