What finally pushed you to lose the weight?
DesOdhi
Posts: 84 Member
For the last 4 years, I have been over 200 lbs. The heaviest recorded weight I have seen on a scale is 219 lbs, but I’m sure I have been bigger. This isn’t too bad of a weight if you’re a 6’4 man, but I’m 5’2... and a woman. So, I was mostly fat. Last year, I went from approximately 220 lbs to 196 lbs. I felt great until I gained it all back due to binge eating for a year straight. I guess I never realized I was putting all of the weight on because I didn’t “look” like I was 220 lbs. (I’ll include a photo). Today, after eating correctly for the last few months, I am finally at exactly 200lbs. What I want most of all is to get to a healthy weight so I can go active in the military.
What I want to know is, what made you finally decide, “enough is enough.” These stories always tend to help me gain perspective and push through the weight loss struggle.
What I want to know is, what made you finally decide, “enough is enough.” These stories always tend to help me gain perspective and push through the weight loss struggle.
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Replies
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Back pain, sleeping uncomfortable every night and when my daughter was born....2
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I know this isn't very helpful but just have to say yeah wow, I would never guess that nice figure in the photo was 5'2" and 220 lb. If I had to guess, I'd think several inches taller and about 70 lb lighter.
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Felt dizzy at work... went found out that day that both my parents suffered from HBP... Dr said I can live healthier or start taking pills... Still not quite where I want to be but my BP is usually around 125/75...1
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I lost the roulette spin and got an obesity-related complication.
Over a year and a half ago, the veins in my legs collapsed under the weight of too much me. I was 5'3 and 254lbs. And, I'm not sure whether it was a scratch or a bug bite or what, but I developed cellulitus in one leg, which led to lymphedema. As it was explained to me, my excess bulk was compressing the channels/ducts through which lymph fluid would normally flow. Since it had to go somewhere, my leg sprouted water blisters and a weeping wound that took multiple courses of antibiotics to treat. Plus daily homecare nurse visits to change the dressing. Oh, and the doctor was afraid to let me walk on the leg because exercise could increase its temperature, which would impede healing. So until I saw a vascular surgeon, I was either getting pushed by my husband in a wheelchair or taking taxis (I don't drive; hubby does) to get where I needed to. My doctor's office is six blocks from my house and I was taking a taxi each way.
The vascular surgeon diagnosed my condition and told me that 1) there was no cure, but 2) it could be controlled by compression stockings and weight loss.
I wasn't working at the time, and while I'd lost weight with Weight Watchers, I couldn't afford them at that point. And in my head, I had this idea that weight loss either meant WW, a ton of willpower, or a bunch of crazy crash diets. (My sincere apologies to everyone currently losing weight sensibly. I've become better informed since.) So, when my GP also stressed that I needed to lose, my rejoinder was that I couldn't afford WW. And he gave me the best advice I could have gotten. "People still lose without WW."
I remembered that back in the 80s, there had been these thick paperback "calorie counting" guides. But now, it was October 2016. There had to be something online. When I Googled "Online calorie counter," MFP was on the first page of hits. It was also free. I signed up and got started. That was 105lbs ago... I'm closing in on goal, I've gone from a size 3X to a 6-8. And apparently, I've got the heart of an athlete...40 -
When I hated to get dressed everyday and I have two girls and one of them asked me not to eat all the chips because I always do. Knowing my mom and dad's health history and learning from my doc I was heading down the same path.6
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So many cummalitve moments that spurred me on....but a few stand out in my mind. 1. I once wanted to donate blood to help a sick student at a school where my kids attended. While standing in line I began reading over the pamphlet when I read that I had to be under a certain weight to donate. I quietly eased myself out of line and left. How completely horrible that I wasn’t able to help! 2. Then last year I developed arthritis and other multiple foot issues after going on a European trip. I’m now waking my butt off to ease the pressure off my feet. 3. I have loved ones suffering from obesity who are older than me. Walking, etc is not possible for them. I don’t want to be that way. 4. Most importantly, my husband and kids....they deserve to have me at my best.3
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I’ve struggled with keeping my BP down too. Mostly when my diet is out of control. Wish you the best of luck!Felt dizzy at work... went found out that day that both my parents suffered from HBP... Dr said I can live healthier or start taking pills... Still not quite where I want to be but my BP is usually around 125/75...
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seltzermint555 wrote: »I know this isn't very helpful but just have to say yeah wow, I would never guess that nice figure in the photo was 5'2" and 220 lb. If I had to guess, I'd think several inches taller and about 70 lb lighter.
Thank you. I definitely wish being 70 lbs lighter and several inches taller were the case. Looks can definitely be deceiving. Most of my weight is in my tush, thighs, and boobs. That’s why I allowed my weight to get out of control; I didn’t see it necessarily.1 -
estherdragonbat wrote: »I lost the roulette spin and got an obesity-related complication.
Over a year and a half ago, the veins in my legs collapsed under the weight of too much me. I was 5'3 and 254lbs. And, I'm not sure whether it was a scratch or a bug bite or what, but I developed cellulitus in one leg, which led to lymphedema. As it was explained to me, my excess bulk was compressing the channels/ducts through which lymph fluid would normally flow. Since it had to go somewhere, my leg sprouted water blisters and a weeping wound that took multiple courses of antibiotics to treat. Plus daily homecare nurse visits to change the dressing. Oh, and the doctor was afraid to let me walk on the leg because exercise could increase its temperature, which would impede healing. So until I saw a vascular surgeon, I was either getting pushed by my husband in a wheelchair or taking taxis (I don't drive; hubby does) to get where I needed to. My doctor's office is six blocks from my house and I was taking a taxi each way.
The vascular surgeon diagnosed my condition and told me that 1) there was no cure, but 2) it could be controlled by compression stockings and weight loss.
I wasn't working at the time, and while I'd lost weight with Weight Watchers, I couldn't afford them at that point. And in my head, I had this idea that weight loss either meant WW, a ton of willpower, or a bunch of crazy crash diets. (My sincere apologies to everyone currently losing weight sensibly. I've become better informed since.) So, when my GP also stressed that I needed to lose, my rejoinder was that I couldn't afford WW. And he gave me the best advice I could have gotten. "People still lose without WW."
I remembered that back in the 80s, there had been these thick paperback "calorie counting" guides. But now, it was October 2016. There had to be something online. When I Googled "Online calorie counter," MFP was on the first page of hits. It was also free. I signed up and got started. That was 105lbs ago... I'm closing in on goal, I've gone from a size 3X to a 6-8. And apparently, I've got the heart of an athlete...
Wow, I’m so proud of you. That’s insane! AND you did it without weight loss surgeries (nothing against them). That’s impressive. Well wishes on your continued health journey!
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barberellass wrote: »When I hated to get dressed everyday and I have two girls and one of them asked me not to eat all the chips because I always do. Knowing my mom and dad's health history and learning from my doc I was heading down the same path.
I can understand that. My current wardrobe is sweatpants and leggings with an oversized T-shirt. I hope you continue to get through this. Well wishes!
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So many cummalitve moments that spurred me on....but a few stand out in my mind. 1. I once wanted to donate blood to help a sick student at a school where my kids attended. While standing in line I began reading over the pamphlet when I read that I had to be under a certain weight to donate. I quietly eased myself out of line and left. How completely horrible that I wasn’t able to help! 2. Then last year I developed arthritis and other multiple foot issues after going on a European trip. I’m now waking my butt off to ease the pressure off my feet. 3. I have loved ones suffering from obesity who are older than me. Walking, etc is not possible for them. I don’t want to be that way. 4. Most importantly, my husband and kids....they deserve to have me at my best.
Those are some really good reasons. I haven’t heard of the weight restriction for blood donations before, but that’s really unfortunate. I hope you can continue to push through and hit your goals. Those babies (kids) need you! Much love!
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I had to unbutton my pants, and I was at a lecture
But I think the more interesting questions are, why did you have to do it again, what made you keep it off this time?
I think I can see cues in your post: Feeling great, but then binge eating for a year, after losing 24 pounds. Eating correctly. Push through. Weight loss struggle.
If you feel great just because you're losing weight, you'll stop doing what it takes to lose weight, when you've lost weight.
There is no one right way to eat. A healthy diet is balanced and varied, no foods are good or bad, everything can be eaten in moderation. To lose weight, you just have to eat less, but consistently, for real and for a long time.
If you think about weight management as a struggle, it will be a struggle.
If it's hard when you start, it will be harder and harder, until you can't do it anymore. And weight maintenance is something you have to work at every day, for the rest of your life.
I used to struggle with my weight too, for over twenty years. To me, MFP was a gamechanger. Being allowed, no, encouraged. to allow myself anything I wanted, as long as I kept within reasonable amounts, has made it not only possible, but quite easy, to maintain a healthy weight, for three and a half years now. It also changed my preferences, so I'm eating a more balanced and varied diet, so much so that what I eat, resembles the national nutritional guidelines, except I eat more fat, and saturated fat, and salt. Good nutrition makes not eating too much, easier, of course, but feeling free to eat I want, and not worry about whether I'm not eating right, is also important in order to not eat too much over time. I have never before had a stable weight for so long, and not weighed so little, since I was around 13 years old.5 -
Wow you carry it amazingly . I always thought I didn’t “look my weight” and when I would hear people the same weight or less I thought how can that be?? But now I see in your picture it’s entirely possible to carry the weight so different then someone else.
Oops forgot to answer he question, for me it’s just to maintain a weight I’m comfortable at. When it sneaks away and goes past that I know it’s time to do something .2 -
I thought I was going to die soon. Or more likely, have a debilitating stroke.1
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Wow you carry it amazingly . I always thought I didn’t “look my weight” and when I would hear people the same weight or less I thought how can that be?? But now I see in your picture it’s entirely possible to carry the weight so different then someone else.
Oops forgot to answer he question, for me it’s just to maintain a weight I’m comfortable at. When it sneaks away and goes past that I know it’s time to do something .
Definitely. We are all uniquely different. & yes, I can understand the weight standards. The most comfortable I’ve ever been was 138. Anything over that feels disheartening (especially the 200s). Glad to hear your motivation. I hope you keep up the great work!
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I was told I would never have kids on my own. The doctor also said I should either go on a prescription weight loss drug or have gastric bypass. Decided to do it on my own and lost 170 pounds and have kept it off for 7 years.17
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For me I didn't fit into half of the clothes in my closet anymore. I missed being able to actually wear all the clothes I bought, and since I'm frugal I wasn't going out to buy bigger clothes. I'm down 39lbs and although it has taken much longer than some, I am working towards a healthier lifestyle with the amount of food I consume as well as daily walking and/or jogging. I feel so alive and active now that I try and bottle that feeling so I don't slip back into my former habits.8
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When I realized I had way too much trouble putting on my socks because my stomach was in the way, thats when I decided it was time to make a big change.6
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I have tried many, many diets over the years, with varying degrees of success.
This January I enrolled in a pre-diabetes program. The goal of the program is to lose 7% of your beginning weight and ramp up to exercising a minimum of 150 minutes each week.
The program met once a week until this month, and then it will meet once a month for the rest of the year. The only requirement (besides showing up) is to do your best to track your eating and exercise. You only have to count calories and fat for food, and exercise minutes.
I don't know why, but it's been a real eye-opener for me. I think on a lot of diet plans, you count portions, or points or carbs, but counting fat was a big one for me. It's amazing how many foods that are low-calorie have a ton of fat in them!
I've lost 9 pounds since January. It's not a fast loss for sure, but it is steady, and for once I feel like it might stay off. Rather than saying "Is this allowed?", I'm finally starting to say "Do I want to eat this or not?"6 -
runnermom419 wrote: »I was told I would never have kids on my own. The doctor also said I should either go on a prescription weight loss drug or have gastric bypass. Decided to do it on my own and lost 170 pounds and have kept it off for 7 years.
The like button isn't enough for this...
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For me it was a light bulb moment. I was 31, pretty much the heaviest I'd ever been, even my normal clothing size was getting tight. I hated how I looked in pictures, I was unfit. Add to that my lightly elevated blood pressure (and a family history of cardiac issues pre the age of 60) and high heart rate, and suddenly a switch flicked in my head. It really wasn't one big thing that caused the light bulb moment but lots of little things that made me realise that the longer I left it, the harder it would be to change.
I'm still going, but after starting in April last year I am now 23lbs down. My blood pressure, resting heart rate and cholesterol have all improved. I am fitter. I have dropped in clothing size from a tight UK 14 to a loose UK 12. My skin has improved. I am in control of my life and most importantly, I still live well. I have at no point starved myself, I have not cut out any foods. Just taught myself control.
It feels *kitten* fabulous!2 -
That’s honestly amazing. I’m so proud of you. I hope everything has and will turn in your favor with having kids.runnermom419 wrote: »I was told I would never have kids on my own. The doctor also said I should either go on a prescription weight loss drug or have gastric bypass. Decided to do it on my own and lost 170 pounds and have kept it off for 7 years.
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Oh my gosh, YES! Clothes! 80% of my clothes don’t fit. But I refuse to buy more because I think I’ll get complacent at this weight. I hope I can get to the point of exercising again like you, but right now I just get disappointed that I can’t do the things I used to.For me I didn't fit into half of the clothes in my closet anymore. I missed being able to actually wear all the clothes I bought, and since I'm frugal I wasn't going out to buy bigger clothes. I'm down 39lbs and although it has taken much longer than some, I am working towards a healthier lifestyle with the amount of food I consume as well as daily walking and/or jogging. I feel so alive and active now that I try and bottle that feeling so I don't slip back into my former habits.
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When I realized I had way too much trouble putting on my socks because my stomach was in the way, thats when I decided it was time to make a big change.
That’s a great reason. I had that epiphany when I was trying to polish my toenails. I literally lost my breath for a few seconds. Lol. Keep up the good work!
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Wow! Keep it up. Any progress is better than no progress. I’m so happy for you. I wish you nothing but success!I have tried many, many diets over the years, with varying degrees of success.
This January I enrolled in a pre-diabetes program. The goal of the program is to lose 7% of your beginning weight and ramp up to exercising a minimum of 150 minutes each week.
The program met once a week until this month, and then it will meet once a month for the rest of the year. The only requirement (besides showing up) is to do your best to track your eating and exercise. You only have to count calories and fat for food, and exercise minutes.
I don't know why, but it's been a real eye-opener for me. I think on a lot of diet plans, you count portions, or points or carbs, but counting fat was a big one for me. It's amazing how many foods that are low-calorie have a ton of fat in them!
I've lost 9 pounds since January. It's not a fast loss for sure, but it is steady, and for once I feel like it might stay off. Rather than saying "Is this allowed?", I'm finally starting to say "Do I want to eat this or not?"
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I decided to get started on the diet thing and took pics in my bra and underwear and I was just absolutely disgusted looking at the pics. It was enough for me to stick with it. I also set up a big reward for meeting my goal. Something I had always wanted and it was a lot of $$ but definitely helped me push myself1
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My doctor told me I needed to lose about 30 percent of my body weight. A few months later, I took my dog to the vet. Turns out, he also needed to lose 30 percent of his body weight. I felt guilty and started taking him to dog parks 2-4 times a week and portioning his food. And he started to lose weight. I realized I could (and should) be doing the same thing for myself. Now we work out together, I portion our meals and we eat at the same time. We weigh in weekly. I never thought my workout buddy or motivator would be my dog, but we've been at this for a month and we are doing great! We both have a lot more energy and I know I'm not in it this alone, lol.
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@lauralea1999 Oh goodness. That’s amazing! Dogs are just the ultimate buddies at everything. My little sister’s dog was the same way. It’s a wiener - pitbull (weird combination but she’s a rescued pet). That poor thing’s belly almost hit the floor. After portioning, she’s doing so well. It’s amazing how dogs can be so unknowingly motivational.
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For me it has been the constant pain from walking upstairs as well as being winded. My favorite clothing not fitting, and worst of all the amount of sweat I produce, especially when driving my car with leather seats in the summer. There is more of course, such as hoping that with better health I can actually live a longer, happier, and healthier life which is my biggest motivator of all.
I've done it before and losing the weight isnt easy but the release of happiness you get from doing so is the greatest motivation you can ever have!2
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