Regress.  Restart.  Since my initial post, both of my parents became ill.  Dad recovered, but my Mom became very sick with cancer in September and passed away in January.  Days spent eating at a hospital cafeteria, not caring about anything but her and the emotions that come along with it turned me further into someone I don't recognize.  

Additional stessors in my life, that are out of my control, have just made the situation worse.  Now, no more excuses.  I hit the scale this afternoon only to find my weight has increased 10 pounds.  Yes, for the first time in my life, the scale was over 200.  That's all it took.  I stopped on my way home from work and bought my Slim-Fast products, some healthy snacks and I'm on my way.

I did try eating mostly low carb in the past few months, but once I get the taste of carbs, I become ravenous for more.  The more I eat, the more depressed I become.  I spent the past few weekends in bed, sad, hungry and I ate everything I could get my hands on.  This insanity has got to stop!

Great job on the 7lbs gone! I'm starting tomorrow when I go to the store and am a little nervous about losing anything at all! It's great to hear that you have done so well. Also, sorry to hear about your parents. I understand and it is never easy. Congrats on staying focused on yourself, though. It is so important to put your health first so you can take care of the people you love. :)

Rebekah

Good news.  Two weeks later, I've lost 7 pounds!  I'm highly motivated and encouraged.  Despite an incredible amount of stress (ill parents), I've stayed the course.  This is quite do-able.  I'm on 1,500 calories per day and most days don't get that many. 

Truly, thanks for your kind and motivating reponse.  I'm buying Slim-Fast on Saturday morning.  I like that I don't have to count anything and that i can eat real food for dinner. 

Good luck to you, my dear!  You can do this!  Glad to hear that bike riding didn't hurt your hip.  Keep it up and make sure to enjoy the beauty all around you as you ride your bike.  It is amazing at what a difference even a little extra exercise makes.   :)

Going on a cruise in November with family.  They were picking which shore excursion to do and I was saying "no" to all of them, trying to make up excuses why I couldn't go.  Bottom line, at 192 pounds and completely out of shape, I doubt whether I could keep up, or, worse, what if I had to put on a bathing suit.  I was a a party on Saturday and was constantly aware of my stomach and lost count of the number of times I pulled my shirt down.

I've tried the diets (low carb mostly, but also low-fat, glycemic index, starvation); now I want success and something that doesn't require counting, fretting, constant hunger.  I'm sure I'm not special when I say I'm ALWAYS hungry!

I do have problems with my hips which makes walking painful.  Tonite, I rode my bicycle around the block twice, no hip pain!  That expensive bike that has been collecting dust in the garage is going to be my exercise of choice.  Did I mention that I HATE exercise?

Wish me luck on Slim-Fast!