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560272 tn?1311350293

70 Pounds Overweight-HELP!

I have been 70 pounds overweight for 2 years now. I am miserable. I am lethargic, unmotivated, depressed, anti-social, achey, lazy, homebody, and tired. Totally opposite of what I used to be. Having child #5 totally did my body in. I need to loose this weight, I've GOT too. But I don't even know where to start??? Would walking 5 minutes a day for 2 weeks, be a start? Then work my way up slowly? I eat for comfort, so I've got to fix that too. Any suggestions would be great!
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Whatever your thyroid and other blood tests showed 2 yrs ago is irrelevant NOW.  Things change quickly sometimes.  I had my thyroid levels and they were "normal" -- less than 6 months later, I was so out of range, it was unreal.  I know it's difficult with no insurance, but have you checked with your county health dept or anything to see if you can get help getting medical care?  

Continuing the way you are is not good and without knowing whether or not you have medical issues, I don't know what we can do for you.  We can give you suggestions for diet and exercise and will help in any way we can, but you have to put in some effort as well.  
Helpful - 0
560272 tn?1311350293
2 years ago, I had my thyroid, hormones, glucose, CBC count, Iron...all done and all were normal. I've never had any vitamin levls checked. I do need to see a doctor, it's just hard with no insurance and high anxiety. My muscles ache daily, regardless of excercise. I feel like I've had the Flu for 2 years, so excercising is hard to want to do. I've always figured it was due to being overweight. I tried Prozac for 2 years, but it made me gain weight, which made me more depressed.
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
I don't recall -- have you been checked for medical issues?  Thyroid, vitamin B12, PCOS, insulin resistance?  Medical issues need to be ruled out/resolved before you can do a lot more.  

You also need a determination to get started.  If you have that much pain when you exercise, I'd say you are over doing it.  You must start slowly and work your way up.  

I think there is a forum for depression here on Med Help also -- maybe they could help you out, too.  I wouldn't be able to function without my morning shower.  That's what wakes me up and gets me going.  

Please see your doctor to check for medical issues and we can go from there.
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560272 tn?1311350293
I have 0 motivation. It's hard enough to do chores/cook and keep up with 5 kids at home. I definitely emotionally eat because I am so depressed. I've tried therapy, but therapy can't change how my life has been for 15 years. :( I don't take good care of myself either, taking a shower twice a week is hard for me.
I don't excercise (and haven't in 5+ years) as it makes my body ache and have terrible pain (especially lower back), I pay for it if I try.
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
If you haven't gone to a doctor in 2-3 years, I suggest that you try to get your thyroid levels tested on a regular basis.  

Have you tried keeping a journal of what you are eating and what emotions you are having before, during and after, eating?  That might help you pinpoint WHY you are eating emotionally.

In addition, have you tried distracting yourself, whenever you get the urge to eat?  You could try going for a walk, doing a short work out, clean the kitchen, fold clothes, sweep the floor, vacuum, etc.  Sometimes, just thinking about something else will take your mind off the urge to eat.  

How are you doing with exercise?  
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560272 tn?1311350293
No I haven't gone to a doctor in 2-3 years because I have no insurance, but in the past when I did go, my test results always came back normal.
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649848 tn?1534633700
COMMUNITY LEADER
Have you talked to your to doctor to see if you have any medical issues that may need to be addressed, such as thyroid, insulin resistance, etc.  Those can make losing weight next to impossible if not under control.  

I have hypothyroidism and in spite of being on med, it's not easy to stay at levels that are conducive to weight loss.  
Helpful - 0
560272 tn?1311350293
Wow, it's been a little over a year since I posted this. Well I'm still way overweight, about 70 pounds. Between the weight, my teeth, my skin, my anxiety, and my depression.....loosing weight and even living normal is painful (mentally, emotionally, and physically). I've started having the worse lower back pain, standing more than 20 minutes is impossible now. I emotional eat-terribly.
Just wanted to check-in. Hope everyone is well.
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750946 tn?1270288132
hey Renae!...

I do keep a food journal...but my case is a little different...
i'm Indian..and we cook Indian food at home all the time..and Indian food is not something that is "measured accurately"..and it's hard to see what all goes in the food..and sometimes that's all I have at home to eat....

so instead of calorie counting...i work on portion control and water intake...the biggest part of our meal is RICE (WHITE RICE)...so i try to substitute that with like a wheat tortilla kind of bread or jus only eat half of what i usually eat...

I've been having trouble these days because I LOVE indian food..and it's always there at my house..and i keep binging and falling into temptation when i'm bored...

now i'm trying to volunteer..do community service n stuff...jus to get out of the house and keep myself busy so that i don't think about food....

I was doing 30-minute yoga sessions everday..which i love...but i'm not seein the results i want because of my diet...
so i have to incorporate cardio somewhere in all this...and work on my diet... aahh...

i'm so glad to be here...so many ppl are on the same page as me or worse...and it really helps to have a support system...that ur not alone in this... :)

i never get to talk bout this stuff..my workouts or my diet..to anyone in my family...i'm the biggest one in my family (evryone else in my family is average and normal weight...and it makes me uncomfortable to talk to anyone bout it...
so this really helps...

thanks!
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579258 tn?1250649343
Am wondering how everyone is doing with their lifestyle changes and what is working and/or perhaps impeding our progress?

Is everyone using the Food Diary now?  The exercise, weight and mood trackers?  Together they work to tell a story and help us visually see the correlations and how to make a plan for positive and sustainable changes.

Before adding to this string, I reread this entire post and found such great information that everyone shared from their heart.  There is a lot of good information in other posts, which can also be found by searching the community using keywords.  The "Search this Community" button is the second search button on the right hand side of the page.

May I suggest that anyone new or struggling make a list of the foods they like to eat without regard to calories.  Then, post it and, as a community, we can offer some alternative choices and/or various ways of cooking/seasoning, etc to provide you with the same flavors but in a more healthful way.  Remember to look in the Healthy Cooking Community for many recipes .. as that will give you some great ideas too.  There is a "Search this Community" button in each community on MedHelp to assist you.

Very best wishes .. and let's all jump in together and share our experiences!  

((Big Hugggss))
Ranae

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1074103 tn?1255919703
check u body ,do u alwauys feel weak in the past year when your weight is going up
if said yes ,i can tell u u fat is because u body donot have enough energy to absorb waht u eat

in chinese medicine ,we said fat is not because u eat much ,because u cannot absorb much

more movement cannot help u much ,only make u more weak

in order to keep fit ,do u always eat vegetable ,not beef and mutton ?
if yes ,i suggest u eat them much ,because these food can make the whole circulation more fast ,

simply to say ,u body now is like one river which his whole circulation is stopped or slow ,more and more rubbish is stopped in the river ,then become fat

what u want is fast the circulation ,and drive out of the rubbish
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750946 tn?1270288132
Hey Melgee!

I'm on the same boat as you!

It's not like me to be an introvert...i'm a social..loving..fun person to hang around...except that i SIT AT HOME ALL THE TIME!!!

I'm such a homebody now and i dont socialize or get out of the house ever...why?
Because I'm not sure what i'm going to wear!...How i'll look...how embarrassing it would be to be the biggest person again in a group of people...

I also need to lose about 60-70 pounds....and I right now it seems like it's impossible...

But i've seen so many people's weight trackers on this site....and they make it seem possible....

We CAN DO THIS!
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Avatar universal
Hi There Everyone:

I am new to this forum and need to lose 70-80 pounds, I use to weigh around 150 and after quitting smoking gained a significant amount of weight that I have been battling and can't seem to get back down. I just had a hysterectomy and would like to get to work on this! Whatever I can do to support people here, I hope to do so, it would be helpful to learn about your stuggles and what works for all of you! Look forward to hearing from you and wish everyone success. The biggest challenge is the social aspect, I've become so introverted since I've gained and it's really not me!
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579258 tn?1250649343
We're glad to have you here, Deadra, and we'll all support you along your journey to be best of our abilities.  Thanks so much for sharing ... seems you understand and have the key to your success!  Very best wishes .. and please let us know how you are doing.  (((Hugs))) Ranae
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Avatar universal
Thank you ladies!  I just peeked in for a minute to say hi!  I hope this dial up will actually let me post!

Before I picked my way of eating, I went to the Dr. for a check up...blood work.  I do have a few medical issues that I have to consider when food is involved.  He thinks that Atkins was the best choice.  

The truth is whether we do Atkins, Low Carb, Low Fat, High Protein, Count Calories, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, Jennie Craig....we need to realize they all work for people.  So, whatever way of eating a person chooses, they still need to remember to make Healthier Choices in their food choices and  need to Exercise.  

I believe this forum is a valuable tool and I'm glad to be a part of it!

Have a great night!

Deadra
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172023 tn?1334672284
I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say hello.  Congrats on your successes, and please do post often.  

Its great to hear about other healthy paths to the same end result.  I've lost my weight entirely via the Core plan of Weight Watchers, which may share some similarities with what you are doing.  What I love about it is no counting!  Its an experience to learn what to eat, but more importantly, why you should eat it.

And when to stop eating it!

Anyway, please do come back and let us know how you are doing.  I love to hear success stories!
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579258 tn?1250649343
What's is most wonderful ... is the caring and supportive nature in which we can share what works and what doesn't ... and the knowledge we've each gained and genuinely and tenderly share with each other.  Thank you!!!

Sounds like our underlying beliefs are very similar and I'm most anxious to hear of your continued success!  

Very best wishes ...
Ranae
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Avatar universal
I agree. We all have to find what fits our needs and our wants.

What works for one person may not work for another.
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your concern and I do appreciate your thoughts.

We do need to change our thoughts about "diet".  I often use it interchangeably with  way of eating and I shouldn't...old habits die hard (smile).

It is true tho, all the changes I've ever made actually worked.  I just didn't make the changes for the right reasons, didn't make changes that I could live with or stick with.  I do believe that is a major factor in living a healthier lifestyle.

Actually I have dabbled with different ways of eating for a long time.  Just never found anything that I could or even wanted to stick with long term.

I like the Atkins way of eating because I am teaching myself new healthier habits - which I never had before.  I'm eating more veggies than I ever have.  Now that's a major accomplishment!  Plus, once I'm out of Induction and move into Phase 2, I'll be incorporating even more veggies, fruit, nuts, dairy, etc.  For me, this way of eating has structure which is something I need.

I love the fact that I get to find out what foods work for me and which don't.  I also love that fact that I'm not hungry.  I'm getting enough calories, fat, protein and carbs to get my body back to a healthier me.

We all have to find what fits our needs and wants.  I'm proud you found something you can live with and Congrats on the weight loss!!

Deadra
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579258 tn?1250649343
Hello Deadra ~ It is always a pleasure to meet someone new; thank you for sharing your journey and your experiences.  We are all unique and have gathered a great deal of knowledge in our journeys towards a healthier lifestyle and it takes great courage and compassion to share them with others ~ thank you.  

With all due respect, and the utmost regard for your opinion, I hope you will allow me to share my experience, make a few observations and provide some food for thought.  Please know that I am doing so because I care and because it is my sincere intent to help ~ I'm not trying to be arbitrary.  It is my heartfelt concern for both you and Katie that I share this ...

We have shared similar journeys with trying this diet and that, but I am concerned when you say "They all worked.  It was me that couldn't stick with them because they just didn't fit my lifestyle.  I had to find something that fit me."

The truth is that "diets" do not work.  The very name "diet" implies a beginning and an end to a way of living.  When we "begin" a diet, we are leaving our normal eating patterns behind and beginning a way of eating that ~ if it worked ~ would sustain us for a lifetime.  Since most "diets" deprive us of something and are so foreign to our normal eating pattern, it is inevitable that we the fall off a diet, which signifies that we are not able to continue with the "diet regimen" and there is a return to our normal eating pattern.  When this happens, it is usually accompanied by feelings of failure, anger, sadness and depression.  These feelings are counter-productive and is another reason I believe that diets do not work.

Controlling carbs has worked for some people, but am wondering if it is the right path for you as well.  When I see you report "I dabbled with Atkins about a month ago....lost weight.  Got to feeling sorry for myself and went right back to eating everything!" and then see "So yesterday I decided it was time to take the bull by the horns and just do controlled carbs.", ... (trying to say this right and not hurt your feelings ~ just trying to help in providing you another option) ... I'm questioning if this brief period of time, falling off of it and then returning to it yesterday, can be considered success and a change that can be maintained for a lifestyle.  

Losing weight is as much a mental process in as it is determination.  In making reasonable goals and implementing small changes, we are able to keep them and begin to incorporate them into a new and sustainable lifestyle.  Changing our minds to throw out the concept of "dieting" helps.  Realizing that we will stumble and learning how to get up, forgive ourselves ~ as we are not perfect ~, finding a lesson from each fall, devising a new plan to avoid the same pitfall the next time and being steadfast in continuing to develop new habits is what will lead to our success.

Until I changed my thought process and embraced a long-term lifestyle change that incorporated lean meats, complex carbohydrates in moderation, fresh fruits and vegetables and some low-fat dairy products, I yo-yo'd my way to 330 lbs.  Since adopting these changes, learning how to be kind to myself, surrounding myself with positive motivation and engaging in a support community ~ such as this ~ I have lost 147 pounds over the past 25 months.

I truly wish you all the best and much success with whatever you choose; just wanted to offer these thoughts for your consideration.  If your current plan works for you, then I am thrilled.  Please remember that I am here and willing to help if needed and/or wanted.

Most caringly ...
Ranae
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Avatar universal
Hey girl....5 kids?!!!!  OMG, how on earth do you get anything done (smile).

I have struggled with weight issues for a while now.  I have tried just about everything under the sun...from fad diets, to diet pills, to mlm weight loss miracles, to Weight Watcher (3 times) ! (big smile).

They all worked.  It was me that couldn't stick with them because they just didn't fit my lifestyle.  I had to find something that fit me.

I dabbled with Atkins about a month ago....lost weight.  Got to feeling sorry for myself and went right back to eating everything!  Then, each day I just felt worse than the day before.  A few days ago I had a Carb filled day...then that night I had the worse headache, tired, sluggish, etc.  I had to literally go lay down!

I do have Hypothyroidism so that contributes also, but I am on meds.

Anyway, it was that night that I realized how much better I felt when I was controlling my Carbs.  So yesterday I decided it was time to take the bull by the horns and just do controlled carbs.  Today, I feel much better already....it's just amazing.

If you have never tried controlled Carbs, you might want to think about it.  Just another avenue for you to look at.  

I won't say that it's easy, but I will say it works for me.  You're welcome to pm me if you want more information.  I'd be glad to share with you a site that helps along with a book.

Much success to you in your journey!

Deadra
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579258 tn?1250649343
Hi Katie ~

You've already made BIG steps in making changes ... you're acknowledged the need to make changes, joined this lovely support site and reached out for advice and friendship!  YEAAHHHH YOUUUUU!!!!!  Give yourself a Big Huggg!!!  We're thrilled you are here!  

Here's a few things I can think of off the top of my head to get started.

1.  Make a list of what you will gain if you lose the weight and what it will cost you if you do not.  It can help you to view that list when you are making food choices as it allows you to make a conscious choice.  Helps us to be responsible for our choices as well.

2.  Clean out your cupboards - get rid of the food that you pig out on and that is not healthy.

3.  Know your numbers - Do you know the number of calories to maintain your weight?  If not, will be happy to help you but will need your age, height, weight, and activity level.  

4.  Keep a food journal and write down everything you eat, the amounts and the calorie content.  Also keep track of your emotions by each meal.  In short order, it will allow you to see a correlation between overeating and an emotion or two.  This will help in developing a plan to do better the next time.

5.  Stay involved in this community for support and advice.  Keep in touch; we'll be glad to answer questions and help you.

6.  Implement some type of exercise ... anything that will get you moving.  There are so many different things to do now that the variety is amazing and you can try things you've never even thought of before.  Try a bunch of them and, as Peek suggested, find something you like.  

When I first started, I could only do 5 minutes of exercise.  Each day I vowed to do just a little more than the day before.  Pretty soon you'll be amazed at how much you can do.  

7.  Read positive success stories & positive affirmations and here's a story that helped me.

ONE evening, and old Cherokee told his grandson about the eternal battle that goes on inside people.

He said, “My boy, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.”

“One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.”

“The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, tolerance, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The boy thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee replied, “The one you feed.”


Here's a quote that helped me as well ... it challenged my abilities ... Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? Nelson Mandela

Finally ... a dear friend gave me these words ... BELIEVE even when it is not rational and good things WILL happen ...

YOU CAN DO THIS!!! It is our dream no one has a right to prevent us from reaching it, least of all us.

Eliminate the language that allows for excuse

- Not if, but when,
- Not try, but will
- Not hope,but belief

then it will not be a dream, it will be a reality.....live into it!

Please keep in touch.  We'd love to be of assistance and share in your journey.  And, remember, never, never, ever given up!

(((Supportive HHUGGSSSS!!!)))
Ranae

PS - You don't have to implement everything at once ... start with one, do it and then move to the next.  Here to help ... :]

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560272 tn?1311350293
Thanks you 2...........I'm *trying* to ignore the negative feelings both physically and mentally..........it's a constant effort for me to focus on the positive!
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522699 tn?1250590716
Feeling horrible is usually the motivator to make some changes-  but like Peekawho said - don't dwell on the negative feeling -  think on and focus on the positive of changing your size and shape and how you feel about yourself :)
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