what made you realize that you HAD to lose weight??

For me it was Christmas. The only thing I told my mother about Christmas presents was that I did NOT want clothes. And then not only did she get me almost entirely clothes, but they were in a size that I'm not comfortable mentioning even here. A lot of the clothes ended up not fitting (too big, just oddly shaped or both) but the fact that she would even estimate that I was that size shocked me into realizing I had to make a change. 

What was it for you?

the largest pair of jeans i had bought not too long ago were skin tight, and as i struggled to button them, i realized the zipper would unzip when i moved because my stomach was so large. also, just seeing the number of my highest weight read on the scale was mortifying. 

After a major break up I realized that I was unhappy with myself and it was effecting who I got involved with and how I viewed the world. I just realized I couldn't live this way any more and started making changes. I feel better every day :)

I saw a photo of myself from the back, in a bikini, holding my 1 year old cousin -- I knew I was much heavier than I'd been before, but I couldn't see it that much in the mirror. The photo did it. *shivers*

My winter coat didn't fit anymore.  Ugh!  I couldn't afford to buy a new one, plus I was humiliated. 

I stepped on the scale and saw 305 in August 2007. THREE HUNDRED FIVE POUNDS. I thought I was going to faint! I didn't want weight to get in my way any longer. I grew up in a "skinny" family and just got heavier and heavier - I weighed 190 lbs in sixth grade. I would lose a few pounds here and there, but always gained them back. I joined WW AGAIN (10 wk prog) in September 2007 and lost 15 lbs. I decided to commit to health instead of weight loss and finding CC+ in December 2007 has helped even more. I've lost 68 lbs and I have found that calorie intake v. expenditure is just math - heck, I can add and subtract, right? I decided that whatever activity I can do each day is good, and I feel so good when I eat nutrient-rich, whole foods. I don't restrict any food but I do practice portion control - weighing and measuring and I log all my calories daily. Mindless eating had not only never helped me to control my weight, but it also never solved the issues that made me unhappy. I plan to continue these new habits for the rest of my life. Kudos to anyone who is working toward better health and nutrition!

I had been a "fat girl" for as long as I could remember, literally.  I was a chubby little kid, and an overweight teen and adult.  During the pre-teen/teen years, everyone has to buy larger sizes of clothing simply because they're growing.  For me, even after I stopped growing, my clothing sizes would gradually go up...then up again.  Stupid as it sounds, it just kinda...never occurred to me that clothing sizes that continue to go up aren't really a good thing after a certain point.

And then, I'd justify it to myself as, "Well, as long as I stay under 180 pounds, I'll be ok.  I don't look too bad at 170."  Then a few years later, it was, "As long as I stay under 200...."  Then, 210...220...225....  I'll never get to 300.  I'll be ok.  There's just no way I can ever weigh 300 pounds."

In February of 2006, I weighed myself for the first time in a long time, and the number on the scale made me break down and cry.  267.  I always mentally "rounded down" my weight.  225 was rounded down to "200."  "250" could be the same.  But 267...round up... and in my mind, I weighed 300 pounds.  And I cried.  I couldn't live that way anymore.  I was over 30 and totally sedentary and I had a horrifying vision of seeing myself turning into one of those bedridden super morbid obese people.  And that was when I knew I had to get healthy.  And I did.

i really enjoy reading these. they're a great way to stay inspired when i'm frustrated! keep them coming!!

A couple of things.  First, a dig through my closet.  I came across a lot of old photos of me, from ten years ago, when I was fit and healthy.  My wife wanted to see what I used to look like.  I didn't think it would bug me, but those albums got me obsessed.  Pictures of me at bodybuilding competitions, both as a competitor and fan, pics of me, when I played football, finish line of a triathlon.  I started looking at the pics, every day.  This, paired with an annual physical, nine or so years too late, that told me I was way too fat, and had to make a change. 

When I was in elementary I was nearing obesity, and the thing that really kept me from crossing that line was my friends. They loved to go shopping, but of course, my size kept me from doing so. I longed to fit in and just go into any normal store (not the fat stores) and try on any clothes they had on the rack! So I remember the first step I took was joining my school's cross country team...and BOY did that help. From there I went to soccer, then to basketball, then to volleyball...and nowadays everybody knows me as one of the more athletic girls at school :D. PLUS I can go into any store now and try on anything I want! Just to get to this point took me nearly seven years, but I'm still far from done .

Oh yeah, I'm graduating next year and will be taking my graduation photos in a couple of months...so whenever I feel like skipping my runs, I just think of looking great in my dress!

Mine was a bit odd.  I too always thought 300 was impossible.  Then I hit 295.  That still didnt do it.  I thought to myself.....maybe hitting 300 is what it is going to take, maybe that will mess me up enough to do something about it.  Then a few days later I was getting some planning done on a HUGE las vegas bachelorette party I am throwing for my best friend in the world.  We have been friends since we were kids.  It is in april of 09.   I called the sky diving place we are planning on using....and was told I wouldnt be able to go, I did not meet the physical requirements.  I was like...what?  Of course I do.  Then it hit me.....the whole time I have been planning this trip, imagining this trip, dreaming about this trip....in my mind I was always thin when we went on this trip.  Im sure some people might think that is crazy.  I wasnt a fat kid, or a fat teenager. The weight gain started about 5 years ago. Some part of me still didnt see it.....even after I got my fat but stuck in the bathroom window trying to break into my own house.  I can no longer watch winnie the pooh without wanting to cry.   So anyway......I realized that the being thin for the vegas trip was not going to just magically happen, and that if I went at this weight I wouldnt be able to have any fun.  But it wasnt just about the trip.  It was about merging the image with the reality.  I snapped.  It is no longer an "I want" to lose weight, or even an "I need" to lose weight.  I just simply REFUSE to live like that for one more day, for one more moment. 

Dieting has been easy this time.  I dont crave, Im not hungry.  For me it was like a mental roadblock just exploded.  So now I have a goal date.....april 19th of 2009.   That is the day we leave for Vegas.  I WILL meet the physical requirements for the sky dive.  I will be able to dance all night and walk the strip without stopping every 50 feet to sit down.  I will like myself and be able to enjoy this trip exactly the way I planned it. 

There were a couple of reasons I knew I HAD to lose the weight. I could run to the bus stop at all anymore. My son said his teacher was FAT and I am bigger than her.LOL I went to buy jeans and saw that even the biggest size in H&M would go up my jumbo thighs. I stepped on a scale at target in front of my brother n law who saw my weight and said "damn you don't look THAT big you weigh more than me". Then I saw a promo for Dr. Ian Smith's weight loss challenage where he says that you can control your own health just by eating better and adding a little exercise. How that could be the difference in you getting high blood pressure and diabetes. That did it for Me !!! And here I am 3weeks later down 6lbs and counting.

For me it was right after Christmas.  I got on the scale and I realized I was getting close to my highest pregnancy weight and I wasn't even pregnant this time.  Ugh.  Well 3 months has brought a loss of 20 pounds, but now I am looking for motivation again to lose another 20.  Reading everyones stories of struggle and realization and hope helps me to realize that I am not alone and I can do this.  Thanks and everyone keep up the goodwork.

I saw a video of myself. I looked like a monster. I think I look better now though, I hope. I'm sticking with this new lifestyle though, come hell or high water.

I hit 165 on the scale. I know, not that heavy, but it was the heaviest I'd ever been, and I know all of the women in my family were once slim and trim and now not only have trouble losing weight, but have health problems that would greatly benefit from the weight loss. I knew I had to stop before I hit 200 lbs, and educate myself on how to take better care of myself because I want to be the exception in my family and not have to take pills for my blood pressure or cholesterol when I'm older.

I have had a series of moments, most recently, where I felt unattractive and just plain sad.  I have always been a skinny person, up until about 4 years ago.  I suffer with depression and I use comfort food to make me feel better, which in actuality makes me feel worse!  I see that people just look at me differently and I lack the self esteem I once had.  I WANT THAT BACK.  Today is my first day counting calories in years.  And I really want to do well.  I hope everyone out there that has felt like me is doing well and losing their weight.  Kudos to you.

1. When a bank teller asked me when my baby was due. I almost busted into tears right there.. but instead, waited until I was in the car.

2. When a group of my friends went to do a photoshoot together, and we all had to wear jeans to match. I realized an hour beforehand that not one pair would even get over my legs. I freaked out and had to borrow a pair from a bigger friend.

3. Looking at a picture a friend of mine posted on facebook from a camping trip last summer. I was leaned back in a chair and I looked like a blob of fat.. with multiple chins. The sad part is.. she still hasn't taken it down. That's why I deleted my facebook. Maybe when I am skinny, I will make a new one and show everyone how much I've changed.

Original Post by larabelle:

I have had a series of moments, most recently, where I felt unattractive and just plain sad.  I have always been a skinny person, up until about 4 years ago.  I suffer with depression and I use comfort food to make me feel better, which in actuality makes me feel worse!  I see that people just look at me differently and I lack the self esteem I once had.  I WANT THAT BACK.  Today is my first day counting calories in years.  And I really want to do well.  I hope everyone out there that has felt like me is doing well and losing their weight.  Kudos to you.

 Absolutely 100% good luck.  I'll bet you'll get tons of support around here :) 

My wake-up was about a month ago.  I wanted to donate my eggs to a fertility clinic (sounds like charity, but they'll pay good $$ for that sort of thing), and on the telephone interview they did they said, essentially, that I need to weigh 185 lbs or less.  Well, I thought maybe trying to lose weight for money might be good motivation, and that's what got me started.

I'm on a good path, but I have more variety in my motivation now.  I feel better, I enjoy eating more, I like exercise more, and...

A friend of mine just had a baby.  SO CUTE!  WAH!  And I asked my husband if maybe we could start planning to have one of our own.  A big part of that plan is getting down to a healthy weight so I can have a healthy baby :)  And learning healthy habits so I can raise a healthy child.

It's been 3 weeks, I've lost a little over ten pounds (the usual big jump an overweight person has at first - it's slowing down to the 1.5-2 lbs per week loss).  I have to say, the looser clothing is pretty good motivation too :)

Original Post by mortalmonkey:

I saw a video of myself. I looked like a monster. I think I look better now though, I hope. I'm sticking with this new lifestyle though, come hell or high water.

 ME TOO!! it was my cuz engagement party n we were in the bathroom helping her change.  it was a small place n evryone around looked so small n i looked like an absolute monster. i took 1/4 of the room!!!!

i was getting too fat for my favorite jeans and I didn't want to have to part with them

Man, I'll be typing for hours if I tell you my life story so suffice it to say that I've been very big, for a very long time. For me it started when I quit smoking back in 1991...I didn't realize how much I was compensating for not having my cigs. I was so glad to get rid of that awful habit that I didn't realize I just substituted it for another one...overeating. On top of that I didn't exercise as much as I did before. So I got big...fast. At first it wasn't that bad. I told myself it would be easy to lose...later. And then I did lose about 40 pounds of it when I was walking everyday and in about four months. Then I thought I was safe again and went back to being sedetary. Aarrgg!! SO stupid. I gained what I lost and then some.  It was HORRIBLE. But then I stopped caring. I was sick of the judgements and sick of the stares. If people didn't like me the way I was...forget them! And all of these feelings were WAY down deep inside of me...so far down I didn't even realize how strongly I felt about it. I was denying the reality of my life. I was miserable on the inside but never showed it on the outside. I didn't hang out with very many people by that time...just went to work, went to church and stayed home the rest of the time. That part hasn't changed by the way...still pretty much hang out at home, but I expect that will change once I lose this camel on my back.

Anyway, what made me realize I need to do this is I was watching this interview on TV of a gal by the name of Chantel Hobbs. Her testimony spurred me on...sparked some hope in me that maybe I could do it. I've tried about every diet there is and stuck with them MAYBE a week...so of course I failed. But this was different. She wrote a book called "Never Say Diet" where she talks about getting a "brain change". That's exactly what I needed! I'd started believing it didn't matter...that I'd always be fat, and that I couldn't lose the weight no matter how hard I tried. Well my friends, that's a lie from the pits of hell! I can, and I will...and I AM losing this weight. And so can you.