andysdream

There is a saying, "Genetics loads the gun, but lifestyle, behavior, habits pulls the trigger."

When I'm shopping for groceries, my sane side tell me to avoid food which I can not eat in responsible portions. My crazy side tells me that I should buy said food and enjoy it in reasonable amounts. It's a ridiculous battle I have with myself over and over again. Andrea

I try to work on only one or two changes at a time. Since I got a fitbit, I am trying to increase my steps per day. My goal is to hit 10,000 but the best I have done so far is just under 8,000. I am also trying to be honest with myself and log everything I eat even if I go over my daily calorie allowance. Andrea in Pa.

Starting weight as of today is 286. Goal weight is 271.

I don't really pre- plan my meals. I seem to do worse when I have to follow any program which tells me what to eat and when to eat it even if it is my own program. I do have a routine exercise pattern because my water aerobics and Silver Sneakers classes are on specific days and times, but again any additional exercise…

OK I will weigh in on Fridays. Good luck to everyone. CW 288 GW 273

I think I treasure old photos of my family who are gone now. I will always have memories of loved ones, and the photos help to keep these memories alive. Andrea

I have thought about yesterday's discussion on avoiding the mention of food items that could trigger binges. I am sensitive to these issues, but I would hesitate setting parameters. Although many of us have so many things in common, not everyone suffers from the same problems. We are all individuals and what affects one…

I would like to join. Andrea in Pennsylvania

Congratulations! You look fantastic. Andrea

Julie, No way is surgery an easy way out. I have considered it, but to tell you the truth, I'm afraid that even with surgery I would not be able to maintain the weight loss that happens long term. But I have a friend who is doing great post op. So I think it depends on the individual. Andrea

Many times I have waited to be seen by a doctor because I did not want to hear that my problem was related to my weight. This has happened more than once to me. All this does is make me feel guilty because the implication is that I did this to myself. What is the benefit of this?

Welcome to MFP and this group Heather. Andrea

I'm hoping to get moving soon. I want to work on increasing my steps, but right now the heat and humidity are horrible. I may have to do my steps in the house. Oh well, better than nothing. Andrea

Carly, since I don't know the BP med that you started I cannot answer your question with total accuracy. I can tell you that many BP meds generally help to lower a person's pressure by helping the body expel some fluid in addition to helping with blood vessel dilatation.

Hi everyone, I'm in the same boat with you Julie. You are not alone. This is the complex disease of compulsive overeating leading to obesity with all its complications . But I will not beat myself up for not being perfect just as I would not criticize someone with diabetes or cancer. I will continue to try to log my food…

Carly, I would have no problems taking advice/suggestions from you. You have successfully lost 85 lbs while I am struggling to reach a 10 lb loss and maintain that loss. Andrea in Pennsylvania

Even if you don't do something 100%, at least you are doing something which is better than nothing at all. I always remember the feeling I had when a Doctor told me that I would not lose weight by walking on a treadmill for 20 minutes daily. She said it did not get my heart rate up high enough to promote weight loss. It…

What a wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations.

Your patriotic wreath is beautiful as is your daughter.

I know that I must not bring "binge inducing food" into the house. I tell myself that I will use portion control, but that never works when my willpower is weak or I'm giving in to my addictions. But I still am not able to follow this plan very well. I still find these foods finding their way into my cart when I go…

As for me, I feel that at a very young age my self concept was broken. I am not sure of the exact details causing the trauma, but I have never felt worthy and deserving of affection just the way I am. I too am a people pleaser, trying to win some ones acceptance at the expense of my own needs. When eventually I realize…

Hi Angie. I have the same anxiety issues about exercising and running out of strength/energy. This also happens when I get invited to participate in an event that involves a lot of walking. My only suggestion is to start your exercise program slowly. Set small goals. You don't need to walk 5 miles your first time out. Then…

Praying that your sister has a speedy recovery . I think it is amazing that you kept logging in during this very stressful time. I'm sure you want to be there to support your sister and other family members. So take care of yourself with sleep and breaks for stress relief. Andrea

I think my dream would be to be on a beautiful beach in a cute bathing suit. I would be walking in the surf and the waves would be crashing on my feet. I would feel strong and be able to walk for miles without a care in the world. Andrea in Pennsylvania

On the subject of constipation, I have found that not all fiber products work the same for me. I have been most successful with a daily dose of Metamucil in a glass of water. It does come in a sugar free form. I don't understand why it seems to work so much better than pills or fiber bars. Andrea in Pennsylvania.

I am tired of not seeing a steady weight loss. I am tired of night time eating which I am sure is causing the scale to be frozen. I am tired of allergies and feeling like I am going to cough up one of my lungs. I'm just plain tired.

Happy Birthday Karen. Best wishes for a wonderful day and I sincerely hope all your Half New Year's goals/resolutions are met successfully.

I have heard about this syndrome before, and believe I suffer from it too. I'm planning on discussing it with my Doctor at my next appointment. Thanks for the information.

I have had similar experiences. I feel bad enough that I can not walk for hours around an amusement park . But then I feel 100 times worse when friends do not understand. Especially when they act as if I'm ruining their fun. I get so anxious whenever I'm invited to go somewhere, because I'm afraid that I will just run out…