Posts by sarah2286

Thanks for the replies, guys! And those links should be fun to watch :)

I know Karate is not great for self-defense - the belts are usually awarded for if you can remember the different routines and such, but depending on the instructors, you can get a bit of a workout. I ended up going to kick boxing cuz it is more fun. I don't pay for karate, though, it's free through the school. Def too poor! haha

I actually do take muay thai training, but the way it's setup here, it's kinda slow and boring, although I still go. I've been offered training at a gym, but it's too expensive for me (currently, I get it for free) and the instructor wants me to fight in a month - Okay, I'm American and scared of these speedy, tiny Thai women fighters! They can FIGHT! So I'm not sure I'm gonnad ot aht, but it is great to learn.

Again, thanks for your replies and the links!

Doug - I haven't had my period in over 2 years - lost it when I was still a bit overweight, lost weight, became mysteriously underweight (eating lots of food, as in thousands of cals a day and still with an 18.0 bmi), gained back to a healthy weight, now am a bit overweight, trying to relax and forget about weight, food, and exercise, etc. Still no period in all this time.

I've been ot several doctors. At first, they tried all kinds of hormone therapy - 3 weeks on some sort of progesterone, off for a week (the week I should have a period) repeat for several months until period returns. After about a year, I gave up. Next doctor did a hormone spit analysis. For a month, every day at the same time, I would spit (I know, disgusting!) into a vial, freeze the sample, and after a month mail them all in to the lab. Results indicated that my hormones are seriously out of whack. She put me on a massive amount of herbs. Those did not work either.

Next doctor said I was too stressed (swhich is def true, being a student studying science in the US - we don't havetimeto  eat, do homework, and as aresult don't really ever sleep. Working out gives you energy if you arechronically sleep depreived,btw lol). Now I am listening to a meditation/relaxation CD every night and trying to relax more. I've been doing htis since January - still no period, but I've gained lots of weight. Not a good sideeffect, but who cares. Time to forget about losing weight/dieting, etc. I want my life back.

I'mbeginning to think I won't ever get a period again. I hope this is healthy and okay cuz I don't know what else to do. It's not toolate, right? I'm not gonna be sterile or anything? I'ma bit worried, but trying to trust this doctor. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies and great info, guys!

Yeah, I am living alone and can cook for myself, which I know is really lucky and healthy. I've learned to just use veggies and fruit, chicken or shrimp, and spices - no soy saucce, no other sauces cuz you just don't know. I've ceased eating out - make me really sick anyway.

Haute: Thanks for the perspective. That's what I'm trying to do, just enjoy my time and not worry too much - i can always lose the weight back in the US where it's healthier and easier.

Giabasch: You def sound like me a year ago! Relax and try to focus more on life. When I learned to do taht (last summer, wish I coudl get back to that mindset) i wound up losing a ton of weight - too much actually, but I was enjoying life so much more it was so worth it! So, please, try to remember - you can always go running no matter what or CC workouts in your room if you must, and veggies and fruit and lean meats are possible to find - even in Thailand - so go for it! Grab life by the horns! haha, love that phrase.

Juli: your advice is awesome! And so motivating. Thank you so much for real advice and ideas. I'm definitely starting to visit the local markets and buy the fresh produce and such. My vice right now is nuts - but other than that I've been making much healtheir choices, so thank you so much for an encouraging and motivating post!

Ali: You're right. I have tried to ask Thai friends, but here they are CLUELESS about health and exercise - they eat chips adn cookies and convenience food NONSTOP! And they are so overweight, I'm in shock! And they think all their food is healthy. I asked what was in a fish ball the other day, and the reply was "fish". Okay, yeah, but all that weight stuff around it and creamy stuff inside? Blank stares. So, yes, visual inspection and self cooking. Make life less stressful and healthier.

On another note, I am loving the great atmosphere and culture here. I bought a bike yesterday and have gone on several bike rides already - so much easier than walking in this extreme humidity and heat! So my advice to anyone is, go outside your comfort zone and go abroad if opportunity allows. Any weight gain/deviation from diet is totally worth it and fixable when back in civilation :)

I am probably echoing what others have said, but I want you to know that I'm right there and I feel for you. I, too, am 5'7" and while I never was anorexic, I mysteriously became dangerously underweight from Sept through Dec. and gaining it back was a process. I originally wanted to be at 121 again - where I was happiest adn healthiest before the major weight drop, but then I kept gaining, and was pretty happy at 125, assuming maybe I'd gained muscle, etc, accounting fr the added weight. I am now above 130 adn trying to accept it.

It's hard, but looking in the mirror and appreciating myself is something I've learned helps me to live life without worrying about food and working out. I have decided to go back to just eating normally, living life, and working out to be fit and happy, and not obsessing about everything. THen, like when I was 121, my body will decide what is healthy for itself. Our bodies want to be healthy adn thin, we just have to remember that - EDs and excessive dieting/execise are just stressful and "stupid" and teach out bodies that they have to outsmart us by holding onto weight (fat). Wow, I feel like I should be telling this to myself! But anyway, just try to relax about food, workout, live life, laugh, have fun with friends, etc. Before long, your body will have regulated and will look amazing without you having to give it a thought or count a calorie. You will be much happier, as I am sure I will,t oo, once I learn to do this. It is very diificult, but I feel like it will be worth it!

Another thing I've had to accept - if we gain a little too much and look a little overweight - who cares? We are still beautiful, and everyone gains a little once in a while. It's a normal part of life. It doesn't make them worth less or me think less of them as a person. And we lost the weight once, we can do it again. The healthy way this time, and for life. Good luck! Sorry for the long post.

HUGS!