It sounds like your plan is very practical! Congrats on what you have done so far! I too am wanting to get healthier food once I got back on the stick is pretty easy for me too. I still fight snacking at night. I walk and swim doing both with music helps me not be bored. I find it easy to make excuses to skip the workout though but I must admit I always feel better after I workout! The support here is great! lots of us in the same boat trying to get healthy!

Hi please add me to your support system. I applaud you for doing it without surgery. Recently I have been considering weight loss surgery, BUT I really do not want to go that route, no offense to those who do choose it.

It sounds like you are doing an amazing job, and have set realistic goals for yourself.

Hi there. I am encouraged by your progress. I am currently about the weight you were when you started. I feel so hopeless sometimes when I look at the numbers on the scale...but I simply want to get moving in the right direction. I am walking more. I am eating more fresh fruit &veg...smaller portions...

I don't post too much, but I will try to contribute more often. I feel so alone with the weight issue. My husband has never had a problem with weight so I know it's difficult for him to understand...so the people on this board are like kindred souls.

Thanks for being here!

Stephanie, I officially admire you. You recognize there is no "quick fix" that this has to be a lifestyle change and you are giving yourself the time you need to get there. I too am on the weight loss track. I started at 317lbs in Jan. I'm eating right and exercising. I'm down 80lbs. Like you, I'm still far from my goal weight (maybe not as far, but it still looks far to me). I'm not letting this distract me from keeping up the good fight as it were.

Seasky I know the feeling. Just remember all of us who had weight loss had to start somewhere. You are making steps in the right direction. If you can see yourself on this lifestyle change for the rest of your life I believe it will work for you. You can do it! You have support right here with people who are reaching for the same common goal as you. Don't give up, take small steps and keep moving forward. Little changes always produce big change. We are all routing for you! DaSquirm good job on your weight loss! One step at a time, one day at a time.

I'm so happy for you. One question. How did you do it? When I do, it is so hard to resist the urge to eat a chocolate, or not go on a walk. I want to be healthier, but its just so hard for me.

you know I got the biggest loser books and started doing most of what they said. I'm not as strict with the weighing of the food or the calorie count but basically follow most of the plan. I found that when I did that the cravings for sweets and junk food went away. It's basically a lean meat, low-fat, whole grain, high veggie, minimal fruit diet. I would call it a whole food plan. And you can cheat one meal a week to keep you on track. I don't know if this will work for everyone but it works for me. Also consistently losing the weight keeps me highly motivated.

Stephanie... Thanks for the encouragement,. I am starting the day with a short walk and to enjoy the morning air. I have some small weights I use for my arms. I am focusing on each day and not setting huge goals. I like your idea about setting small goals to reach.

I will be reading the board and cheering others on too! It's going to be a good day.

This post is very positive and that is what we must connect to so that we will be able to accomplish our goals. I am happy to see you doing this without the surgery. I want the same and hope to continue on this lifestyle change not a diet. I hope in six months I will be able to report the losses you have, Keep up the good work. You inspire!!!

Oh my goodness, that is great!! You've really done well, honestly! That's awesome..Kudos to you!! & I'm Pregnant right now, but my prepregnancy weight was 210 lbs..But, I have struggled with losing it..Mainly because I never really gave myself the chance to even try! How lame..But, you are an inspiration!! I hope you reach your goal & I am amazed that your taking the do it on your own method, without surgery..Because honestly, I've thought about getting surgery. But it scares me too much! But, I plan on doing it myself, after the birth of my daughter!! Please update us & let us be apart of your journey..You inspire me!!

i think your doing great. i have a problem...i'm full of buts :( i mean my story is rather detalied but i dont wanna ramble on here. ok so i'm type 2 diabetic,i have high blood pressure, i have depression and anxiety i have a sensetivity to heat, i live in south texas :( so its extremely hot here. so i can start to walk (when the mood strikes which is rare) within 5 minutes my lower back starts to hurt which makes it difficult to continue walking. having depression i have absolutely no motivation to do anything. i have no job no car no life no friends. i'm basically existing in my apartment. its a sad reality and i just dont know what to do. i used to love to paint and i've always found myself to be very creative but i've lost interest in so much. i know i need to start with myself and do what i got to do to lose weight. i live in a small town and i dont really like the people here. i moved here to be with my girlfriend so thats how i get by. she works i'm just sick. i want to be able to help her financially but with my physical and mental ailments i just dont know how. i need advice i need support i need friends. i'm sorry i guess i did just ramble on here :( i'm 269lbs feel free anyone to ask any questions or give any feedback or advice thank you

emptycanv...you know I really understand where you are coming from. I am a shut in here and have very few friends with anxiety and I live with a mental illness. When I first started I hurt, had no motivation and felt all alone. I would say first you should check with your doctor about your anxiety and depression. If I wasn't on the the right meds I wouldn't be able to even do half of what I do now. Hopefully that would help with the motivation part. Really stay connected with a group like this if that's all you can do because the positive words will increase your motivation to want to stick with the plan and they are not judgemental here so if you mess up it's okay. You have people who will pick you up and help you back on the right track. As far as the exercise part sometimes just moving a little more than you did the day before helps. Or is there an activity that you like to do or have liked to do in the past. Cause I believe the key is just moving more. The lifestyle change that I'm on is good for diabetics and high blood pressure. You know sometimes people pressure me about getting a job and I always tell them I will when I'm well. If you're not well enough do not beat yourself up. You have a true chemical imbalance and don't be ashamed because of it. Just be good to yourself and realize that you can lose weight. Take baby steps. Little change produces big change. We are all routing for you here! You can do it! Smiles to you:)

I a quick tip, walk in place. At the library, you can get a exercise cd from leslie sanzone. It is really good as you only have to walk in front of the tv: Start with just a few minutes and work your way up. Good luck!

dweber2000, not to be rude but you are violating a no spam policy on this board. This is the 2nd post I've seen with a rocketmail.com email address trying to lure members away from DS.. If I see a third I will report you to the mods.

nevermind, saw your multiple post spam. officially reported.