Thought I'd share my new mantra/affirmation, which I try to say to myself 10x every hour that I'm at work (I set an alarm on the computer):

"I am worth losing weight and being healthier."

It seems to be getting easier to say as the days go by, so maybe it's sinking in past my brain and into my heart.

Fingers Crossed!

Thank you, sckniefel, it's nice to be reminded that, for once, and rightly so, it's all about *me*   :-)))

I really like that:  strong=powerful=safe . . . your two cents is worth much more than that, kringel.  In fact, I think I'll have a charm made up with that sentiment on it, so I can carry it with me every day.  Thanks.

I've got no real way to relate here, so feel free to just ignore my two cents, but how about thinking about substituting a healthy coping mechanism for the unhealthy one?  So, for example, instead of equating obese=invisible=safe, how about strong=powerful=safe?  Take up strength training, or martial arts, or whatever it is that makes sense to you.  You'll not only feel stronger, but you'll probably lose weight too!

In any case, thanks for sharing so candidly, and these boards are another safe place to seek support and help.  You can totally lose the weight you want to!

Lynsey you need to keep telling yourself that your doing this for YOU!!  Sounds llike you have had some tough spots in your life, but you're right we can't do this alone, but together we can accomplish anything!!!  Keep your chin up & keep going, best of luck to you!!

Steph

I joined another weight-loss program a year ago and quickly lost 40 lbs; however, I've been at the same weight now, up and down the same 7 lbs., since the beginning of November . . . . I seem to have a mental block against losing any more weight, and I believe it's because I've always used my weight to hide from the side effects of being molested at 6 and attempted raped at 19.  In other words, to me, obese = invisible = safe.  Intellectually, I know that's not true, that a lower weight had nothing to do with being sexually assaulted, and that being overweight is not a guarantee that it won't happen again; but emotionally I just can't seem to get under the number 200.  I'd be grateful for any insight, motivation, suggestions I can get.  What we cannot do alone, we can do together.