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What was the thing or moment that made you decide |
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low cholesterol borderline
"You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."
| current weight: 156.6 |
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My doctor said I was morbidly obese and suggested lap band surgery. I was horrified, felt sick all the time, had no energy and was depressed. That was the deciding factor for me.
Jenae
| current weight: 148.8 |
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I began to notice that I couldn't bend down to put my shoes on as before and I was feeling very tired all the time. Also I began to run out of things to wear!
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| current weight: 122.5 |
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I was sick and tired of being sick and tired!
Jenae
| current weight: 148.8 |
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I knew something had to happen when my husband dared me to do a pull-up and the weight of my own body caused an incomplete tear in my rotator cuff. I've been in a sling for the past three weeks and have an appointment Friday to determine if I need physical therapy or surgery. I decided that if my body can't support my own weight, I need to make some drastic changes. 5 pounds down, 45 more to go!
Edited by: HEYITSAPOSSUM at: 9/25/2012 (15:19)
| Pounds lost: 40.0 |
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I joined sparkpeople in 2010, looking for work after being unemployed for almost 1 year, completely hopeful that I would be able to return to my goal weight (235). I was so happy with my body at that weight. I did okay back then but I found love, lost love, found a job, hated a job, found another job and now I'm working completely at a desk all day. One night we had to work over and in another office which meant up and down stairs all evening. I had to come up and down stairs at least 5 good times, maybe more. My knees and hips hurt me so bad that night, I really wanted to go to the hospital but I knew what it was. I became determine after that night (08/10/12) something had to change. I have not mastered anything to date, but I'm working on it (eating, working out, mindset)! Every time I feel like I'm about to give up, I think about how bad I hurt and how much worst the pain will be the older I get if I stay at this weight. So, it may take me forever to get to my goal weight but I'm going to get there. I'm scared not to!
| Pounds lost: 10.6 |
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I joined sparkpeople back in 2010 and had all intentions of losing 10 lbs before my wedding and keeping it off. At the time, I weighed 170 lbs and my wedding wasn't for another 2 years! That seemed simple enough, right?? But, instead of choosing a healthy lifestyle, I chose the "easy" (or so I thought) lifestyle. It was easier to grab McD's than to make my own lunch. And it was fun to hang out with my fiancée and our friends and play video games and drink beer all night long. 2 years later, it's July of 2012 and my wedding is a month away. I had gained 30 lbs. So much for losing 10 and keeping it off! I kept convincing myself that I looked ...okay, and that if my fiancee loved me, what did it even matter? (terrible outlook!!!) I even convinced myself that having to buy a BRAND NEW size 18 wedding dress because my size 12 would no longer fit was not a bad thing! So, a month later, the morning of my wedding, I stepped on the scale and weighed 205 lbs. 35 lbs weight gain since I joined sparkpeople (and never logged on). My dress was magnificent, the day was perfect, and everyone went on and on about how beautiful I was. Obviously, that's what people have to say to the bride. Boy oh boy were they being nice! 2 weeks later we got our album back and I couldn't believe my eyes! I had rolls on rolls! Every picture I took was worse than the last. So on top of not looking good, I could only imagine what my health was like!! It is now 3 weeks since I officially said yes to a lifestyle change and I've lost 9lbs. Both my husband and I are starting our new life off slow and easing our way in so so we don't crash and burn after such a huge adjustment. I couldn't be more proud of myself!!
Edited by: JAMALO8 at: 9/25/2012 (13:50)
"Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"
| current weight: 194.0 |
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On December 2, 2011, I was at the MAC Championship Game watching my boyfriend get his first start as a Division I collegiate offensive lineman. I was wearing his #76 3XL jersey and in the front row, above an ESPN sign. Because of this sign, I was on national television 4 times over the course of the game. When I got home on December 3, I watched the game that I had recorded on my DVR. I was so embarrassed when I saw myself. 275 pounds, filling out a 3XL football jersey. I couldn't believe I looked like that. I got online and googled Free Weight Loss Programs, and thankfully found SparkPeople. 85 pounds down, with 45 pounds to go, I haven't looked back.
Jan-Marie "The only remedy for love is to love more."-Henry David Thoreau Go Ohio University Bobcats! #76
| current weight: 194.2 |
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I saw myself in a photo that was taken at a family gathering and thought enough is enough. I cannot continue to harm myself and smother my depression with food any longer. That was it. From that day forward (June 26, 2012) I have taken control of my LIFE! I refuse to let food beat me down, I AM IN CONTROL! :)
Life is the occaison, rise to it! And don't forget the Present is a GIFT!
| Pounds lost: 84.0 |
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When most of my clothes started feeling tight! I didn't want to go up a size! The weird thing is that I've lost 15 lbs. and it hasn't made a huge difference in the clothing... yet. They are a little looser but I'm still a size 14... And, I know from past experience (I was up to 200 in highschool and down to 125 in college) that it takes a lot (the way that I'm built - very busty and large thighs) to get me out of a size 14 and into a 12. I'll probably have to loose another 15 lbs. to go down a size.
One can never consent to creep when one feels an impluse to soar - Helen Keller
| current weight: 155.0 |
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For me, it was seeing the same old me in the mirror and realizing that I needed a change. I'm just tired of the not so healthy me!
Be strong, be focused, and always be yourself. No one else does it as well as you do!
| Pounds lost: 12.0 |
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I've put on 4 pounds every year for the past 3 years. My doctor pointed it out to me this summer and it was a wake up call, then I went to take my fall clothes out in September and they were tight and so that was wake up call number 2. So I'm doing something about it and slowly but surely my clothes are getting looser -and I'm feeling great. Tracking my food really helps and of course so does SparkPeople!
-Sarah People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. George Bernard Shaw
| current weight: 146.0 |
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I went on a church group camp to the mountains, and was out of breath the whole time. Lots of hills and I pretty much stayed in one general area to prevent me from feeling so winded. I say every year I'm not coming up here like this next year and I have for the past five years. This year I meant it. Two days after I got back I started juicing and lost 25lbs. Started walking and feel better than I have in years.
Goals 200 -9/12/12 175 150 125 115
| current weight: 197.4 |
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Knowing that if I didn't stop what I was doing I would be gaining another 20 pounds in another year as I had done the previous year. It really scared me! A year and a half has gone by since then and I have lost over 35lbs. I have learned so much about nutrition and exercise from SP . I really feel that I have the tools to maintain my loss.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hph otos-ak-ash3/544942_10151092251777551_ 1895510514_n.jpg
| current weight: 122.5 |
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Well I have tried 10000000 times.. but I think this might really be it.... My son last night who is five told me , mom, you look like you have a baby in your belly. My kids tell me I am fat all the time... so it is not like this is anything new... but for some reason last night was the night that I thought YES I DO look like i have a baby in there. I will be 40 in April and I do NOT want to look like I have a baby in my belly when my birthday rolls around!
Today is the tomorrow you keep waiting for! Central time Zone 187 by July 6
| current weight: 190.2 |
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CKINDICE
SparkPoints: (1,453)
Fitness Minutes: (5,840)
Posts:
1
9/24/12 1:29 P
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I have been overweight my whole life, but no where near the extent that I am now. When I got pregnant with my first daughter, I wanted her to be perfectly healthy (just like any other mom) and so I was extremely diligent in eating only the right foods. I only gained 15lbs throughout the whole pregnancy. After she was born, I had immediately lost weight and was below my pre-pregnancy weight. I was excited to eat whatever I wanted, and I did. From then on, my weight when up and up and up. Now 7 years later, the moment when I decided I had had enough was when I was putting on my seatbelt in my van. Now I had been in some of the smaller cars and some would fit and some wouldn't, and it didnt bother me much. But for my seatbelt to be tight in my own vehicle was a different story. I realized I've had it - that day I was searching online and found a free 14 day pass to a local gym, less than 5 min from my house. And so I went, yes that day. And I've been going 6 days a week ever since. I've lost 22 pounds so far and have never (even when I was skinnier) had this much energy!
Edited by: CKINDICE at: 9/24/2012 (13:34)
| Pounds lost: 114.2 |
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I stepped on the scale and saw a number I didn't even think it was physically possible for me to reach - over 300 lbs. 304 to be precise. I was horrified, absolutely horrified that I had done that to myself. Still, it took a few more weeks before I committed to a new lifestyle. About a month later, I was turning 24, and I realized that if I was 174 at 14, and then 304 at 24 - would I be 404 at 34?! I decided right then and there that I had to change my life - or end up with no life at all.
Everything we need is within - your body is the lock, your spirit is the key.
| June Minutes: 0 |
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Two things actually..when I realized that my waist size puts me at double the risk for diabetes..and when my brother saw a photograph and didn't recognize me in it..he sees me in person all the time but he couldn't connect the picture with me! Ugh..
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The "fear of God" lecture from my doctor last visit. LDL off the chart. Blood pressure through the roof. I had to return 4 days later for bp screening and it was better. Still have to go back in six months for check up. I am going to shock her in a different way by dropping 50 lbs. Started the Spark thanks to my wife. Took a week off from it for vacation. Always celebrate the suprises you find when losing (the energy, the smaller clothes, the muscle tone, etc.) My biggest thing was giving up soda and bread.
"Great moments are born from great opportunities." - Herb Brooks
| current weight: 233.6 |
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Well I'm new here and I guess there were a few things that made me decide to finally take some actual steps towards getting healthy. I'm 18 years old and have been heavy literally my entire life. Luckily, I never had to deal with teasing or bullying because if it ever started I always stood up for myself. I have always tried watching what I eat but due to my extremely busy lifestyle i always find myself eating out and losing weight has just been impossible. A few weeks ago i realized that i was sick and tired of being the "chubby" friend. I'm hoping that having a community to stay accountable to, I will able to finally be on my way towards getting healthy. Plus, I'm going off to college next fall and I'd really like to look great going in :)
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When I burned out with my program and started drinking too much. I gained 20 pounds, cholesterol skyrocketed, and physically I had no strength or stamina to even grocery shop. I came back to my program with more sensible goals to avoid burning out again, and stopped drinking completely. I'm alive again!
The most painful state of being is remembering the future. Anonymous
| current weight: 109.0 |
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photographs
The way to a happy life is believing that anything is possible. The secret to being beautiful is thinking beautiful. Key to a great life: Everything in moderation. 4ft11
| current weight: 114.0 |
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Finally got up the courage to have a blood test because of genetic risk factors. Found out that not only am I diabetic (very bad results), but my cholesterol is 2 x 3 times the acceptable amount. I had dropped several pounds and increased my activity a bit over the summer, but I was not nearly motivated enough to take it seriously. Now, however, I am. I no longer have a choice if I want to live a long life. I am on a very steep learning curve, but even reduced my work hours to part time in order to make time for exercise and meal planning. I feel more energetic after only 3 1/2 weeks, but some days I have to remind myself that it is a life or death decision every time I don't feel like going to the gym. That seems to help motivate me!
Carpe Diem!
| current weight: 162.0 |
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The deciding moment was when my doctor referred to me as morbidly obese and suggested lap band surgery. That was the day I joined Spark People. He now suggests SP to his patients on a regular basis.
Jenae
| current weight: 148.8 |
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When I became an ICU RN....seeing what an unhealthy lifestyle does to your body. It was then that I started changing my life and my habits.
Be more stubborn than the scale!
| current weight: 119.0 |
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Wolfesong- I can relate so much to what you just wrote- I just had to comment! I am also Bi-Polar and have gained well over 100 pounds on the lovely gaining meds, being sedentary and comfort eating during a number of depressive episodes, and drinking too much when manic. It happened seemingly overnight- the last 50 were on one med in particular in literally less than three months! I agree- this is not good for either of our health problems- and will only make it all worse. I guess I just wanted to let you know I am in the same boat here. Best way to get hold of me is through Spark Mail should you want to... I only have limited time on the boards. I belong to the 100+ Pounds to Lose Group and am there almost daily. Also, the BP group here on the Spark is helpful. Putting my foot down over here, as well. We can do it. ~best~
Edited by: ELLIPSISDREAM at: 9/22/2012 (18:01)
If you are tired of starting over, Stop giving up. ~The Spark~ GO TITANS!!! Challenge Goal 25 pounds! Challenge Dedicated to Beth with Pink Ribbon Wishes
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When the doctor weighed me and I was 300 pounds. Several years ago I did weight watchers and got down to 190. However medications that I take for Bi-Polar cause weight gain, and the comfort eating I do to deal with chronic pain, well both spelled weight gain disaster. So over the last 4 years I've watched my weight slowly creep back up to where I was before at my heaviest. I put my foot down. No way. This is bad for every health problem I have, and could cause more. So I found this site. Which is amazing. I'm very stubborn and very serious about losing this weight. I am very big boned so my clothes will always be plus sized but that OK, I wear men's most of the time anyway. I just want to feel better, that's my main reason, and that's what made me decide.
We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves. -Buddha
| current weight: 303.0 |
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For me, there were a few events in my life that made me decide to lose weight. I watched my mother struggle with her weight my entire life. She was so depressed all the time. She was obsessed with losing weight and I watched her struggle with different diets and yo-yo. When I grew up and left home, I realized I had become just like her. Then she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. I lost her in 2006, I was 27 years old and she died 6 days before her 54th birthday. Although I starting thinking about my health and weight, I didn't really do anything to change my life. Then in 2008, one of my best friends was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. I was so angry that this was happening again. But my friend was so much different than my mother. Even though she was given such a devastating diagnosis, she vowed that it would not take her down. She remained positive. It made me realize that in life, we can not always change our cicumstances but we can always decide how to respond. I began mentally preparing for my journey. Then for work we had to undergo a biometric screening to save money on our health insurance premium. I didn't want to do it but wanted to save the money. My results were terrible. I was pre-diabetic and my blood pressure was too high. I started reading about health issues I was going to face if I didn't make some changes. I got scared, all I could think about was how unfair it would be for my own daughter if I died. So here I am today, 2 years later and 60 pounds lighter. I still have work to do but I am in much better physical health then I have been in the last decade!
| current weight: 197.0 |
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KJONESANTH
SparkPoints: (2,740)
Fitness Minutes: (2,052)
Posts:
60
9/22/12 11:57 A
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Wow, it was really something to read these posts! Best of luck and courage and patience to everyone! I think for me the turning point was losing my job. I had completely defined myself by my profession, giving endlessly of my time and energy for everyone else, and in the end it got me fired by jealous and small-minded people. When working on moving on, I decided that although I didn't quite know what my future held, I wanted to be my strongest and most confident to face it. I also realized I needed to take care of me first, taking care of everyone else had just not worked.
If you can dream it, you can do it!
| current weight: 216.0 |
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I joined a weight loss challenge in an attempt to motivate my husband to lose some weight. I asked him to join with me. He did. The first night of class we were weighed, measured and had our body fat tested. I saw the number 23.5% come up on the body fat testing device and I gloated, saying to myself, "not bad for a forty-six year old." The next night we met with our wellness coach for an evaluation and to go over the numbers. My husband had a body fat of 30% and was told he was about 40 pounds over weight. I sat there waiting to hear, "your in pretty good shape." Instead, my wellness coach said, "your body fat is 33%." "Whoa! Back up!" I cried. I saw 23.5% on the testing device just last night!" "Oh," replied the blonde, blue eyed bubbly instructor, "that was your BMI. Your're in the healthy range for your weight compared to your height, but your in the obese category for body fat." I was shocked. I knew I had a little belly going on, but in our house the only mirrors we have show above the waist line. My legs are in really good shape, but obviously the rest of me, that I can't see on a regular basis, is pretty fatty. Since Tuesday, I have been tracking my nutrition with the handy and amazing food tracker and I've realized that I'm eating very little protein, and lots of sugar and fats. I wanted to blame my lack of energy and zest on maybe being depressed. These last two days, I've had more energy. I've been eating more protein and less fats and sugar. If my mood has been all about what I've been putting in my mouth, I will be one happy camper. During the next six weeks of the challenge, I will use the tracker for food and exercise and I will lose ten percent of my body fat. It's about my health now. The moment I found out I had 33% body fat, was the moment I decided.
| Body Fat %: 33.0 |
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I just want to be able to take a family picture...it really bothers me that I am so unhealthy
homeschooling mama, part time college instructor with lupus to complicate my health "I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." -Helen Keller
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wow- you are an inspiration! Congrats on keeping it off
homeschooling mama, part time college instructor with lupus to complicate my health "I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." -Helen Keller
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I had to take pictures of myself to post somewhere, and I was horrified. I realized I have been avoiding mirrors, and the truth
If there is no Earth on which humans and other species can thrive, nothing else matters, nothing.
| current weight: 226.0 |
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i moved to Japan recently and the clothes dont fit me at all. Either my boobs are too big or my thighs are too big... It really stinks. Also i have to bike to work instead of driving and realizing how out of shape i am just from a 20 minute bike ride is sad :(
SW:190 GW: 140 CW:173.8
| Pounds lost: 9.0 |
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Although I look pretty, my normall very kind and loving husband told me he felt as if I had "let myself go" after having four kids in seven years. How crushing! But when I look at the number on the scale, I have to acknowledge that he is right.
I WILL do this!
| Pounds lost: 40.0 |
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a workplace competition Jan 1st 2006
MAMA_CD...count your blessings! "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” www.mamaCD.org
| current weight: 163.0 |
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I can relate to everything you said. My turning point was that I couldn't walk up 1 flight of steps without being winded. My self esteem was pretty low too. Anyway, keep up the good work. We all have to start somewhere.
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For me it was a combinations of things: 1) When it came time to put on jeans, one pair didn't fit and the other was too tight. I proceded to the scale which I had avoided for about 6 months and: 2) I was officially overweight and saw a number in the 160's which I had NEVER seen before 3) I work in healthcare and see the growing epidemic of obesity and I didn't want to become another person a part of this problem.
| Pounds lost: 9.6 |
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