It’s hard losing weight once we’re past 40. To have gone through a hysterectomy and/or menopause completely changes our hormonal system and makes weight loss even more difficult. And Paxil is known for contributing to weight gain.

So, really, your wife is facing a situation where the odds are stacked against her. She doesn’t need to be reminded of that fact. She just needs to know you love her and find her as beautiful as ever.

But between you and me, it’s sweet that your concern is for how she’s feeling, and not with how she looks. Just try to make sure she knows that, too.

Every single one of the complained about the treadmill’s noise because it interfered with their TV viewing. I pointed out that my ENTIRE day had been spent doing things for them, and that I was now taking some time to do something for ME so they could just deal with it.

While that didn’t stop the whining completely, it did make my post-workout martini taste much better.

One addiction at a time.

I’ve been in recovery for the first two for nearly 17 years. I can say firsthand that quitting alcohol and drugs is far easier than quitting a food addiction, as, like you pointed out, I’ve been able to simply abstain and work on ways to facilitate that abstinence (read: 12 step programs).

There’s always Overeaters Anonymous, but I dare not darken that door. Why? Because food is my final frontier. Once I let that go, I have nothing to shield myself with. No booze, no drugs, no cigarettes (gave those up 12 years ago)… Then what? Then I’m forced to deal with every stressful situation without any unhealthy comfort. Icky poo.

I could have written your post, Kate. I came to the conclusion that I needed to do something about my eating and lack of exercise not too long ago. I now work out for an hour or more a day and have cut back or cut out the foods I would normally binge on. That’s HUGE for me. So the wall is coming down slowly. At 31 with three children who depend on me and a spouse who loves and supports me, I am so ready for this. I deserve it and I will love myself all the more for it.

Now that I’ve written a novel… Can I just say how happy I am to have stumbled onto your blog?

The Maven’s last blog post..The Maven: Frittata

Having pushed it a bit too much last week, I’ve been paying for it the past two days with a bad fibro flareup that’s included a whole host of GI problems.

I swear, if it’s not one thing it’s another.

What you prescribe was the only thing that worked for me – going full on toward the goal. Moderation – yeah, right. Not for people like me.

I’m faced with the same thing now – having had two children essentially back to back. Nothing’s located where it should be, and now I have time issues and can’t do 6 hours straight of exercise – have to really be smart about the whole thing. I’m also 6 years older, and I don’t want to be fat and out of shape.

Very honest post, and I think it’s the right approach. After about 3 weeks in, it’s a habit, and it’s one you’ll fiercely protect if I have your personality pegged in that regard. Getting to that 3 weeks – the investment point – that’s the hard part.

hln

hln’s last blog post..Jack Michael Noggle

I was fat before but wasn’t necessarily addicted to anything but chicken fried steaks. Now, after have banded gastroplasty, I’m still fat but with a lot more food-related problems.

Ain’t no easy road.

Donna B.’s last blog post..Grandchildren Are Angels!

Brad’s last blog post..Day two and still chugging