New and over weight (alot)

New here and looking for some help and encouragement -

Over the past few years I have gained quite a few pounds and also found out that I have Gout. Rheumatologist and family doc say to loose the pounds. Right now I am 5'10" and 280 lbs, my goal is to get to 200 lbs.

I just signed up, too. Over the years I've probably gained and lost a 1000 pounds. Now I need to lose that same 35 again. I sure do get discouraged!

Hi. I just signed up myself. I have about 200lbs to lose. My weight has just spun out of control. I weigh 350 now. I just had a bunch of blood work done, and a physical and everything came back normal, so that was good. I have such a long road ahead it's easy to get discouraged early on. I have been watching my portions and calories. I try to drink more water and limit my diet coke intake. I also just ordered the first and second season of the Biggest Loser, so I'm looking forward to starting that too. I try and walk as much as I can. It gets pretty cold up here in the northeast, I just need to bundle up and do it! I'm 5'6 and 37 years old. I've been overweight the last ten years. I'm a stay at home mom, and as much as I love being a mom and being home, I know that has contributed to gaining weight and not as much activity. My name is Karin, and if you would like to keep in touch for support and suggestions that would be great, just let me know. Maybe we can go on this journey together. Take care

Original Post by eds_1972:

New here and looking for some help and encouragement -

Over the past few years I have gained quite a few pounds and also found out that I have Gout. Rheumatologist and family doc say to loose the pounds. Right now I am 5'10" and 280 lbs, my goal is to get to 200 lbs.

 I'm close to your description.  5'11" 304 (294, now) - gout, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, etc.

I started my "diet" 6 days ago, and have lost 10 pounds so far.  That is, of course, more than they recommend, but the first week or two is almost always accelerated for people as overweight as we are.  The first thing to do is start watching all of those tiny little numbers....the ones that say "Fat", "Carbs", "Sodium", and so forth.

For my weight and current energy output (about the same as a credenza...I'm a cyclist and don't ride when it's cold), I decided on 2200 calories/day as a nice starting point.  I'll adjust it as needed.  So far, I haven't felt hungry at all for having cut my calories in half (estimated).  I'm still eating a good amount of food, it's just that it's actually GOOD for me now, instead of crap from McDonald's and such.

Snacks:  I still snack.  Sometimes it's raw carrots, sometimes it's sunflower seeds.  However, SOMEtimes it's something that actually tastes good.  lol.  South Beach Diet High Protein Cinnamon Raisin  cereal bars... YUM!  And pretty much good for you.  My other favourite is Quaker's Apple Cinnamon mini rice cakes.  8 of them per serving, and only 60 calories.

It's difficult to change eating habits, but not overly so.  I've only craved something horrible for me once so far (big, greasy burger), but I stayed away from it.  Being "un-fat" is more important to me than a big greasy burger.

 

Thanks everyone! Really.  ;)

I started on the calorie counter (Doc said I should start with 1800 calories a day and walk at least 30 minutes [yeah let him go out and walk when it is 20 degrees out]). First day was not to bad, I think it was around 1950 calories. Yesterday for some reason went real well, I only had 1643 for three meals and a snack (go figure). I don't know, just have to stick with and see what happens!