I have given up on myself.

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8/21/11 11:53 A

I need to get in to see my doctor. It would mean taking vacation time because I've used up all my sick time. I could set up an appointment this week and it will be at least a month before I can see her............ACK!

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8/21/11 11:15 A

Please have your thyroid levels checked by your doctor! I had a long chat with mine when I hit a 6-month plateau (during which time I kept up the good work, too!). He adjusted my medication from .50 to .75 and it was just what I needed to get my engine purring like a kitten again. DO NOT GIVE UP! Menopause is an empowering time... even with lots of chemical adjustments going on and that brings its own challenges, but we girls are strong enough to handle it!

Keep the faith! You are never alone on this walk of wellness! I am rooting for you!!

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8/21/11 10:57 A

Please don't give up. I use visions of how I want to look and outfits I would love to be able to wear. I have many things that I am not physically capable of doing because of my weight so I imagine myself doing them. I post related pictures on my fridge and in my exercise area. Just keep reading what helps others and all of a sudden something will work. You deserve to live a healthy life and feel the best you can feel.

Posts: 48
8/21/11 10:40 A

Congratulations on the new grandbaby I am jealous I only have one granddaughter and she is our pride and joy. They are rays of sunshine. I have to say she is an inspiration to me, as I am sure yours are to you. You can be having what seems like the worst day and they give you one of their smiles and hugs and nothing else matters.

I too have a thyroid that does not function and it can make it harder to to control your body and what it does but you can still do , hang in there.

Posts: 48
8/21/11 10:37 A

I think I should get a scale sounds like a good idea. I agree with you about the fast food options, I do like subway and when I have a choice that is what I pick. This weekend has been unusual for me, dont spend many weekends on road trips like this so it has been a challenge and when we get back home, I need to get back on track first thing Monday morning.

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8/21/11 1:47 A

I struggle all the time - it really got bad for me after playing cancer12 years ago - surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, more chemotherapy. I lost weight, but after treatment one of my docs insisted I gain before he would release me. Up, up, up ... And huge struggle ever since. I have been laid up from some surgeries and also learned treatment had wiped out thyroid function. MS had been challenging enough (constant pain,canes, wheel chairs, drugs, drugs and more drugs -anything can happen day every day). But, giving up has never really been an option. Every time I mess up, I remind myself how lucky I am to be alive and get myself back on track for at least that next bite. I'm currently helping with a new grand baby (our 5th) and I pray that someday I'll dance at her wedding!

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8/20/11 9:24 P

I definitely need my food scale! I cannot eyeball food portions reliably!

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8/20/11 6:56 P

When I do fast food I try ti do Subway. A 6 inch sub can be under 400 calories and they have unsweetened iced tea or water. Even McDonalds is supposed to have healthier options. I also found that investing in a nutrition kitchen scale gives me a much better handle on the calories in the food I eat. Tracking of course is essential as is getting exercise and pushing yourself an extra inch. When I joined SP almost 2 months ago I was stalled. I wasn't losing weight and I was getting frustrated. The tracking and the use of the nutrition scale regularly has really helped. I got my nutrition scale at BB&B. At first it was a nuisance to use but it is definitely worth it to me.

Posts: 48
8/20/11 5:51 P

I can relate to the being good during the week and then the weekend it seems to fall apart. I am out of town this weekend helping my husband at some summer festivals and have been spending a lot of time in the car so that means McDonalds and fast food and then had to have a corn dog at the fest. Yikes not a good weekend for me.

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8/20/11 5:28 P

I do good all week, then the weekend comes and it is some kind of party, Church picnic,
Family picnic or just a get together with friends, I tell myself I will do better and not eat
or pick so much, then all the good food comes out & by the time you have one small
spoonful of whatever the plate is full.I go right back to my DIET on Sundays and do it
all over again. I hate to wish my life away but I can't wait for the summer to get over &
I can concentrate on myself again.

Edited by: JANICEONE1 at: 8/20/2011 (17:29)

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8/20/11 5:16 P

I gave up on myself. But I see a nutritionist once a month And he comes up with great Ideas on how to lose weight so it is hard to stay unmotivated

Posts: 48
8/18/11 9:53 A

Great posting. I had a hysterectomy about 10 years ago I was in my forties and that forced me into menopause like right away. But it was about 5 years after the hysterectomy that I lost the 60 pounds so that even though menopause can make it harder you can do it. I did.

Posts: 48
8/18/11 9:51 A

What a wonderful journey you have had. Thanks so much for the encouragement, reading your posting has helped me realize I can do it.

Are you an exerciser? When I lost the weight 5 years ago I did not exercise , but this time I am older and feel like I need to exercise to help the process, it is the exercise that I am lacking motivation on.

Send me any tips you are able to share.

Thanks

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8/16/11 10:14 P

I know I am never going to have a 25 yr old body ever again, but I am determined to do what I can to be the healthiest me possible and enjoy the results of that. Menopause does make this harder, but it can still be done. Don't give up on yourself, cos if you aren't in your corner, who is gonna be? Let's all keep doing this together! I wish you the best!

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8/16/11 10:11 P

Thanks to everyone who posted. I have been struggling and this conversation helps put things in perspective...

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8/16/11 9:54 P

I felt like you do for years and years. Finally two and
one-hafl years ago, it all connected and I started losing weight.
In the next year and and one-half I lost 60 pounds and
now celebrating my first year of successful maintenance.

I am in my late sixties and this was the easiest funnest
weight loss journey I have ever had. I have had my share.

My waist went from 35" to a glorious 25"! My belly is flat. I use to
wear 16's; now size fours can be a little loose. I weight what I
did in eight grade.

So do not give up, It is possible to change. If you would like to
know more about how it happened for me, please let me know.
I will be glad to help.

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8/16/11 6:35 P

You can do it and we are here for support and encouragement.

Posts: 48
8/16/11 9:03 A

I have to say when I lost the 60lbs I was so excited and said I would never go back, but here I am again trying to lose weight, I have gained back about 50of the pounds I had lost. But I know in my head I can do it because I did it once before , it may take me longer since I am older now but I know that it is a mind set.

Posts: 1,488
8/15/11 10:10 P

Somewhat over a year ago I, too, was in despair of ever losing weight. I could have written any number of the comments in this thread.

LJCANNON's comments really echo my experience - I had a wake up call, and a fracture, and finally decided it was time to take time to look after my health and well-being. I have never looked back.

I did learn that I had some deficiencies and I suspect that clearing them up has helped make it possible to lose weight. I'd suggest that you track your foot and workouts religiously for a couple of weeks or a month and then take the print outs to your physician if you're not seeing results. Ask for help and ask for a complete workup to make sure you're not dealing with an underlying issue.

Most of all, keep on with your efforts. (There was a time when I counted myself successful if I simply didn't gain anything in a month. Sometimes we have to take our successes where we find them!) Believe me, getting healthy, having energy, fitting into flattering clothing, etc., is worth every minute of the struggle. There are plenty of us here to cheer you on. Please keep us posted.

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8/15/11 3:25 P

Congratulations on losing the 60lbs, that is great. I've learned from SparkPeople not
too focus on the scale as much & concentrate on what I'm eating & doing right. It is
a lifelong change, but I can do it with a little help from my friends.

Posts: 48
8/15/11 1:23 P

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement, we all need that sometime and now is my time for needing to be pushed and reminded.

I know you are right I lost 60 pounds about 5 years ago and it was all a mental thing, I got to that number on the scale and my mind switched and I followed a diet plan the numbers started to drop and the more they dropped the harder I worked.
I just need to get that mind set again.

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8/15/11 12:26 P

DO NOT give up on yourself..we have ALL been there,I started the end of MAy ,have lost 14lbs..yes it is VERY slow going for me,because I just do not drop weight easy,but I know that with SP I will win my battle of the bulge..it is difficult at times but I do what you did and get on SP and everyone is so supportive and encouraging that you want to do this..thats right you WANT to do this..and you will .Have faith and know in your heart that this time YOU CAN DO IT..

Posts: 48
8/15/11 12:08 P

You are not alone that is for sure, I have to say that Spark is helping me to start focusing on what i need to do to help myself again. I had gotten so busy in life that I forgot about Spark and then I got emails again and it hit me like a ton of bricks that this was my wake up call.

My biggest issue is portion control, I know what not to eat but it is the portions that get out of control and I just cant seem to get motivated to exercise I find any excuse that I can.

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8/15/11 11:00 A

It was when I 'Gave Up' trying to lose weight, and focused on just doing Exercise for Physical Therapy and eating healthier just for the sake of eating healthier that I finally found success.
Just focus on making Good Choices one meal at a time, and let the Scale worry about itself.

Posts: 705
8/9/11 2:29 P

My local Fair is coming up at the end of Aug., I already have my mind set on the one
thing I truly can only get at Fair time. The Blooming Onion, of course I will be sharing it with
someone. But it is a treat I look forward to every year. I will have to do some extra walking
but it will be worth it.Yes we can do it with a little planning ahead. Have fun at the Fair.

Posts: 296
8/8/11 8:27 P

I am on Day 8 and I have to struggle through every day of not eating junk. Tomorrow I am going to the Sussex County Fair and I AM AFRAID that I will cheat. All those fair smells. I find SP helps me because I can post things like this and somehow saying it, helps me deal. We can do this.........

Posts: 7
8/8/11 2:05 P

Wow I thought did I write that or did I have an out of body experience and my other personality wrote this??? LOL Well I do understand your feelings really I do. I have felt this way and like all the other wrote I do not give up. I struggle with the dinner hour too. I also work in an office that people bring gifts to us and usually is cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not one person in my office needs cookies and yet there they are haunting me. I sure hope both of us will be successful we are worth it and little by little slowly we will achieve our goals

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8/8/11 1:45 P

You are not alone.. I am right there with you.. if you will stick with it so will I...
maybe together we can accomplish things..

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8/8/11 11:31 A

Don't give up. Hang in there. You can do it.

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8/8/11 6:34 A

Thank you, it does help when you know you are not alone in this weight loss journey.

Edited by: JANICEONE1 at: 8/8/2011 (06:35)

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8/8/11 6:12 A

Please don't give up. You have all of us from around the world. Get back to me and have chat if you want. Kia kah/be strong.

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8/8/11 6:10 A

as I read your post, it sounds like me writing it. It is very frustrating to eat healthy and not
lose any weight, but don't give up, keep trying and all of a sudden something will Spark &
you will start to lose the weight. Good luck & I (we) are here for you.

Edited by: JANICEONE1 at: 8/8/2011 (06:11)

Posts: 3
8/5/11 5:49 P

It is easy to understand how you feel. I have always had a problem with my weight. I am 66 years old and have lost weight over the last eight to ten years. I have done it the slow and, hopefully, lasting way. I have lost a total of 55 lbs. and have 15 more to go to reach my goal. You can do it; don't expect it to happen overnight. I have given myself until next summer to be where I want to be. I am not dieting; I eat four times a day and exercise at least four days a week. This is in addition to my everyday chores. My self-respect has changed alone with my weight. I will be thinking of you and sending good thoughts.

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8/5/11 5:11 P

You should never give up on yourself. Keep reminding your self that you can do this and why you should.

Remember you can never leave yourself behind.

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8/5/11 1:03 A

Making changes can be difficult, so don't give up. Everyday is a new day, a new beginning. Together, we can make it!

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8/4/11 4:55 P

Don't give up. It takes a littler longer when we get older. We didn't gain it over night. You are not alone. .

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8/4/11 3:36 P

Hi Tom,

I am new to Sparkpeople and find it so motivating. I do know however from past experiences that it is so easy to give up. As the good advice from others that have posted dont do it. I did after losing 4 stone and have now ended up with several more stone to lose. Perhaps I have learnt and am enjoying this lifestyle change. You have done so well wish it was me that could look at all the weight you have lost. Still will be one day

Take care

Lynne

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8/4/11 2:49 P

May you all have a blessed day!

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7/26/11 8:24 P

Dont give up. Our metabolism slows down at this time in our life. My trainer told me to work on the core of the body so that will get the metabolism going again and have to get the heart rate up also when exercising. We can do this.

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7/26/11 8:14 P

For some people it seems to be easier. For many of us it is a struggle and a challenge every day. Every. Day. Do not give up. Make a list of all the reasons to keep going and then make a list of what will happen if you give up. It will put it into perspective.

My daughter owns a gym and is a personal trainer. She is not at ideal weight but she is in good shape. She tells me continually "It's not about weight, it's about health."

We are here for you. Stay in touch individually with us and as a group. We will be here for you both individually and as a group.

Never, never give up.

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7/26/11 8:01 P

It sounds like you've been doing a lot right, though! Keep up with the nutrition/fitness strategies that have worked for you and make you feel good, then mix it up by trying and perhaps adding new things. Everybody gets discouraged.... focus on making changes that you can live with in the long term....

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7/26/11 3:32 P

Stick with it. Slowly but surely you are getting healthier and will lose weight if you continue to eat properly and exercise. Don't give up on bread; carbs are important. Eat a reasonable amount of whole wheat bread, English muffins, brown rice, whole wheat pasta.

Gail

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7/26/11 11:09 A

I know it can get frustrating, but I am remined all the time we don't put the weight on all at once so were NOT gonna lose it all at once..
HANG IN THERE!!!

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7/26/11 11:05 A

Sounds like you are doing the right things. I read quite a bit about sluggish metabolisms. So I was thinking maybe you need a metabolic tune up. I dont know if you are familiar with the curves weight loss program, but they have a book out that tells you how to do the tune up, and I believe Jillian does also. I dont know if that is the issue but just a suggestion. I so far dont have a reall sluggish metabolism, but my sister does. I can only imagine your frustration. Good luck to you, and keep at it. Eventually you will see the results you want.

Edited by: CATHY0320 at: 7/26/2011 (11:08)

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7/26/11 11:00 A

Think where you might be if you had not been trying to stay fit and healthy. I'm not in a good place today either, but I just can't give up. I did manage to lose 25 lbs 2 yrs ago with WW. Gained about 8 of it back. Struggled to just maintain at a net 20 lb loss over the last 2 yrs. Been doing Spark People about 2 months and have lost about 4 lbs. At 64, every oz is a struggle and a victory. Took my measurements a month ago and again today (zumba and twist dancing, walking, free weights, etc. for exercise at least 3-4 days a week). Did lose in my upper body and my tummy. Nothing in my waist. But I know I've got more muscle tone overall and my clothes fit much better. I also know I'm healthy. Every 2-3 weeks I have a binge day where I just have to satisfy my chocolate and junk food craving. But my binges aren't as bad as they use to be. And I get right back on track the next day. I have to do it so I can be a healthy, active "old lady." So please don't totally give up. Allow yourself a "free day" every few weeks, but keep up the healthy lifestyle overall. Good luck to you.

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7/26/11 9:53 A

NEVER GIVE UP ! YOU CAN DO THIS !! Rose

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7/26/11 9:45 A

I have given up. Over the past few years, as I head full speed ahead (or rather at a creeping speed) into menopause, I have developed an intertube. I exercise and eat right (80%) of the day and my body stays the same. Last year, I was RELIGIOUS in my efforts to lose it. I exercised every day (walking, biking, floor exerecises) and I ate 6 small meals a day, healthy ones (fresh fruit, veggies, salads, little or no breads), and drinking ample amounts of water. I even joined a gym at one point and met with a trainer. In 4 months, I lost 4 pounds. Yes, I know that you build muscle. This summer, I am completely frustrated and have given up trying so hard. I do well all day, except for dinner where I give up. Any thoughts anyone????