Holy CRAP. I just got weighed and I need help!

[MrsGyllenhaal]

Hello.

I am in shock. I just got weighed. I have been avoiding the scales since DC2 was born 18 months ago. I knew I was big. I feel big and my clothes look awful on me. I am 16 stone!!! How the hell did this happen??? .

I am 5ft 9" so SHOULD apparently weigh somewhere between 10 to 11.5 stone. Such a long way to go.

I need to do something about this. I feel crap. I get out of breath when playing with the kids. I try and avoid most of the physical activities with them and manage to 'volunteer' DH for it. That's bad is't it? They'll grow up knowing their mummy is fat and lazy. I can't let them think that. I need to change this starting NOW!

I have suffered with postnatal depression after the bith of both our children and when I'm depressed I eat. Problem is, I don't eat healthy food. I crave KFC, chocolate, fizzy drinks. I do take the kids swimming once a week or so but with a 5 year old and an 18 month old, I do very little actual swimming, more just splashing about and keeping them safe. I also do walk a lot. I don't drive so I walk everywhere but should really make more of an effort.

I am so out of proportion. My waist could probably pass for a size 14- 16 which I don't mind but then my bum and my hips are measuring about a size 20! Consequently nothing fits nicely. It's either faaaar too tight around my bum and legs or fits OK around my bum but drooping and gaping around my waist.

I need to fix this. Any tips? My friend recently lost 4.5 stone on slimming world but it seems fairly complicated. I'm not the best cook and DC2 is still fairly young and needs a lot of supervision so I don't get a lot of time to faff about in the kitchen.

Another one of my friends has lost 4 stone on Weight Watchers. This might work for me. I need to stick at whatever I choose though. I can't carry on getting bigger each year.

So this is me. I am 29 yrs old, married, 2 kids....and nearly 6 stone over weight! Anyone else out there?

I am aiming to get down to 10 stone 5 and I'm not too worried how long it takes. I want to be healthy.

I have 79lbs to lose! Anyone want to join me?

Does anyone know if losing this much is possible without surgery? Will I have loads of excess skin left over? Is it do-able?

Thanks x

Well today I have been on a long walk with DC2 in the pushchair. I love walking now, just chatting to him and pointing things out with him is lovely. Being outdoors is always good for my mood anyway. I tend to get a bit claustrophobic in the house and feel like I need to get out a lot so this weather is helping!

I am finding that I am less obsessed with food now. Normally it would be all I could think about. Whenever I was remotely hungry I'd feel the need to eat and I wouldn't stop when I was full either. I am generally finding I am getting less hungry now, probably because I am drinking more and also when I am hungry I can stop eating when that feeling goes away... (yes I know this is probably what 'normal' people do but for me this is a revelation!) I have always been an over eater and never ever had control of myself around food. I feel that is steadily changing.

It's all about feeling motivated + practical action :) Can I just add, do not be discouraged when you see that you are only losing 1 lb or less a week. It happens to all us long-timers. A few months ago I lost nothing for several months (gained, lost same lbs, gained same lbs, lost same lbs, gained, stayed the same - you get the picture); a few weeks ago I lost 0.6 of a lb. You've just got to keep on going. If I'd given up after the the long stall or after recording less than a lb losses (and there have been many weeks where I've only lost less than a lb - even at the beginning of my weightloss journey) then I wouldn't be a healthy BMI today; I'd still be obese.

Stick at it through the good and the bad times :)

Thank you BsshBossh. That is helpful because I do feel like I'll be crushed if I don't see the scales move downwards. I know this is a long term thing though so it can't/ won't be rushed!

Been quiet here lately because we've had problems with our internet connection but back on now! Have been sticking to Weight Watchers and finding it very easy to write down everything I eat as I go on and calculate the points in things. It has definitely kept me motivated and enabled me to plan meals knowing how many points I have left etc.

Last night for no apparent reason I really just wanted to binge. No idea why but instead of giving in, I phoned my friend and we went for a walk for an hour. I felt so motivated when I got back that all desire to shovel food down my neck was gone. I wasn't hungry, just bored I think. Anyway, managed to avoid that pit fall so I feel a bit proud of myself!

Not sure what the scales will say on Monday. Last week I was 15lbs 11. I am hoping for another 3lbs loss but we'll see. I must remember what you say BsshBossh and not get too hung up on that.

Woohoo. Lost another 4lbs this week. I'm now 15 st 7. Still huge but slightly less huge!

Fantastic! Really, really well done. Half a stone in two weeks is great. Stick with it and before you know it you'll be down a stone which will feel amazing

Thank you Lego. Wow yes, only just thought of it in terms of half a stone to be honest. I'm pretty impressed. Can't wait til I've lost another half stone but I don't want to feel too deprived so I can't rush it. I am hoping to have about 2 stone off by Christmas. That seems achievable but I won't give up if I don't quite make it. Giving up just leads to me getting heavier and just prolongs me tackling the problem. It's DH's evening away from the house tonight so he's meeting up with his friend and going paintballing but I thought since I can't go out walking, I'll try and do some exercise around the house. Maybe just get some music on and dance about like a loon while I do the house work!

Mrs G, you are doing brilliantly!

MrsG only just found this thread but wanted to say a big congrats. I am currently 18wks pg so can't diet but I know I will need to next year once the little one has arrived. You will be my inspiration!

Aww thank you lisbapalea and congratulations on your pg . Is this your first baby? If so you may find your body (sometimes!) snaps back on it's own. I didn't need any diet or exercises after the birth of DC1. I was back in pre pregnancy jeans the day after I gave birth and I came home from hospital with him. I was not so lucky with DC2! Also depression and binge eating took control of my life for a while but hopefully you won't have those problems!

Well it's first day of summer holidays here. I've been sort of dreading it to be honest. I never wanted to be one of those mums who doesn't look forward to having the children at home with me. I never wanted to dread being alone with them. It's not that I don't adore them both but I know I deal better with them 1 to 1. DS2 is going through a very tricky phase of screaming every time DS1 has a toy or anything at all actually in his hands. He will cry if DS1 even tries to get close to him when he's playing yet he spoils any game or toy DS1 has. I know it's probably just his age (19 months) but it is very challenging being on my own for 11 hours a day with all the squabbles and whinging that goes on. I feel like I need to make DS1 have a lovely time off school and I love having him around but increasingly I am relying upon the TV or the ipad to keep him entertained while I sit on the floor with DS2. I can't help but feel I am cocking it all up somewhat.

Anyway, went way off on a tangent there! I was actully meaning to say that with it being summer holidays, this will be the most challenging time for me with the healthy eating. I have already had a packet of hoola hoops and a chocolate bar this morning. Still managing to keep within my weight watchers points but all the healthy fruit and veg I have been eating just seems less appealing. I tend to snack when I am stressed or bored so these holidays may well spell disaster for the weight loss.

Also DS1 won't want to go on an hour and half long walk with the pushchair during the day like I have been doing every day. Now I'll be lucky if we get to shuffle to the local park and back!

Well anyway, sorry this has turned into a bit of a self pitying post.

Hope everyone is well. Those who are still losing weight, I hope it's going to plan and you are all feeling a bit more positive than I am! I will get there. I am determined not to fail....

Hi MrsGyllenhaal! I've just caught up with your thread, well done, it sounds like you've done amazingly so far and you've done really well to identify that the summer holidays is a 'danger point' for you.

If your DS1 won't want to walk for 1.5 hours a day, would he enjoy 'burst exercise' with you? Heavy bursts of exercise (say 5-10 mins) will still add up over the day, could you do kicking a football, throwing and catching, mad dancing, obstacle course, tennis, badminton etc? This combined with an amble to the park will still be a good amount of activity.

As for the snacks, could you try delaying tactics? I've never had to lose as much weight as you, but when I did need to loose weight after uni, when I wanted a biscuit or something, I thought, right, well it's 10am, I am definitely not having it until 11am. If I still want it then, I'll have it, but I'm waiting an hour. Then at 11am I'd either have it (and enjoying it more for all the wait), or delay again (and then find it was lunchtime anyway), or not want it and then feel inspired.

The other tip I have is if you're not enjoying a snack/treat/meal, just give up. I've just had a delicious sandwich for lunch, but the crusts were a bit dry so I've left them all. Yes it looks like a small child ate my lunch, but there must be at least 30 calories not consumed. The same goes for sweets/cakes/chocolate, if I'm not enjoying it 1/2 way through I just throw it away.

That's a very good idea about the small bursts of exercise. I suppose I do things like that during the kids holidays anyway so it's nice to think of it as being exercise and not just being a mum!

This afternoon I managed to have a long walk with DS2 in the pushchair and DS1 on his bike. We ended up in a field and ran about finding daisies and throwing dry grass over each other for half an hour and then walked back. I figured I do better out of the house and away from the snack cupboard. Since my hoola hoops and chocolate I have managed to resist any further slip ups. Home made cottage pie and veg for tea which is about 15 points so I'll even have enough spare for a cheeky glass of weightwatchers wine tonight....I bloody need it!

Well Weight Watchers not going too well. Had a KFC last night. Still managed to keep within the weekly points but the weekend will be a struggle now as I will have only the daily points. Arrgh. I don't know why I do this to myself.

Ah MrsG we've all had those moments. The key is to make sure you don't think "oh I'll never succeed at this so I might as well scoff like mad today". You really fancied a KFC, you had one. It's done, you may be surprised that it doesn't make much difference.
I knew if I permanently denied myself all treats/junk then I wouldn't last long at all. It also meant that I had to accept a slower weightloss. But I'd rather lose 1lb a week but still eat chocolate/pizza now and then than be mega strict and lose 2lb a week.

If you stay sensible for the rest of the week it will be fine. Have you got meals planned for Fri, Sat, Sun? Planning is crucial. Keep that goal in mind! You will probably be less than 15st by the time your DS goes back to school if you keep it up!

This is a lifestyle change, and sometimes we all crave junk food, you just have to not eat too much of it! :)

I'm not a ww fan tbh. I like My fitness pal, because it gives me an incentive to exercise and I can eat whatever I want really, so long as I earn the calories for it. I love KFC, burgers, etc. This morning I went for a 4 mile run, that burned 586 cals. That syncs with my food diary, and so if I wanted a kfc for dinner I could have it! If I go over one day slightly, I can still make it up the other, or just go for another walk or cycle ride and burn it off.

I generally try not to eat junk all the time, and not eat ALL of my exercise calories but it is a great motivator to walk or cycle instead of taking the car, knowing I've burned that bit more.

Also, another thing with ww, is some of their products are rather deceptive and quite high in calories or fat, do check and compare with other products.

I've lost 56lbs since Jan. 9" off my waist, 4" off each of my thighs. I did it with couch to 5k and mfp. I run 3-4 times a week now, cycle and walk loads too. I even took up pole fitness too! I'm not there yet, but it doesn't really feel like I am on a diet at such. I don't feel deprived or hungry, but I have learned how to make better choices and the things that I do need to avoid eating too frequently. I eat pretty well, but I burn off what I eat.

You are doing so well MrsG and I totally understand how hard it is when your normal routine is disrupted. School holidays can be tough!
Lego is completely right, you splurged, fine, it's done. Now don't undo all of that hard work by carrying it on. You can still have treats this weekend. Just make 2 out of 3 meals a day very low points and enjoy a higher pointed 3rd meal, or really rein in the meals and have some WW wine. It can be done, you can do it

Thank you all for being so kind and lovely. I have managed to refocus a little bit. I took the boys into town and we went to costa because DS1 loves their iced cranberry lemonade. I bought him one but instead of getting some huge, sugar filled iced cooler for myself, I had a bottle of water. We have bought some fruit and veg from the market too to try and keep me on track.

mrscog, I think that was my problem yesterday, I hadn't planned meals and because of this I had no fresh veg in the house to make a meal out of so I decided to just go to KFC! I do much better if I have a strict plan of what I will eat and what ingredients we have in the house to go with what meals. I will get better at this!

Well today so far so good. I have made a yummy salad for us for lunch and for tea we are having veg pasta which is from the weightwatchers magazine and only 9 points per serving. That should bring me in at only 21 points today. I meant to stick to 35 so I may even have a glass of wine later... if I stick to the plan that is!

Well done! Just think, each day that goes by where you stick to your plan is another step closer to your goal. I bet you didn't feel that deprived once you were out of Costa did you?

Have you looked up what the better options are if you have to opt for take away food in an emergency? I'm sure the information is on the web and it can be very helpful to empower you to make good choices.

well done! MrsCog is so right, you just have to plan, plan plan.
Don't leave yourself open to temptation.

Onwards and downwards

How's it going today MrsG? Remember to keep on even if you have a few naughty weekend treats - in the scale of a diet overhaul you'll still be able to get results. Do you have a DP around this weekend? If so can they watch your DC while you go out for a decent power walk?

I've decided to become a cheerleader for you :D

Only just seen this thread. Well done MrsG, you're doing fantastic!

I came on to link to The Chiefs thread but I see I've been beaten to it. The thing is though this is exactly how the chiefs started. One random "shit, I got fat" thread back in January and we're still going strong!

There isn't loads of us and we are most certainly not cliquey so come and join us, trust me, the support is what makes the difference. We're all doing different things, all have different amounts to lose and are all at different stages but we keep each other going. The only thing we have in common is that we've all registered on MFP.

I've lost 68lbs so far, 1.6lb to go and I've reached my target of 5 stone. I'm 5'8" so a similar height to you. My BMI has gone from 32.3 to 22.8. I've just done basic calorie counting but taken it as a weekly goal rather than a daily one, that way I didn't have to miss out on nights out etc.

You can definitely do it. Choose your hard!

That was a lie, my BMI is 21.8 now not 22.8. I didn't come this far to do myself out of a whole point!

Aww mrscog thank you for thinking of me! I need a cheer leader!!

Yes DH is off work this weekend so surprisingly I've been very good and had time to exercise a bit. We also spent the afternoon with the children in the garden. With the boys in the sand pit we got on with trimming hedges, sweeping up and dragging garden furniture and bags of compost around, not exactly a work out but it kept me active and my mind off food.

I will check out the cheifs thank you Randall. Your weight loss is amazing. Well done! 68lbs is just fantastic. You must have been very dedicated. I always struggle during this time, I have lost a bit of weight but can't see the difference as yet so it's easy to just give up and become demotivted. That's what i have always done in the past..then regained all the weight and some for good measure. Not this time. I will get past this stage and continue!!

Thank you x

If it's any consolation not one bastard noticed until I got to 2 1/2 stone! Not one single person.

And whilst I have stuck to it and have logged every single day I've certainly had my blow-outs. If you do pop in to see the chiefs you will quickly discover what "Randalling" is. And it certainly isn't salad eating!

Well done, so far, MrsGyllenhaal!

I started using MFP in May and I love it. I have had a couple of weeks of not logging but am back on it this week and have started cycling, too.

Re KFC (and other fast food places). Would you be satisfied with a children's meal? DS and I sometimes go to mcd's and I will quite happily have a happy meal. Also, we went to KFC last weekend (my first time!!) and I was suprised to see that they do small versions of a lot of their burgers so I just had a mini chicken burger and a couple of DS' fries. Obviously, it's not the healthiest choice but in my mind, it makes me feel less guilty.

Can't remember who posted about having a piece of cake instead of a meal but it made me laugh out loud because that is something I would consider perfectly acceptable...didn't realise there were others like me !!

I weigh myself everyday. I know many disagree with this but if I've lost a bit (even 0.1kg) it encourages me to keep going. If I've stayed the same then I know I need to try harder. If I've gained then I'm Ross with myself and it makes me stay away from the biscuits!

One more thing, my DS (10) informed me (just as I was starting calorie counting) that a craving only lasts 20 seconds. So, if I can resist the food raving for 20 seconds there is a strong chance that it will either go away or I've distracted myself with something else and forgotten about whatever I was craving! It's been a great little nugget of info to keep in my mind...especially in the evenings, which is the worst time for me.

Good luck!!