Weight loss is SO MUCH DAMN FUN.

[GaYellowDawg]

I've been at this for 5 weeks and a day, and I've lost 25 pounds. Don't get me wrong. I'm very pleased with that. It's just that I've got 130 more pounds to go. I just feel like it's going to take forever. I'm doing this mainly to improve my health and self-image, and secondarily, to make myself more attractive to the opposite sex. I've found ways to really reduce calories and still really like what I eat, and I managed to swim 4 miles in 4 workouts from Tuesday to Friday last week. So I'm really on track, but I'm having a hard time being happy about what I've done when I know I've got to do it 5 more times. Also, I'm suffering a little heartbreak over someone who I really got attracted to and then found out from a friend that she was married (but doesn't wear rings and has never, in a number of hour-plus conversations, mentioned she was married, aarrgh). I know, there are people out there who have it a lot worse, but dang, I'm really battling impatience. I want to have this weight off and I want to be over her.

On edit: Sorry for the self-indulgent whine but sometimes I have my weak moments.

[applegrove]

1. That is an incredible feat. Twenty five pounds!!!

[GaYellowDawg]

6. Thank you.

I appreciate that.

[cyberswede]

2. I hear ya!

Sounds like you're making great progress, though - good for you!

As hard as it is (getting in shape), it's totally worth it - you won't be sorry! Take every step as an accomplishment, and don't get discouraged!

I'm sorry I don't have any words of wisdom about the love life thing...all I can say is: do what's best for yourself, and the other stuff will follow...maybe not today, but someday...

[GaYellowDawg]

7. Replies like this help!

I know it'll be worth it, which is why I've been sticking with it. I started with a 4 week weight loss and exercise program, and I've actually lost more weight since the program than when I was in it, so I am completely determined to keep it up. Even when I'm feeling sorry for myself. I keep telling myself, "the you of September will thank the you of today for keeping on track." and stuff like that.

[Flaxbee]

3. congratulations! But it does sound like you

have a lot of work to do, and that's never any fun to contemplate.

But this isn't just a stack of papers - this is your life, and health, and all the more important. You're doing great. You're gonna get bored. But it will be totally worth it for many, many reasons.

Focus on yourself now. That will help you get over her

[GaYellowDawg]

8. Yes, lots of work.

I'm not bored with it yet, thank goodness, so I appreciate the advice for when I do.

[grasswire]

4. don't let the woman who doesn't wear rings give you reason for a setback!

It really sucks to give up hard-earned ground. So maybe you can't fall for someone until you are closer to reaching your goal. All the best wishes. You can do it.

[GaYellowDawg]

9. I won't.

She's really a great person and it's not her fault I got a crush. I am in the weight loss thing for myself now, and I've actually lost more weight since I heard she was married than before.

[murielm99]

5. I understand.

I have lost fifty-five pounds, but it took me thirteen months to lose it. I want to lose six more. That is how much I gained when my thyroid went nuts. I have to remember that it took five years to gain all this, and about three years to convince my endocrinologist that synthroid sucks for me, and there are better treatments.

I was very discouraged. But I learned to look at the problem in small increments. I only wish some of my other disappointments were so easy to overcome.

Good luck. Let us know how you are doing. Even when you are at an impasse, we want to hear, so we can support you.

[GaYellowDawg]

10. I am very happy for you that you've lost so much!

55 of 61 pounds is just fantastic. I hear you about the small increments; just recently I set a weight loss goal for May, and I'm trying to ignore the big picture. And, of course, staying within the calorie budget is a daily goal. I allow myself to feel good about that every time I do it, because I realize I'm losing this weight the same way I gained it - meal by meal, day by day. I'm sorry you had to deal with thyroid issues. You had a much tougher battle than anyone should, and anyone who loses as much as you have while fighting their thyroid should get a huge round of

[pink-o]

11. Ex serial dieter here. I tried it all in my 20s and 30s

Because I was looking for that magic bullet, promised by all the magazines which featured starving models in bikinis, et al. I couldnt figure out why, after quickly losing 20 pounds by living on purée for a month, I'd end up gaining 30 back.

But ultimately, I realized there is no fast way to drop the weight. I had to learn psychological skills, like focusing on the moment, not getting impatient for the future. And I found some physical activities I really love, like cycling and running. That's is absolutely essential to sticking with the program.

And I've managed to keep to my right weight now for almost 20 years. Now, if I continue to exercise and watch my portions I can eat whatever I want. And the good news is, I usually want good things.

So there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sounds to me like you're off to an amazing start, just concentrate on each step, don't look up to the top of the mountain just yet!

[Bertha Venation]

12. hey, GaYellowDawg

I really have nothing original to say. I have to drop 140 but then, I'm married so I can't believably say I fully understand. But I do understand to a certain extent.

All I can say is this: take pride in what you've accomplished so far. 25 pounds is a BIG deal!!