Losing weight, gaining understanding

I was just reading posts from "The somewhat minor annoyances of being overweight -- what are yours?" by dolphinclick <http://caloriecount.about.com/somewhat-minor- annoyances-overweight-ft139699-2> and it occured to me that this site has given me a greater gift than the tools for weight loss... this community has helped me to understand and sympathize with the every day problems that so many people have to deal with on a daily basis because of their weight.

Even with carting around my own extra 20 lbs there are so many issues that I would have never considered - such as the fit of safety bars on roller coasters or the discomfort of simply sitting at work. And without wanting to sound like some sort of weird martyr or something, I just wanted to say how proud I am of the members in this community for having the courage and will power to try to do something about their situation - and for sharing those experiences with the rest of us.

Reading your posts has helped me modify my own behavior,  making me more aware of the challenges you face every day, and I can honestly say that this new sensitivity has helped make me just a little bit better of a person. 

Thank you.

I had no idea that thread would get such an overwhelming response when I started it.  And a lot of those responses have definitely opened my eyes.  The 40 lbs I came here to lose can often seem overwhelming and the end seems so far away.  And that just makes me so much more impressed with all the people here who have lost or are losing a good deal of weight through slow and healthy means, especially when you see so many people out there in the same situations who turn to bariatric surgery.

This site has been great for me too. I never had so much support as a member of Weight Watchers.

I agree.  I've lost 87 pounds since I came to Calorie Count eleven months ago.  It has honestly changed my life.

87 is great. this site is ntremendously helpful

I joined calorie count a couple weeks ago and I enjoy reading the forums. Everyone seems so nice, and there is a lot of understanding. Overweight people are often seen as lazy. I am trying to lose weight to feel better but it is hard for many who are overweight. When I feel fat I don't want to exercise, which doesn't help me. This site is great for everyone to get to know the struggles of losing weight. I've lost about six pounds so far.

I second all of the above

I joined this site a few days ago and I think what I enjoy just as much as the knowledge I've gained (particualrly about the mathmatics behind calorie inpud vs. calorie expenditure) has got to be the amazing community that comes along with it. As someone who needs to lose a good 60ish pounds, It's good to know that I'm not alone (which i often feel as if I am given that most people I know are either slim or slightly overweight at most) and to gain some insight as to the struggles others face with their body image/health as well, whether it be the fear of being unable to maintain your ideal weight, feeling insequre about those 10 or so pounds that are making you feel "flabby," or those who (as stated above) find that thier weight hinders day to day activities that most people take for granted...

Thank you Calorie Count!!

I learned that there are many people in the same boat as me.  Many have had the same bad habits, etc.  What I also learned is that we all have a greater awareness now of healthier foods and habits.  When I look around the office where I work, I eat healthier than most!  I can even handle some of the less flattering things said to me now like "So you really think this is going to help?"  "Wow you must really like fruit and salads!" every time I eat.  I remember getting my cholesterol checked not too long ago and the doctor saying he was really impressed.  I had some people at work truly shocked about that and too scared to go themselves even though they weigh far less.   I've lost 15 pounds and have 65 more to go.  I have just logged in another successful day!

On here you can be "you" and that is the best part!

ya know, i lost 90 pounds & now i understand how hard it is to drag that around with me every single step i take.  geez!  i couldn't drag that around with me if i tried!

the more you start moving around, the more you lose AND the more you lose, the more you want to move around so you can lose even more.  :D  i'd like to say to everyone here, 'get up & get moving!'

and no!  don't go finish it off with a whopper!  LOL  grab some watermelon or something.  start eating better & healthier.  you'll love the new you.

i just joined like 10 minutes ago and it has opened my eyes to all sorts of things. i didnt know that so many other people had the same feelings about things as me. it makes me feel better about myself and is inspiring me to not give up and lose that pesky 10 pounds.

Yes, I joined last year and then did nothing until this year when I rediscovered CC.  I haven't started using the tools YET, but fully intend to.  I LOVE being with people who are struggling with the same issues I am no matter the start or goal weights.  Losing (or in some cases gaining) is equally frustrating no matter the numbers.  The numbers are irrelevant - it's the struggle.  And the temptations ...