anyone here?

[Shoura]

I'm starting again (just posted an introduction in the introduction forum, with my less than stellar dieting history.) I have a lot of weight to lose, and get discouraged reading posts by 21 year olds who are training for marathons (I realize that's my problem and not theirs, and I'll be on the sidelines cheering). BUT are there others in their mid-50s with a lot of weight to lose? please, please? I need to lose at least 120 pounds. (That's hard to write.) I'm restarting Friday. Any encouraging stories would be welcome!

[Labarum]

Re: anyone here?

Hi, this isn't the busiest part of the board but their are lots of over 50s about - one of them even runs marathons!

The Century Club and the Second time round club may be a good place to post and look for support which would be surely forthcoming.

[Elizellen]

Re: anyone here?

hi Shoura

Welcome to our special corner of ADBB!

As Labarum said, there are lots of us oldies around, but this particular forum hasnt been that active lately - maybe because most of the problems we face are the same as everyone else, no matter how old or young we are!!

I am glad you have joined in!

I know it is daunting to see that '120 to go' figure, but if you think of it as a longterm project (rather than a frightening amount to lose) I am sure you can succeed. (and congratulations on managing to actually type those numbers too)

When I started out in June 2003 I didnt even set a 'target' goal weight, just decided that I was going to give it a go the best way I could and get SOME darned weight off!!
After all - at 280 pounds plus (my scale couldnt weigh that high!) any loss would be a benefit to me.

And here I am 140 pounds less and still visualising losing another 10 pounds or so as I know it can be done.

So, get yourself organised, plan your menus, get rid of any foods that you know you wont be able to resist (give or throw the chocolates or cakes away if they are your likely downfall) and get started losing!!

If you have any fears or questions just come here and post them to see what others advise so you can be reassured that you are on the right track and Happy Lowcarbing!!

[Shoura]

Re: anyone here?

Thank you! Labarum, you were right; I'm looking for a "place." I'll check in with the Century Club and the Second Timers. ElizEllen, thank you for your encouragement! I agree -- it's better to not focus on a huge, ultimate goal, but being healthy. (Both of you -- I love your photos. You look terrific.)

[geraglov]

Re: anyone here?

I'm starting again (just posted an introduction in the introduction forum, with my less than stellar dieting history.) I have a lot of weight to lose, and get discouraged reading posts by 21 year olds who are training for marathons (I realize that's my problem and not theirs, and I'll be on the sidelines cheering). BUT are there others in their mid-50s with a lot of weight to lose? please, please? I need to lose at least 120 pounds. (That's hard to write.) I'm restarting Friday. Any encouraging stories would be welcome!

I need to loose that much myself and I just turned 62. I am tempted to join you and start Friday as well.

[dreamof145]

Re: anyone here?

I started out at age of 49 and 140 pounds to lose. Yes, it is hard to visualize losing that much weight. Take baby-steps and lose it in small goals of 10-20 pounds. Don't look at the big picture. You can do it. ADBB is full of proof that it can be done.

I haven't ran any marathons. I have arthritis in my knees and I have had some female problems and surgery. None of that has stopped me. I know that this weight loss plan works. I've never felt better and more energetic. Don't compare yourself with others. You are unique. You are not being graded. You can go at your own speed and devise your own exercise plan. No matter how you do it (walking, weights, exercise equipment, arobics) you'll be thrilled when you see what the combination of eating the Atkins' way, exercise, water and supplements can do. You have already taken the biggest step and started to change your life and come here for support. You'll be a success in no time!!! WELCOME

[I lost it]

Re: anyone here?

I am 54 yrs. old and getting fit can happen at any age. Actually I believe being older helped in my case,as I had plenty of experience at what doesn't work.I sold out to this way of life and never looked back.I lost 88lbs. in 12 months and have held at that level for three months. My fitness is better than when i was 35.You can do this,use every motivational tool you can.Best of luck and know we are rooting for you.

[Shoura]

Re: anyone here?

Thank you -- everyone is so kind here!

Geraglov, it would be terrific if we started at the same time and egged each other on!
Dream, thank you for your advice -- all good. Yes, baby steps is the way, I think. Ive fallen before because I've tried to do everything at once.
I Lost It, I agree. I've learned what doesn't work, too. Just made a list. And one good thing about being older is that I don't expect to lose it all in three months. THAT has sabotaged me in the past, too.

[Analog6]

Re: anyone here?

Nice to 'meet' you , Shoura, and Geraglov.

I am 52 and have lugged my excess weight around for 10 years or so - silly me! I started with about 150lbs to lose and am well on the way. It is possible for us older folk, and many of the younger crew who are doing marathons started out with just as much to lose.

I had ankle, knee and back pains constantly and those have just about disappered with the losses. This is a fantastic way of life and certainly sustainable in the long term. You will find much ecouragement at the Century Club forum.

Good luck!

[Shoura]

Re: anyone here?

Thanks! I'm looking for knee and hip "glitches" to disappear too. It really does help to see/read people who have been successful. And I will check out the Century Club.

[cruiser gal]

Re: anyone here?

Shoura, first welcome aboard! I started this woe a year ago, when I was 51. My knees were shot, back always hurt, and I couldn't walk for longer than a couple of minutes, before I would have to sit down. Stairs were a chore, and I was always huffing and puffing. That was before! Now that I have lost 90 lbs this past year, I workout 6 out of 7 days a week. My energy level is high, no more back or knee problems, and I can walk for hours without a rest. You know the saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" well, it doesn't apply!!! Anyone can learn new eating habits and lifestyle changes at ANY age! It just takes COMMITMENT to do so!!! You can do it!

[Shoura]

Re: anyone here?

51. So young! Thanks, cruiser gal, for the encouragement. I am definitely low in energy and creaky in the knees. I'm looking forward to that part of the cure.

[ttdriver]

Re: anyone here?

I have a lot of weight to lose, and get discouraged reading posts by 21 year olds who are training for marathons

Hello .. I am the 50-something who is running my first marathon this weekend! I can only wish I was 21 again .. I wouldn't have screwed up my body eating garbage all those years and would have been on Atkins from the get-go!

Welcome .. we are here for you .. to inspire, motivate, encourage, and celebrate your victory!!

YOU CAN DO THIS!

PS .. it just occurred to me that losing ALOT of weight isn't that much different than running a marathon .. you have to break it down into accomplishable goals .. I can get really overwhelmed at the thought of running 26.2 miles the same as you can get overwhelmed thinking about all that weight to lose .. BUT, if you take steady steps in the right direction .. a mile or a pound at a time .. you will be AMAZED at what you can and will accomplish!! I intend to FINISH that marathon .. not at break-neck speed .. not to WIN IT .. but to FINISH ..

So my advice to you is to CEMENT YOUR RESOLVE .. put on your blinders to eliminate all distractions .. keep your eye on the GOAL .. and never let anyone discourage you!! AND THAT JUST HAPPENS TO BE MY STRATEGY FOR THE MARATHON!



Betty