anyone else find it hard NOT to preach to their family/friends?

[IrishIrish]

My family offered advice to me over the many years I was morbidly obese and I rejected it. I have learned only to offer advice when invited. Some of my family is still waiting for me to fail. My SIL would like me to fail just to prove that Atkins "never works" ... I know it made her miserable when she saw me a month ago after not seeing her for four years. The expression on her face was enough to give me the ambition to step up my exercise goals.

Sadly, we can't always give what we have to those we want to. Despite no longer requiring medications, insulin, it isn't enough for some.

Be there as an example when and if they are ready.

[PeteinVA]

I believe in just being a role model as well, instead of getting into it. I don't hide from people that I'm on Atkins . I eat at my desk and have people in my office often and don't care, it's time to eat!. When you're eating cream cheese from a tupperware it looks a bit odd hehhh

I've been updating the people at work on my progress and because I'm wearing new clothes (well stuff from the closet that I haven't worn in a long time) people are noticing.

I don't lecture as it's not really my business what people put in their bodies.

[Sarina D]

Yes, I feel very much the same way....I don't approach or preach to anyone, nor look down at others around me that are struggling with their weight. I feel very sad and have a great deal of compassion when I see someone struggling with obesity, I know all too well what that feels like and I will never lose the feeling of what it was like. There was a time I was well over 400 lbs and someone approaching me to tell me that I should lose weight and that I was dangerously heavy didn't help me one bit....in fact it was hurtful at times and I found some to be self righteous and RIGHT OUT in left field the way they viewed "why" I was overweight.....coming from that place, I will NEVER do that to others....it's not helpful and not very caring in my opinion.

I have many people approach me and ask me how I've accomplished what I have in my weight loss journey.....I don't hide the fact that I've lost 226 lbs, that I'm on Atkins nor the way I eat but I will only speak about it if someone asks for my advice. There was a time where I wasn't at the place where I was ready to lose weight even though I was morbidly obese and desired to lose weight....I would try and try and try and nothing would work....in fact, often times I gained additional weight. The last time I could fit on a set of scales was when I was 403 lbs.....that was a shocker for me, I started down the path YET again trying to lose weight only to gain anywhere from 25 to 35 additional pounds on top of that...so I list my heaviest as being 403 but in actuality I was more like 435 lbs...but didn't have a set of scales that would hold me at that weight...so, needless to say....I gave up and I never knew how heavy I really became. I have a good idea now judging how much weight I have lost each time to go down one size so that is why I say I was probably around 435 lbs.

We all have different times in our life when the light bulb goes off and we're ready to lose weight, the great part is each and every one of us knows what it feels like to struggle leading up to that point and can offer much more care, concern and kindness in how we respond or react to those around us that are overweight and are struggling. I was telling my friend Sam the other day, I have seen both sides of the scales....morbid obesity and now being fit.....I have had things said to me that would curl one's hair....I'm sure all of you have as well.....I will not make the same mistake others have made towards me just because I have my weight in order now. My friend Sam was totally shocked in the way I as well as others have been treated, he's a real gentleman and shows all people the same respect and kindness they deserve.....but unless you've come from a place where many of us have....one doesn't realize the cruelty that is out there.

Great topic, I'm glad this thread was created....it's an important one!

All the best to everyone,
Sarina
-----------------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 177 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[PeteinVA]

Sarina, that's a great post, thanks for sharing.

[Sarina D]

Originally Posted by PeteinVA

Sarina, that's a great post, thanks for sharing.

Thanks so much Pete, I appreciate your feedback very much.

Wishing you continued success on your journey to great health!

Keep in touch and let me know how things are going for you when you have the time.

All the best,
Sarina
-----------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 177 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[RitaCeleste]

My younger sister lives with me. She was over three hundred pounds at one point. She lost down to to about 280 and stopped. She has maintained her loss for about a year. She won't do Atkins with me though. Says it doesn't work for her. (she likes her sauces so not sure she did it right the first time even with low carb products) I try to feed her some protein here and there to make sure that she getting some because she hasn't had the money to buy enough. She puts sauce on it, Grrr! I may be thinner but sometimes I had other problems and cut my calories too much. That's not exactly an example I'd want anyone to follow. I am trying to go up the rungs now and keep my calories up. I just want to set a better example. I get flustrated with her sometimes. Like when I hit 150 and she sabbataged my diet cause she said I'd look like a crack whore if I actually got down to MY goal weight! If she decides to do a healthy diet and leave off the refined carbs, I'm here for her. But she is stubborn too. So its her choice. Yes its flustrating to watch my family, all overweight not sticking to a diet while I keep getting closer to goal. But I didn't give up cerial until I was good and darn ready either. And I am interested in the diet, and I talk about going up the rungs and what has worked and what hasn't. I know it probably annoys them, but its a big deal to me and a big part of my life. My SO is overweight and unwilling to give anything up to loose weight too. And it kinda bothers me that seeing me do it bothers them more than it inspires them! Don't hate me because I'm beautiful! Its impossible to look at me and not noticed I'm doing it and then they think, "and I haven't" and look at ME dirty. Instead of thinking "I can do that!", they are just annoyed with me.

[msanjelpie]

Whatever happened to keriann_forgoodthistime ? I miss her...