How to get started!

Girls,
I'm in a delimma (sp?). I'm 5 weeks post and 100lbs overweight!
Something has happened that has made me realize that I would have a much better quality of life if I'd get rid of some of this weight. I've had the hyster so now to the next step. I'm 40 yrs old, married with 3 kids. I work full-time. I'm tired of excuses. I've done this for way too long. Lose a little, gain a lot!

Bottom line is that I've been on every program there is. I'm having a problem with first of all, 100lbs to lose! I'm 5'7 and have always carried my weight well until after my 3rd child and I ballooned 40+ pounds. I've also had a problem with depression the last 10 yrs and have suffered from meds that made you gain! Which in actuality, it was me who made me gain the weight! There just seems so much at stake here that I'm a little overwhelmed!

Since this has been such an awesome site, I know that you all can help me to put this in perspective. I go back to work next week and want to get my life in order! It's gone past a vanity thing now, it's just plain unhealthy! I'd be happy to get 50lbs off at this point! HELP!

Thanks,
Janie

Dear Janie,

I found myself in a simular situation four years ago. I am 5'8" and weighed 200 pounds. I was in constant pain from my hips and thought at 44 I was too young for this. I didn't want to feel old so young. I started changing my diet ( Dr Weil's 8Weeks to Optimun Health) and started walking. I slowly progressed to running and to a vegetarian diet. The whole point is slowly. Make small changes you will continue forever. I have totally changed my lifestyle. I am now at a good weight ,140 and feel great. I have NO hip pain. I had a tah and bso in July of this year and I started exercising again slowly and resumed my running at 6 weeks. I think the only way to successfully loose weight and keep it off it to continually make small changes you can continue forever. Since you have recently had your surgery be sure not to push yourself to fast. Slow and steady wins to race.

Lisa F

Well said Lisa F.

Janie. Old habits are hard to change. You will have to change your way of thinking to help you become a healthy weight.
You have stated that it is unhealthy weight. Good that you accept that. You are already headed in the right direction.
Do this for yourself, first. Do not look at it as a diet. Look at it as a new life style.
May I suggest a recipe book. Fat Free Living, by Jyl Steinback. Verrrrrry tasty food. You shop at your usural supermarket for the ingredients too.
I have a friend that was over 300 pounds and has lost 108 and kept it off for one year. Now she is ready to try to lose 50 more. and keep it off for life. She looks much better and is much more healthy.
I'm sure with all the hystersisters for you , you will be able to do it. Best wishes and ers for your good health.

Dear Lisa and Lolubu,
Thanks so much for giving me just enough info to help change my perspective on this problem!!! I agree that getting healthy should be my goal and not so much what the scales have to say.

I looked up Dr. Weil's website, Lisa. It has some great info on it and I'm going to take a better look at it! Lolobu, I am going to look for the book. I have a book by Cooper and Cooper named Low Fat Living. It has some great recipes too!

I have found that I medicate with food. I've got to get that taken care of. I am only 4 months into my 40th year. I don't want to go any farther like this! You gals have given me a place to start looking instead of the scales!!

Thanks so much!
Janie

You can do it Janie! I lost 30 lbs. last year on my own just by walking daily whether on the tread mill or outdoors at lunch time. I get an hour lunch from work. I just started by cuttin out the sweets and then by cutting my portion size. Well, since my TAH on Aug. 17th 2001, I gained back 15 lbs.

So, Now I'm joining Jenny Craig just for two months..I need to see some of the weight dissapear and then I'll quit the program and start doing eating better and walking again on my own. I need to do something, because I get depressed when I'm overweight plus diabetes runs strongly on my mom's side of the family, and I don't want to get that disease. I want to be healthy. I know you can do it Janie. If we don't want to look good for ourselves, we can't do it for others. You need to empower yourself to look the best you can! Life is short and believe me, I'd love to wear a shirt TUCKED in again. I'm going for it, and I'll pray that you will too. God bless you Janie, and I believe in you.

Connie Jean

Connie Jean,
Sounds like a good plan to me! Seems simple too! Sometimes it's hard for me to see the forest for the trees! Thanks for your prayers. I need them right now!!!

Janie