I am fat and 40:not fabulous!

[brn2crz]

ok,hopefuly not to pathetic. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]..
A little background info...
Very athletic and active all through college.I was 5'7,132lbs and a size 7 when graduated college.Then,as I continued my life as a restaurant manager and supervisor,I started to put on the weight.Always able to get it off quite easily,sometimes the right way,sometimes not.I had my first child at 35.Previous to getting pregnant,I lost alot on Phen-Phen,and was down to a size 10.Within 6 weeks of giving birth,I was only 10 lbs over pre-pregnancy weight,with no real work on my part.I had a C-Section.At 4 months after,I started on the pill for the 1st time.After 6 months and 20 something lbs more,I stopped it.Have been back and forth since.I got to 190..without any lifestyle changes and held for 2 years.Prior to my cruise last Sept.I got down to 180....within a month of returning,I had almost a 20 lb swing!!!!Granted I was working out alot,and really Low-carbing it prior to cruise.I am at 215...size 16....and cannot find the motivation I need..Although I have it right in front of me.Health.MY Mom died in June after years of neglecting Diabetes.I already have tingling problems,and sleep apnea.I have a 4 year old who needs a healthy mom.I am still very active,and feel like I am 30 or younger.I know if I don't get a handle on things it will be too late.Since I have become a stay at home mom.I just cant get organized or motivated.I am so stressed by which eating plan to try again.
And I know if I would just start working out AT ALL,it would make a huge difference.
I am really frustrated at my body,because I cant figure out how I put on those last 25 lbs...
I know fabulous may be a bit to ask for...
But I will be 57 when my son turns 20...and I do not want him to be ashamed of me!
Any ideas for motivation would be greatly appreciated.

Cathy
NCL-Starward 1982
NCL-Seaward 1986
NCL-Norway 1992
Carnival-Celebration 1996
Carnival-Jubilee 2001
RCI-Rhapsody 1999
RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
Grand Princess or Rhapsody ?
2004


[img]http://heathersanimations.com/Fish2/netdiver.gif[/img]

[cmjaffe]

Cathy,
Welcome on board here..
You've taken the first step.. acknowledging that you need to do something for YOURSELF (and also on behalf of your son)... it's not easy BUT it can be done.. you've probably reached the point of utter frustration... the scale creeping upwards and wondering what to do.. it's time to take a bit of action on your part... being a stay-home with a probably active 4 year old isn't an easy task. You probably have been putting EVERYONE first before yourself. You stated that low carb has worked for you in the past. Perhaps this will be a good (or somewhat easier) plan for you to try... since there aren't many choices at first. With a young one at home simplicity is key for getting you on track.. try to make some time just FOR YOU (I know where you're at... been there, got to the point where I got fed up looking at scale too and decided enough already and went on Atkins -- that was almost 5 years ago now... had been succesfully maintaining for 4 years until having a slight creep about a year ago which I'm trying to keep to a minimum -- but I've been assured by specialists that it's an age-thing <I'm 46 -- isn't it nice of the MDs to say age NOT>.. but I digress a bit about me... IF you've had enough it's time to take action.. probably summer's starting to hit in "your neck of the woods" so start now...most of the holiday temptations won't be around until 4th of July time and by then you should be set in your WOE and seeing some positive results. You just need to make the decision, and do it for YOURSELF... drink lots of water, try to stay active and make some time for yourself... that is SO important... being a stay-at-home you probably put everyone ahead of you.
Good luck. There are lots a great people here (Belle.. I'm surprised you haven't popped in yet this evening for a pep-rally cheer) who will give you support and encouragement.
Carolyn

[Guest]

Welcome Cathy!

You can do it! Yes you can!
Join us on here every day, talk to
us..we all give tips and help, you give us help
by talking to us and being here. We weigh-in on Thursdays. Start then (tomorrow)! That's your day ONE!
Every thursday, weigh-in, say how you did, lost or gained or stayed the same.
Having to check-in each week helps.

You've lost weight before..so you know you can do it. You know..you have to eat less..exercise and drink tons of water!

Everyone is on different plans, ask them how there plans work and choose one.
Exercise..Do exercises with the TV, take your child for walks, go to the park, ect.
Drink that water, it really does work.

Know it's hard work but it can be done. It's one day at a time. Sometimes it's fast other times so slow. You just have to stick with it..that's what we're all doing.

Remember we're here to help, you can whine, complain, brag be happy, whatever. We're all in the same "boat" here..WE all want to lose and understand how hard it is!

[Guest]

Carolyn, Contrary to what people think..
I do have a life..and Do Not spend all my
time on the Computer! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

[kimned88]

welcome, cathy!

definately the first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem and that you are going to do something! you have one advantage, you say that you are 40 in a 30 y.o. body. that should make the exercise thing that much easier. look around at the diets, see what looks right to you. personally i do the atkins thing. i have lost 35 pounds in 11 weeks. and i love it. i however have much more to lose than you do. whatever you do, pick out a Way Of Eating(WOE) that you feel you can manage. then stick to it. do this for you and your son...you are both worth it. if there is anything we can do, let us know, we are here to help.

35 down, 186 to go

gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now.....hurry december!!!
kim

scandanavian cruise line 1987
cape canaviral - 1995
carnival jubilee - sept 2002
CARIVAL VALOR - DEC 26, 2004 (2ND VOYAGE FOR HER)
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;12;26;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  days to go!!!!!!

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[pazooter]

Welcome to another Cathy! We are here to support each other and glad you've joined us.

#1 is to drink plenty of water each and every day, starting early in the morning and all through the day. This will keep you hydrated and often helps with less calories. Sometimes thirst mimics hunger and our bodies can't tell the difference. Stay hydrated and hunger won't come as often.

Next look at your daily diet and write down what you eat for a few days. Note where you can change and what you should change. Check for how many calories you should be eating to maintain the weight and how many you should eat to drop 1 or 2 pounds per week. Don't go overboard planning to drop too many pounds per week. Keep the calories at a reasonable level.

Find some form of exercise that pleases you. It could be walking or bike riding, swimming or weight lifting. Then make a plan for yourself to exercise each and every day.

Keep coming back for support from your fellow "Lose Before You Cruise" cheerleading section. We weigh in on Thursday mornings to report loss, stay-the-same, or the dreaded "gain".

Cathy

[url="http://www.pazooter.com"][img]http://www.pazooter.com/bandc.gif[/img][/url]


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Until our **STAR** search
Seattle to Alaska on NCL Star
June 27, 2004

Fantasy 12/25/03
Inspiration 4/13/03
NCL Majesty 12/27/02
Jubilee 3/23/02
Norwegian Sea 11/23/01

[Lill]

Welcome! Looks like you've gotten a lot of good advice. Lots of great support here on the board. I've lost 42 lbs since August and the board has been a great help. Getting started is the hardest part. Good luck with the plan you choose. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

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Diamond Princess

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[PINEVIEW01]

Cathy welocme!

Not pathetic unless you choose not to act. I'm over 40 and was where you are a couple years ago. My babies are grandbabies though[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

I had high blood preasure and was looking Diabetes in the face. My mom is an shooter and my Gma died from Diabetes. You will need to do this for yourself. So your son at 20 has a Mom period.

My youngest daughter didn't say but, I know by her actions she didn't want her friends to see me. She would have her sister take her to and go to functions with her. I didn't have the energy to enjoy the grandbabies. I spent my breaks at work sleeping.

I started Atkins for the second time 1/1/03. (This info is on some other thread if your read them from the start.) I lost 17 pounds in 17 days, 30 in three months, 50 in five months and 70 in nine months. By 1/1/04 I had lost 75 pounds. I'm trying to hold my own now. I went from a size 28 to a size 16.

This is what worked for me. There are others doing other WOE. You need to find the one that works for you and live by your new WOE. Any help we can give just ask, that's why we are all here.

Melody

Paradise, 9-5-04
Holiday, 4-10-04
Inspiration, 11-30-03
Inspiration, 1-26-03
Victory,3-31-02
Sensation, 11-28-98
Holiday, 3-19-94

[babylene]

Hi! First I think you should see your doctor. He should be able to advise you. A nutritionist would not be a bad idea either. Lots of good luck.

[mag]

Welcome Cathy!! We have all been where you are and you definitely sound like you are ready to take control and get started. Go for it! After you begin, you will quickly feel better and better and better...both physically and emotionally. Remember, it is just one day at a time!

"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels."

Mary Ann [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Proud Member of O.A.T.C.

"The Big Red Boat" 10/87
Royal Majesty 5/97
Sea Princess 3/01
Carnival Triumph 1/02
Carnival Sensation 10/02
Carnival Triumph 5/04

[WeirdEyes]

Cathy, welcome to LBYC!!! We are a great bunch here...if I do say so myself. Check in here as much as you can to get motivation and support. It has helped me TREMENDOUSLY!

Your story is close to mine in several ways. I was a cheerleader all through school..started in 2nd grade. I was always very muscular and looked great. After I got married, the weight started "creeping" on. I gained 75 lbs when I was pregnant with my son. I lost down to 160 after I had him and then 137. Years later I found myself at 205 lbs! Now it is two years later and I am down 50 lbs. I have done it with diet and exercise. That is the only thing that works..period. Both of them. Find a diet plan that works for you. I tried 4 before I found the one I could live with. I lost weight on all of them, but the trick is keeping it off.

I suggest to you that you purchase the Walk Away the Pounds video or DVD by Leslie Sansone. These workouts are very easy on beginners and then you can move up as you progress. I am now advanced so I do the 3 mile with weights. She has a 1 mile, 2 mile, 3 mile, and 4 mile. You can either buy her weights or get some at Wal-Mart (what I did). Go to her web site and see what you think. [url="http://www.lesliesansone.com"]Leslie Sansone[/url]

Good luck and please come back here for support. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

<font color="#0000CC" face="Lydian Csv BT" size="4">~~Shelia~~</font></p>
Sailing the Mariner in.......
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;5;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
<font color="#003399" face="Benguiat Bk BT">Carnival Destiny 2002</font>

[brn2crz]

HI everyone...
Thanks SO much for all the comments.I lurked on this board last year before my cruise,and I really enjoyed the support you all gave each other.MY problem....Complacancy.I am not wayyyy
over,as far as in size.I can still wear some 12s,but into 16's and larger...especially in the top..and boy,that C-section flop uuuggggg.
But because I can hide it well,I just avoid the issue....Well NO MORE!
And as if a miracle,(ok,not exactly divine intervention)my Dad called last night,and all the family that has been so undecided on if to take a cruise this year,have all decided on one ship...and down two 2 weeks to choose from....
I will be working at DS school the rest of this year,and teaching in Pre-K next year,so that will help get me off the couch.Starting off as a stay at home was really hard for me,because not only did I quit my lllloooooooong time Management postion,my DH stared his own business.so I sat around depressed about no money all the time.
My biggest obstacle with Atkins,is In planning meals for 3,with one being a little guy.I try serve well rounded meals for them,but usually end up with way to many carbs....But I know that is the best plan for my particular weight distribution.
Thanks again ya'll I am on the boards alot,as you can tell from my posts...I will definitly start back on here....(did I mention I hate water???) Not really,just love my DR Pepper...
Thanks again...

Cathy
NCL-Starward 1982
NCL-Seaward 1986
NCL-Norway 1992
Carnival-Celebration 1996
Carnival-Jubilee 2001
RCI-Rhapsody 1999
RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
Grand Princess or Rhapsody ?
2004


[img]http://heathersanimations.com/Fish2/netdiver.gif[/img]

[Guest]

Make your self drink the water. Once
your use to drinking it and drinking more you won't want as much Dr. Pepper.
Really you won't!

[WeirdEyes]

Cathy, I used to HATE water also. Now, I drink it all day EVERY day. I allow myself one diet soda a day..that is it! You CAN do it...just MAKE yourself. Then it will come natural. Good luck and we are here for you.

<font color="#0000CC" face="Lydian Csv BT" size="4">~~Shelia~~</font></p>
Sailing the Mariner in.......
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<font color="#003399" face="Benguiat Bk BT">Carnival Destiny 2002</font>

[kimned88]

fake it til you make it!...still working on that myself [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

35 down, 186 to go

gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now.....hurry december!!!
kim

scandanavian cruise line 1987
cape canaviral - 1995
carnival jubilee - sept 2002
CARIVAL VALOR - DEC 26, 2004 (2ND VOYAGE FOR HER)
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;12;26;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  days to go!!!!!!

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[Cruise Miriam]

Welcome Cathy! Since you've lurked here before, and Belle invited you, I want to remind you of our Thursday weigh-ins.

As for the water, you might want to try adding some lemon or lime to it.

Host Miriam
Community Supervisor
[email]ldrscruisemir7@aol.com[/email]

[lboat]

Hi! Glad I found this site. I too am struggling with my weight. I started weight watchers first of February and celebrated my 25 pound loss today. I found that I need the support and accountability of this program. Drinking lots of water and making better choices has seemed to be what works for me. I am an impulse eater and found that having easy low point snacks (or low calorie or low carb--whatever you need) works so that I don't grab that piece of candy or that bag of chips. I'll grab that sugar free jello or fudgecycle instead. Good luck and don't give up. Remember that you will have good days and bad days and that you are worth it! Just take a deep breath and regroup when you fall off your plan. Just tackle it a day at a time and have a plan. Small goals work better also instead of just looking at the overall picture which can be overwhelming. In weight watchers we celebrate every 5 pound loss which at first seemed kind of corny to me but I now look forward to those stars! Sometimes my goal is just to drink my 6 glasses of water for that day. I'm rewarding myself for my 25# loss by buying my own snorkle and mask for our 8/08 cruise on the Conquest.

[brn2crz]

Wow...25 since Feb...what a great accomplishment.
I actually do love water with lemon,and thats how I drink it.Lemon helps breakdown carbs too.
When I actually drink water,I think wow... I really like water,why don't I drink it..
But I really love my DR Pepper...Ok....I know.bad bad.But I actually drank 4 16 oz glasses of water yesterday,and (other than the Dp I have in my hand right now [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img]) have not had one in 4 days.
I cannot afford a whole new wardrobe,for my cruise in Sept...So I must do this...(all my really good clothes are size 12)
Thanks,I forgot about the weigh-ins..Gasp
I must loose 25 lbs by thursday,because I cannot post my actual weight!!!! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
Thanks ya'll....I am getting motivated...
Sad thing..I have a lifetime membership to Bally's ..$8.oo monthly dues...about 10 min from my house.....and I love it when I actually get there....

RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
RCI-Rhapsody- 2004
until the return to the Rhapsody of the Seas
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[mohendry]

Hi, I have been lurking here for several weeks and I have finally gotten myself motivated to lose 25 pounds, hopefully before my cruise in Oct. My husband was on the South Beach diet and he has gone from 235 to 188 since Sept. I have tried to be on it but I kept cheating. This past week I started Phase 1 again but I do not seem to be dropping any weight. Has anyone experienced this with SB? Could it be medication and if so, what medications might affect the SB. Many thanks for any help.

[kimned88]

I must loose 25 lbs by thursday,because I cannot post my actual weight!!!!

we don't post actual weights, and never feel you have to on any of our postings....just how you did, up, down, stay the same, and most people say how much (2pounds lost [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] or 2 pounds down [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img] or stay the same) so the pressure is off to lose 25 pounds this week [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

yes, certain meds will make you retain, or gain weight....specially steroids (prednisone is a biggy) and most diabetic meds...talk to your dr, see what he/she says.

35 down, 186 to go

gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now.....hurry december!!!
kim

scandanavian cruise line 1987
cape canaviral - 1995
carnival jubilee - sept 2002
CARIVAL VALOR - DEC 26, 2004 (2ND VOYAGE FOR HER)
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;12;26;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  days to go!!!!!!

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[Cruise Miriam]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> yes, certain meds will make you retain, or gain weight....specially steroids (prednisone is a biggy) and most diabetic meds...talk to your dr, see what he/she says.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh boy is THIS true. I've lost 70 lbs since I ballooned up from prednisone, which I've been on a while. But you CAN lose. Are you on any meds?

As for weigh-in, Kim is right, you don't have to tell your actual weight (unless you want to).

Host Miriam
Community Supervisor
[email]ldrscruisemir7@aol.com[/email]

[brn2crz]

Ok...what a relief...
Might do me good though, to actually see it in writing. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

RCI-Rhapsody- 2003
RCI-Rhapsody- 2004
until the return to the Rhapsody of the Seas
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2004;09;12;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]
[img]http://heathersanimations.com/Fish2/netdiver.gif[/img]

[WeirdEyes]

mohendry, go to prevention.com's South Beach Diet message board. You can find TONS of helpful info there. Good luck!

<font color="#0000CC" face="Lydian Csv BT" size="4">~~Shelia~~</font></p>
Sailing the Mariner in.......
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;5;30;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
<font color="#003399" face="Benguiat Bk BT">Carnival Destiny 2002</font>

[BuilderMan]

I found out last week how important water is! I wasn't able to drink my 64 oz everyday (except Friday) and I can't tell you how awful I felt. I was never a water drinker until I started this plan, but I am a firm believer now. I even call my DH several times a day to remind him, too, to drink his water. Our son takes a big water bottle to school as well.

I also write down everything I eat. When I first started doing this, it was amazing what junk I put in my mouth. Now I read the food labels and think twice.

Now I crave my veggies and salads, which I never did before. My sugar cravings have just about disappeared too.

But most important, I feel good about myself which has transfered into a better overall frame of mind in my everyday life. I have a much more positive attitude!

By the way, I am 48 years young and this is the best I have felt in years.

This board is the best thing that I have found for support and advice.

Lynn

Majesty of the Seas 06/01
Monarch of the Seas 06/02
Explorer of the Seas 05/03
Navigator of the Seas 06/05/04

[kimned88]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Might do me good though, to actually see it in writing. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

it was really tough to put down the amount i had to lose the first time, but now it is second nature and everyone has been extra supportive sooing as i have so far to go.....not one person has said, "damn, that is one fat chick!!!" thought it, perhaps, said it, no [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]

35 down, 186 to go

gotta go, gotta go, gotta go right now.....hurry december!!!
kim

scandanavian cruise line 1987
cape canaviral - 1995
carnival jubilee - sept 2002
CARIVAL VALOR - DEC 26, 2004 (2ND VOYAGE FOR HER)
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;12;26;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  days to go!!!!!!

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