That's one I definitely want to get into the habit of doing. I was walking every night with my husband, but he started getting tired and stressed from work and I didn't want to go alone. I think I'll just have to do that with or without him from now on; it always made me feel good.

Tell him walking may help his stress! I know it really helps mine. And the quicker you walk, the better it is for you. I like to get lost in my thoughts when I go b/c it's sometimes the only chance I get to be alone with my thoughts.

That's true. :o I will have to tell him that. Who knows if it will work, but I'd rather him wind down after work by walking with me than by playing video games all night... > ___>

I have never been a gym member before in my life - it always seemed too stuffy in there and I just couldn't see myself pumping away at any of those machines.

One day I woke up and for no reason decided that I wanted to take kick boxing classes. So I joined the local gym and now I do the hour long classes 3 times a week. I actually look forward to the classes! Crazy I know. Its sort of like the Zumba but with punching and kicking. Lots of fun.

The best motivation for me to get in shape was finding something that I really enjoy doing. Who knew that kick boxing would be so fun?

I feel your pain. I know what it's like having GI problems. I had to have a colonoscopy a couple years ago when I was about 18 or so. They could barely get through the procedure because my intestines were twisted up on one side, and it was painful after. At the same time, my gallbladder stopped working correctly and I had to have it removed. Well that was good news for my stomach, bad news for my weight. My metabolism went down a LOT and it seemed the only way for me to get down to my "normal" weight was to starve or exercise to the point where I just got sick and dizzy.

It's hard to keep good eating habits if you are alone in it. My dad always brings home fatty food, and my boyfriend eats garbage and is underweight so it doesn't help much being around that. I would suggest not taking those weight loss pills etc. because they are just as dangerous as being too overweight. I have found one good thing that helps. Organic food. I ate a lot of it one day, salad and french onion soup with cheese. My intestines seemed to like it, not a grumble or anything. My stomach was regular without all that fatty bloat also:). I would eat organic veggies and cook everyday, but I just don't have the money or time. Fruits and veggies are great but of course, you have to eat foods that you like too or else you WILL give up. I also find that exercising with good music helps motivate me. Or if I go for a walk somewhere that has nice scenery or fresh air. Weight loss is hard and there are a lot of factors that affect it, so I hope you find something that works for the long term. And try not to watch the scale too much. That will definitely demotivate.