Welcome to the Group

Welcome! We would love get to know you, so please tell us a little bit about yourself. You can choose any format you'd like, but most of us here share some or all of the following details:

1. History with weight loss:
2. History with Calorie Count:
3. Reason for joining this group:
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:

And now just go ahead and make that first post!

Welcome lafleur, and I hope this becomes the safe haven and the lively forum where you can share and enjoy others. We are all struggling with very similar addictions, personality problems, disorders, issues, episodes, whatevers--! IMHO.

I have found likely souls and truly encouraging friends on this site. This is a huge community, yet within a group or forum discussion, it can be a very warm small place.

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well...as far as foods to stay away from, fatty foods are always a given, proven to make depression worse..... so no mc donalds! yuck:P

I am Jordan, I am 35 and 5ft5 or so..and about 175. I was over 300lbs and lost all that w/o really trying. I know I can lose 50lbs if I can lose over 125lbs!
I have to take a handful of meds...bipolar, ADHD, migraines, stomach issues, depression and pain medication- I had foot surgery in May on both feet for Morton's Neuroma and well...its WORSE than it was before, even tho the neuromas were removed. Do not have insurance at all, so cannot even go find out for sure if the surgeries made the condition better or worse.
So anything like walking, biking (which I LOOOOOOOVE), running, even swimming, it hurts my feet.
I am sure the 38+lbs gained since March does not help my feet any.
I have the Core Secrets tapes/ball set. We will be getting that going in the next few days.
My other big issue...I work 4am-1230pm. Its hard to work those hours and eat 'normally'.
I work at FRITO LAY in Plano, TX so...yeah-you can imagine what that is like, even tho not a lot of free chips, there are enough temptations around!!!
I have a 8 1/2mo old Corgi pup named....Biscuit. I got him to train as a Therapy Dog, but the foot issues have taken that away for now.
My fiancee is also now on C C and is trying to lose about 40 or so lbs. We are going to try Atkins type changes.
I really enjoy the support I see on this board, from reading the previous posts.
Good to meet everyone...

Hello ladies and gents.(if there are any)

My name is Danita and I have been with CC for 6 months and have lost about 15 lbs.  Recently I have been in a rut.  However, I have recently went back on meds for depression and I would swear that it takes that motovational part of my brain and the overeating sensor and shuts them right off.  Has anyone else had that experience with meds?  Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreicated. 

Hello, my name is Amy and I just joined CC today. I had my 4th child 9 months ago and I'm at my highest weight ever now. I lost my Dad a year ago and it has been really hard. My doctor has me on Lexapro which is what I swear has put the extra weight on me. I always stay at a consitent 178 lbs, pre-pregnancies, pregnancies and post-pregnancies, except of course this time. I was my 178 after her birth up until I started the Lexapro which gave me an incredible appetite, I am now 200 lbs, and want to loose it of course!!

Hi everyone, Im Amanda and I just joined CC today. I currently weigh 160 lbs and my goal weight is 145 lbs. I currently take depakote, which I know can cause you to gain weight but luckily I've not gained any in a while, I just wonder if the medication will hinder my weight loss. Most of my life I have been slim until a couple of years ago when I think I looked my best.

I am currently seeking employment and a full time student taking courses online. I have a big family although I don't see them as much as I'd like. I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and family as well as going to the beach, and shopping. I joined this group of course to have a support system for my weight loss and hope the weight loss if reached will boost my self esteem, which will help teh depression.

Howdy howdy howdy.  I guess I'll follow the format since I'm too tired to think about anything on my own today :)

1. Until last summer I had always juggled between weighing 145 - 160.  Even taking off the baby weight from my son, born January of 2007, wasn't a problem for me.  Then, starting last May, I started gaining weight.  At first it was because I was still eating like I was pregnant and eating like I was nursing, which didn't help.  Then, I was eating because I didn't realize that my PPD had turned into full-blown depression.  So, last December, I was put on Zoloft, and that's when the serious weight gain started.  Despite dieting and working out like a mad woman, I still got up to the 180lb sack of potatoes that I am now... So here goes one more try at losing some weight.

2.  I've been active and non-active on CC since my pregnancy in 2006.  I'm pretty good at staying up on it during the work week, when I don't feel guilty about my food choices, but the weekends are my time and I never remember to keep track then.

3.  My reason is that y'all understand how much depression can burden weight loss.  Especially when you're on meds that are SUPPOSED to help me not eat as much, but I'm not supposed to take any kind of thermogenic to boost my metabolism because it could mess with my meds, yada yada yada.  And, of course, y'all understand how gaining weight worsens depression, and trying to turn that cycle around is a total PITA.

4.  Interesting details ... Well, I'm finishing up my enlistment in the Air Force (less than 3 months left of my 4-year tour), I'm a wife and a mother of one, and we have a nice little zoo in our house of 2 Huskies, a kitty, and a ton of fishies.  Some of my interests are music, movies, walking my dogs with my friends, and spending time with my son.

My Name is Josie, I'm 34, 5'3 and weigh 150.

I just started Calorie Count last week. I've lost about 3 lbs.

I have a history of depression and panic disorder and was put on Effexor last November--since then I have gained about 12 lbs. I tried Wellbutrin but it really messed with me, I was downright suicidal--so I am back on Effexor. I am tired most of the time but started working out again about a month ago.

I never worried about my weight before- I actually was a personal traincer about 10 yrs ago..but after I gave birth in 2004 I never lost the baby weight and actually added a few. I never realized how hard it is to lose weight as a traincer because I never had to...it is a struggle everyday. I have clothes that I bought in a bigger size just last month that no longer fit.

I am trying to keep level and move forward and would love some new friends in the process.

About me--I grew up in divorced home-my mom has bi-polar. She has left her mark on me but I understand her better now. My fear is to have my daughter feel the same way about me that I do about my mom--pity, scared to upset her, etc etc. Trying to be a better mom. Weight loss would certainly help!

Hi. My name is Rachel, I'm 15, 5'3 and weigh 110-115.

I've been on Calorie Count for about a year. I love the forums, and the advice.

I know I'm young. =/

In the 8th grade I decided I was sick of feeling fat and looking fat (around 110-112 pounds and felt like a whale). I started restricting around January of this year, and I haven't had my period since. Around March I started purging, around May binging and purging, and it has just been an endless cycle. My lowest was about 93 lbs. and I honest to God still felt huge. As of right now my binging has brought me back up to about 115-ish, and it's a weight that is in a healthy BMI range but is not healthy on my frame. I'm not going to be like the other teenagers on this site and say, "I want to be 100 pounds and then I'll be happy". I just want to be happy. Not even, I just DON'T want to be unhappy anymore. As of right now I'm trying to eat no more than 1800 calories a day. I overdo that 2-3 times a week, and it ruins me emotionally for days.

I joined this group cause I need help. I can't sleep. I never go a day without crying. It is PAINFUL to get dressed in the morning and feel my too-tight clothes, and then have to look at myself.

There's really nothing interesting about me. I like to write. I run Cross Country and am, without a doubt, one of the chubbiest girls on the team. I work at a grocery store.

Most of my life I've been fairly active and for a good part of it over-involved. I slowly gained weight and had low metabolism even when I was exercising very hard. Then I had to go on statins for high cholesterol. I'm 47, had cholesterol of 227 when I was 26. Father is an athlete and had double by-pass. Mom had a stroke and suffered with bi-polar & major depression all my life. I'm the oldest of 5 and only girl. The statins caused joint damage during my workouts--it took 3 years to convince the doctor. Also during that time I got more and more depressed and my husband started having intense anxiety attacks until I hospitalized him and they medicated him into a zombi. I also got to a psychiatrist and got medicated. It was wonderful to have the clouds part on my life and see the sun shine. I joined Curves and started getting my body back in shape. Did the Curves diet, not to lose weight but to increase my metabolism, which it did. A year after putting that to rest I found CC+ while looking for food nutritional info. I started in July and have lost 8 amazing pounds. Amazing because I didn't believe I could lose any! I've also increased my exercise and restarted karate (a little). My husband has backed off of most of his meds now and is a real human being again. It took a long time because he would cut too much and rebound. I got to where I only take Celexa in the fall and winter. Just started again 3 weeks ago. I was hoping the exercise would keep the depression at bay. It didn't. I tried seeing a psychotherapist--but it didn't seem to workout--I couldn't find the connection. I have in the past used a lot of books and writing to work out my issues but am not bringing myself to do it now.

My work is over the internet and from home, so I have a tendency to be a hermit, plus I've never been really good socially.  I have a wonderful almost 16 year old son and husband of 24 years. He is from Vietnam and we are going there for the first time this Christmas which is my impetus to lose weight. He has not been home since 1975. Big step!! I read alot and am active in boy scouts, homeless food service, church choir, and other volunteer activities. I recently restarted karate after 3-4 year abscence and an teaching it again. Must say karate was great for my moods until my depression got so bad I couldn't remember what we were doing. I've loved CC+. I can usually get a laugh reading some of the posts which is very healthy for me. I have to watch that I don't get over-involved with CC as well. It happened and I backed off a little now swinging back towards it. We'll see.  It's great to have this group!

Hey all.  I have never posted before and made an attempt on 9/9 not realizing there was a format to introduce myself.  I kind of got on and "just blurted out my questions"  So lets try this again. 

1. My name is Danita.  I have always been heavy.  I am 5'4" and currently weigh about 174.  I have tried WW, South Beach, cabbage soup..you name it I probably tried it.  WW worked the best, but once I became a Lifetime Member, I seemed to slowly gain the weight back.  

2. Started with an wonderful trainer in March who suggested to try out CC.  I was doing well with my excercise routine and logging and once my trainer went away.  I started to back slide.  Then I went back on antidepressants which mess with my motivation (???) and my eating.  It is like that part of your brain that motivates and rationalizes your eating is shut off.

3. I have joined this group hoping to get some other perspectives on the use of antidepressants and encouragement on weight loss and just to talk to others about life in general

4. I have family members that quilt and I am trying my hand at that.  Love to read, hike, motorcycling and listening to music.

I work in education and love being around the little ones.  They are so stinking cute.  I have a son of my own who will be graduating this year.  Very sad about him moving on with his life, but that is what his Dad and I have raised him to do.  He is an excellent student and such a great kid.  Hope to hear from others soon.  Good Luck out there with your weight loss goals.

dfan65,

 

I saw your question earlier about your meds shutting down the motivation part and I can say "yes, yes yes!" that happened to me!  I spent a few years on lexapro not caring that I had gained so much weight -- when I went to a new psychiatrist (instead of just a general physician) he added wellbutrin and it fixed that for me - he said I needed to find a balance between the calming effect of lexapro and not being completely passive altogether. 

 

I'd see your doctor and talk to him/her about what you're experiencing. 

Hi Everyone -

My name is Jennifer and I live with my wonderful boyfriend in Somerville.  I also joined the Boston group and the Hiking group...so I apologize if this post is repetitive and boring to anyone in those other groups.

1. History with weight loss: I have had ups and downs with weight over my 32 years.  I've been within a 20 pound range (from about 140 to 160) that I've gained and lost several times for about 10 years.  Recently however I am seeing the range creep up and up to 170, 175 (I'm 5'5") and I'm not happy about it.  I'm also conscious of my slowing metabolism and really really want to give myself good habits and good motivations before it's too late...

2. History with Calorie Count: I previously used Self.com and Weight Watchers online.  With both sites I found that I was always coming to Calorie Count to get nutrition facts.  When I saw they started CC plus, I canceled my WW and joined.

3. Reason for joining this group:  I've been in talk therapy off and on since I was in high school (or younger if we count family therapy).  For the past year I've been "on" and along with an anti-depressant it's been extremely successful - I left a terrible boss and started at a great new company 2 months ago.  But my wonderful therapist is planning to have a baby in November and we will most likely cut our sessions in half (from every other week to once a month).  I think this is a good time to take more initiative in managing my depression and use this group to share my stuff as well as listen to others'.

4. Interesting details:  I love to eat and read and cook.  I have a big-ish family and most of them are in Mass and NJ.  My father is bi-polar manic/depressive and I believe I have more than just a touch of it myself.  Everyone in my immediate family are on anti-depressants or anti-anexity or ADD medication. 

I am an accountant for non-profit organizations (but before this I was a massage therapist and before that I was a stage manager).  I visit cuteoverload.com every day and I think it does wonders for my mental health!

Thanks for reading!!  I look forward to meeting new people here! 

HI my name is Ann, am 33 years old, been overweight for 33 years and I am sick and tired of it.

1. History with weight loss: I am 275 pounds, been over 200lbs  for past 10 years.  I go on about 3 diets  a year and 1 commited life style change..not diet....(lol).  This is my life style change for 2008, and I feel so comitted, I just know I am going to do it, this is the last and final time.

2. History with Calorie Count: This is my first time with calorie count, I am hoping it gives me the strength and endurance I need to succeed.

3. Reason for joining this groupI have never been diagnosed with depression, but it runs in my family in a major way, I know the signs and symptoms and I have all of them. I just need people like me who I can openly talk to and they not judge me as a nut.

4. Interesting details:I love animals, I am always broke, I love to read, I hate to cook, and i look forward to meeting great ppl

1. History with weight loss: I have lost up to 8 lbs but cant seem to keep it off. This time I am determined and know that I will keep it off.
2. History with Calorie Count: I have no history with calorie count. Well except for coming on here and seeing how many calories are in certain foods.
3. Reason for joining this group: I have suffered from depression since I was 7 and have been taking pills for it since then. I just want to know that I am not alone.
4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests: I dont have much to say here except that I am really 17 and I have a pet named Luckie and I love her so much. Also I live with my mom and dad and they think I have an eating disorder. Blah yeah right.

Hi. I have had depression since 9th grade. Because of the depression I ended up gaining some weight and have been trying to get rid of it ever since. I really realized something had to change when I was 172 lbs. Since then I have managed to loose 12 lbs. but it has been very inconsistent and spastic. I would like to get down to 145 lbs. (or less would be nice) by Christmas. This is the first I have ever experienced with calorie count but I am already in love with it. I joined this group because I have realized that when I get in a rhythm or things are not going as well as I expect, that puts me back to the depressive state and I start eating WAY too much. I also joined this group because I don't talk about my depression with anyone really. My best friend doesn't have it so its hard for her to understand and it isn't "natural" for this kind of thing to be talked about within my family. But any rate, somethings about me: I grew up on a beef farm, I have 6 older siblings all of which are married now, I have two nephews and a niece, i love to play piano and sing, I am in college getting my four year degree, I hope to go on to be a physical therapist, and I think that I have a strong character.

Hello everyone!

My name is Aleksandra. I'm 18 y.o, 5'6", 177 lbs, 40-34-41 (size 12) in measurements. According to this website I'm "moderately obese". Throughout last year I gained 30 lbs from the previous 157 lbs due to a "pure junk food and no exercise" diet, and three months ago I was at my heaviest at 187 lbs. I lost 10 lbs throughout July, August and September of this year, thanks to my Dad who put me on a "pure healthy food and lots of exercise" diet. My current goal is to drop 40 lbs to 137 lbs just in time for my 19th Birthday (April 17th, 2009.)

I'd be glad to go on about my CC and depression experience but there's too much to write. And it's also quite personal. However if you do want to hear my story and tell yours as well, I'll be happy to converse with you! I'm on this website pretty often every day (I have a little obsession with the Eat Meter.) I'm also hoping to acquire some friends here because, well, my profile's kinda empty. Anywho, glad to be a part of this group and hoping to talk to you all soon!

I am a 28 year old, single mother.  I have struggled with depression since I was 14 years old.  I am an adult survivor of Child Sexual Abuse.  Have been in and out of therapy and been on several different anti-depressants.  I am diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and currently take Effexor to reduce my panic attacks as well as control my depression.  I have always been athletic and loved to work out, however that is not the case anymore.  I have lost my motivation.  I work at a mental health research center for victims of various crimes.  I love my job, but it is very cumbersome.  Additionally, my daughter is now in Kindergarten, therefore most of my evening consists of homework, dinner, bath, bedtime.  By the time she is in bed, I have no energy left and end up crashing. 

I went to the doctor yesterday for a routine check-up and was absolutely SHOCKED to see that I weighed in at 150 lbs.  I am 5'4 and have never weighed this much in my life, not even when I was pregnant.  I felt  horrible.  As the day progressed, my self-esteem degresseed.  By the time I got home, all I wanted to do was veg on the couch and wallow in self-pity.  My response to being mortified that I have gained so much weight, was drown myself in peanut butter cups.  Go figure.

I have a live in boyfriend - whose response is "welll, honey - you just need to exercise."  That just upsets me even more - because I KNOW THAT!  But where and when am I supposed to do that.  All common sense tells me what I need to do, I don't need someone pointing out the obvious. 

I know I am just venting right now.  I feel angry, hurt, disgusted, worthless, and lonely.  I saw this forum and decided to join the group in order to at least eliminate the lonely feeling.  Even if no one reads this or responds, it does feel better to just get all of my negative feelings out.  I can feel my depression knocking on my door and I have to fight it.  This is a first step for me.  Reaching out to others who are in the same boat.  Honestly, I have never believed that talking to anyone other than a therapist was going to help.  But it is worth a shot, because I am tired of feeling lousy and maybe the support of others struggling with similar feelings and issues will help me.

Hello, my name is Breanne. I have never considered myself to be overweight (or at least that is what the BMI tells me to think). I am constantly worried about how much I weigh and think obsessively about food (often times feeling guilty about eating). I have been battling depression since I was thirteen and I know that has a lot to do with my issues with food. I am glad to have found this group through calorie counter...sometimes I feel so alone in my battle.