New Gurl with 100 plus to go!

Best of luck on your journey...you will love mfp...

Hey there!

I know that health problems can make weight loss extremely difficult. I'm 34 years old, had a complete hysterectomy at age 31, which means I'm on hormone replacement therapy for the rest of my life, plus I'm bipolar and have fought with all the side effects of many medications until April of this year (I got off of everything and went to an alternative, natural therapy).

One of the meds caused me to gain 30 lbs. literally within 2 months at the beginning of this year, all the while I was faithfully doing my cardio workouts at 5 a.m. every morning. I obviously got off of the medication that caused the weight gain, started weight-lifting for the first time in July, signed up with MFP in August and started watching what I ate religiously. I drink a gallon of water a day, and have been able to lose 1 lb. per week consistently since August. That is when I finally got the scale to budge in the downward direction for the first time! That sounds like really slow weight loss, and it is, but it will also be permanent.

I truly believe it is twice as hard for those of us with health issues to lose weight, but it CAN be done--I'm living proof of that! I literally have to follow ALL the rules, but I think the weight-lifting, i.e. muscle-building was the biggest change for me and has literally turned up my metabolism. What they say is true: the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn even at rest. Fat just sits there and does (and burns) nothing. I love to look at the "transformations" section at bodybuilding.com--it is VERY motivating to see people lose sometimes a 100 or more pounds and look incredible! Not 'skinny-fat', but truly toned, muscular, and fit. That is my goal and I'm getting closer and closer to it.

I hope this helps you a little. Just stay consistent and NEVER, EVER give up on yourself! Good luck to you--you can do it!

Welcome new gurl! You will find the support you need here. You have made a wonderful commitment with yourself :flowerforyou:

:happy: Welcome! I am new here too and also have over a 100lbs to lose. We can do this!!! I'm here if you ever need to chat! Tracie

Hi there! You've found a wonderful place of supportive people!

I think there are several people in the same boat, being on meds and having medical conditions. I began to gain about 20 years ago when I had to go on heart medicine. I used it as an excuse for a long time, until my doctor said I still had to eat healthy and exercise, even if I was never going to be the skinny mini that I was in my 20's.

I've lost weight before, while being on heart meds, so I know it's possible. However, it seems all too easy to gain it back, which I did.

And I think you're right, it's the portion control that is the trick. I'm still fighting with it. I've been here for about 4 weeks now, and I've lost 4 pounds (very happy about that) but I'm still amazed at how many calories just a teeny bit of food seems to use up. I feel like any time I enjoy a "regular" breakfast, there go 50% of my calories for the day and I haven't even gone to work yet.

Anyway, I'm adjusting because it's worth it, and because the success stories of the people here really inspire me!

I hope they'll inspire you too! Best of luck with your journey!

Welcome! Im so glad and proud that you decided to make a move towards a healthier you! You will never regret it! It may be difficult, but never forget that anything worth having, is worth working for.
You can do this!
Good Luck!