My name is Cathy. I am 40 years old, a single mother of two girls, Alexandra 13 and Liliana 7. I work full time as an administrator for a highway truck repair center. Mostly a desk job but I do get to move around a fair bit.

I have been heavy since I was 13 years old. I am an emotional eater. I am happy, I eat, sad, I eat, mad, I eat...I am sure you can see a pattern, lol.

I was married at 25 to a guy that was pretty usless, but that is another story. I left him when Alexandra was just 3 months old. So I have been a single mother for 13 years now.

The weird relationship with him was off and on up until about 3 years ago when I kicked him out of our lives for good. I was 248 lbs at that time. Since then I had lost over 100 lbs and had a tummy tuck that goes all the way around my body. I am very proud of how far I came. Slowly the weight has been creaping back on and I have gained almost 50 lbs back. I am just 5' 2" so the weight is very noticible on me. I hate it. I feel so heavy, tired and sore.

I got down to 136 lbs but I was not happy. I was in size 4 and still not happy. I think I was the happiest at 150 lbs (size 7) and would love to get back there. I started full course this morning on my journey back to 150 lbs.

I weighed myself today for the first time in months. I am 190 lbs. I have developed a plan and hope to stick to it until I get back to 150 lbs. This is how I lost the 100...but I have to stay motivated, esspecially after I get there!

I know how to do it but I needed to be motivated...I am motivated now.

The Plan:

Drink more water - only problem is that I find I am going to the bathroom all day, esspecially when I am cold - getting old don't you know

Take multivitamins, including Chromium and B complex - twice per day

Cut down on portions

Eat more fruit and veggies, less processed crap

Get out and exercise 4 times per week

Take each day one at a time, one meal at a time

MOST IMPORTANT: set goals for myself with rewards when goals are reached.

When I lost the 100, I would have rewards every 10 lbs...things like cowboy boots, sexy clothes, including under garments...the best goal was my tattoo. I spent 6 months looking of just the right one, modifying it and getting a good guy to do it for me...I wanted it for my 39th birthday but I did not realize that I had to prebook the appointment so I did not get it until one month later.

I like to weigh in daily when I first start to loose weight then switch to weekly after I can feel the weight start to go. It motivates me at first but it can be a bit obsessive if not careful.


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Thanks for reading this, hope you weren't too bored. I will post a update to this when I am on my way.





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Well done getting started on a journal

Hi Cadragonfly, thanks for popping into my diary and giving such wonderful support. It sounds like you have a really strong developed plan started on how to get healthy.
I love the idea of rewards, *non food ones* I was 350 at my heaviest and when i dropped 50 i had to buy clothing..It was a great reward, just picking out clothing in a smaller size.
welcome to the forum
Michelle

Hay Cadragonfly,

I am glad you started a journal. I have a goal of getting a tattoo when I lose 100 pounds.

Thanks for your responses both lostnfound and brazenlysasse.

I have not tried a support group like this before. It does feel good, motivates me to know that I am not alone in this life long battle.

I have tried may different tricks to loose weight, some worked for a short time...accupuncture was good but it only help with the cravings for 3 weeks, after that they crept back in. Dr. Bernstiens way of eating works but you cannot exercise and you feel sooo deprived most of the time. I am an all or nothing type of person. If I have chips, I cannot just take a handful, I keep at it until it is gone. Same with everything, sweets, soda, and even regular food. I don't really want it, I am full, but I am greedy for it.

I am down 1 pound this morning, I know it is mstly water but it still helps me feel good about myself.

Take care all and make good choices!