inspiration

I just found this site and I love reading your posts. They are so helpful and inspiring. I have lost 200 pounds through diet and exercise and still have about 80 more to go to get to my goal weight. But these last pounds are the hardest to lose. I plateaued for about 6 months but am now losing about 1-2 pounds a week again. Not as fast as I want, but I'll take what I get. I had gained alot of weight in college because of a brain tumor (all is fine now)and then gained more because for about 2-3 years I was depressed because I didn't know why I was gaining this weight. My doctor just said I needed to eat better. Anyway, It can be done without surgery. At my highest, I was a size 34, now I am a size 18. I am however, waiting for a response to see if my insurance company will cover a beltectomy for me so I can get rid of some loose skin. Happy holidays to all. Remeber, always pick yourself up, nothing can stop you if you learn to forgive yourself and trust who you are!

YOU are an inspiration to all of us on the non-op board. You have done an awesome job!!!! You will be at goal in no time. I look forward to sharing this journey with you!!! God Bless!

You go, girl! I love reading posts like this! And you're right -- it can be done without surgery. People just need to give themselves a chance. Hope your holiday is blessed!

Katy, I am so impressed and jealous and thrilled - all emotions wound up together at reading how well you are doing. 200 pounds, that is a very special accomplishment. I'm thrilled you posted here. Sorry about the brain tumor and glad that all is fine now. Certainly that and depression don't help to keep us on the straight and narrow. But you've managed to turn yourself around. What kind of diet are you following? What do you find has helped you be successful? I'm reading and posting on this site regularly to keep my goals central. I can't wait to be in the position to think about PS, In the meantime I sometimes read the PS forum because there are a lot of issues to think about with PS and it's good to be prepared before you step in the surgeon's office. The other thing I've learned is to get your insurance to pay for PS you have to document problems such as rashes and the various treatments you have used in order to show medical need. Lots of documents help budge insurance companies. Thanks so much for posting, you are my inspiration. Skylar

Hi Skylar, Thanks for your response. You know, I jus****ch what I eat. I'm not on any specific diet, but I cut out fast food and foods I know are not good for me. I eat a lot of salads, chicken and tuna. For snacks I like fruit and veggies. I drink a ton of water. I also add the crystal lite packets to my water. I do basic exercise like walking and water aerobics. You are right about the insurance. Start documenting now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for my insurance. Thanks again for your response. We all have to be eachother's inspiration. It's great to be able to talk with other people in similar cir****tances. What are you doing to lose the weight? Katy

OMG ,,,,,that truly is an inspiration. I cant believe it can be done. That is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! I cant believe 200lbs....i need to lose about that much....i just get thrown off and then it ends it all....u truly are an inspiration......great job...Im very happy for you. I only wish that I can do it. My depression is just getting worse Betsy

Hi Katy, I'm avoiding take away food - that's what has been killing both DH and I. I'm basically eating healthy, home cooked food and following a simple exchange diet - so many cups of veggies, so many ounces of protein etc. I'm some where in the 1600-1800 calorie range right now and I'm losing 2 pounds a week. At some point I'll have to drop the calories and up the exercise to keep losing. I can tell you I'm enjoying my food, always feel full and never feel that I'm denying myself and I just feel normal. It also helps that DH loves my home cooking. Skylar

WOW! You are truly amazing! I am new to this site. I am 260lbs and need to get down to a healthy 140lb. I am only 5ft tall, so you can imagine how my body feels. How much do you walk? I do a lot of walking in the hospital *I'm an ultrasound student/slave to whatever hospital I am assigned to* and still managed to not only feel awful at the end of the day, but not lose weight. How did you overcome your cravings for the bad stuff? I can use as many pointers as possible! I figured it you can overcome all that, so can I!

Rahel, I think the hardest thing is to just get started - to wrap your head around the fact that whatever you are currently doing that is unhealthy just has to stop. The other thing I've found is not to go too low in your calories which will make you feel hungry and miserable - and sure to drop the diet in a short time. I'm eating right now 1600 to 1800 calories and loosing - I don't feel deprived or hungry and I'm eating a large range of foods so I don't get bored or stuck in a rut. We can all do it, we just need to start - and keep going. Be introspective and think about what are your real problems - and look for healthy food choices and activities to avoid getting into your bad traps. For example, if you always snack at night - plan a healthy alternative and have it ready to go and toss out all the junk food so you aren't tempted. I'm sure others have other great ideas that I'd love to read. Skylar

Hi Rahel, I think you are lucky that you have walking already built into your day. You should get a step counter for yourself. That way you can see how much you actually walk and increasingly set some goals each day,week, month for yourself. (It actually becomes fun trying to see if you can increase your number of steps.) You sound so busy with your work and being a student. I work and am going back to school too, so I understand cravings and time restrictions. I found that planning my menu and exercise plan for the week every Sunday (or whatever day works for you) really really helped me. I make my lunch the night before and pack whatever snacks I will need as well. That way I'm not as tempted to cheat or buy something that's not as good for me because I'm on the run. And , if I have my walking/exercise time scheduled into my day already, I'm more likely to actually follow through and do it. I try to walk 4-6 times a week on my treadmill. And gum is a lifesaver for me. I'm one of those people that eat when I'm under pressure, stressed or just becuase there happens to be a cookie there, and having a stick of gum in my mouth really helps. I carry a liter of water with me everywhere and am constantly drinking. That helps with cravings. If you add a crytal lite packet it only adds 10-20 calories and I find I drink a lot more water and I'm not as hungry. (My doctor said it's fine to add those packets. It still counts as water/fluid intake.) As you lose weight too, cravings for certain foods stop. For example, I still like to eat a McD's cheeseburger, but I don't want one everytime I pass a McD's now. I don't even think about it anymore. When you change what you eat, your tastes and cravings change. It's hard at first, but it does get better, espeically when you try on clothes and they fit differently or you drop a size instead of increasing a size. Wow, what a feeling. You can do it! Katy