Women 200lb+, Let's Be Marvelous This May!!!

Hi everyone!

I'm 41, married with an 8yr old son. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I usually hover around 230ish and then the pandemic happened and I gained a bit. My son started to gain too and honestly that is what started my motivation. I really don't want him to have the same struggles I did so I am hoping that my setting a bad example now begins to rub off. I definitely have a shift in mindset this time around and I'm feeling darn determined to get the weight off, get stronger and feel good!

Thanks for having me!

Jan Start Weight: 245

May Start Weight: 220
May Goal Weight: 215
Ultimate Goal Weight: 190

May 1: 220
May 8:
May 15:
May 22:
May 29:

MAY GOALS:
Continue to log in MFP
4 heart pumping workouts a week
Add another 16oz glass a water each day

Michelle

Height: 5' 6"
SW (09/08/2019): 239.2 lbs
May SW (5/2/21): 174.4 lbs

May GW: under 170 lbs.

GW: 150 lbs, probably with more to lose after reaching this initial goal.

I weigh myself daily, and use Sunday as the “official” day for this group.

Goals for May:

• Running: Maintain with two maintenance runs during the work week, and a long run on the weekend. I ran 10 miles yesterday for an unofficial virtual Broad Street Run (whether the official race is virtual or in person this year, it will be in the fall). Traditionally this race is run the first Sunday in May.
• Resistance training: Focusing on core exercises for now. I’m thinking of adding arms this week. I had a strained leg muscle at the beginning of this year, so I’ll be adding lower body exercises in slowly.
• Water: Keep drinking water!
• Tracking: I’ve been off with accurate tracking for a while. I’ve been better about it recently, hoping to be back to accurate tracking and results by the end of the month.
• Skin: So off track I can’t even begin to tell you.

I had been a part of this group, but there are a lot of new faces so I’ll explain my history a bit. I’ve been overweight since I was 5 years old. I can hardly remember a time I wasn’t overweight. The first time it went out of control, close to 300 pounds was in my 20s. I lost a little over 100 pounds then, and slowly gained it back plus some over a period of about 5 years. I don’t know what I officially topped out at, but it was over 300 pounds. In 2013, when I started this last major effort to be finished with this weight for good I was 301 pounds, and feeling OK with that number considering most of my clothes were fitting better than they had been. So I’m sure my weight had been higher, but I just didn’t weigh myself.

I got down to about 189 pounds in 2015 and pretty much stalled there. But I felt pretty good with how I looked and didn’t look into what more I needed to do to take off the rest. Then I lost my way and found that by 2019 I was back up again – probably over the 239 weight you see above as I’d put a plan into action before I got brave enough to weigh myself again. The lowest weight I've been in the last year was 156 pounds.

I’ve been weighing myself daily and I think this is one of the things that has kept my current rebound from going too far. I really need to take personal accountability for the gain, however looking back over the data I have reluctantly concluded that some of it is related to getting the vaccine. I’d have discounted it if the weight gain alone was the only indicator. But I had also been consistently running a 9:35 min/mile pace comfortably for a few months prior to getting the second shot (while getting over a leg injury to boot). A week after the second shot my pace slowed to 10:00 min/mile (and slower), it felt difficult to achieve that pace, and my injured leg wasn’t giving me as much trouble as it had been prior to the shot. That was virtually overnight, as was the weight gain which I noticed after the first and second shots. My fingers and hands are significantly swollen nearly every morning. Then about three weeks ago I dumped a lot of weight, I don’t seem to be experiencing the same level of bloat, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things are going in the right direction.

Some structural things have happened with my schedule since I was last in the group, and that’s why I stopped checking in. Nothing has changed, except I’ve adapted somewhat to the new schedule.

Thanks so much to @RavenStCloud for setting up the thread for the group!

It's Monday, so I weighed in.

Age: 49
Height: 5'7"
SW: 296 (1/1/20)
Maintained at: 255
CW: 254.4 lbs.

I went a pound up or down when I was maintaining, so while this is good it's not celebratory, but it's moving in the right direction.

Love seeing so many people joining in, I loved last months thread and seeing so many people adding their weights weekly and really all helping to motivate each other, can't wait to see everyone getting one step closer to their goals this month. My plan is to continue doing what I did last month, walking at least 5km 5 days per week, doing exercise with the weights to tone the bingo wings and adding in the exercise bike when needed. I will also continue to log my food and drink 2 litres of water daily, I really feel logging food helps me to stay on target. I'm hoping I might be able to get into some of my smaller clothes by the end of this month, I bought myself a new top 1 size smaller but haven't tried it on yet cause I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't fit which probably sounds so silly. Good luck everyone hope you all have a good month and the scale gives us all the drop we want.

KeriA wrote: »

Thanks @RavenStCloud

Keri
68 years old, Height: 5'6"
SW: 266 lbs (Dec 2019)
2/1/2020: 263.6
10/19/2020: 245.4
1/1: 251.2 gained after going back to work and being more seden
2/3: 250.4
2/6: 256.6 adjusted according to my new scale.
2/7: 255 -1.6 lbs lost of extra new scale weight
2/27: 254.8 -.2 but I went up to 257 so this is a loss of 2.2 lbs
2/28: 253.4
April low: 255.2
CW 257.8 May 1

1st GW: 220 The lowest weight I got to when I last lost significant weight.
2nd GW: Onderland 1st, maintain for a few weeks then
3rd GW: 186 overweight but not obese
4th GW: 150 lbs. Healthy weight Then evaluate what weight is best for me. I just want to get to a healthy weight for me.

May Goal weight: Under 250.

Goals:
Get 8+ glasses of water, log in calories daily, get enough sleep and stay under my calorie goal.
Up N.E.A.T. (steps, stairs, cleaning and cooking)
Get regular exercise:
• 2 strength training a week (1 with weights and 1 with resistance bands)
• 5 days of exercise (Start with 25 minutes and work up to 45-60 minutes for most days)
Meal plan so we avoid grocery shopping and make healthy meals at home. Limit take out to once a week.
Take another step towards lowering sugar intake.
Wait to have breakfast until I feel hungry while I am working remotely.

I have been getting in my 5 days of exercise. It is usually a walk and I am back to 1 day of weight training after my elbow healed. Not sure what the problem was with that. I will wait to add in resistance bands to make sure weight training wasn't the issue with my elbow. I also rearranged my desk/mouse. My water intake was better last week. We limit take out to 1 day a week but lately the take out was a little higher calorie and salt which I think is why I am up 2.5 pounds today. I was also better at logging last week.

I want to get down to the 240s before our office opens up in late June. My youngest who lives with us will be fully vaccinated on the 24th. We may take a short trip to the beach to celebrate.

@KerriA- you are so closet my situation and I know you've been logging fir quite awhile line me. I just turned 70, am 5'6", and wright was 256, now back to 258. Ouch. But, you're so honest about your struggles and weight! Stay the course- you will do this. It is a journey. 😉❤

@mmdeveau - Congratulations on completing your second Virtual Broadsheet! Let's hope the next one will be in person. Interesting what you are saying about the vaccine and weight gain. I noticed some weight gain with the first shot that wasn't explained by anything other than inflammation/water retention. With the second shot, I took a rest day and made a concerted effort to drink more water. That actually helped drop the extra water. But I didn't have too bad a time with shot #2 compared to others I know. If it is inflammation that is causing the bloat, think about things you can do to reduce that: Extra sleep, less sugar, more water, rest those tired muscles, etc. At any rate, those things have a way of working themselves out eventually, although it's frustrating when you are dealing with it.

@changeforeverlj - I'm so sorry about your family's loss. Hope the trip is healing

@kelMee2 - I'm happy to report that Bingo Wings will go away on their own as you lose the fat that is pulling the extra skin down. Strength training is always good idea but you can't tone extra skin or spot reduce. But with your plan you'll be fitting into that smaller sized top in no time.

Hi! My name is Kristie, married and proud grandma to 7! My two kids have kept ME busy! I am 65 and am trying for the umpteenth time to lose this weight! I currently am on a Challenge Board also. I am diabetic type 2, sciatica and fibromyalgia. Usually none hold me back but every once in awhile I get sidelined. I have been doing this since end of Jan 2021. I try to do at least 5k steps a day...working my way up to exercising more. Been watching the calories, 1400 a day and carbs. Eating more plant based but still love my meat! Sister had triple bypass 6 weeks ago,,,no symptoms, she had covid Dr. thought she was experiencing more symptoms due to her being a long hauler...nope! She is doing great and my cardiologist said I am fine too! Downward to Onderland!

HT: 5'7'
SW: 221.4
GW: 185
May Goal: 204
May 3 209.0

I have impressed myself by losing 12.4 pounds since Jan 29. Next goal is Onderland...
To all who struggle know the end result is worth it. I have your back!
KP

Hi everyone, thanks for the thread.

Name: Cari
Age: 44
Height: 5' 3"
SW: 206lb (16/3/21)
GW: 140 (to be reevaluated nearer goal)

Weight tracking:
May 1: 201lb (-5lb)
May: 8:
May: 15:
May 22:
May 29:
May 31:

Fitness goals:
Continue walking each day, however I aim to step this up from an average 2.5 miles per walk to 3 miles per walk this month.

My ultimate goal is to get back to running. To give a little background info, I used to run 4-5 times a week, on my own, and with a club, nothing too mad just a 5k run, and I also used to practice yoga each week in a class and do some at home. Unfortunately I had an accident a couple of years ago and I fractured my back, broke a couple of ribs and stuffed one of my knees up, this took some time to recover from and I gained a lot of weight in recovery, then just as I was getting to the point of feeling well enough again to start sorting myself out we went into lockdown and I started working from home, which has resulted in even more weight gain. I really need to get fit and healthy as I'm fed up of getting out of breath just walking up the stairs, and I'm sick of looking at a wardrobe of clothes I can't get into. I need this mentally as well as physically.

I look forward to hearing how everyone is doing over the coming month. 😊

68 years old, Height: 5'6"
SW: 266 lbs (Dec 2019)
2/1/2020: 263.6
10/19/2020: 245.4
1/1: 251.2 gained after going back to work and being more sedentary
2/3: 250.4
2/6: 256.6 adjusted according to my new scale.
2/7: 255 -1.6 lbs lost of extra new scale weight
2/27: 254.8 -.2 but I went up to 257 so this is a loss of 2.2 lbs
2/28: 253.4
April low: 255.2
May 1: 257.8
CW 256.4 (May 3)

1st GW: 220 The lowest weight I got to when I last lost significant weight.
2nd GW: Onderland 1st, maintain for a few weeks then
3rd GW: 186 overweight but not obese
4th GW: 150 lbs. Healthy weight Then evaluate what weight is best for me. I just want to get to a healthy weight for me.

May Goal weight: Under 250.

Goals:
Get 8+ glasses of water, log in calories daily, get enough sleep and stay under my calorie goal.
Up N.E.A.T. (steps, stairs, cleaning, gardening, and cooking)
Get regular exercise:
• 1-2 strength training a week (1 with weights and later add back in 1 with resistance bands after a week or 2 if my elbow doesn’t start hurting again)
• 5 days of exercise (Start with 25 minutes and work up to 45-60 minutes for most days)
Meal plan so we avoid grocery shopping and make healthy meals at home. Limit take out to once a week (not junk food).
Take another step towards lowering sugar intake.
Wait to have breakfast until I feel hungry while I am working remotely.
Up my vegetables and make sure I have fruit daily. Lower sugar and simple carbs.

I am continuing to lose. Yesterday I wasn’t feeling well. It was really bad allergies. Today I am better but lower energy. I hope to feel more myself tomorrow.

Thanks @finngirl61 for the encouragement.

@speyerj enjoy your trip to Houston. My son and daughter-in-law live there. I actually was approved for a convention there last May but it got cancelled due to the pandemic. This year we are just planning a weekend trip to the beach this spring. I just want to get walks on the beach and swim in the pool because I am going to busy at work this summer.

Well, I did manage to figure out at least one day of exercise when I am in Houston. I reached out to the Great Houston Rowing Club to find out if they allowed guest rowers. And they invited me to join them on May 16th!! I don't know if I will be in a single, a double or a quad, but I think this will be great fun to row in a new city and meet new people who share my passion. Oh, how I love the rowing community. It's like being a member of a secret society.

Hi Everyone, I'm Jess 35/F/Sydney Australia, thank you for this thread!

If anyone wants to add me, I would be happy to share my diary. Also I am keen for buddies to like and comment on each other's feed to motivate and support.

SW: 107.3kg (236 lbs) 1 Mar 2021
CW: 96.5kg (212 lbs)
GW for May: 95kg (209 lbs)
UGW: 80kg (176 lbs)

Have had a few family birthdays of late, so have gone over my calorie goal a few times. Unfortunately, this means I have not lost any weight for a couple of weeks - but I have not gained any either. Still, I am back on the wagon this week!!

Goals for May:
1. Hopefully (fingers crossed) IVF process can begin at the end of the month. Doc said I needed to be 95kg (or around that) before they could start. So excited!
2. Smaller portions! Have been having luck with buying frozen meals for lunch - only 300 calories each, has been helping me learn portion control, and better than anything I could buy for lunch near my office. Snacks have been cucumber with a bit of salt, apples, plums, rockmellon. Trying to stay away from biscuits.........
3. More exercise! Had a house full of people so put the electric bike away in the garage... now it's been raining so I can't go for walks... all excuses. Need to get back to it.

Achievements so far:
1. Took of my bra extenders on 1 May (woo!)
2. Today, a skirt that used to be a tight fit, was so loose that I was able to slide it off whilst still buttoned! I like this and want more!!

Welcome to all the new and returning people. What I really notice in what you are sharing is your insight into where you are at. I am the Queen of the reset button. It is so much more than the weight its the messaging around the whole process.

There are so many nuggets of wisdom in everybody's stories. I recommend you go back through the posts every time you want to feel motivated and you will read something that will inspire you, make you feel less alone and give you that support to say "I've got this"

@ericar_1993 - because you are active throughout the day your NEAT (Daily calorie burn) is going to be higher than most people's. Lucky you! So it's no wonder you get hungry between meals and need to snack. I recommend you make snacking part of your daily meal plan and make sure you have access to lots of high protein snacks that will fill you up until your next break. (Most people report feeling fuller longer when they snack on something high in protein). Some snacks that I keep at work to help me stay on track: Premiere Protein or Fairlife Protein shakes, Greek Yogurt, Almonds, Jerky, cheese sticks, protein bars. I also just discovered Quest Protein chips and Twin Peaks cheese balls -high protein versions of your favorite salty snacks. I have found it is much easier to say no to the vending machine or chocolate candy bowl at work if I know I have a high quality snack waiting for me at my desk or break room refrigerator.