6st+ to lose, and taken the plunge today!

[BreakfastEpiphanies]

After spending most of my adult life with a weight of around 147lbs (10st 7lbs), which is a healthy weight and BMI for my height of 5'7'', I took the plunge today and stepped on the scales for the first time in three years.

I now weigh in at 237.4lbs (16st 13.4lbs). I knew things had been getting out of hand - but I had no idea how badly!

As a college and university student, I went running most days of the week and took part in half-marathons. I ate sensibly (although I've always had a sweet tooth), mostly because I was determined not to fall into the eating patterns of my mother who has been overweight her entire life and is clearly quite miserable about it.

After graduating from university I went on to study for a postgraduate degree. I absolutely HATED the shabby, cheap student halls I was placed in but it was the only accommodation I could afford. I was also living hundreds of miles away from my fiancé at the time. To compensate, I started obsessively overexercising and controlling what I ate. This was absolutely no fun, and I missed out on much of the social aspect of my postgraduate studies.

I was then successful in getting a brilliant job at a prestigious institution in London - but everything sort of went downhill from there really! I'm a country girl at heart, and the hustle, anonymity and expense of London really got me to me. My fiancé got a job in London too, and as we couldn't afford to go out I completely went the other way from overexercising and just spent every night on the sofa watching TV and chomping cheap junk food. My fiancé has a big appetite, but is a slim/muscular man who does not really put on weight. I was kidding myself that I could eat the same size portions as him.

Eventually I was diagnosed with depression. I didn't have the motivation to do anything about my lifestyle - not even for my wedding last year. I still can't bring myself to look at the photos from the day. Everyone else looks lovely, and I just look like a big fat white blob in the middle of it.

Last month my husband was offered a job in Edinburgh, close to where he grew up. I love living here, and it's SUCH a relief not to be in London. Edinburgh is pretty health-focused, and there are plenty of cheap gyms, yoga studios, bike paths and hiking trails in Holyrood Park and the surrounding countryside.

I'm tired of being embarrassed about my body, and I figure NOW is the time to make a change! So, I've made a promise and a commitment to myself to do the following:

• Use MFP to log my food, and aim for 1200 - 1500 calories a day.
  
• Use the NHS Couch to 5K app at the gym (I'm too ashamed to run in public!) to get back into running.
  
• Use the Fitbit my lovely, supportive husband bought me to try and hit at least 8,000 steps a day.
  
• Weigh myself once a week to keep on track.
  

I have a huge amount of weight to lose - 90lbs (around 6.5st) - but I'm going to start with small goals and keep a track of my progress on here in this wonderful community! Does anybody fancy joining me?

Starting weight: 237.4lbs (16st 13.4lbs)
Goal weight: 147lbs (10st 7lbs)

Thank you so much for reading if you got this far!

[LemonPied]

Read and run post I'm afraid as I'm about to start work! But they should bottle your motivation and positivity, you sound completely switched on :)

[BreakfastEpiphanies]

Oh my goodness Lemonpied that is so kind of you to say! I definitely haven't felt motivated and positive about this for a very long time - which usually led to crying episodes and a whole bag of chocolate cookies!

I figure a fresh start will be good though, and I've already done the damage so crying's no use. Best to just get started!

Thank you again

[Buttercup27]

well done ! You have to start somewhere so today might as well be the day. Good luck.
I found putting a photo of myself at my largest on the fridge really helped with will power, also the nhs portion control plate picture helped when planning meals and serving smaller portions.
Also using a smaller plate made me feel better when dishing up my food as it looked as though I was still eating the same amount as dh as my plate was full.
I managed 3 st in a year.
Good luck and keep us posted.

[BreakfastEpiphanies]

Thanks "Buttercup* I definitely feel a bit overwhelmed by it all - especially when I see threads here with people who only have 20ish pounds to lose.

Those are really good tips, especially putting dinner on a smaller plate! I am off to the new gym for the first time tonight (eep), and so will definitely have dinner beforehand on one of our smaller plates.

I haven't got a specific timeline for weightloss, just as and when it happens really! I think 3st in a year is an amazing achievement, well done! I would be over the moon if I could lose all of my weight over two years.

I'll be honest, I am a bit worried I'll have extra skin afterwards though :S

[Buttercup27]

I would worry abut that if and when the time comes.
Feeling fitter and healthier and having my skin look better was such a huge motivator and it was a matter of a couple of weeks before I started noticing the difference. Good luck at the gym!

[Buttercup27]

That might have sounded wrong as if you won't lose the weight I meant that when you lose the weight you might be lucky and nor have too much skin !

[Amberley21]

Hello Epiphanies

Im a bit late to the party but hope I can join and offer some support. Im also looking to lose a large amount... around 5 stone.

Currently 14st 10lbs - size 18
5ft 1 and ridiculously unhealthy.

Good for you getting to the gym, I've had a membership for over a year but feel too embarrassed to go as there as so many fit gym bunnies there!! Sounds ridiculous I know but it completely put me off, have now signed up to a local curves gym to kick start me so I can get used to exercising again. Got my first session on Tuesday!!

I also spent most my life a healthy weight and size 10/12 but got diagnosed with pcos after my weight sky rocketed and I've been struggling to get it off. Keep seeing pictures of myself and freaking out thinking who is that person as I think I spent so much time in denial about how much I had actually put on.

[ppeatfruit]

I've lost nearly 3 stone and reached my target weight so I can't join you but yes to congratulations for making the decision.

I lost the weight with Paul Mackenna I Can Make You Thin. Which is worth a look because it isn't so much about WHAT eat, more about HOW and when and where.

It changes your entire attitude to yourself (You have to ACCEPT yourself) and to food.

There are a few things you can do to kick start the weight loss (Which I use when I feel the weight creeping on again).

!. Eat SLOWLY and MINDFULLY so sitting down and not in front of a screen.

1. Eat before 7.30 p.m. and after 7.30ish a.m.
   

1. Cut right down on coffees and teas (if you o.d. on them) Drink filtered water and herbal teas when you feel hungry just in case it's thirst not hunger.
   

4.Look at your wheat intake and cut it down too (if you overdo it of course), it's addictive. IME and O.

1. Eat fruit on an empty stomach.
   

6, Don't mix meat and carbs at the same meal.

Good Luck

[AboutDunn]

Breakfast you can do this. I was in the same position about 6 weeks ago and for very much the same reason, always been a nice size 12, ran a lot before having kids and then slowly it just kept creeping up and I buried my head. I have lost 1st 4lbs so far following almost exactly the same method as you have suggested. I religiously use MFP and stick to under 1200 calories a day, I have taken up running again, and now up to doing 7k every other day and I weigh myself once a week and record it on a chart to show my progress. I've had a couple of set backs and bad days but forgave myself for these and didn't let them destabilise me completely.

I tend to eat a lot vegetables and often have eggs for breakfast.

You CAN do this!

[Poppiesway]

Breakfast, I would like to join in with you. I have see sawed with my weight over the years.
I was always overweight at school.. My dad referred to it as puppy fat.. I was 5"5 and 12st, at 18 moved Out and was in my own flat as part of my job / training and lost weight by walking and starving myself on slim a soup and water biscuits every day, never going over 500 calories. I put weight on again when I had ds1 at 21 and was up to 14st. Managed to get down to 12 St and then was stuck for a long time. Had ds2 when I was 28 and was back up to 14st. When ds2 was 1 I discovered exdp was having an affair, kicked him out and sorted myself out (I thought), using mfp and 30 day shred I got down to 10st. (Whilst also going back to uni to do my pgdip)

I managed to keep it off for a year, until I damaged my knee and couldn't excersize for a while, I was also diagnosed with depression and lost the will for healthy eating. Looking back now I went through a small break down; alcohol and take aways were back on my menu. The depression I think is under control at the moment but I'm now at my heaviest of 14st 7lbs. My other trouble is I work full time, sitting down constantly at work, and have no free time without the dc to go to gym or swim by myself.
Ok.. I'm off to the App Store ????

I know I need to lose weight; properly, sensibly, and stick to it. No excuses. My joints ache, I'm getting breathless and ds2 (now 9) has asked why my back is lumpy!!
I can't stick to ww, sw doesn't seem to work for me. I'm going to download MFP again.. I can't exersize just yet due to a spur on my heel, which ironically only plays up when I'm overweight. When I'm back in MFP we could share user names and we can support each other. I had a few mn friends on there as support last time I used it.

[GarminGirl]

How's today going op?

[AboutDunn]

I'm happy to join you in the journey, I'm only part way to my 4st weight loss goal

[Dowser]

Glad you are in a happier place op. ( Edinburgh) hope it all goes well for you.

Here's an idea when you get to goal you could always have a photo of you and hubby done dressed in wedding clothes to put on display . When you are at that weight you can keep your album to have a proud glance at just how far you've come. I would put your book away till then.

My wedding is 4 weeks today and you have inspired me to behave myself.

I pick my dress up on Monday and you have reminded me I want to look fab in it. Thank you.

[Arkkorox]

Can I join? I have a bit more than 6st to loose

I have ballooned after having dd, I can't stop shoving crap into my face. I need help.

[slithytove]

Try and find wombats thread, she isn't far off losing six stone, it's really motivational

[BreakfastEpiphanies]

Sorry for being MIA for a week - it's been a very busy one!

Not at all Buttercup, I really appreciate your kind words and am so grateful for the support!

Amberley - No-one's ever late to the party as far as I'm concerned! How did your session at curves go?

I managed to go to the gym last Wednesday, but then not again until Monday! I completely understand your fears. I really thought I would be embarrassed to go, but it's actually really really fine - there's such a huge range of ages and body types and fitness levels at the gym I go to, and no-one bats at eyelid if you're new. I think they just appreciate that you're trying to get better. And if not - STUFF THEM - your health is more important than some idiot's opinion.

I was in denial for a long time too, but I think you're taking such a positive step towards feeling better - and I'll definitely be with you!

I'm listening to the C25K podcast from the NHS, and it's absolutely brilliant. It was only a 8 minute brisk jog really, but the second session on Monday was noticeably easier than last week. I think human bodies adapt remarkably fast if you give them a chance.

ppeatfruit those are all wonderful tips (especially about learning to accept myself - still working on that), and it's brilliant hearing from people who have successfully been through it all! Thank you for the inspiration

Poppiesway my parents used to say it was just puppy fat too! Perhaps not the most helpful thing to say . . .

I'm so sorry about your exdp - but it sounds like you managed to ditch a lot of weight very quickly when you kicked him out! That shows incredible strength, and you KNOW how to tackle extra weight as you've done it before, so you CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THIS. Can you perhaps take your DC swimming with you after school/work? Especially until your heel is better?

AboutDunn it's great to hear you're doing the exact same thing as me (1200 calorie-control with MFP and running more!) and it's working - so reassuring! Of course you are more than welcome to join!

And Arkkorox, welcome!! It's lovely to have you. If you want something a bit more structured/formal though (I don't know if that would help!) perhaps you could see your GP & they might be able to suggest something?? Seeing the GP can be a bit intimidating really, but you have every right to NHS health care - just like everyone else!

Thank you very much for the tip slithytove.

And for those who are actually interested:

I completed the first week of C25K last Wednesday, but didn't get to the gym again until Monday, so I'm going to count that as my 'first' day on the jogging/running programme. I plan to do my second day today!

I've also started playing tennis on Sunday in a local park with my husband, which is both hilarious and very effective. It was just lovely to be out on a sunny morning and having fun using my body for the first time in YEARS.

I've also managed to keep to 1200 calories a day - usually porridge for breakfast (I am in Scotland after all!), and lots of vegetables for dinner. The first three days were so difficult (headaches etc.), and on Saturday night my husband came in and managed to burn the carefully calorie-controlled dinner I was cooking. I think after I pretty much broke-down crying (over-reaction!) he understood how important is was for me to try and keep to this.

SO, after my first week, I've lost a grand total of 3.8lbs!

Starting weight: 237.4lbs (16st 13.4lbs)
Goal weight: 147lbs (10st 7lbs)

26/08/15: 233.6lbs (16st 9.6lbs)

[RobinsonsSquash]

Hi Breakfast, I'd like to join you please?

I am 5'4" and weight 13 stone 10.

In a very ideal world I'd like to get back down to 10 stone, which puts me comfortably in a size 10. Not sure I'll manage that again (the last time I weighed that much my eating and lifestyle were very unhealthy) so will aim instead for 10 stone 9, the top end of the BMI healthy range. So call it three stone to lose.

My weight and general fitness have always been linked to my mental health. My lowest weight was when I was manic, barely eating at all. After that period I put on between half a stone and a stone, then the other weight crept on with a period of depression. Medication doesn't help. I've worn everything from size 10 to size 18 as an adult but this is the heaviest I've ever been. I've got stretch marks on my stomach that look like they should come from a pregnancy but instead have come from just getting fatter.

I have a FitBit and have flirted with MFP but can't bring myself to enter everything. But will aim for under 1500 cals a day and lots of walking. Perhaps the gym a bit further down the line (am very pushed for time at the moment).

My partner's has just started trying to lose weight and dropped half a stone in three weeks with sensible eating and no mid-week booze - I don't want to get too far behind! We are contemplating trying to conceive in the next year or so and I'd like to lose the weight before then if possible.

I have a feeling accountability and support will help.

So: starting weight - 13 stone 10.
Goal weight - 10 stone 9.

Tomorrow is day one!

[DownWithThisTypeOfThing]

Well done OP that's a great loss. Getting the first couple of weeks out if the way is so important - after that you'll notice your appetite & cravings willvrefuce as your body gets used to your new normal.

RobinsonsSquash
In a very ideal world I'd like to get back down to 10 stone, which puts me comfortably in a size 10. Not sure I'll manage that again (the last time I weighed that much my eating and lifestyle were very unhealthy)

Oh Ive been there too! Last time I was that weight/size it was pre kids and I existed on cider and pasta n sauce sachet things.

[RobinsonsSquash]

Yes! Mine was red wine, smoothies, a lot of dancing till 5am and a plate of scrambled eggs on toast about once every 48 hours... shudder to think now.

[Hackersschmakers]

goood on you Breakfast!

I am in the same boat. Finally decided yesterday that enough was enough.

I am now 15 stone 3, 5ft 7, lowest weight was 11 stone pre-children and I was a fit 11 stone. Gym, swimming, runnning.

DTs are now 4 so can't use them as an excuse anymore. Back in the pool this morning and managed 2k but nowhere near as fast as I used to be.

I have rejoined WW too, the chocolate habit after dinner needs to go.

I used to be able to control my weight with exercise, and would then eat pretty much nothing at the weekends so I had enough points / calories to go out at the weekend and drink. I'm much older and more sensible now so exercise is I think they key for me.

Good luck everyone.

[BreakfastEpiphanies]

It might be a bit silly, but it really helps me to know that there are others on this journey too, and I really don't want to have to post a gain in weight!

Squash, of course! The more the merrier! How is everything going?

I think three stone is a very reasonable, and achievable, amount to lose. I've given myself an unlimited amount of time to lose all the weight I need to - which does take the pressure off and help me to remain more positive. I know it's difficult, but could trying to accept that the journey will take however long it takes be helpful?

I just stick to short-term goals, so 1-2lbs a week. If you lost just 1lb a week, you'd be well over your goal by next September!

MFP is a pain to enter everything in at first, but it does quickly learn your habits and regular foods so it should decrease in hassle!

Hackers, how is it going so far?

Like Squash, I'm also losing weight so that my husband and I can try to conceive in 2-3 years. I would absolutely love to be a healthy mum, and not to pass on any disordered eating habits. I'm terrified I'll make myself infertile if I don't do this now. It's definitely the most powerful motivating factor for me. In fact, I might make myself a little print-out to put on the fridge with this on to help me!

I've completed the first day of the second week of the C25K plan, and also started doing a few squats, tummy and arm exercises (in a very self-conscious way faaaaar from the testosterone-dominated weight room!). I also moved my weigh-in day to Tuesday rather than Wednesday, as Wednesday mornings are a bit of a mad rush.

SW: 237.4lbs (16st 13.4lbs)
GW: 147lbs (10st 7lbs)
26/08/15: 233.6lbs (16st 9.6lbs)
01/09/15: 230.2lbs (16st 6.2lbs)

That means I've lost 7.2 (just over half a stone) in two weeks. I am over the moon.

I read something someone posted elsewhere on this forum - "Being fat is hard. Losing weight is hard. Choose your hard" - and it's been my mantra for the last couple of weeks. It IS hard, but I CAN do this - I've chosen my hard!

[BreakfastEpiphanies]

Hello!

I know this thread is a bit boring, but it really helps me to keep on track - please feel free to ignore.

So I've been continuing with the C25K programme, but I'm currently repeating Week 3 to make up for my sins. I went out for "one or two" drinks with an old University friend the weekend before last, but of course that didn't work out how I planned. My husband and I even popped into a local takeaway on our stumble home and got chips with salt 'n' sauce. Aaaaah Scotland.

I was horrendously hungover all day the Sunday after. It was really fun though, and I got straight back on the diet on Monday. That's a bit of an achievement in itself for me, really.

I've also started weighing myself every day, rather than weekly, after reading this: Why your bathroom scales are lying to you. Essentially, you don't get enough data when you weigh yourself once a week, and you can get a much better idea of your progress if you do it every day.

Don't worry, I won't be updating this every day . . .

So, progress!

SW: 237.4lbs (16st 13.4lbs)
GW: 147lbs (10st 7lbs)

26/08/15: 233.6lbs (16st 9.6lbs)
01/09/15: 230.2lbs (16st 6.2lbs)
15/09/15: 226.8 lbs (16st 2.8 lbs)

So that's 10.6lbs in total since 19/08 (just under 4 weeks). Not amazing, but I love seeing the little incremental achievements add up to nearly a stone already!

I can't wait to get under 16st.

[goldglittershitter]

Well done breakfast !! . Ur loss is decent bur also steady n that's how u will keep it off. I am following a few threads with interest as started my healthy lifestyle on Monday (again!). Have 5 stone to lose n was feeling pretty miserable but this thread is very inspiring, so positive. I too am choosing my hard .

[goldglittershitter]

*but

[superbfairywren]

You seem to be doing really well and I'm really impressed with your motivation. It's great to keep a record of what you're doing and what you're losing!

I'm trying to shift weight since having my little girl late last year and just can't seem to shift it. It seems to be a Mix of no energy for much exercise due to sleep deprivation and little time for myself to do it too. Am trying to walk as much as I can and eat less, just persevering with it is the problem!
Keep going, you're doing fabulously!