I’ve been in denial about my weight

[Anonymous]

I spent most of my life as the enviable thin woman. I’m 5’7” and was around 130 throughout my 30s and early 40s. Then life happened— major stressful personal issue, plus huge promotion/more responsibilities at work. Stopped any form of serious exercise and started eating badly. Now I’m 48. I knew I’d gained weight but was sort of avoiding the scale. Diets were always for “other people”— I was so naturally thin for my whole life that I just had this image of myself as thin. Despite my increasing pant size— went from size 4 a few years ago to 12 now.

Went to urgent care today for a sinus infection and they weighed me— 168! Plus my blood pressure is borderline.

I just can’t believe I’ve done this to myself. I know what I need to do to get healthy again. This is a vent more than anything but would also appreciate encouragement or tips from those who have BTDT. Thanks for listening.

[Anonymous]

Perimenopause is a nightmare and it does creep up on you like that. Very stealthy weight gain. Your body chemistry has changed and it is time to learn how your new body works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perimenopause is a nightmare and it does creep up on you like that. Very stealthy weight gain. Your body chemistry has changed and it is time to learn how your new body works.

OP here. I’m sure hormones are partly to blame. Other factors may include Cadbury mini eggs, Chipotle dinners, etc. I feel so unhealthy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I spent most of my life as the enviable thin woman. I’m 5’7” and was around 130 throughout my 30s and early 40s. Then life happened— major stressful personal issue, plus huge promotion/more responsibilities at work. Stopped any form of serious exercise and started eating badly. Now I’m 48. I knew I’d gained weight but was sort of avoiding the scale. Diets were always for “other people”— I was so naturally thin for my whole life that I just had this image of myself as thin. Despite my increasing pant size— went from size 4 a few years ago to 12 now.

Went to urgent care today for a sinus infection and they weighed me— 168! Plus my blood pressure is borderline.

I just can’t believe I’ve done this to myself. I know what I need to do to get healthy again. This is a vent more than anything but would also appreciate encouragement or tips from those who have BTDT. Thanks for listening.

Okay so tomorrow start with baby steps. nothing radical, but I would start with your diet. start intermittent fasting, it is super easy and a very efficient way of controlling how much you eat. during the times that you are eating, just start replacing some of the "bad foods" with a couple of better choices. after you have a handle on your eating, start moving your body more. Start with walking - which doesn't require any fancy equipment. All you have to do is commit to doing it.

FWIW- I'm 5'9 and once topped the scale at 172, so I know how you're feeling. I've been at my current (desirable) weight for many years because I made lifestyle changes, slowly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I spent most of my life as the enviable thin woman. I’m 5’7” and was around 130 throughout my 30s and early 40s. Then life happened— major stressful personal issue, plus huge promotion/more responsibilities at work. Stopped any form of serious exercise and started eating badly. Now I’m 48. I knew I’d gained weight but was sort of avoiding the scale. Diets were always for “other people”— I was so naturally thin for my whole life that I just had this image of myself as thin. Despite my increasing pant size— went from size 4 a few years ago to 12 now.

Went to urgent care today for a sinus infection and they weighed me— 168! Plus my blood pressure is borderline.

I just can’t believe I’ve done this to myself. I know what I need to do to get healthy again. This is a vent more than anything but would also appreciate encouragement or tips from those who have BTDT. Thanks for listening.

Okay so tomorrow start with baby steps. nothing radical, but I would start with your diet. start intermittent fasting, it is super easy and a very efficient way of controlling how much you eat. during the times that you are eating, just start replacing some of the "bad foods" with a couple of better choices. after you have a handle on your eating, start moving your body more. Start with walking - which doesn't require any fancy equipment. All you have to do is commit to doing it.

FWIW- I'm 5'9 and once topped the scale at 172, so I know how you're feeling. I've been at my current (desirable) weight for many years because I made lifestyle changes, slowly.

Ugh. Registered dietitian here. Sorry, but there are so many negative buzz words in this post! OP, you do not need "intermittent fasting," nor do you need to start characterizing "bad foods." Fad diets Will. Not. Work. - at least for the long haul.

Start with exercise. It's spring! Take a walk every day. You know what you need to do on the eating; you've stated that in your posts. If feel that you need serious or medical guidance or accountability, please see an RDN.

[Anonymous]

Yeah I don’t know if I could do intermittent fasting. I have frequent hypoglycemia and need to eat at regular intervals. I’ll probably start by just cutting out the “low hanging fruit” of candy, pasta, bagels, etc and taking a spin class each day. I’ll add in weight training after I get a baseline of good habits established.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perimenopause is a nightmare and it does creep up on you like that. Very stealthy weight gain. Your body chemistry has changed and it is time to learn how your new body works.

OP here. I’m sure hormones are partly to blame. Other factors may include Cadbury mini eggs, Chipotle dinners, etc. I feel so unhealthy!

Honest, this is a better reason though. If you are doing everything "right" and having trouble, it's more of a concern. You know the formula and it will probably work pretty quickly once there are fewer chocolates and more vegetable filled dinners. Also, if you don't get back to 130, so be it. If you settle at 140 with healthy blood pressure, great.

Most will say focus on diet but if this was somewhat stress induced, give yourself the gift of movement. It's good for your heart and soul to be in fresh air sweating even if for only 40 min before work each morning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perimenopause is a nightmare and it does creep up on you like that. Very stealthy weight gain. Your body chemistry has changed and it is time to learn how your new body works.

OP here. I’m sure hormones are partly to blame. Other factors may include Cadbury mini eggs, Chipotle dinners, etc. I feel so unhealthy!

If your blood pressure is high, a good thing to cut would be eating out. Chipotle is insanely high in salt.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you would like to lose weight? If so, good luck. Low carb with fruit works for me. I am also 48.

[Anonymous]

Hugs, OP. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and I agree with PPs that you have some clear changes you can make that are reasonably sustainable. Your plan sounds totally doable, and good for you for taking that approach. Be kind to yourself, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hugs, OP. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and I agree with PPs that you have some clear changes you can make that are reasonably sustainable. Your plan sounds totally doable, and good for you for taking that approach. Be kind to yourself, too.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

My height is the same. You are currently at my goal weight. All is relative.

[Anonymous]

You can do this, OP. As others have said, focus on what is sustainable. Smaller portion sizes, healthier food choices, moderate exercise.

[Anonymous]

I’m 50 and had the same revelation this week. I got on a scale and found I’ve gained over 10 pounds since Christmas. In my case, I had been running pretty regularly but stopped when it got cold out. I’m getting back to exercising and cutting back on junk. Every time I go to eat something crappy, I mentally say my current weight and it stops me cold.

Good luck OP!

[Anonymous]

I do intense workouts, sometimes 2x day, I eat a healthy vegetable based diet, and I just cannot drop weight. Hormones are a b$tch OP. I actually went on testosterone as hormone replacement therapy but my skin broke out like crazy.

That is all to say - do what makes you feel good, try not to focus on the scale.