I'm terribly depressed.

[scarlet_owl]

Last night I had to have my wedding ring cut off of my finger. I have gotten so fat that it was starting to cut off circulation in my hand. I can't remember the last time I cried like that. I don't have a problem with the way I look, but I do have a problem with the adverse health effects. I've been hitting the elliptical machine three times a week and eating better, but things are staying the same. I just feel awful. Thanks for listening, I just had to vent this.

[RT Atlanta]

1. Keep up your good work and dedication

FWIW I remember a few years back when I was trying to drop some weight, I was dieting and exercising consistently for what seemed like weeks without any effects and then the weight started coming off pretty consistently. Keep it up and you'll be pleasantly surprised soon enough! :)

[scarlet_owl]

4. Thanks for the encouragement.

Things just seem to be going so slowly. Some days I feel like giving up and just letting myself go completely. This is just going to make me work even harder.

[commander bunnypants]

2. keep up the good work

and regarding the ring. While it is an important symbol it is just a symbol. Your health is much more important

DDQM

[scarlet_owl]

5. You're right about that. And my husband did say that he

would get me another one. It was just sad because I hadn't taken it off in four years.

[revree]

3. I haven't worn my wedding ring since I had my son

over three years ago, but I am losing weight slow and easy, the only way that really works, mainly by cutting down on carbs, lifting weights, and sleeping more. I keep reading about how stress and cortisol levels affect weight and that relaxation and good sleep is crucial, as is eating more good proteins and lifting weights. In fact, my gynocologist told me to forget aerobic exercise for now and focus on weights and even using your own body as resistance. This is really working, as I am slowly dropping pounds, whereas if I tried really hard to diet and exercise like a maniac, I could never lose weight.

Try to keep faith in yourself and not get depressed, because you will and can do it. Once you reach a healthy weight, you will look back on these days and smile, really. I believe in you, I have been there! Try some form of meditation or relaxation, sleep better and longer if you can, and use weights and see what happens. Lots of great books out there, too, like Jorge Cruise's 8 MINUTES IN THE MORNING series.

I wish you well!

MARIE

[scarlet_owl]

7. Thanks for the tips. I've been doing better. I even

passed up brownies today! I truly think that getting my ring cut off will make me work even harder to lose all this weight. Congratulations on your weight loss!

[tandot]

6. It will take a while for changes to take place

Just stick with exercise and eating better.

It is hard work. I've lost over 70 pounds with exercise and watching what I eat. I actually used a program where you can enter all the things you eat and it'll tell you how many calories you consumed each time and keeps track of your overall consumption. It opened my eyes to how food I thought was good is actually not quite as healthy, and how standard portion sizes differ from what I was used to.

I was feeling depressed when I was at my heaviest. It almost seemed like a cycle: You gain some weight...you are depressed...you eat some stuff you shouldn't eat because of your depression...you gain weight...you get even more depressed...

You are not alone with your struggle. :hug:

[scarlet_owl]

8. That's exactly my problem. I'll exercise religiously and eat well

for a while, and then I'll get depressed about something and then I'll binge. That's what is setting me back. I'm depressed now, but I'm not going to give into temptation this time! Thanks for the encouragement.

[redqueen]

9. Oh I'm so sorry

That must've been so hard for you to go through. You should be proud of yourself for doing the right thing and working out... kudos to you!!!!

It won't be long until you see some results... good luck. :hug:

[Westegg]

10. It takes time, patience, dedication and EXERCISE...

I emphasize the latter because it's that which has consistently worked for me in a way no diet ever has. But maybe I should emphasize patience just as much, because it's not an over-night thing. We want, once we've commited to something, to see instant results. But our bodies just don't work that way. I'd warn against trying to speed up the process---through excessive dieting or exercise. That way failure lies---not to mention danger.

Have a good and sensible program for eating and exercise and stick with it for months. The ultimate goal is to have a subtle but rock-solid transformation of your old habits into new, healthier ones. Smart eating and reasonable exercise as a LIFESTYLE choice for you will be what works, as opposed to occasional, draconian impulse diets and dangerous stabs at over-exertion. Not saying this is what you're doing, but I am saying it's how most people try to deal with the problem, with predictably temporary results.

Best of luck to you. You CAN achieve what you want to.

[Southsideirish]

11. Outdoor exercise is 100 times more fun, more interesting and you

don't cheat like I did at home on the machine. I used to do it every day and lost nothing then I started walking and worked up to jogging. I lost weight and felt much better about myself. If your Dr. says its ok - try walking outdoors - find a nice trail or path and go every day - then go faster and farther, little by little. It will work and it leaves you with a very positive feeling, too.

[fudge stripe cookays]

19. I second this advice!

This became my way of venting frustration from my day, and really working up a sweat in beautiful weather is absolutely amazing for the soul. Especially if you get to see some wildlife along the way!

Several years ago I did this religiously every day (4 to 6 miles, at first without even realizing how far I was going, then intentionally because I grew to enjoy it!)

I lost about 35 pounds in 6 months from drastically reduced eating, eating better things, and LOTS AND LOTS of walking!

I began to CRAVE those walks at night and would start climbing the wall if I couldn't get outside!

Good luck!
FSC

[hlthe2b]

12. A ring can be repaired; a body can be returned to health and fitness...

Keep your eye on the goal. The future holds hope and each day is simply a step towards that future. Last night was only a momentary setback in what can be the brightest future you can imagine. Take care and keep focus.

[Swede]

13. Keep slugging away my friend.

Don't judge yourself harshly when you slip, just say "Ok i slipped" and move on.

[prolesunited]

14. I'm so sorry

That must have been very difficult for you, but it should serve as a good wake up call.

Can I ask how old you are? For many women in their late 30s and early 40s, their metabolism comes to a screeching halt. That doesn't mean you can't fight it. It's just harder. If this is the case, you might want to have your thyroid checked as well as it's the time that problems may occur.

What you really need to to is add weight training to your cardio to build up muscle mass, probably three times a week with light weights. You can pick up a set and do it at home.

There are a number of advantages. One, it will help boost your metabolism because a more muscular body burns up more calories at rest than one with a greater percentage of fat. Also, muscle is more compact and it will help pull everything in with it, giving you a leaner appearance. It also helps you retain your bone density as you age.

Go to the bookstore or library and you can find books on weight training specifically geared toward women. You will definitely see much faster results.

And if you slip up and eat something you shouldn't (and you really should once in awhile), just get back on board. Don't throw in the towel on the day or the week because of it.

Good luck. Being overweight leads to so many health problems. I'm not an advocate of being stick thin (I think women are meant to have curves), but there is a point where your weight does compromise you health.

[BigMcLargehuge]

15. keep exercising, keep trimming your portions

it won't happen overnight... it takes time for your body to retune its metabolism. But once you get started, and the weight starts coming off, it'll come off alot easier.

Just hang in there! You can get the ring resized SMALLER when you get your weight to what you want :)

If I can do it, you can do it!

I am up to 100+ situps 50+ pushups per rep! My pants keep sliding off so I need a belt now! You can do this too, I know it!!!!

:hug:

[MissB]

16. Look forward, not backwards

Think of the positive effects. You've been hitting the elliptical machine three times a week. The first time you got on it was probably much more difficult than the most recent time you stepped on it. That is progress.

Good luck, and don't get discouraged.

[SarahB]

17. I used to be there.

Nothing would work. I know you're young too. If you look at pictures of me though, I looked 32 at 22 and now at 32 look closer to 22. NOTHING worked for me until I eliminated all sugar, flour, and potatoes from my diet. Now that I'm finally back at a healthy weight, I can eat fruits and whole grains again, but I'm still careful because I want to keep it off. Not to mention my nearly 300 cholesterol now at under 200. (I know people want to diss Atkins, but it's the only thing that worked for me and I will continue. I'd highly recommend reading one of his books for more information.)

I didn't wear my wedding ring for years because it was too tight. Now it's too loose (not to mention the marriage is essentially over as well. but that dysfunction is another story) so I don't wear it. I'm 30 pounds less than I was when I got married and 75 pounds less than I was 3 years ago right after I had my youngest child.

[Bertha Venation]

18. oh, man . . .

I don't know what to say. I wish I could give you a real :hug: -- several, in fact. (I'm in a program and if you're interested I'd share some things from it. But I'm sure you'll do just great. Just know if you need support in the battle you can lean on me.)

[flamingyouth]

20. I'm sorry, scarlet_owl

I wouldn't recommend the method I used to take off my weight; it basically involved crushing grief and depression. :(

I'm always pushing yoga here. It will help you build strength and bring you some peace of mind as well.

Good luck! :hug: