New here, BEFORE pics posted

[MimsyBeauty]

Hi, I've been lurking here for a while. First I wasnt to say hello to all the new people like myself. Good luck to us all.
Next I want to thank all the regulars here for the support and information. This is a wonderful place.

I'm 46 years old, 5'3" tall, and weigh 218. I had been slim all my life, going back to my pre-pregnancy weights after each child, but after 9/11 I started emotional eating and became addicted to carbs. I live in NYC and it has taken me all these years to come to grips with the events of 9/11. I lived in fear, especially for my children, and somehow shoving food in my mouth and feeling full made me feel better, especially at night when I couldn't sleep. It made me feel like I was being hugged.

Anyway I ballooned to 218 lbs, my weight as of today, and I'm sick of it. I'm extremely self-conscious and physically unconfortable, as I carry so much weight in my abdominal area. I've developed high blood pressure and sleep apnea, both weight-related, according to my doctor. She recommended Atkin, and here I am.

Also, a motivator for me is that my sister will be undergoing gastric bypass next month, and I don't ever want to become desperate like her and have that kind of drastic surgery if I can do it naturally.

One other thing...I've been taking Cymbalta for a few years, as I truly need it, and also Ambien as needed. I'm worried that maybe these meds will make it impossible/difficult to lose weight, as I've read many people have weight issues attributed to anti-depressants. My doctor says it can be done, with just a bit more effort.

So here I am, sad and fat, and wanting to break my addiction to carbs. Cakes, breads, and all starches have been my comforter for these past years, but I want to be free of them.

Sorry for such a long post, but I just want to get everything out on the table.

Now I'm going to attempt to post my current photos. I was thinking of blocking out my face in case anyone I know in real life sees me, but then I thought I don't want to be ashamed of myself...I just want to move forward. I'll continue to post photos of myself in the same bathing suit as I proceed with the program, and hopefully I won't be so big as time goes on.

Thanks for reading.





I'm crying as I post these photos. What happened to me???

[hrgillespie]

Hello Mimsy and welcome to the boards ....... Wipe those tears and pull back your shoulders take a deep breath and just move forward ......... What happened to you is called Life and in one way or another every single person here has been effected by it in the very same way you have ...... There is no where to go but up from here and thats what you have choosen ....... I will tell you you have found the ultimate support group here and these people will never let you down .....
So chin up girlfriend ........ look at those pictures with pride ......... pride that you have decided to change and you now have a starting place to which future comparrisons can be made with a huge sense of accomplishment as you watch yourself melt back to the person you know you can be!!!!!

Welcome and just get started!!!!!!!!!

Heidi

[sallyseachange]

Warm welcome aboard! It's terrific that you decided to take control of your life before reaching the stage where you have to resort to a gastric bypass.

I'm sure you'll find that as you slim down and feel better about yourself your worries will fade too.
Sorry but I have no idea about the meds you take and their effect on weight loss. Where I live meds have diff names. Someone else will be able to help you, I'm sure.

Post lots and use the board for all it offers. We're behind you 200%!!!

[hmf]

Good luck. You can do it. Cute bathing suit by the way....just think of how good you are going to look when all is said and done!!!!!

[joee5]

Welcome and good luck to you. Remain focused and you'll see how easy this diet works. You'll do fine. Keep us posted. God Bless, Joe

[charks1]

Hi Mimsy...Welcome to the board.... It's really awesome here. I haven't been here to long myself I think maybe the end of Jan.but I have to say you'll always feel welcome and if theres anything you need advice or just an ear....you'll find it here I'm sure.We're all here for a reason.I believe in what they say about meeting people for a reason and in here it's to give each other strength,courage, motivation and maybe the little extra push we need when we've had a long day and don't want to do our abs or squats for the day..lol
Start a journal when your ready..it helps to get all that crap built up inside out and you never know you night just end up with a few friends..I look forward to coming in everyday and seeing who's made what progress and who needs a shove... ..you'll find yourself concerned for someone...joking around and even laughing out loud..
Check out the excercize challenges when your ready,we even have a few of us that play scattergories here everday,you will be so glad you found this place.!!!!
post alot let us know how your doing,we really do care!!!!

Char

[IrishMom82]

Welcome! Good for you in taking the steps to prevent major surgery! You can do it, stay strong and good luck! Keep us posted!

[SandyL2002]

Welcome to the board.. I was at my one sils on Sunday and she said...Today I cut the sugars out of my system.. I said Yep we need to get back on track before our other sil who is having Lap Band Surgery in June gets skinnier then us... I said we need to show her IT CAN BE DONE! You can do it!

[misplaced southerner]

hey~ what happened to you is what happened to lots of us and it is called "life." you are STILL there, you really are. you just have to get back to you. i promise you this...stick with us and not only will you find "you", you will find a better, healthier, happier "you."

don't cry. you have lots of support and good company here. we are all gonna push/drag/encourage you every step of the way. you will feel stronger as each day goes by. you will be a success story. you have a plan. make that vision your reality. today is the beginning of a whole new you!

[OzLover]

Welcome Mimsy

You've found a fantastic support system here on You are also very fortunate that your doctor recommended Atkins. Have you read the book? If not please get yourself a copy~~~we use the 2002 version here on the board. If you have read the book YEAH!!
Start a journal, ask questions~~~no question is a stupid question, post often, join a challenge or two, & start getting some exercise. You can do this!!! You've taken the most important step~~~the first step!!

Good luck in your journey!