Really big people trying to get started on weight loss.

Just start! Eat healthy and work out (even starting small: jumping jacks, walking, lift weights - light or heavy) and you'll do just fine.

I started at at least 377 and I'm down a bit over 40lbs now. I'm going to friend you. There is a lot of support here! :flowerforyou:

Welcome!

Take it one step, one decision at a time. Know you can do this! Start exercising by walking - even if it's just a couple of tmes around your house. Follow the MFP guideline of cals - don't try to drop them down to lose faster. You might in the short run but your health and long term success is at stake.

Here's to your success!!!

I started at 305 lb on November 19, 2010 and I now weigh 224. I did it through a combination of exercise and counting calories. I started out walking 2 miles per morning and tried to keep my net calories, after crediting exercise to 1000 per day. Oatmeal and a banana every morning, Slimfast with skin milk and half an apple at noon, and my main meal at night. I have increased my daily morning walk to 4 miles in 60 minutes and then walk 6 to 7 miles on Saturday and walk 6½ miles on Sunday, two miles of which is about a 1000 foot climb. I am now off glucophage, blood pressure medicine, and statins for cholestrol. My blood sugar is normal, my blood pressure is low, my HDL is way up, my LDL and total cholestrol are in low normal ranges. I have the most energy that I have had in 30 years (I am 62). It can be done. The heavier you are, the faster the weight comes off. The rewards were far worth the effort and I am never going back there.

I started here just over a year ago at 340 lbs and I've dropped 89 lbs since. It's slow going, no one's going to say that this is an easy journey. Give it some time, count all of your calories, even if you go over, and then you'll start to get annoyed by the weight loss. Having to get new clothes every month or two or learn to sew to alter them is a pain in the neck.

And the best feeling in the world.

I just signed up tonight and I am 310 lbs so I know what you mean about it being harder for those of us with alot to lose. I really need someone to help me do this.
Cruisequilt

Wow! You are all very inspiring! Not only for all of your success stories but because of the support and encouragement to another human being!! So awesome to see!

And I agree, the best way to get started...is to get started!! Im sure soon you'll do as alot of us do and check in on mfp often and learn to really love the tools offered as well as the people on here!! So motivating!!

Hello!

I was 273 when I started and I am now at 154. Please feel free to add me as a friend.

I am not an expert at all, but I am happy to answer questions based on my own experience. I do not push or advocate for anything other than consistent healthy eating and regular exercise, but I can offer support and encouragement.

Congratulations on getting started!

Well I started at 272lbs. I know that's not 300+, but I'll pass along some things I picked up.

It is like 85% diet and 15% exercise. So really focus on better and healthier eating habits. What helped me was to slowly switch out foods for "better" ones. I use better loosly, because I started out with lots of sugar free jello, puddings, granola bars etc. Eating 5 jellos in one sitting isn't exactly healthy, but it was much better for me than eating 5 slices of cheesecake! Hope that makes sense.

Some exercise to look into is swimming or water aerobics (if you have it), and just walking. I lost my first 30lbs just walking, and no other exercise. Then once you feel more physically fit, you can start adding in other stuff. I also started out slow. My first walk I only made it 1/4 of a mile, but a week or so later, I was able to do 1 mile, then gradually I was able to longer walks etc.

Try finding people who are inspiring to you, or in the same weight range as you. I personally thought it helped tremendously to have people I could relate to on here. The fact that I have 100+ to lose made it hard for me to relate to people who only need to lose 10 or 15. But I have quite a few friends that have already reached there goal, and they are always motivating me, because I want to do what they did!

Welcome to MFP, I think you'll like it.

PS - And always remember, if you feel you didn't do as well as you "should" have one day, that you need to forgive yourself (don't get mad or be disappointed in yourself) and try again the next day. The most important thing is to keep going not matter how many bumps there is in the road.

WELCOME! You're right...it is tough..I started this at 342 and very uneducated about fitness, nutrition and exercise...I learned a lot through research and talking with other people. My beginning suggestions would be to take it easy at first..see what you can do and whats a little more challenging...I started off walking half a mile..then progressed to a mile..and so on...I also simply reduced my food intake..I ate what I wanted, just actually measured it and ate less of it...

Good luck on your journey! I wish you great great success!!

Hi! Just start.
I started on here at 306.2lbs 6 weeks ago. I've lost 19lbs so far. I suggest getting on here every day, logging all your food & exercise (even if you go over your food calories), ask questions of your mfp friends when you need help/encouragement, try to make healthy food choices (you can find great ideas here), start walking or marching in place at least 10-30min each day, and think positive.
Good luck with your goals! You can do it!
=D