Hi, I'm new

Hello everyone. I've been a lurker on this site for years. I don't know why I waited so long to finally post. I'm a 33 year old wife and mother of three girls-- twins that are 10 and a 6 year old. I'm sure my story isn't unlike many others. I've battled weight issues since I was a teenager. Through constant dieting and obsessing, I managed to keep it under control until my 20's. Since then, its been a constant yo-yo. When I had my third child, I stayed home for a year and packed on 80 pounds. Unbelievable, I know. I went back to work, dieted and lost 75 pounds. My husband and I started a business last year, which allowed me to stay home with the kids. Once again, my weight has skyrocketed. I've gained the 75 pounds back, plus 15-- a total of 90 lbs. I'm so sick of it. I've spent my entire adult life in this viscious cycle and I don't see an end in sight. WLS is not an option for me. I never thought I would get to the point that walking up stairs would be difficult. I never thought that I wouldn't be able to go to a movie theatre and sit comfortably in a chair. I have thousands of these "I never thoughts....". I've never missed a school field trip or event, until last year. My girls were getting teased because I was so big. Not fair. I can handle the critism, but my kids shouldn't have to. I decided to forfeit the school events to save my kids from further embarrassment. God, I could go on for days about all of my issues, but I'm sure you guys understand what I'm saying. I have to do something. Today is the day that I am starting over. I simply cannot live like this anymore. I want to live to see my girls graduate from college and go on to have healthy productive lives. I want to live to see my grandchildren. I want, I want, I want. I need support and encouragement. No one in my circle of family or friends is overweight, so they simply do not understand. Sometimes, I can't even believe that my husband is still with me. He's never said an unkind word, but its hard to believe that he still finds me attractive. Anywho, I just wanted to introduce myself, and hopefully get to know some of you. I'm stepping down off of the pity pot now. LOL Thanks for letting me share. Jen

Hi Jen, Welcome! You will find this is a great spot for encouragement, ideas or just a place to vent. I look forward to hearing how you are doing! Ann

welcome welcome welcome even if u leave u come back LOL

Good morning Jen, I hope you're able to find the support you need here. I certainly never realized how many people out there were feeling the same as me! Good luck on your journey, Juli

Hi Jen! Welcome to the non-op board! I commend you on making the decision to better your life. Whether it's done surgically, or "traditionally", either way it's a lifelong COMMITTMENT to a healthy-you! I'm excited to have someone else join the ranks of us non-ops... and I hope you find this place to be as beneficial as it is! There are so many people with so many different ideas... I have no doubt that through us all, you can find your way! Best of luck to you... hope to hear back from you again!! ~CJ 250/155/140

Thank you all so much. I would have replied sooner, but I'm keeping my nephews this week, and well, five kids is enough to keep anyone hopping. LOL I'm trying to read profiles and maybe gain some insight and learn a thing or two. I am trying to find some way to exercise that won't be so hard on my knees right now. In a slimmer world, I'd head straight to the park and walk the track, but I need to strengthen my legs first. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have a pool, and I spend a few hours a day in it with the kids, (with a big t-shirt on, of course) LOL, but I was wondering if anyone has some ideas for water exercising? I plan on sticking around and asking a lot of questions. You guys may get tired of my yapping. Thanks again for taking the time to reply to me. I really appreciate it. xoxo Jen

Hi Jen... I used to have knee problems when I first started out, as well. What happens is this: Your weight bearing joints (i.e., knees) are weakend because of bearing all the weight in combination with a lack of excersize. Now, the knees themselves are made up of tendons, ligaments, and muscle. When we feel knee pain, it's usually stress on the ligaments because the muscles are jell-o and don't have enough strenght to support the weight. The best way to combat this problem is by strengthening the leg muscles themselves.. the one's that support the knee (thigh muscles, quads & hamstrings). But before you do any sort of activity, make sure your stretch out every part of your body from head to toe. I began doing it, and my goodness my legs have come SO far. It's very easy too. One excersize is while laying down or sitting, just putting a pillow under your knee, and raising your foot/straightening your leg -- push the backside of your knee INTO the pillow. Hold for 5 seconds and do about 15-20 of those... very easy, and strengthens your knees without putting any strain on them. I have a whole bunch more knee excersizes if you're interested. I would definately suggest strengthening those muscles to avoid the knee pain. Excersize is a key part of this journey. Perhaps even meet with a personal trainer and see what he/she suggests you do at home/in your pool. Let me tell you, personal trainers are WONDERFUL. I met with mine 2 times... that's it.... TWICE and in those two sessions alone, she got me to where I am today. I strongly encourage you to see one... they are miracle workers, if you're willing!! ~CJ

Hi Jen, Welcome to the nonop board. Something you said made me think back and remember so vividly and painfully my experiences with my kids. I remember back when my son was about 7 and he got off the school bus. As we were walking home he said "the boy on the bus said you were fat." And I was, very fat. Over 350 pounds for almost 16 years. My son is now turning 17 and I am not longer 350 pounds, but those memories will be vivid. I can't tell you how many times I skipped an event, be it a wedding, a funeral or a family gathering, because of my weight. I was the only fat person in my family. Others fought a few pounds, but nobody hit my weight, not even my fat aunt! I was at least 60 pounds heavier than even her. We can and will offer you support here, but we will also issue honesty when asked for. I think that is a good combination in order to succeed!!! Read profiles, see how many who have succeeded or continue to succeed are doing in their journies. I for one will never be fat again, regardless of the mountains of statistics that state that I will. Come in and join. Donna