What was your aha moment that made you finally start a weight loss journey?

stelafaro · July 2017

I heard an interview from one of my favorite Civil Rights icon, speaking to an overweight journalist, he said, "I don't see any 85 year olds weighing 300 lbs." At 64 years old, I started thinking that unless I lose weight, I may not get to be 85 years of age. That was two weeks ago. I started walking for an hour a day, while at work, on my breaks and lunch. I went to the doctor, weighed in at 279 lbs! she informed me that I was pre-diabetic. On Saturday, July 30, 2017 I signed up at a weight loss center in San Diego. This Saturday, July 7, 2017 I had lost 4 lbs. I am determined to lose 100 llbs. My aha moment was realizing that I want to live to get old! and I can't do it at this weight

Mizz_Mo · July 2017

My mom died due to diabetes in 2011. Then in 2015, I was putting on my deodorant and that my armpits were fat. I started tracking with MFP and exercising and was doing great - until I tore my meniscus and had surgery. Last week I was getting dressed and noticed my armpits were fat again and my tummy is the biggest it's ever been. I don't want to die the way my mom did and put my son through that pain. So, I am back and determined to be healthy again - not just for me - but for my family as well

StevLL · July 2017

I went to the ER on February 27th because we could not get my BP to go down even with the crisis plan my doctor had for me when it got too high. Two days in the hospital and the next week at my follow up appointment I was told I had chronic kidney disease. The ultrasound for the kidneys revealed an aneurysm in my abdominal aorta which they say is normal when you get to 70, but I'm only 54. Bad habits got me to this point and good habits can change things. Down 39lbs, they reduced one of my bp meds, but my goal is off all 5 of them. My kidney function is up to 48% and tomorrow they measure the aneurysm, to see whether we can just watch it for now or if it requires intervention. So I am now meat free and plan on sticking around a while with a healthier approach to life.

Mizz_Mo · July 2017

DaisiesandViolets wrote: »

So I dusted off my old MFP account and I'm back and not leaving until the old me comes back.

The old you is gone - let her go. It's time for the NEW you to shine - bet you will like her better!!

samwiserabbit · July 2017

Mine's totally vain: I was at the counter at the DMV and an attractive young man was at the window next to me. I looked over at him and expected him to look over at me in that, you know, appreciative and open way people do when you're cute. He didn't. Then I got my license picture taken and saw what he saw. That was day 1 for me.

I mean health stuff, yeah, and I want to have energy, yadda yadda, but if I'm honest, it's the appearance and social perception thing that tipped me over. It's also what keeps me going day to day with maintenance. If I don't feel like working out, or do feel tempted to overindulge in some delicious food (or more likely beer) I can stand in the mirror and say to myself "You get to look like this because you work for it. You stop working, your cuteness privileges get revoked...the choice is yours."

So shallow, right? But the better me knows it's good for me in other ways so I allow myself that little vanity.

spicyginger2006 · July 2017

I was moved off a roller coaster at Universal Studios because I needed a seat with a seatbelt extender. The whole roller coaster, waiting for me to move to the seat in the back of the ride. I was with my then fiancé. MORTIFIED. And never, ever again. Starting weight 299 lbs 2012 Current 224 lbs Goal 190!

LuckyNumbers · July 2017

I have been having a lukewarm approach to losing weight for the last 3 years or so, an have been hovering at this weight for a long while.

Last week, I was at the grocery store getting produce and as I looked up the wall of greens, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror at the top, under the fluorescent lights. I was horrified. I easily looked 10 years older than I am, tired, pale, bloated, and unhappy.

So I've recommitted. I have been slacking off on weighing my dinners, but I did it last night, even when my husband gave me a weird look and asked what I was doing. I'm cutting back on alcohol, which I know is doing no favors for my waistline or my looks, and I've been walking more during the day. My next goal is to commit to a workout routine, but I want to make sure I'll pick something I stick with, so I've set a decision deadline for myself for this weekend.

Twenty pounds is what I'd like to lose by the end of the year. It's ambitious for me, but I know I can do it if I stay disciplined and keep looking to this board for inspiration.

SoUl_ReBeL2021 · July 2017

I was on alot of medications got off them and dropped 30 pounds in no time. My daughter showed me this App and I absolutely love it! Been doing this for a few years and have loss 124 pounds so far. Still need to lose 34 pounds... once I dropped the weight from not taking so many medications that really clicked in me that I can do this!!!

texteach66 · July 2017

Before: around 270

In April: 185

Today I'm 169 and still losing. My weight loss started with some health issues that caused me to lose close to 10 pounds in a few days. It was the first time I really saw my weight affecting my health.

ninavalentine · July 2017

Everything was going wrong in my life and I was physically and mentally miserable about my weight. One day I had two epiphanies: 1.) I was more miserable being overweight than any weight loss plan could ever make me, and 2.) In the midst of my life falling apart (at least feeling that way) the only thing that I alone could change or control was my weight. Signed up for MFP, went on a simple calorie based plan, and lost 60 pounds.

OkieSam · July 2017

When I noticed I had back boobs,that were bigger than my front ones

LaughHappy907 · July 2017

Its not so much of an aha moment because I always knew since being young that I was overweight and needed to lose it but the first time I lost a serious amount of weight I was trying to do it with a friend, I ended up losing it, she didn't. The main reason was that she would lie to herself about how much she was eating and always find a way to justify a cookie with her dinner, or getting a footlong at subway saying half is for later then eating it all in one setting because "well I didn't eat breakfast." I started to realize that was the exact kind of mentality that got me to the weight I was then and I felt truly foolish. I didn't want to subscribe to that kind of logic anymore, the rest just came with the mental shift.

SandraNancy · July 2017

When I had a picture of me taken on the Brooklyn Bridge and immediately deleted it because I looked so chubby. Then realized that I may never be there again, would never get that picture back, and that enough was enough. Started eating better a few days later, exercising nearly every day, and dropped 30lbs in about 5 months.

cforsyth617 · July 2017

When I was down to four outfits that I could fit into for work and none of them were pants. This was in December and we had lots of snow last year so I was tired of being cold all the time. Also I and was getting really bad chafing in the waist area from the clothes that"fit" and I was too cheap to by new clothes

johnnylakis · July 2017

When two years at the gym four times a week rendered zero results

lionesslauren · July 2017

Initial moment: When a friend took pics at Easter and I wore a cute dress, thought I looked like a goddess...saw the pictures and was like WOW i look huge. Just tried to "hide" it then.

Moment that drove it all home: I worked with a really mean woman up until recently (yes!!), who was also really overweight. At only 42ish, she looked about 50something. She would take the elevator up the ONE flight of stairs to our dept. and would still be out of breath from walking down the hallway. Hanging arm fat, stomach rolls, extra chins.
I found myself getting a little winded (25 yrs old, 5'4'' SW 184.6 on 6/19/17, but def higher before then) and avoiding those stairs for her elevator trick myself. I would tell my boyfriend I'd eaten healthy, when really I was just eating junk in secret. I had pie or cake every day with lunch from my work caf. Breakfasts were muffins and sugary coffees. Dinner was whatever I wanted. Sugary alcoholic drinks. No real workouts. One night my boyfriend brought me a slice of cheesecake from his restaurant. I ate it happily...and then he discovered the empty ice cream carton I'd finished earlier in the evening. He very gently, lovingly told me that I had a problem. He mentioned that woman I worked with and said "I'm sure she didn't think those same habits would make her the way she is now." It stuck with me, because she was the exact opposite of what I wanted.
The very next day at a final checkup for some "abnormal" pap results, my OBGYN told me I have cervical dysplasia ( precancerous cells), that there's nothing he can do for and can only check in next year. I researched and found a lot of women halted or reversed this *kitten* (sorry thats what it is!!) through LIFESTYLE CHANGE. I went through the emotions I needed to, found my center and dug deep for the motivation I needed for ME.

23 days later I am weighing in at 176.4, which is 8 lbs less. I ran my fastest 2 mile time ever on Runkeeper this past Sunday. I play soccer with work friends on Tues/Thurs and my best friend (who happens to be a personal trainer and life coach), is personally training me Mon/Wed/Fri in the gym. I started acupuncture, got back into holistic therapy for my anxiety/emotional eating, and spend Sunday/Family day with my boyfriend and stepdaughter at parks, lakes and beaches. I don't eat processed garbage or artificial things. Goodbye white flour and all that refined sugar! I drink water or tea. A "treat" to me is now something like fresh raspberries or dates (mmm) or watermelon. Most recently I cut out some sneaky sodium that creeped into lunches (RE: Healthy Choice steamers are NOT healthy, staggering amount of salt/preservatives) in favor of fresh salads. Much less meat. Not even a month in and I already am almost 1/4 to GW, no longer needing daily naps, and FEELING better. I'm sorry this is so wordy but for anyone looking for inspo- just DO it. There is NEVER a good time to lose fat and get fit. I am 25 and very seriously facing the possibility of cancer, 1 year after losing my mom to leukemia. EFF THAT. It can happen to anyone and I am 100% convinced that the majority of these diseases are from lifestyle. You can HEAL yourself with food. Forget how the clothes forget, remember WHO you want to be and HOW you want to feel. Go get it!!

aeloine · July 2017

My boyfriend told me that he loved me and my body, but couldn't marry me because he wanted me to outlive him and be able to chase kids around. It was a very caring conversation, but I set out that day to prove him wrong and to look good in pictures. I'm down almost 25 pounds since that day and will keep going until I am healthy.

SundropEclipse · July 2017

Metabolically I've been healthy for years which made it easy to ignore, but when I got to the top of the stairs (just 14 steps) my knees were aching. It was a real eye-opener because I wasn't even 30 yet and my bones felt 70 years old. I started picking up more produce and fewer chips & soda, but I didn't actually take action until a couple months later following a near nervous breakdown (oddly enough not related to my weight). Lost 60lbs over five months, regained 7-10 (it yoyo'd) over the next four months but was mentally okay with it because I had expected it since I didn't have the money for a gym membership and obviously you can't swim in the winter.

My second aha moment was about six weeks ago. The rest of winter and spring was extremely horrible (in a nutshell, a whole lot of batshit crazy from family that hubby and I haven't been able to escape) and I just stopped caring. I stepped on the scale one morning and realized I'd regained a total of 35lbs since last fall. Started making dietary adjustments, then when I was laid off four weeks ago I decided to take the "impromptu vacation" to get myself back on track.

911Doughboy · July 2017

having chest pains while sitting on the couch and watching tv....getting tired and winded after walking from the fire truck to the front door of a house...being in shape and feeling like i can do anyhting, then getting injured and out of shape and feeling lazy/tired all the time

shanteel612 · July 2017

i gained 60 lbs while pregnant. I was up 50lbs after the baby was delivered. I was not happy, at all, but since I was breastfeeding I decided to wait a year. Once my daughter turned a year it was my time. Now I am down 17 pounds and I got 38 to go.

Watch_Me_Rise · July 2017

Like a few people, it was the doctor saying, "if you're still struggling losing weight, our next option is prescription medications..." Yeah that's a big no. That and I just want to be healthy for me and my family.

Knitwif · July 2017

I've been trying off and on to lose weight for 30 or more years. I yo-yo like crazy. Food is my comfort. Then my husband had several attacks of acute pancreatitis. I found the entire medical process really aggravating and realized that I would be a miserable patient if I were to have to go through the same thing. It was then that I knew I needed to really take care of myself so that the next time one of us had an emergency (and that happens to everyone sooner or later) I'd be starting from a place of health. So I thought I would start logging, because statistically people that log are more successful at weight loss. I'm now down 44 pounds. It's been 18 months, so it's a sloooooow process, but I never deny myself something I really want, so I've been able to stay on track.

eyer0ll · July 2017

grinning_chick wrote: »

Hair loss.
....
I figure the only way I can legitimately demand an endo consult beyond an outdated and archaic "thyroid panel" that won't get ignored is if I drop the weight first so it can't be silently judged/assumed to be secondary to obesity and the hair loss persists.

@grinning_chick This makes me so *kitten* angry. I second the PP who said to kick that doctor to the curb immediately. I'm sorry about your hair loss.

The moment I decided to lose weight was about 3 am one morning when I'd been lying awake in bed for hours and couldn't get back to sleep. I hadn't been sleeping well for weeks; my hips hurt; my ankles hurt. I decided I had to lose weight so my body wasn't under so much physical stress and could perform basic functions (like sleeping).

oregonlady · July 2017

my hubby died unexpectedly.

i was not the person i wanted to be.

KrunchyMama · July 2017

oregonlady wrote: »

my hubby died unexpectedly.
i was not the person i wanted to be.

I'm sorry for your loss

tracyd73 · July 2017

Turn 44 on the 7/15th...It came today with a phone call from Dr.
Year of stomach issues weight gain.
Test, show dairy allergy, wheat, barley, malt, and BEEF of all things. 30 day glutten, dairy diet no beef. I also have MS.
I guess my body has had enough. Need to change diet and lose weight or die miserable. *sigh*

AliNouveau · July 2017

I had agreed to do something I hadn't done in many years and knew I'd do it better if I were thinner and in better shape so I bit the bullet and worked really hard

DChelseaNYC · July 2017

I saw a video of myself, singing with a friend at a benefit for a cause I care very much about. I never saw myself as "fat" because I've always been pretty comfy, but lately felt that comfort begin to slip... I had come really close to hitting 200 and for someone who's 5'2", that's a problem. I made the decision that day that I needed to make a healthy change.

mangrothian · July 2017

Mine was a culmination of a whole rang of things that happened over about a year, with the last 3 weeks being the straw that broke the camels back.

Over a 3 week period back in 2014:
- Had to buy a dress in the largest size available at the only decent plus size clothing chain for women in Australia. Cried in the dressing room, wondering what I was going to do once their clothing didn't fit anymore. I was 160 kg / 350 lb at 186 cm / 6'1 tall and had a BMI of 43.4
- Had my sister in law post a picture of me with my nephews on Facebook. They were standing behind me in a dark restaurant. My hands looked like they were floating on their own way in front of me, when I knew they were resting on my extensive belly. I also had no neck, only chin. I wanted to untag myself from her post
- bought a matcha latte from Starbucks. It was really sweet, and randomly I wondered how many calories were in it. Searched online, found the calories on mfp. browsed through the forums a bit and thought about the beginner sticky threads and if weight loss was actually possible.
- went for a walk with a friend around the local botanic gardens. The walk is just over 3 km (2 miles), and it was only my stubbornness and refusal to embarrass myself that stopped me from asking for a break. I was in pain for 2 days with my sore back and swollen feet. Me, who ran 5 km multiple times a week through uni. I refused to stay this way, and swore to get fitter
- when my weight was hindering my progress to get fit since it wasn't letting me get over a back injury caused by osteoporosis, I remembered MFP. I made an account, put in my stats, read some of the beginner stickies on the forum again, and the rest is history.

I'm 65 kg / 143 lbs down, ran a half marathon last year, and will never look back. Dunno about these Cruella De Vil cheekbones I'm getting now though

millerdan1 · July 2017

At the end of 2014 I came down with the flu. Went to the doctor and learned I weighed more than I'd ever weighed in my life. At the same time I realized that 2-3 pairs of pants with a larger waist size I'd bought only a couple months earlier were starting to get tight. I started walking, added in an elliptical trainer, and progressed to running. I also began using MFP to track my calories and weight. Hit my goal weight about 7 months later. Since then I've run 3 half marathons and am currently training for a fourth. Went from 214 to185lbs and have more less maintained for 18 months now.

What was your aha moment that made you finally start a weight loss journey?

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