Getting off the Roller Coaster

**Nunziata** · January 6th, 2009, 11:56 AM

Hello All! I am new to the forum! My name is Nancy and I am 35 y/o. I have been on the weight roller coaster for years now. And it is so time to get off!

Hope you all dont mind... but I am gonna tell my story. (I think it helps for me to get it out and face reality of it) I was always "thick" growing up. I am 5'3 and averaged 130-150 thru out high school. After the birth of my daughter 15 years ago... I was sitting in the front seat of the roller coaster on the way up the hill. I was working as a NYC paramedic and was truly putting my body to the test physically. In 1998 I suffered a back injury that kept me out of work for 30 weeks. Between stress and steroids for my asthma, I had gotten to an all time high of 250lbs. I returned to work and eventually gotten down to 220 lbs. I then started phentermine and walking a mile a day while drinking a lot more water (my downfall) and I was down to 168 lbs in what seemed like no time. My intention was to get down to about 155 and I wanted a breast reduction and a tummy tuck. I know it sounds vein, but I honestly wanted to be able to walk when I am 50 years old. LoL On top of the weight loss this would have been a dramatic improvement for my back.

Well... I had an issue at work and the stress levels were high again. So the weight started to creep on slowly. In 2006, I suffered a shoulder injury that required 2 surgeries. I can no longer return to my career as a street medic and have gained employment indoors at an urgent care clinic. I have gotten back up to a whopping 230 lbs! I am on my feet all day at work and I am lucky if I get in 8 oz of water in that time.

The plan....

I have started the phentermine yesterday and I am going to watch what I am eating. I AM GOING TO DRINK MORE WATER! On my off days I am going to use my bowflex tread climber and work out. I have joined the 2009 challenge and I am going to use that for inspiration and help. I am going on a cruise in May, and I would like to be down 40lbs by then. I would eventually like to get down to my goal weight of 150 by March of 2010. I will be making small goals in between, as I believe this is really the only way possible. I have recently told my boyfriend of 9 years that I would like my ring by my birthday and that I will be able to get into my dress by his 40th Bday in March of 2010. I know.... this may all sound a bit weird... but what ever works right. The bottom line is.... I want to be healthy. We all want to look good and if I say that I didnt, I would be lying. But, like I said earlier... I just want to be able to walk when I am older. With the weight increase, I have had more back pain, knee pain and now plantar faciitis. This is all correctable! So wish me luck!

I wish you all the best in all you do. Here is to weight loss and good health! If anyone has any input they would like to share....please feel free. I need all the support I can get!

**hotmtmama** · January 6th, 2009, 01:46 PM

Hi Nancy,
It looks like you have reached the point that your habits and lifestyle that you have been living the last 35 years is over. Good for you. I think your head is in the right place and you are ready for a lifestyle change so that you can walk. I am happy for you and look forward to seeing you progress and get healthy.
All my best.

**Band Mamma** · January 10th, 2009, 01:08 AM

Yay for you! You sound like a wise woman who knows what she wants and will do what it takes to get it. I had plantar fascitis at one point. Although everything I read and everyone I talked to said there was nothing short of surgery to get rid of it, it magically disappeared as I lost weight. LOL
I look forward to getting to know you!

**slimmersuzi** · January 10th, 2009, 10:12 AM

We sound a LOT alike minus the back problems. I did put my back out one summer recently and it was the WORST ever. It took 3 months to get back to normal. So I can relate to what you are going through. I've fought plantar fascitis for years. The longest and worst bout was 1 year. Since that time I've learned to get it corrected as soon as I feel it coming on. The last tough bought was just a few months before I was seeking relief and I splurged and bought MBT shoes. Those things have saved my feet! The only time my feet hurt now is when I get bad about not wearing them and going around the house in socks.

We have similar weight ranges and roller coaster history too. Have you joined a community online for keeping track of what you are eating and your exercise? If not, sparkpeople is free and GREAT! You can keep a journal, connect with others and with the addition of a food scale you'll do WONDERFUL.

I look forward to getting to know you.

Suzi