Hello Skittles - I too am older than you -38- and have been fat FOREVER. My whole family (mom, dad, bro) is overweight. But, my hubby and children are not - I've tried very hard to raise active, healthy children. I didn't want them burdened with what I have. Anyway, I personally do not have the strength within myself to lose weight - I've tried and tried. FOR ME, I know it's going to have to be God who gives me His strength and breaks me free from this fat. When I'm truly leaning on Him, I do much better and the food doesn't pull as much. I know I have to exercise too - I have found some exercise that I enjoy - I do clogging and I love it. I'm trying to use my Wii-fit too - put on a movie and do stepping. Are you and your mother close? If so, since she has done well, she could certainly help and be an inspiration. Hopefully we all can help each other - we need lots of posters! Let's get this forum as busy as the surgery ones!! Oh, also I find using my children's plates helps me to eat less - no seconds either. I can't do low-carb, I am a total witch if I restrict my eating that way - so, I'm just really trying to restrict my portions, and lose a pound a week - which is totally doable IF I get my rear in gear. Have a wonderful day! Blessings, Stacy

I grew up without Fast Food.  Soda & "junk food" was not allowed in our home.  Guess what?  I was still the fat kid.  I have three older brothers - none of whom grew up fat - same diet, even less exercise than this fat kid.

Some of the weight is medical - you spoke of diabetes.  Much of the weight is bad eating habits.  After "growing up," at age 19, I discovered McDonalds would make a Big Mac just lettuce & cheese (I hate all the other stuff).  Ugh!  In the age of Fast Food, Dashboard Dining, I saw my already fat body turn super morbidly obese.  I don't have diabetes, but I am also ridiculously obese.

I do NOT drink sodas - diet or otherwise.  I allow myself once in a while a Fast Food meal - it is usually Taco Bell Fresco Meal.  I cook from scratch - staying away from "prepared" foods.  It is a tough row to hoe, but if you keep positive, you will become a healthy version of you - without surgery.

Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!  Even if it is just parking your car further from wherever you are going.  Doing my trips up & down stairs in your home (or wherever).  Taking an evening walk to clear your head.  Movement is the key to getting your body working with you - not against you.

I weigh over 400 pounds, but I still swim laps at a local pool three times a week.  I walk at a local park - laps, even when people look at me for being huge.  It is difficult to face the World, but I think hiding out from it would be worse.  I used to play sports, go dancing all the time, I was learning how to waterski (I weighed high 200's) when I destroyed my leg.  The only thing that will keep me in bed is a coma - or death.  I hope I can get my weight into a healthy range, that is why I get out of bed every morning.

Take those children of yours to the park - and PLAY with them.  I did.  I was in the low 300 range when I had a wagon hooked to my bicycle to take them to & from school.  Played soccer with my girls and participated as a volunteer in their classroom.  You may not see a size 2, but you can be healthy at a size 22.

Stop looking at the scale & look at your overall health.  If you decide WLS is for you, that's fine.  If you decide you aren't ready for it (I did, a few years ago), then work on being the healthiest you, possible.

Good luck!  For me, I am finally decided I am going forward with surgery.  Surgery is NOT a cure, just a tool.  If you've never heard of TOPS, it is a non-profit club for supportive weight loss.

Brenda  : )~

Hello :) I am new to this site and only half way considering surgery. I am 21 years old,  5 foot 2 and 307 pounds. Obesity runs in my family, but no one in my family has had surgery. My mother dieted and exercised for 2 years and lost of her weight and went from 280 lbs to 160 lbs. I was hoping that some of you could give me advice on diet and exercise. Really, in all honesty, I am looking for support without surgery. Im looking for people I can turn to when I feel like giving up that will encourage me to keep going. I have been trying to lose weight for a year and everytime I try, I give up becuase I have no one to push me to keep going. No one to give me strength to continue. I am tired of being obese. I just want help.

Where does anyone find the stregth to keep going?

-Skittles

 Good job on the 1.5 lb loss! hope your kiddo's are feeling better soon!