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!

Hi, my name is Sam.  I'm very obsessed with my body image.  I never really weigh myself.  I'm kinda scared to find out my weight.  Today I finally weighed myself and i realized I had gained 10 pounds since I last weighed myself.  When I saw that, I was in shock.  I'm in therapy because of my depression/mania/anxiety.  I was actually in the hospital for an overdose.  Weigh is a very touchy subject for me actually.  I'm terrified to talk about it to my closest friends.   I'm always tired and lazy and I need to get out of the rut.  I hope everyone can help me with this.

Sam- I can definitely relate to you. I've always put off on tryin to lose weight, because I just didn't want to deal with it. I was always too lazy or unstable emotionally to even bother with it. After recent hospitlizations for overdoses, I was in therapy and taking medication, neither of which worked. Recently, I'm just sick of it all and I decided that Im gonna give therapy and medication another shot.  I really can't seem to talk about anything with the few friends I have. They're all so happy and they really don't understand why I'm sad all the time. All my friends are also really skinny, so that doesn't help me much either. Sometime I feel like, if I can just get super skinny, I'll at least feel a little better about myself, and be happier. Then again, no matter how skinny I am, I'm pretty sure I'll always think I'm fat.

Hello Everyone, I just started using cc and all it has to offer a week ago now. I have been over weight on and off my whole life. But it has really gotten out of control now. I suffer from major depression and that has not helped with my weight at all. I stopped taking all the pills because they were just putting on more weight. So right now Im not taking any medication. I not only suffer depression i also have panic and anxiety attacks. I don't leave the house much. Finding this site has been good for me. I look forward to getting to know many people here. 

welcome steph! It's good to have u here. I'm with u 100% on the medication thing. I recently quit taking all my meds because they were making me gain weight and plus they weren't really helping my mood anyway. And it really sucks to have depression when you're trying to lose weight. For me, i just can't summon up the energy to do anything at all. I don't exercise or anything, so that definitely doesn't help in the weight department either.

100 pounds is no easy task, especially with depression. I know you'll feel really good about yourself once you lose it! I wish you luck on your long journey. If you ever need anything, we fellow CC'ers are here to support you and give you advice along the way =]

Hello all,

I've joined several groups today, which I hope will help me stay on track to lose about 15 pounds. I was hesitant to join this one, since my depression has been well under control with Lexapro, and people here may have much more dire experiences than I've had lately (my major depressions were in the '80s and '90s). I know meds don't work for everyone, but they've been a lifeline for me. But I'm susceptible and think that paying attention here may help me take care of myself.

I introduced myself in other groups with the following, & paste it in here just so you'll know more about me than just the above!

I made a go at Calorie Count last spring but got distracted, and am now at about the same place I was then: wanting to lose 15 pounds. It doesn't seem like a huge amount, but I have a hard time getting motivated, so I've decided to join the forums & try to keep a food journal. Yikes. I'm a writer and professor, but keeping a journal about anything has never been my strong suit.

I am 5'0" and have not usually been overweight, keeping in the 108-112 range most of the time. As a depressive, my weight inched down to 101 (but fortunately I am stabilized now); at other times it's been as high as 138. I'm at 120 now and don't want to risk getting into a pattern of putting on weight every year (I'm 52).  My exercise level is "off" lately: I used to run marathons in the '90s, but an arthritic hip has put the kibosh on that for now. I used to do yoga, as well, but that really aggravated the pain in my hip.

The last time I went on a weight-loss program, I did the Fat Flush diet--a very rigorous and basically low-carb diet that used a lot of vitamin & mineral supplements. It seemed very scientifically based, and it worked (!), but it was also difficult to stay on when not at home. Too, the supplements were expensive. So for now I'm going to try to count calories, ease myself back into an exercise regimen, and stay on track with the food journal & this place.

About me: I live in Boise, Idaho. The photo is of my dog, who (with my husband, who is retired) visits hospitals here as a therapy dog. In addition to being a professor, I run a small publishing company, so I'm at a desk more than 6 hours a day, usually, including weekends.

Glad to join the group, & I look forward to reading the posts.

 

hi, im andrea

ive been just slightly fat or chubby my entire life

its sooo fun being this way, i wanted to join sumin

to help me

im usually sad because nothing looks right on me(clothes) but it looks perfect on the other girls

im just sick of it ,i want to be more like them.....so here i am

Hello, my name is Amanda and I am from Kentucky

1. History with weight loss:  I really don't have a history with weight loss.  Until recently I just didn't have time to really notice how much I had gained.  All through high school and the first semester of college I ran track and field and cross country and weighed 102 at 19.  Now at 26 I reached my peak of 170 in May and almost fainted when I realized how unhealthy I really was.  I have been on several types of medications, some have made me eat everything in reach and others have made my appetite disappear.  My major weight gain happened after I gave birth and suffered PPD and could not get anyone to help or understand.

2. History with Calorie Count:  I'm really new to calorie count, but so far I love it.  I can already see how much it is motivating me!

3. Reason for joining this group: Its nice to have people to talk with that are my age and have been or are dealing with the same issues as me.  For so long everyone looked at me and saw a "perfect" life, married with a child, new house, etc.  and could not understand what I was so emotional about, and many still don't so I haven't had much support from those around me. 

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:  I have been married almost 7 years, I have a 4 year old son and 2 year old bloodhound.  I love Nora Roberts novels, I can read one in a single day if I can sneak away from the boys long enough.  I have been a Domestic Violence Victims Advocate for 2 years and love it, although I did stress eat!

I look forward to getting to know all of you! 

Welcome to CC Amanda!! I'm glad you find Calorie Count helpful! Feel free to post topics about whatever may be on your mind. We're all here to lend you our best advice and give you the support and motivation you need!

GUESS WHAT?im new!!!!

hi today im happier then usual...i have no idea why..i think because im trying to do sumin about my weight?

ok im 14..5'4'' and i weigh 156lbs cubby not too bad but i feel like crap......when i go to school i see all the perfect girls and say why cant i be one too!!!

errrrrrrrrrrrrrr sometimes it makes me sad but most of the time im angry with myself..that i dont try hard enough to look like them!

blah @#$%    $#$#blah  ok now that thats out there...dose anyone have any tips on dealing with peer presure?

welcome to the group cl0ud0pain! I can definitely relate to you with the whole situation where perfect/skinny girls make you feel like crap. All throughout middle school and highschool, I was chubby, and I always had this severe anger towards all the skinny girls, and would often put myself down because I didn't look like them. Yet, I never really did anything about it until now. I think all of us have this idea of what 'perfect' is because of the way the media portrays a size 2 as being 'perfect'. I think we need to eliminate the word or come up with a new definition of 'perfect' that includes more of a lifestyle and overall feeling than physical characteristics.

As much as I love to give advice, I can't really offer any on peer pressure, considering I fall into all the time.

My name is Rachel,

I'm 20 year old and I've had probelms with eating dissorders since I was 14, I started over exercising, and not eating, finally I figured out that I could eat if I just threw up after. My weight fluctuated between 130 and 160, I was unhappy and felt horrible about myself.

I realized that I had a problem when I was 17 and started getting help, but when i stoped throwing up, my weight climbed to 185. I have been scared of diets in the past two years because I don't want to fall back into unhealthy eating patterns.

I stuggle with being depressed and excepting who I am as a person.

I have lost 12 pound since my peak weight, but now my brother is getting married as well as my best friend, I am a bridesmaid in both weddings and want to look my best for pictures and memories.

I want to be at a healthy comfortable weight, feel good about myself and how i look. I hope that calorie counter can help me stay motivated.

I want to kick this once and for all!

Hiya

Have been doing the CC thing for 2 weeks now and lovin it. I am a bit of a computer geek so always surfin the net  in an effort to quench my insatiable curiosity. Have been learnin heaps about food and nutrition (and people).

1. History with weight loss:

Up until now weight loss has not been too much of a battle but when I was a teenager I dabbled with anorexia and was below a healthy BMI. Now at nearly 30 I have to work harder and have let things slip a a bit. Plus I have never really investigate or made an effort just to eat healthier. Have always battled with fatigue and depression on and off.

2.History with Calorie Count: 2 weeks and counting!

3. Reason for joining this group:

Because I have battled with Depression most of my life - probably since I was 13 but only diagnosed 4 years ago. Until then I thought I was just crazy and a pain in the a*se and hated myself for feeling sorry for myself. It was abit of a relief to find out that part of my problem was actually medical (seratonin levels). So went on antiDs which helped...for a while. However it was not until I sort counselling when my marriage was going through a rough patch that I found out what a difference talking to a counsellor can make. Since then I have continued with individual sessions and still go every 8 weeks just for a catch up. So if anyone is battling at present I VERY STRONGLY recommend finding a counsellor - they dont have to be expensive, sometimes you can apply for a grant or get free support through community groups. If the first person you try doesn't gel with you keep trying until you find someone that does.

I have come to terms with the fact that I will probably always live with this condition but now I control it instead of it controlling me. As one who has come out the other side - people dont loose hope. Keeping trying being it doctors, meds, counsellors, what ever therapies are out there until you find a combination that helps you. I kept a journal and wrote down all the things that made me feel good and bad. Then I concentrated on increasing the good and eliminating the bad and what I couldn't eleminate I let go of - hard for a control freak like me but I am mellowing..I also use listening to music and self help books on my IPOD to help focus me. Down to a low does of Cetalopram (not sure what brand that equates to in the US?) and I am happy to stay on this indefinitely because the side effects are minimal.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:
I'm short a*se at 5ft nothing, fiesty and fun. Work as a computer administrator for a Industry Training Organisation - we develop work based qualifications. Oh and I am from New Zealand - the otherside of the world so special hi to any Kiwis and Aussies in this group!

Thats it hope it was too boring.

I was a so called skinny girl at school and my friends were always jealous of the fact (I was never in the popular group though - just a mainstream that didn't really fit in). However just because girls at school may be skinny does not mean everything else in their life is perfact - they can be very f*cked up - believe me I know and I was really really good at hiding it - so much that evryone was completely shocked when it came out I had plans to off myself when I was 14. Even though I was skinny I hated/loved food. Eveyone has problems no matter what the outside packaging is - just look at all the fools in Hollywood - they supposedly have everything - looks, money, fame but so many of them a misrable and their relationships never last. For those that are over weight we dont want to be judged by are outside appearence but they when can be just as guilty of doing just that. Sorry rave, rave blah blah yawn. I need to take a break from the computer it is obviously warping me a tad.

Hope this doesnt sound condisending but all the crap you go through at high school really doesnt matter once you get out. I hardley ever see anyone from my old school anymore - just a couple of close friends. I have a whole new life now. Just be yourself and stuff what other people think - they will either like you for who you are or they wont. Most of them will be just as insecure inside as you, some are just better at hiding it. Try not to sweat the small stuff, in the big scheme of things this is just a short time in your life, so try and go with the flow. Okay I'm really gonna go this time.

Take Care!

my name is owen, im a girl though, even though its a boys name, and i have really bad PTSD, anxiety, depression, and im recovering from anorexia/bulimia and part of why im here is because i gained alot of weight during my recovery from it. i used to have some problems with substance abuse, but they are completely under control now. i love art, and i want to major in graphic design in college. im 5'6 and i would like to lose 33 pounds, and i would like the suport of anyone willing to give it to me for any reason, weather it be  weight loss or any of my other issues haha.

 

Hey everyone. My name is Leah, and I'm a 20 year old student, full-time employee, and single mother. My son will be two December 4th. I've struggled with my weight my ENTIRE life. I'm 5'2 and my ideal weight is 120...too small in my opinion. I was 135 when I was headed to USMC boot camp [[and I got that small by participating in what my recruiter called "the lettuce diet"--a diet in which you eat nothing but lettuce and drink water--I became very sick]], and I felt I was perfect. I now weigh 201.5 lbs. I weighed 206 lbs. when I started Calorie Count last Monday/Tuesday. Needless to say, keeping up with my caloric intake is helping, but I definitely need some support. I need to work on getting my life back, which pertains to so much more than my weight. I suffer from bipolar disorder and ridiculous depression, which makes staying on track for longer than five minutes difficult. I compulsively overeat...binging is something I deal with OFTEN. I say what I think TOO often and it has ruined my reputation (I'm known as the loud b#$%^ and it sucks) I don't know how to shut up and I think it would help a lot if I could. I lack self control. I'm currently under the care of several psychiatrists to deal with all my issues (the bipolar and depression are just the beginning...) and it isn't really helping..not to mention the meds make me eat a TON. But anyway...

 

Any input or assistance would be great, and I'll be glad to return the favor if I have any knowledge on the subject.

Hi...I'm Liz.  I'm 33.  I have always been large...or at least I believe I am.  Now, that I'm older, I curse myself for thinking I was fat when I was 140 lbs.  If I could have the body that I had even 5 years ago! 

I'm 5'9" and I'm officially at my fattest 222...I'm done.  I've also suffered from depression for most of my life, at least since puberty.  I am missing years of my life.  I was really sick when I was a teen, which I think played a huge part in all of this.  I'm currently in therapy, and have taken antidepressants in the past.  Right now I'm on wellbutrin to help me in quitting smoking (almost 4 months now).  This summer was probably as bad as one can get.  I'm really glad that I was taking the wellbutrin, because I don't know what would have happened if I didn't.  I'm considering staying on it after the script is up through the winter. 

Now, I'm just trying to get my proverbial crap together and know I have to start losing weight.  This site interested me, so I joined.  I figure if I can quit smoking, I can do this too.  My main problem will be not drinking. Where I live, the culture is going out after work and drinking.  I know that this contributes to A LOT of my excess.  My problem is that I'm single...and I get insanely bored after awhile by myself.  

I don't have any single friends that live anywhere near me...and I'm BORED!  The only time I see anyone else is at the bar or being a third wheel with a couple or two.  As you can tell, I'm in a pretty negative place right now.  And I'm thinking that exercise, starting with this site, etc., might kick me out of the funk that I've been in since may (and gained 10 lbs in the process).

I live alone.  Have a great cat.  Watch too much TV and run a website in NYC.  I like karaoke, books, playing cards...general run of the mill things.  Oh, and I like moustaches and wigs.

That's me. 

Thanks and cheers...

Hi, I'm Chris and I thought I'd introduce myself.  I'd have to say reading through the posts there's a lot of common themes and I guess I'm no different.  I've always been overweight, but as I get older it has become worse.  I've also always struggled with depression, and I'm trying to break the eating ---> depression ---> eating etc cycle.

1. History with weight loss:  Unfortunately I have no real history with weight loss, only weight gain.

2. History with Calorie Count:  I only signed up today.

3. Reason for joining this group:  It's nice to read the posts and know other people have had similar experiences.

4. Some interesting details about yourself, such as your job, your family, your pets and your interests:  I'm not too interesting.  I have a fairly stressful job.  My family is spread out across Ontario, but not too far away from me.  I've got a great family and great friends too, which I feel very greatful for.  I guess that sums it up.

Hi Liz

If you get in to an exercise regime you will find that takes up a bit of time and helps relieve boredom. Also a good way to meet new (more health conscious people) eg joining a gym, doing aerobic classes, joining a walking or tramping group etc. See if you get even one friend to be your train buddy - enter an event together like a 5km walk/run or "ladies" triathlon. Then it wont feel so lonely and more motivational. I miss the drinking too - I only indulge on a Friday and Saturday night and then I try and stick to one glass of wine or beer. When I go out I drink tonic water and lime juice with a slice of lemon so it sorta feels like a real drink?

Hi folks, this is my first day here and the site looks great.  I'm 63, and I've been stuggling with weight and depression most of my life. Some of the medication I've been given for depression really packed on the weight. One year on Pamelor added 60 pounds!

Currently I'm not taking any medication, and the sampling of winter we got today in our area just bummed the hell out of me. I hate winter and it makes me feel so very housebound. I'm handicapped and have a great deal of trouble walking. This will be my second winter since suffering post-operative nerve damage in my leg, which altered my life tremendously. I can't walk more than from my house to the car and I don't drive except to very close places. If it's icy, I won't go out at all.  So, winter really stinks.

But the good part is, I decided to take some action today and begin eating right. I was searching for a calorie counter and found this site. I'm quite impressed with the great tools like the food log. I've not been one to make online buddies before, but I'm going to try now to take advantage of the reciprocal support.

My leg problems and my arthritis in my knees won't go away completely if I lose weight, but I'll be a lot more mobile, I'm sure. I need to feel empowered to be better off than I am now. I can't completely cure my health problems, but I CAN make some progress.

Hi, I'm Megan, 29 years old. Last year was my real official bout of depession, but I think it's come and gone in my life in varying degrees, although last year was the first time I went to a Dr. for medication. I think my depression is more along the seasonal affective disorder type, I struggle a lot more in the fall/winter with the shorter daylight hours and increase in rain. I stopped the medication in the spring, and this year have signed up for creative activities that get me out of the house and motivate me to do something when I'm home. Trying to be more proactive than passive.

I also work in the mental health field, so I try to walk the walk, I find it's one thing to tell a client to set goals to get out of the house, and a complete other to not follow my own advice.

My stuggle with weight has been a long battle. I'm 5'2" and weigh 149 lbs, and have gained about 10 - 12 lbs. the past year that I can't seem to move. I'd be happy with losing 15, 20 would be great. It seems that every year since university there's been a steady gain, and when you're shorter it seems like a lot! So I know what I should be doing, eating right, exercising, etc. it's just the doing it. I've got a great running partner and have recommited myself to running 10ks again in the spring, currently training right now to get my 10k base back up. I just get bored with the gym really fast. And my work is outreach so I'm out and about all day, keeping to an eating plan is tough. I'm hoping that this site will help me with being more accountable, and motivate me too. I know with the shorter daylight hours, it'll  be nice to be able to connect with others to lift my spirits when I feel like staying indoors non-stop.

that's about it for me!