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Hi everyone. I'm new here but I would really like an unbiased opinion on something. I'm sorry if this is long, but I would really like the chance to explain things to someone. I have been seeing a weigh loss counselor for almost a year now. I started seeing her after I had already tried everything under the sun and nothing worked for me. I tried all the usual diet (weight watchers, ect) and then decided it was exercise I needed. So, I trained for and completed the Dublin marathon (I walked 26.2 miles in one day). After that was over, I was still 250 pounds. I called myself the heavyweight champion of the world and decided to take a different approach. That’s how I came to be in therapy. Now, I am 280 pounds and I’m not sure if I should give up on the therapy. I feel better mentally about every aspect of my life except my weight, and even that I feel better about than I have in the past. But I’m just not sure what I should do. I have been drinking 100 ounces of water every day for at least 6 months, I have started exercising again (only 1 mile a day now) and I try to only eat what’s good for me when I’m hungry. These are all of her “rules.” She doesn’t make me write anything down or eat certain foods or anything. I’m just not sure if I should stop with this. My husband will support any and every thing I do and he says that if I think it’s helping, I should stick with it. I’m just so confused about it now. I’m coming up on the one-year mark and I’m heavier than I was when I started! Does anyone have any advice for me?

Hello lambchop! Congratulations on completing a marathon! Not many people I know can say the same thing :) It's great that you have a husband that supports and loves you whatever you decide to do. You don't mention your age or what you are eating during the day.. I would suggest maybe keeping a little notebook to jot down everything you eat during the day, you may be surprised. (For example,a 20 ounce bottle of soda is considered 2 1/2 servings.. if you are looking as it as only 1 serving, you need to multiply it get an accurate assessment of the calories you are taking in.) Keep drinking H20.. it's the best!!

I agree - ignore your therapist this one time and start writing things down. This means EVERYTHING! If you nibble on a cracker, write it down. Take a swig of coffee? Write it down. You might be surprised at how much you are really eating and drinking during the day. I say this because it surprised me. I would think that I was eating "normally" but only upon reflection did I see how much food I consumed. In fact, I read that many obese people think they eat "normally" but they are actually consuming 2 to 3x the amount of food they should be eating! 8O You already have exercise in your program and are drinking lots of water. Both are good. I would also recommend cutting back on calories - try dropping to only 1300 calories a day. Then, see if you can add a bit more exercise, like aerobics or weight-training. Weight-training will help you build muscle, which will help reduce fat. Aerobics will get your heart pumping to burn more calories. But first start with a food diary. Be honest - see what you are really eating every day. That might be the clue to your weight loss! Good luck!

Yes! Journaling food consumtion is absolutely essential! That's how I came to the many conclusions about my weight issues! (that and I discovered I was completely addicted to coffee! :D 8O ) I could not believe the crap and the amount of food I was consuming in a day! It is so wonderful to hear that she has done amzing things for you emtionaly. In that regard, keep seeing her. If you are benefitting from her, keep going. Nothing encourages weight loss more than a healthy mind! It also sounds as if you are pretty fit (wow! 26 miles :D ). It's a big plus to have that in your favor. The journal could reveal many things about your diet: too much fat, too much sugar, large portions or not enough veggies and heaps of cookies. (mmmmmmm, cookies!) This is stuff that I discovered about me just simply by keeping track. I do wish you luck- lean on us for support!

Thanks for the advice everyone! I talked it over with my husband, and I'm going to go ahead and stay with my therapist. I really enjoy going to her and she's helping me in ways other than my weight. I started a food journal today. I'm going to keep track and try and figure out what I'm doing wrong (brownies anyone?). Thank you for the congratulations on the marathon. It was a year ago, but anytime anyone says anything about it, I get another rush of excitement. I don't think I will be doing another one any time soon (my poor, poor feet!! :D ) but it was something I will never forget. I actually did it through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and raised a lot of money for them, too. I would suggest it to anyone who wants to help someone and feel better about themselves. Kristen: I'm 25 and I thought I was eating ok. Obviously not...although I have come a long way so far from where I was when I moved to college. My mom still wonders what happened to me because she thinks it's weird that I like asparagus and spinach now. I guess you just get used to the taste of vegetables, even if you didn't grow up with them in your household. Well, thanks again. I will let you all know what I discover.

Finishing anything you set your mind to is awe inspiring ( in my opinion anyhow ) That doesn't have to be your greatest victory, either!!! You can do anything that you set your mind too.. I'm sure of it! I have saw too many before and after pics that prove it. Starting a food journal might help you pinpoint where you may be having "troubles" Eating ANYTHING in front of your television is something that should be avoided as much as possible, I used to do that and I could hammer an entire bag of Doritos without even realizing it.. talk about mindless eating!! Good Luck to you on your journey, we'll be here whenever you need us!!

I wish you the best of luck on your weight loss goals.I wish that I could reach mine too.