weight loss support?

[mountainpuddles]

I would like to join in too!! Last Wednesday, I went to the Breast Cancer Fundraiser and Emily with her guitar sang her love song that was sooo cute. A line was something like this, "I go to the gym one hour a day because everyday you see me naked in the shower". Sorry if I am butchering the lyric but it was so cute.


I would like this to be a public discussion. Thanks B.

[Thistle]

Also, a pair of helpful questions that I think I might have picked up from Oprah some time back -

1)What am I feeling?
2)What do I need?

ok, had a couple of really frustrating days... so i'll try this.

I am feeling really pissed off with one of my co-workers who is incredibly moody and takes it out on me. She stopped talking to me (for about the 1000th time) a couple of weeks ago and another co-worker asked me yesterday why i'd stopped talking to her???? Given the other co-worker has complained many times about her moodiness and the "no talkies" treatment, i feel pretty damn fed up. So i guess that's it, i feel really really fed up.

What do i need? i dunno. Maybe just to be here on this forum with good people reading about something i love and having that distraction. Am going for a walk across campus to see some people who dont treat me this way, and the ride home always helps. I just dont understand why people have to be such bullies.

Sorry for the rant... but maybe it will help.

[mountainpuddles]

Hi Gals. I know for me it is easy to have a weight loss buddy. I was thinking if someone wants to be my offline buddy who would like/needs to lose 10 lbs. If you are up for losing 10 drop me a pm. B.

[limewave]

I'm going to chime in with this discussion group too. I need to lose about 20 lbs *sigh*

I had always been overweight and in college ballooned over 300lbs. I felt left out of everything. My friends were dating, shopping, hiking in the mountains and doing cool things that I never thought I could do. With an unhealthy combination of depression and desperation I began counting my calories and exercising. I was so hard on myself that for an entire year I never (and I mean NEVER) ate a meal that I didn't prepare. I exercised EVERY day and never, ever, ever ate more than 1400 calories. At one time I got down to 900 calories. But I realized that I stopped losing weight and had no energy to exercise. I cared more about losing weight than eating less, so I gradually increased my calories back up to 1400. That was 5 years ago.

Anyways, I got help. I'm not depressed anymore, but I also eat more! And I've put on a stubborn 20lbs that my doctor said really should go. So, I'm back to counting my calories but I have a fear of putting myself in that obsessive state again. Hopefully I can find a good balance and we can all help support each other.

[mtbdarby]

Wow, so many inspiring stories and so many of us struggling.....

I've been up and down all my life. I was a chubby kid and my 3 older sisters always called me fat. I lost 28 pounds in 5th grade. Stayed at a weight/height proportion until the freshman 15. It's been a battle since then. After my baby 4 years ago I used the Power 90 program and dropped 25 pounds. This last winter saw the return of the final 15 and now I'm disgusted with myself.

I have a thyroid problem - Graves. I'm off of meds but with my last labs it looks like I'm going to go hypO. I'm terrified I will blow up like a balloon if I go hypo and my endo is no help. I'm also getting over a hand injury and just getting back on my bike so I really feel out of shape. I would love a buddy to keep me in check, on track and motivated!

[ReneeLynne]

WeightWatchers Online is the best. You don't have to go to meetings, and they don't make your menu for you like eDiets (eDiets is great, but they make a whole new menu for you instead of teaching you how to modify you're current menu). So I had better luck with WW Online. www.weightwatchers.com. It's like $17/month. Lost over 18 lbs and it was pretty easy. People kept asking me how I did it and I've referred them all there. Plus, you get to count your cycling and eat more in compensation, so it really rewards you for exercise!!!!

[Dogmama]

WeightWatchers Online is the best. You don't have to go to meetings, and they don't make your menu for you like eDiets (eDiets is great, but they make a whole new menu for you instead of teaching you how to modify you're current menu). So I had better luck with WW Online. www.weightwatchers.com. It's like $17/month. Lost over 18 lbs and it was pretty easy. People kept asking me how I did it and I've referred them all there. Plus, you get to count your cycling and eat more in compensation, so it really rewards you for exercise!!!!

A good friend of mine lost 35 pounds and is still going. She tried everything & WW seems to work for her. She isn't a cyclist (75 years old) and walking is her main form of exercise. She is a gourmet cook and has found some great recipes, friendships, etc.

[jusdooit]

I like so many of us have difficulty maintaining my weight. I lost about 40lbs ten years ago. I did this by going to the gym 5 days a week, doing cardio and weights. I also modified my diet by cutting ALL sweets. And as was pointed out all things in moderation. Now I stay within 10lbs of my desired weight. My suggestion is to consult a registered dietician (NOT a "nutricianist). An RD can help you find out your exact needs and give you good healthy advice and direction. I do not believe in fad dieting. Other than cutting sweets I ate (and continue to eat) whatever I choose. And yes that does include pasta. The idea that you need to cut carbs and add protein is a falacy. Your body needs carbs (ie your brain will not function without sufficient glucose available). And protein doesn't help build muscle, using the muscle builds muscle. Actually, consuming more protein than your body can efficiently use can contribute to weight gain (not to mention it's hard on your kidneys).

Also might I suggest not getting too carried away with monitoring your weight numbers. Muscle weighs more than fat, so pay closer attention to how your clothes fit, it's a better gage.

Don't look at this as a diet, but rather a choice for a healthier lifestyle.

Finally.............hang in there ladies...........you can do it!!!!!

[makbike]

I'd too would love a buddy. I've dropped 14 pounds so far and would love to drop a final 6 (I have a feeling these are going to be the most difficult). When I hit my goal I know I'll need someone to "check-in" with, too offer words of encouragement, and yes to readjust my attitude when I decide it is too hard (gosh now I sound like my students )

I've been following the WW diet since the first of June 2006 and have had a lot of success with it. However, I also know I need to exercise for at least an hour each day to keep the numbers on the scale moving downward.

Darby, I too suffer from hypothyroidism but I must admit I have a wonderful supportive endocrinologist. When I saw him back in May my levels were well within the normal range but my weight was up. He simply told me I knew what I needed to do so there was no need to lecture. He so added that he felt certain when he saw me in 6 months I would prove him right. It is always nice to have someone believe in you regardless of who they are or how well you know them. I always walk away from my check-ups with him feeling good about myself - positive words are great medicine for the heart and soul!

So, if someone would like a weightloss buddy let me know.

Have a restful weekend!

Marcie

[Thistle]

My suggestion is to consult a registered dietician (NOT a "nutricianist). An RD can help you find out your exact needs and give you good healthy advice and direction.
Finally.............hang in there ladies...........you can do it!!!!!

thanks for this advice. I have an appointment with a dietitian on monday. have been given so much conflicting advice, i thought i'd go to someone who's studied the area. hope it works... things are really hard right now.

[solobiker]

Hi there, I too would like a weight loss buddy. I have tried so hard to lose about 15 pounds. When I was training for a marathon I didn't drop one pound. I was eating reasonably, about 1400 a day. Although I do have a sweet tooht. hehe. I of course do a lot of riding and can't seem to lose that little bit of weight. I do have hypothyroidism and my levels are within normal limits. It would be great to have "partner" or support of a "buddy" as my DH doesnt have to worry, he was graced with a fast metabolism.

[Dogmama]

thanks for this advice. I have an appointment with a dietitian on monday. have been given so much conflicting advice, i thought i'd go to someone who's studied the area. hope it works... things are really hard right now.

Please post what he/she says. I think we could all use the straight info.

[Bad JuJu]

I'd like to consult a dietician too, but how do you find one? And when you find them, how do you research their "track record"--that is, how do you look for a good one? And what can you expect from them when you meet?

Lots of questions, I know, but I'm struggling like never before with excess weight--maybe it's menopause. I need to talk to someone who can make reliable suggestions and help me follow them. TIA for any advice on this score.

[Thistle]

Will post the advice she gives me. I understand the difficulty finding one. I asked one of the guys at work who has lost, and kept off, about 40 kilos.

When I rang her, she seemed ok, hard to tell on the phone though. She asked why i wanted to see her - which i thought showed some interest in me - and when I told her i was getting conflicting advice, she said she might be able to help. She also said the balance between protein and carbohydrates can be very personal, so bear that in mind with the info I post. What suits me may not suit others.

I see her tomorrow, so I'll post an update. Hopefully she'll be good, if not, well i guess i'll just have to try another one

[kjay]

I probably shouldn't be adding my two cents here because I haven't read through all the posts, but just want to say that ever since I've been in my postmenopausal years, the only thing that has helped me to lose weight was bicycling five hours a day every day (on a bike tour). I lost three pounds and ate enough for energy and nutrition. Otherwise, it's next to impossible for me to lose. Not a happy thought, is it? . . . unless, of course, one lives to ride and has the time as well.