Anyone need to lose 100+ pounds??

[Shatani]

or have you already??? how do you/did you take that first step and STAY motivated??
~T~

[stacy]

When I started working out in July, I was 267. My goal is 150 (about 117 pounds lost). My husband leaving me was the final impetus. I realized that I needed to start loving myself even if no one else (besides Jehovah and Jesus Christ) did. I started working out and eating less. I've lost about 24 pounds so far (down to 243). Today, I started taking Phentermine, but I'm not seeing any effects yet. I stay motivated because I simply do not want to be the same person I've been for the past 12 years. I do not even recognize the person I see in the mirror. I want the real person that is developing inside to reflect on the outside. I have to push myself every single day, but I still get up and keep pushing on. When I work out, I sometimes close my eyes and visualize how I will look at my ideal weight. I also have certain people I identify with that are my inspirations (as far as how they look physically). I also peruse weight loss message boards to read other success stories. But the motivation certainly has to come from within. HTH

[Tai]

I'm in that same club.

I had managed to get half way to my goal before (lost 55 lbs and regained it over a year and a half). Depression is my worst enemy because when I don't feel good about myself, it shows up all over my body.

What got me to take it off the first time and what will help me now is internal motivation. My blood pressure is getting high again and I don't look the way I feel. I feel young, attractive, and sexy but my body looks old, unattractive, and there's not much sexy about my body at all. I also had a fool proof environment. No junk food, no fatty foods, no fast food. The only fast food that I allowed myself was from middle eastern restaurants and I normally got chicken salad or chicken breast shish kabob. I also tried to take my WL in smaller increments. I didn't think about needing to lose 120 lbs. I focused on trying to lose 10 lbs a month, every month. Journalling, for me, is also important.

Maybe we can form a support group here for those of us with 50-100+ lbs to lose.

[webby]

I am down to losing my last 25-30 pounds. I gained 90 pounds during my pregnancy and it was TORTURE! My back killed me, my feet hurt constantly, I moved like a turtle. I went from 210lbs to my current weight of about 145 (sometimes I retain water, so I weigh in up to 3 pounds heavier).

I could not work out really hard, because I was nursing my son, but I'm going to start going back to the gym now since my milk recently dried up. My biggest source of motivation was my financial advisor; she showed pics of when she delivered her son. She was over 200 pounds too and lost ALL of the weight. She looks fabulous.

I watched what I ate; ate very strictly during the work week and enjoyed treats on the weekend. I really messed up over Christmas and I'm not doing too great this week, but I feel renewed in my dedication to lose weight. My son turns 8 months today. That leaves me 1 month to lose as much as possible.

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

I need to lose 80 pounds. I lost 20 and hope and pray I havent put it back on. I'm scared to weigh myself for fear that I've gained the twenty back plus some. My plan is to start the new year off right. I'm planning to lose at least three dress sizes, I dont know how much weight that will be but I do know a little loss is better than none. I plan to increase my water intake also.

[Leslie_C]

my highest weight I had gotten up to was 235 pounds. I got down to 160 pounds this time last year, whi was a total loss of 75 pounds. my goal was 150 but I looked pretty good at 165 bc Im tall and large framed. I was in a comfortable 12 or TIGHT 10 which is about right for me plus I was toned bc I worked out like a maniac and taught aerobics so I wasnt sloppy, I was solid looking.

Its funny that anger can be such a motivating factor bc it was my breakup with my ex that had me determined to lose the weight and look great so I could run into him and see his jaw drop...lol. After a while the anger wore off and by then the results were enough to keep me going. It took me about a year to a year and a half to get all the weight off.

In the past year Ive had so many changes, moved to two different places, got back into a relationship,started nursing school etc...and slowly fell into my old habits of not exercising and overeating. My fiance is a big guy, hes 6'8" and around 280 or so...so needless to say he can EAT. that makes it hard for me not to overeat too bc he eats so much more that it doesnt seem like too much when Im eating it. so in about the last 6 months I have gained quite a bit of weight.

But I have recently recommited myself for fitness and weight loss and am determined to lose the weight Ive gained and even if I never get back to 150, at least maintain my weight at around 160-165. I felt comfortable and no chubby at that size.

All I can say is dont look for a quick fix, it wont happen overnight, but over time u will look better and better and there should be nothing stopping u...as u lose more and more weight it will keep u going. exercise was the key for me as well. HTH and good luck! u can do anything u set your mind to!

[redeemed516]

I weigh at almost 200 lbs (probably just a couple of ounces away) I gained about 45-50 lbs while pregnant. I don't really have a goal weight, but I want to be a comfortable size 6. I really can't go by weight. Before pregnancy i was 165 but I have always been an athletic person so i hope that the weight was from muscle.

[nicagirl1970]

I am in this same boat too and I am so ashamed and depressed...I went to the Dr a week ago and they couldn't even register my weight..on my chart she noted 350+. I really dont know what to do anymore

[Shatani]

I am in this same boat too and I am so ashamed and depressed...I went to the Dr a week ago and they couldn't even register my weight..on my chart she noted 350+. I really dont know what to do anymore
(((((((((nicagirl))))))))

i know you need a hug cuz i need one too, girl....the advice thats been given so far is really good and helpful, thank you ladies...

i figure i gotta take it step by step and start with cleaning house when i get back home....i really gotta change my diet and control my portions....and i DEFINITELY need to stop eating for sport....i eat when im bored and i have to stop that and quick! and then i gotta get back to the gym....its just such a long road ahead, i just dont have any faith that i'll make it....where do you all get that??
~T~

[nicagirl1970]

Thanks Shatani :-)..I definetly understand where you are coming from..I have had a lot of personal disappointments over the last few years, and I have used food to try and overcome that..I want to get out of the habit of doing that..

[DDTexlaxed]

I used to weigh 324 lbs. :eek: a year b4 my wedding I successfully fropped 100 lbs working out on and off at Bally's and walking to and fro in town. I went from a size 24/26 to an 18/20. Now I'm at an ampasse. I lack the motivation I had b4 due to a stressful and unmotivating job. I am also older now- 32 and facing what I fear to be a slower and mean to me metabolism. :mad: I want to lose weight and I'm like a beginner again. I need help to see where I should start. I do videos at home usually, but after 2/11/05,( my tonsils have to be removed) I will be on bedrest for prob a month. :spank: Anyone have any tips for me? :(

[darkflame213]

Here is an easy change that will jump start your diet:

don't eat anything with HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP or PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED OILS

This stuff is fake and really bad for you. It's in a lot of stuff (even Bisquick!!!) that is supposed to be good for you.

Check out the following two web sites and the short write up I pasted in the post. Google these terms for more info.

http://www.bantransfats.com/


http://www.westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html




HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND OBESITY

Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

Several recent studies show that drinking large amounts of carbonated beverage is associated with increased risk for obesity and that the extra gain in weight is not due just to the calories in the soft drinks (1,2). Evidently something in soft drinks makes people eat more food than they would otherwise. High fructose corn syrup may be that factor. High fructose corn syrup is the leading swetener in the United States today with 4.5 billion dollars worth sold each year. High-fructose corn syrup first appeared in the American market in 1966, and now the average American takes in 62.6 pounds per year.

Several recent studies have shown that fructose is processed differently in the body than the far more common sugar, glucose (3,4). Glucose causes the pancreas to release insulin which drives sugar from the bloodstream into cells. Glucose causes fat cells to release leptin that makes you feel full so you eat less. Glucose prevents the stomach from releasing ghrelin that makes you hungry. On the other hand, fructose does not cause fat cells to release leptin and does not suppress ghrelin. This means that fructose increases hunger to make you eat more. Furthermore, the liver converts fructose far more readily to a body fat called triglyceride, than it does with glucose. High triglyceride levels raise blood levels of the bad LDL cholesterol and lower blood levels of the good HDL cholesterol, which increases heart attack risk.

Recent data shows that large amounts of fructose cause insulin resistance, impair glucose tolerance, produce high levels of insulin, raise triglycerides, and cause high blood pressure in animals. Not all this data have been replicated in humans, but there is every reason to believe that large amounts of fructose will have the same adverse effects. High-fructose corn syrup is found in almost all soft drinks and fruit beverages and a wide variety of processed foods; check the list of ingredients in the foods you buy.

1)Lancet 2001;357:505-08.

2) European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 1999, Vol 8, Iss 4, pp 289-295.

3) American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 76, No. 5, 911-922, November 2002.

4) Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes 2002 Thema: Poster Diabetes, Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Hormones. p184.

[UmSumayyah]

Yeah high fructose corn syrup is evil, just like MSG.
I don't have that much to lose but the first time I lost weight I did it by

1. portion control, usually knowing exactly what I was going to eat the next day and measuring it out the night before.
2. Staying busy--I was working 2 jobs and only had time to wakeup in the morning, pray, workout, go to work, come home, pack up my lunch for the next day and go to sleep. These days I stay busy with my kids and with hobbies. I actually read having a hobby you love is a good weight-loss aid, because it keeps your minds and hands occupied. Hobbies in which you get into things, i.e. scrapbooking (glue, etc.), painting, home improvement projects, gardening--are especially recommended.
3. I only weighed myself once a month, and took it one small goal at a time. (focusing on 5lbs at a time instead of constantly obsessing over the big picture)
4.Worked out 2x a day some days. Working out more than once a day raises your metabolism. I recently read that 3 10minute spurts of exercise spread out over the day will trim you faster than one 30minute session.
HTH.

[honeisos]

[QUOTE=Natrlchallenge]I used to weigh 324 lbs. :eek: a year b4 my wedding I successfully fropped 100 lbs working out on and off at Bally's and walking to and fro in town. I went from a size 24/26 to an 18/20. Now I'm at an ampasse. I lack the motivation I had b4 due to a stressful and unmotivating job. I am also older now- 32 and facing what I fear to be a slower and mean to me metabolism. :mad: I want to lose weight and I'm like a beginner again. ]

This was me too.. I was size 30/32 ...OH yeah!!! oh no... lol
Now I'm a 22/24 .. I'm so happy now .. and I will get down to a 18/16 by my brithday .. in may ..
My only motivation .. is that fact that I don't want to be Old and fat...
I see this problem in the church and it is scary...
So many sick .. from obesity

it is the cause of so many illnesses..
I follow my own wieght loss plan... I know my body best .. and I do what i can to have good habits...
And I workout... that is a key to feeling better... I have so much energy now..

God bless you ... I know you will be feeling better in no time.. I don't think you should worry about your weight until .. you fully recover...

[Shawnee66]

I currently weigh 255 lbs I need to lose 105 lbs. I couldn't tell the last time I weighed 150 lbs., that is my ultimate goal. For now I set my goal to 10 lbs every month. I try not to stress over my weight because that only makes me depressed and I will lose motivation. I have changed and still changing my diet. I need to start working out but it's been cold and I hate to leave my house when it's cold. I bought a tae bo cardio dvd but haven't been able to motivate myself to do it yet.

[newme2003]

Wow. Hi ladies. i have pretty much been lurking on LHCF for over a year but I finally got past the hair discussion board and saw this thread. I am so happy that there are other women out there who are in the same boat as I am. I currently weigh 245, my highest yet. I would ultimately like to weigh between 130 and 135. I can't honestly say that I have been trying that hard to lose weight.. I just love food (especially junk food). But I went to the doctor recently and he told me that by body percent was in the high 40's and pretty much said that if I didn't start making some changes there would be serious problems in the future. I guess I already knew that on my own but needed to hear the doctor say it before I would be motivated to do something about it. I am married and hearing what a couple of you ladies said about the men in your lives kind of scares me. I am embarrassed to say that my husband does not look at me the way he used to and it hurts and I don't want to hear him tellling me one day that he is leaving me. I truly believe this could happen if I don't get myself together. Well, anyway I just recently invested in exercising equipment (total gym and stationary bike) and have been exercising regularly for the past three weeks. Eating right is still a problem for me. I know how to eat right - it's just hard to when Mcdonalds and those other places keep calling my name. Any additional advice you ladies can offer would be helpful.

[thickness]

You have got to go cold turkey ASAP with the fast food. Once you do that you will definitely see your weight drop. Then gradually start making changes to your regular diet. Everyday try to eat a little less food. For example, if you normally have 3 slices of pizza, try eating only 1-2 slices. Also, add more fresh vegetables and fruits. If you can, try to eliminate all processed foods from your diet. Try to eat a very clean diet. Exercise is also key. Aim for at least 30 min of physical activity 5-6 days per week. If you don't make the dietary changes, make exercise a priority. This will at least stop weight gain and give you a sense of overall well-being. You will also see that once you start to exercise, you will not want to eat the bad stuff because you don't want to see all your efforts go to waste. I have lost some weight by making these changes, but I still have more to lose. Once you change the way you think about food and exercise, your weight will change also. Good luck with your journey! :)

[newme2003]

Thx thickness. As I read more I am getting a lot of ideas that I think will help me. I hear you on the going cold turkey with the fast food. I realize that I am just fooling myself into thinking I can eat healthy for a few days and then have a "little" treat the next day. In truth whats been happening with me is that once i get that treat i want more and i end up having a week long treat. so in my case i realize the only way that i will be able to lose the weight and keep it off would be to eat healthy all the time and to try to adjust my taste buds all together so that my new treats would involve a healthy fruit dessert or something to that effect. Oh well.

[Michelle79]

I'm in the same boat with alot of you ladies......I lost my mother & great-grandmother in less than a 3 year period & I turned to food to comfort me. I'm dieting & exercising now & I've lost about 17 lbs. Let's keep each other motivated.

[newme2003]

Sorry to hear of your lost mikki. Since I posted last time I have made it a habit to eat nothing past 7:30 pm (6:30 would be ideal) I had heard about doing this years ago and had actually seen a guy on tv say this was how he lost his first 30 pounds. I heard them talking about it on Oprah last Monday and decided to give it a try. It was hard the first 2 nights but I'm getting used to it.

WE CAN DO THIS!