Self concious about body

[Alura]

Because being overweight was Mrs. Alura's only risk factor for breast cancer, we're probably more likely than the average person to encourage weight loss. Since she was diagnosed two and a half years ago, she's lost about fifty pounds on the Weight Watchers program. Most of that weight was lost in the first six months of the diet. We're still in the "Tamoxifin" period, five years after chemo and radiation therapy ends. She's still motivated to keep her weight down. While we don't recommend cancer as an incentive to lose weight, we will say one needs a reason that inspires.

It''s been interesting to watch her attitude toward her body changes. As bulges have changed to curves, her tastes in clothing have changed. She used to wear draping designs with huge prints. Now she prefers form-fitting (not tight), solid colored slacks and tops that accent her ample bust. She's still reluctant to show cleavage, but her skirts and shorts have gotten shorter and more form-fitting. There is more of a spring in her step; she walks with the stride of a self-assured woman.

Mrs. Alura just walked into the computer room, read this and wants to add:

The thing I believe the strongest is that our society has taught us that professionals can solve most problems/ailments, whether it be mental, of the body, or anything else. For me, it took professionals to beat breast cancer. It took professionals to beat obesity.

If you are intelligent and open-minded enough to participate in the SwingersBoard, you might think you should beat obesity on your own. I can only say for me, "It took professionals." I am now a "born-again" weight watcher. I reccomend you give their program a try. (I hear some Weight Watcher leaders are better than others. If you don't like your first leader, find another.) I don't work for Weight Watchers.

Email me directly if you have questions or just want to chat privately.

Alura

[Elusive BiFem]

I've heard great things about Weight Watchers, in part because it involves 'lifestyle changes' that are easy to live with and can be incorporated into a regular dietary program on a daily basis. Also, from what I understand, it is the sort of 'diet' that family members can live with, too. I've also heard their program involves healthy and balanced diets, rather than totally excluding specific food groups which can lead to cravings, over-indulgence, etc.

Have ya'll found this to be true, Mr. and Mrs. Alura? - EBF

[Alura]

I know many people doing Weight Watchers. They all eat differently than I do. One girlfriend will make a meal of crackers and cheese because cheese is important to her. It isn't to me. I will make a meal of salad and a giant cookie because the cookie is important to me. I have another friend who eats lower calorie food so she can have daquiries in the evening. When a fruit is in season, and especially good - I know of one Weight Watcher leader who says "Eat all of it you want. We didn't get fat eating too many fruits."

I find the program is very flexible to individual cravings as my examples above show. I don't believe my family suffered while I was actively losing weight. Now that I'm maintaining, I continue to moderate my diet with smaller portions - so my family continues eat all they want of traditional foods.

I do find Im preparing fewer pastas but nobody in the family has commented on that, so they must not be suffering. Our older son prepares pasta for himself sometimes.

Smiles,
Mrs. Alura

[Elusive BiFem]

In certain age groups, yes...the person is likely to be aware of their medical history. However, I've never ceased to be amazed that people really don't know what that history means to them and for them. But beyond that, there are others that concern me even more...and I can use myself as an example. I'm old, and thus far, have maintained excellent health. However, due to my age alone, that is subject to change on moment's notice. We can look at my health status and wonder if maybe it isn't the direct result of my ability and 'willingness' to seek medical advice on a regular basis, coupled with knowledge that those outside the health care profession don't always possess. Not everyone has those advantages. When we couple that with the fact there are many 'young' people out there, oblivious to their own health status and often un- or under-insured (limiting their ability to access health care), I can't, with any degree of personal comfort, advocate exercise or diet programs.

A while back, there was a question from someone about post-orgasm headaches/migraines. An ER physician responded with the comment this could be a sign of potential aneuyrism (as I recall) and to get thee to a doctor for MRI post-haste. Just an example of how something as simple as a headache - something we all experience from time to time - can be a life-threatening condition in some circumstances.

I'm not clear on your sentence about protein diets. My personal belief is that one should not use these types of diets without physician approval for the reasons you mentioned. But what were you speaking of?

And yes, one would be at "almost" the same risk for adverse incidents...agreed for the most part...but my concern is that we do not know who we are talking to on here, their history, their risk factors, etc., etc., etc.

As for advocating swinging in the first place...I would wager that most swingers, particularly younger people, know more about their sexual risk factors than they do about their own cholesterol levels or blood pressures. Unfortunately for most of us, self included, we tend to ignore those things as being for the 'older' crowd. Further, swinging is a choice and by virtue of being here, people have made the choice to at least investigate this lifestyle.

And finally, my perspective...my opinion...my thoughts...is that generally those overweight have probably tried every diet known and have run into brick walls each and every time. That is the reason many remain overweight. There are certain health conditions that will prevent success without medical involvement. Why beat yourself into the ground with diet failures when maybe, medical interventions could eliminate the real problem and result in success. For those that have failed, it is most likely a situation of personal comfort with themselves and their self-concept. Still yet, there are some who choose to remain overweight because it serves a psychological purpose for them. Just as an anorexic receives some sort of psychological comfort in being bone thin.

The original poster gave very limited information and did, indeed, ask for suggestions for losing the "fat white ass." I'll give you that. You responded to exactly what was written. Good job. And you might be right in your assessment that that one single thing is all he wanted to know, but it has been my experience that people often start doling out facts when there are other real issues lurking. But again, that is what keeps the Board running - different opinions and areas of discussion. If we all responded with purely factual answers, there would be no place to go in discussion and we would never get to really 'know' each other.

So I stand...become comfortable with who you are and the rest will follow and should you decide to incorporate new and/or vigorous exercise or extreme dietary changes into your life, see your health care provider for guidance.

Ready? Aim. Fire!!! -EBF