new here

Hi, I wanted to introduce myself. I am Jenn 40 Nurse in Tx mom to Megan 16 twins donald and shelby 11 and wife to don 18 yrs. I really didnt have a weight problem until I got preg with the twins and was on complete bedrest from 6 weeks till delivery 37 weeks I gained over 100lbs and am now 11 years out only 30 lbs less than that.  I was just told yesterday my insurance doesnt cover Weight loss surgery, so I have joined a GYM an meet the trainer this AM my mom joined and my best friend already goes there so they will be my motivation. I have been changing the way I eat and walking the past 2  months and have lost only 10 lbs. I just hope I can do this with out surgery, but am keeping my eyes open for any nursing jobs that do cover this surgery if I cant do it on my own,. I am glad to be here and hope to be motivated also, I did sign up at fitday,com and have been tracking my meals and activity I started 1200 cal diet yesterday and was at 1038 calories at bed   time so happy with that. Ony who hello to all  Jenn

Hi Jenn -- I am Jenn too!  You have come to the right place!  You said in the past 2 months you "have only lost 10 lbs" -- I would just like to say I think that is GREAT!!!  5 pounds per month is wonderful! It sounds like you have taken many great steps towards becoming healthier and getting the weight off.  Exercising along with changing your eating habits will definitely help to bring it along.  I definitely need to heed this advice as well!  I have been concentrating more on the food at first and I am easing my way into the exercising -- more slowly. It certainly is possible to lose the weight without surgery and I think you are on the right track.  Remember not to cut back TOO much on your calorie intake either.  I learned that the hard way!  Fitday and Thedailyplate are both great places to keep track of your daily intake.  Good luck to you, and this is a great place to come for ideas and support along the way!

I second that!  5# a month is a great rate of loss. Just think, in a year, you would be back to pre-baby weight if my math is correct.  As for motivation issues, plan for that, expect it - we are human after all and don't always do what we should be doing.  One little trick I use on myself is make bargains...don't feel like working out?  tell myself "only ten minutes"...time and again, I do lots more than that once I get up and out that door.  Also very important, take food with you so that you are not stuck eating the types of food that will slow you down. You don't say if you ever *really* tried to lose before now, so good for you that you a giving it a go. With or without WLS, we all need to do this type of thing, right? The peeps who do have WLS and have all these good habits in place are the winners in the end. You should be able to do a couple days a week at more like 1500 caloriesand still lose!  No need to go too low.  Welcome - glad you are here!

Hi Jenn!  Welcome!!! You say "only" 10 lbs.. I say THAT'S 10 PERMANENT lbs less than before!  I think that's GREAT! I know how difficult it is to take care of oneself while taking care of others, and being a mom, wife AND a nurse, it certainly sounds like you have your hands FULL so BRAVA for taking the steps necessary to do this for yourself! Once you're committed to the gym, you'll really love it.  A day without it around here is like a day without sunshine, sunshine.   That's JENN time!  . The folks around here are very supportive, understanding AND wise and I hope you get as much satisfaction as I have in being part of this community!  One day I hope to give as much as I have received here! Lori 310/226/180

Ten pounds in two months is fantastic.  Congratulations!! This board is fantastic.  Full of supportive, helpful people.  Stick with us for support and we'll help you out how ever we can. Best of luck!!

Hi Jenn, I'm fairly new here myself.  It's nice to have a place to go where people are going through the same trials and tribulations that I am and can relate to my insanity! Holed up a minute while I do the math.You gained a hundred pounds minus two ankle biters came to thirty pounds, which leaves a total of seventy pounds overweight.  Since you didn't mention any other weight gain, I'm wondering why you would want to slice and dice your innards for only seventy pounds?  Especially when you have access to a gym and a trainer and a built in support group.  Trust me, some of my best friends have had WLS, and I have no problem with that, but in your case, it just seems to me like you can do this on your own. And if there's anything I've learned from hanging with WLS people is that they can leave me in the dust when it comes to weight loss, so I caution you comparing your weight loss to theirs.  That's just setting yourself up for disappointment.  The great equalizer is when their honeymoon is over, and then they are whining just the same way I am! Make sure you get your calories in Sister or you are setting yourself up to slow your metabolism down.  You have to keep that fire stoked.  But I'm sure that your trainer will let you know that! Mary  

Hi Jenn and welcome! -Bud

Hi Jen,

Good for you losing ten pounds in two months!  Just like Necee said, just imagine if you keep that up, it adds up fast!

Welcome to the board. 

Hi Jenn, and welcome!  I'm a nurse too, though retired.  You'll like it here...a very friendly and supportive bunch...I'm fairly new myself. Sounds like you're off to a good start with the gym, trainer and healthy food choices.  Ten pounds in two months is great!!  Don't expect weight losses like the WLS folks....take it off slowly and more importantly keep it off!  How many times have we heard, "you didn't put it on overnight, don't expect it to come off that quickly either".  Slow and steady wins the race!!

Thank all of you for the encouraging words. I did great yesterday but Geez my whole body hurts today but I am heading to the gym right after work again. Stayed on my calories yesteday and heading down same path so far today, Jenn