New start at 50..

[bikerjohn]

I never thought I'd use (or need) a weight loss group until I shocked myself today.

I turned 50 the other week and, feeling pretty low about myself, found clothes that fitted me fine 12 months ago are way too small for me now! I've always been pretty active even when overweight but lately I've been feeling too lethargic to even cycle to work which I usually really enjoy as it can be good for de-stressing. Last year I was diagnosed with Hiatus Hernia which prompted me to loose a ton of weight - mostly due to worry about my health, something which I have been extremely lucky with all my life and even the Hiatus Hernia causes me little to no distress. So, last night I stood on the bathroom scales. 22 stone! even at 6 feet 4 I was still stunned!! I've never been that heavy (let's be honest, fat) before. A quick search on the internet had me avoiding the usual scam sites wanting money for fad diets and feeling confident that the NHS would be the ideal place to start.

Looking forward to this now - I love exercise anyway so this is a great excuse. I would love to hear from others on motivation etc.

PS, Sorry about the rambling intro' to myself!.. John

[Zest Healthy BMI]

Hi Bikerjohn,

Welcome to the site, and I hope you'll find it helpful in your quest to lose weight. I've found it an inspiring and motivational place, with lots of friendly people, all with a common goal to lose weight in a healthy way.

Hope you have a good first week here, and good luck with your goals.

Regards,

Lowcal

[bikerjohn in reply to Zest]

Thank you Lowcal, one observation on 1st day is how small the portion sizes are! Either that or I've lost sight of what a realistic portion is. Still, on we go..

[Zest Healthy BMI in reply to bikerjohn]

Hi Bikerjohn,

I think it will take a bit of adjusting to at first, but once you get used to the portion sizes, then you'll be on your way. Good luck! Have a good week.

Lowcal

[Hidden in reply to bikerjohn]

Smaller plates help the smaller portions look more 'normal'

[bispers]

Hi Bikerjohn

Good luck with your first week - this is a superb site for the encouragement and support you will receive.

You may want to gradually decrease your portion size to help you adjust - I agree, all at once would be a bit of a shock. You will soon adjust. One thing I found - new potatoes (but with no butter) are filling and low calorie.

Enjoy your food! Look forward to the updates and have a good week.

[Hidden]

Hi bikerjohn,

Well I can tell you something, John, that means you're a significant way off of being the 'old man' of the group!

So don't let the age thing be an excuse for being unhealthily overweight.

Others here, including myself, are older and have addressed / are addrssing our weight problems.

Good luck with your weight loss journey.

[Hidden]

hi Bikerjohn and welcome I turned 50 at the end of April. Wasn't bothered about being 30 or 40 but 50!!!! yikes - anyway got to get used to it lol. Wishing you success.

[bikerjohn in reply to Hidden]

Strange isn't it? Forty something sounds OK but fifty? Although I'm still a big teenager at heart it still feels strange to say my age. Still, with enough weight loss and improved fitness I think I'll cope!! Got no choice really. Like many other people, I've known I need to lose weight since my late thirties - up to that point I was fit and sporty, but I was ever the procrastinator - I'll start tomorrow, no wait, I'll start on Monday - the beginning of the week, no I can't start now, it's Christmas/Easter/Summer/Birthday/Other event, delete as applicable. I guess most people do that anyway.

Thank you to all making me feel welcome. I look forward to sharing my journey and hearing about other members journeys.