Introduction

I've been lurking on this forum for several weeks now. Thought I would jump in and introduce myslef. I've decided not to have surgery, for many reasons. I am wanting to loose weight in a serious way and in mid-December started exercising with a personal trainer 3x a week for 1/2 hour (he told me I wasn't up to more than that). I go to the gym and walk on the treadmill 3 other days a week for 1/2 hour. I am definitely feeling better - more energy and mentally. Too soon to see any real body changes yet. I've lost 12 pounds. This is definitely going to be a long, slow process. My goal is not be to thin. My goal is to be more flexible, mobile and to be able to do whatever activity I want to or to go to any restaurant, theater, etc. and not worry if I will fit into the seats. My goal is also to fit comfortably into 1 airline seat and not have to purchase 2 tickets. Nice to meet you all. Karen

Hi Karen and welcome! I'm glad you decided to introduce yourself and share with us. I can't say my goal is not "to be thin" but I have more at stake as well. I want to be alive and active for my 7 year old daughter, and my two grandchildren. I want to be able to get a job and support myself and my daughter. I want, also, to be able to fly again without having to suffer the humiliation of being asked to purchase two seats! So many things..... ...........so many pounds! I look forward to hearing more from you! Kandy

"My goal is not be to thin" - Kandy I agree, I said this very badly! What I was trying to say - My goal is to be fit and healthy. I don't believe I will ever weigh 150 lbs. (thin). I would be very, very happy if I could function without my knees hurting, fit into chairs at arms at restaurants and only buy 1 plane ticket when I travel. Those are my goals. I hope that makes more sense. If my goal was not to be thin, well I've certainly already achieved that one! LOL. Karen H.

Karen, You did not say it badly and I hope I did not cause you any offense when I replied! I certainly didn't mean to! Of course, I'd be lying if I said I didn't WANT to be thin....I look at old pics of me at 154 pounds every day..........I'd love to look like that again! One day at a time............. Kandy

Thank you, Karen, for joining us Non-Ops. All of us, for many reasons, are also going back to basics, and working to lose our weight on our own. You'll find lots of support here; many wise, wonderful and supportive people on this messageboard. Some us are involved in an exercise challenge, in which we challenge ourselves (not each other) to set an exercise goal for the day, week, or even the month, and then come here daily to post how it went. It's great to see what people are eating, so we've also started a "what did you eat today" string. We can learn so much from one anothers ups and downs. Just yesterday, it was suggested that we track our weight weekly. You don'thave to put down your weight if you don't want to---you can let us know how much weight you've lost that week, and what you're doing to make it happen. We try to be pretty active on this board. I really hope you'll come and post frequently, or at the very least, pop in to read up on what all these brave women are doing to cut the fat out of their lives. There are no right ways; no wrong ways. You'll find support in anything you deem positive for you to begin your journey to a healthier you. Most of us aren't shy. I'll say I weigh 250# today; and I want to get to 175# when the time is right. The numbers don't mean much, and no one will make you feel self concious about your weight. WE are all equals here; no matter what our weight. No one will judge you if you're 900 pounds, or if you're nearing the end of the hard fight and weigh 130 pounds: we're all in this together!! Let us know if we can do anything for you. If you see a post about exercise challenge, or what food we ate today, feel free to reply and fill us in on what you're trying. Or, if you need some help in developing a healthy eating plan: let out a yell!!! We'll do what we can to help!! Welcome to our little slice of acceptance heaven. Jessica

Hi Karen, Welcome to our little group. You will definately get the motivation and the support you need here. Just stick to your program and you will meet your goals. You said it will be a long, slow process, but I have to say that the time certainly does go quickly. I enjoyed every moment of my weight loss phase. It is very satisfying to see those scales move down. I am in maintenance right now. The journey is for a lifetime; it really only just begins after you loose the weight. Good luck to you. Lynette

Hi Karen, Welcome! I don't think I can say any more that hasn't already by said very well by the others! This is a great site and has been a HUGE help. My thoughts are with you. Ann

Hi Karen Welcome! I also decided against WLS. I'm giving myself one last shot at losing the weight without surgery. Yes, I also have the same goals. I don't need to be skinny. I do hope to be able to fit where ever the heck I want to fit. Be it a restaurant booth, airplane seat, my car without the seat belt thingy sticking into my arse. Just not having to consider "will I fit" will be a pleasure. Congrats on getting a trainer, and on your exercising. I wish you lots of success. I'm about 14-ish weeks into my plan. I've only lost about 40 pounds so far, but I do feel much better already. I'm walking and swimming 5 days a week and following a strict food plan. I will consider myself a success, if in September 2006, I go to the back to school night for my youngest son (he'll be in 10th grade in Sept) and not have to stand in the back of the classroom. Last year I couldn't fit in the desk and I thought I would die of humiliation. Anyway, welcome again and keep in touch, Laurel

Karen, as you can see from the replies, this is an awesome group. Jessica, Lynette and Diva217 are among my heroines. I started at about your BMI. I was unable to walk more than two blocks then, so you're already doing better than I was when I started this journey. You'll find that unlike on the post-ops board, everyone here knows that exercise is NOT optional. I also applaud your sensibility in not wanting to be thin, but hoping to restore your health and quality of life. If one looks only at my BMI, I'm still classified as obese. But I don't look like I weigh more than 200, I don't move like I weigh more than 200, and I don't feel like I weigh more than 200 pounds. I'm active and energetic, I walk for miles, and I no longer need a seat belt extender when I fly. I even bought a smaller car last year because I no longer needed the minivan. Keep coming back, we will support and inspire you. Best of luck. Kasey 365/210 (nonop)