How can we best support each other here?

[Longhorn]

Let's share some ideas.

Some things that have come to mind for me are:

1. Weekly progress threads -- not just weight loss but progress (or challenges) on our programs, both food and exercise, whatever they may be.

2. Discussion threads by plan -- those doing South Beach, Weight Watchers, etc. would start a thread (maybe weekly?) as sort of a virtual meeting.

3. Diet Buddies -- Pair up (by diet?, goals?, other things in common?) and through posts and PMs, help support one another.

4. Of course, anyone can post threads any time outside of any regular threads to share information and support.

What do y'all think about these or your ideas?

P.S. I'm feeling really pumped right now because I found out I haven't gained as much as I thought -- though I still need to lose 30 pounds. Also, I got on the elliptical and did 30 minutes plus I got a pedometer, so I feel like I'm already making progress! And I think I'm going to join Weight Watchers Online to give me a framework for my eating. I'm already finding this group inspiring. Thanks! :yourock:

[redacted]

1. Let's not be destructive . . .my excellent Kaiser class

discuss issues, I think anything that is comparative or a challenge can be destructive. Weight loss is personal, not a racehorse and one of the reasons people drop out is because they think they are failing compared to others.

I like weight watchers but the focus on the scale there can be destructive. I think other fad diets should be discouraged.

I think we should focus on how to get healthy.

Now having said that, I was recently hospitalized for a drug reaction that caused pancreatitis and I lost alot of weight (like 30 pounds). I have a few more pounds to lose (like 20) and I am going to keep this weight off.

I've tried everything and it always comes back, plus.

BUT . . . I have been taking a class at Kaiser (this is an HMO, in case you don't have it in your area).

My doc recommended it -- it's taught by a dietitian and a LMFT (therapist). It's really changed my whole outlook and it's really working for me. Very different from anything I've done before.

My new motto is "fix your mind and your body will follow."

I'm looking at things like -- why do I feel like I need that chocolate, what am I asking the chocolate to do for me?

Why DO I eat so fast, what purpose does eating fast serve?

This is the kind of stuff that always caused me to regain the weight.

I'd be happy to share the info and insights I get. I could even scan the pages of the book and my notes every week and post on my website if people are interested.

ann

[Dastard Stepchild]

3. I've read some really good books about this....

of course, none of the titles spring to mind at the moment.

I am 50/50 on WW use of the scale. I can see why they use it in the program (to track "success"), but "success" can be defined in so many ways that a number on the scale may not be doing the person trying to lose weight any justice.

Please share your thoughts and information as you continue in this class that you are taking. It would be interesting to hear what you are learning.

[Dastard Stepchild]

2. I like all of your suggestions...

especially the weekly progress thread. It helps with the motivation. At least, it does for me. :)

[lavenderdiva]

4. I like all your ideas, Longhorn!

They all sound good to me... I like the idea of discussion threads by plan, as there will be a lot of people doing different things, and they can share what is working/not working within the scope of those individual plans. Should someone be interested in learning about a different plan, they can bop over to the thread for that plan.

I also like the idea of diet buddies...

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

5. great ideas.

The only one I can't participate in is the scale thingy. I get too hung up on it. If I lose a pound, I think, Great, I'll have a hot fudge sundae. If I gain a pound, I think, What's the use, I might as well eat a hot fudge sundae. I know how well I'm doing without a scale. I'm short with small bones & even a few pounds one way or another shows.

I like the weekly progress idea. We could post in if we've done good or not so good & get encouragement or a pat on the back. I would also like to do the daily excercise like they do over in the extreme fitness forum.

best

[MuseRider]

6. I like the idea

of having a new thread every week that we can post in. No need to feel guilty if there has been no progress, guilt leads to more desructive behavior. That was probably one of the best things I learned way back when when I did WW. Just give yourself a break and get back on track.

With a weekly thread we could all be on a different weight loss programs and just post what we want. Right now I am staying away from the scales and waiting for my clothes to feel looser.