Failed attempts at losing weight

Let’s be brave and all admit our worst efforts at keeping weight off. What is the most you have ever weighed? What is the most you have gained? Help us all not feel so alone… be honest!

I’ve been one to watch my weight most of my adult life. Back when I had my children, the doctor allowed you to gain between 15-18 pounds during your pregnancy. I gained 14 with my first child and 21 with my second who weighed over eight pounds. I dropped that weight, but gradually with each decade I gained ten pounds. Finally in my 50s I hit 150 when I should weight 110. (Believe it or not that’s what I weighed after my son was born and I was depressed at my weight gain! Now I’d rejoice to see it.) I know that doesn’t sound like much to weigh, but I’m short—one of those people who didn’t weight 100 when they graduated from high school. 

Where I am currently, around 132 so I’m heading in the right direction, but I’ve gained and lost the same five pounds so many times that you’d think I’d learn my lesson…but I don’t seem to. That’s why I’m going to take part in the 21 Day Challenge. It’s only 21 days and it lets you target the things you know you need to change. It is happening right here in this forum, too, for anyone else ready to stop spinning their wheels. I’m thinking of three things. Adding regular exercise, only eating when I’m hungry…and I haven’t decided on the third one yet. It starts June 1 so I still have time to figure it out.

Donna

Well they say confession is good for the soul…

In 2003-2004, I gave up sugar and lost 40 pounds. I was so proud of myself! I bought all new business clothes. The happiest day was when I fit into a pair of shorts I hadn’t fit into since college. I even treated myself to an expensive pair of Ralph Lauren slacks.

Sugar crept back in and I regained all that weight PLUS 10 more pounds. I’m slowly detoxing again from sugar.

The problem is that sugar makes me crave more in the worst possible ways. If I have even a little bit, I end up eating a lot, so that’s what packs on the pounds.

Whew. Glad that’s done with. Now back to sipping water…

Newbie, I SO commiserate. I’m going to a big family party in June, followed a week later by a local all-out barbecue, and sticking to my diet may be hard. I think I just have to give myself a day off those days.  I’ve never been able to stick to a diet at a party.

Wow, you ask the tough questions!

I am 5’6” and I was always thin. In my early 20s, my weight fluctuated between 130 and 135. Then, I started taking fertility drugs. When I finally conceived, I had difficult pregnancies and was on bed rest. My doctor had warned me that I would likely need a hysterectomy by age 30, so I should have my children close together. I did… three kids in three years. I did NOT lose much weight between pregnancies. My third pregnancy was particularly hard. I had multiple instances of preterm labor and spent much of the time in the hospital, unable to take care of my other two girls. My third daughter was born at 37 weeks (yay), but she was also profoundly deaf. Looking back, I’d have to say I went into a depression. I packed on the pounds. My highest weight…. are you ready?.... I can’t believe I’m admitting this… was 196 pounds. (Man, that was hard.)

I am currently fluctuating between 162 and 165. Normal for my height is between 124 and 154. I would like to be around 140.

After my first son turned one, I fell and hurt my knee.  I was in a brace for about one year.  I went to one of my doctors appointments with my mom and had to weigh in.  I am 5’9” and I weighed in at 190lbs.  My Mom turned to me at said “Weight Watchers”.  I did go to Weight Watchers and I lost 60 lbs. and I kept it off.  I had two more children and still kept it off.  I then for medical reasons had to stop sugar.  I lost a lot of weight.  I was too thin.  Now sugar is not bothering me and I am 4 lbs. over the maximum weight for my height.  In other words, I need to go on a diet for the first time in 14 years.

You all rock! I know it is hard to admit our failures… but then again, it can be good to get it out there too. At my worst I gained 30 lbs, and I know that sounds low in comparison to some—but I am very petite and 30 lbs really does show up like a lot on me.

What I noticed was we all had life situations that led to our weight gain. Something to consider when we get stressed and down. Look to a friend instead of the food…

Like Donna, I’m short. So 5 lbs. is a big difference either way for me. At my heaviest, I think I was 118. (I know, please don’t throw things at me—I’m short, remember!). This doesn’t count pregnancy, but before I had kids, I weighed about 100 lbs. so even with the pregnancy weight, the most I ever weighed was 122.

I feel comfortable at about 110 lbs. and I’m currently NOT there. I’m having a very hard time getting motivated to exercise. I can eat right, but if I don’t walk or run or lift light weights, I can’t drop the pounds.

That’s how it is for me, too,Del. I have to include exercise and wiser food choices if I expect to drop any weight. Maybe it has to do with how tall we are…or aren’t. A person three inches taller can lose weight by eating the same about that we need to maintain. Sigh. Too bad they don’t have a pill to make me taller.

Donna

Donna S. - 02 June 2009 03:26 PM

That’s how it is for me, too,Del. I have to include exercise and wiser food choices if I expect to drop any weight. Maybe it has to do with how tall we are…or aren’t. A person three inches taller can lose weight by eating the same about that we need to maintain. Sigh. Too bad they don’t have a pill to make me taller.

Donna

Thank a lot !!

cayenne pepper - 06 June 2009 12:56 PM

Donna S. - 02 June 2009 03:26 PM

That’s how it is for me, too,Del. I have to include exercise and wiser food choices if I expect to drop any weight. Maybe it has to do with how tall we are…or aren’t. A person three inches taller can lose weight by eating the same about that we need to maintain. Sigh. Too bad they don’t have a pill to make me taller.

Donna

Thank a lot !!

Hey Cayenne,

Welcome to the Diet Forums.

Donna

I was on few months ago, I was just about to change my gym routine, I have been attending 3 spin classes a week and 3 body pump classes a week, this means I am at the gym 4-5 times a week, I have cut down on eating, I eat mainly healthy low fat food, but I am gaining weight, what I am i doing? why is this not working?

This is really getting me down, I don’t know what to do anymore. I have done every fad diet possible, but I have refused to go back to any of these stupid diets,

Please can anyone help I’m at my wits end. Why am I losing this battle.

I am 5ft 2inches and weigh approx 13 stone.

Thanks

rossoblu - 02 July 2009 01:29 PM

I was on few months ago, I was just about to change my gym routine, I have been attending 3 spin classes a week and 3 body pump classes a week, this means I am at the gym 4-5 times a week, I have cut down on eating, I eat mainly healthy low fat food, but I am gaining weight, what I am i doing? why is this not working?

This is really getting me down, I don’t know what to do anymore. I have done every fad diet possible, but I have refused to go back to any of these stupid diets,

Please can anyone help I’m at my wits end. Why am I losing this battle.

I am 5ft 2inches and weigh approx 13 stone.

Thanks

Hi Ross,

There’s a couple of things to consider. First, I’m proud of you for not returning to fad diets. In the long run they are not the answer to losing weight and keeping it off. You are exercising plenty and building lean muscle will help you burn more calories even when you are resting. However, muscle can weigh more than fat and secondly you can’t always go by the scale. How often are you weighing? Weight can fluctuate due to water weight when really you’ve lost fat. I have found using a tape measure gives a better picture. One time when I had lost only three pounds by the scale, I lost 18 inches. Doesn’t that sound a lot better?

Donna

Well, that’s a tough question Debbie! I am 5’5” and during my 2nd pregnancy, my weight went up to 170. 2 months after I delivered my baby boy, I was stuck at 150 pounds. My goal weight should be about 125. So I started on the Bistro MD diet program and after 3 months I’ve got a lot closer to my 125 pound goal. I am at 133 pounds. Bistro MD seems to be working really well and I think I will stick with it for the another 6 months. Wish me luck..