I love this video. This one was soo real...I can totally relate to you about your video. In some sense I feel like being bigger/overweight/obese/plus size is an issue that is bigger than all of us. I feel like it's a mental&physical disorder. But with overeating everyone can see what our issues are, and somehow they think they can judge us. There are diet places but that's only a temporary band aid for the bigger problem.You are a wonderful woman and I wish you the best!
size 10 and up r plus sized and i always associated plus suzed with fat and people tell me all the time that im not fat when i say it but its something i have to figure out myself and i have to learn to except myself...this is truly inspiring and i hope u realize that u have helped a young women who was at a place of self loathing...im on my way to recovery and i thanx u
this is exactly how i feel!! im 18 yrs old and a size 12 and everywhere says that a size 10 and up r plus sized and i always associated plus suzed with fat and people tell me all the time that im not fat when i say it but its something i have to figure out myself and i have to learn to except myself...this is truly inspiring and i hope u realize that u have helped a young women who was at a place of self loathing...im on my way to recovery and i thanx u
You are an amazing inspiration. Women like us have to deal with these issues all the time and we may never know the answers but we have to deal with the churning emotions and constant struggle with ourselves while maintaining this strength everyone sees in us. You've given my a new perspective about the issue of weight loss surgery and I thank you for that. Thank you for putting yourself out there and letting others, like me, know that we are not alone in our fight. Stay strong. Keep loving. :)
you gotta accept who you are and be happy with your body, especially when your man loves it & you. I LOVE bigger women, myself! (please don't take that the wrong way, this is the 1st video that I have seen of yours!)
I actually just looked up a theory of mine about why I like to eat although I'm not hungry, and I found that maybe I am stuck in the oral stage of Freud's stages of development, and I think that's what my problem is. Maybe it's most of overweight folk's problems. I mean, yeah it's hard to give Freud some credit for he might be right, but it's just something I want to figure out. Why do we overeat? There must be an answer within us all. The struggle of weight loss is worth it to find answers.
I know this sounds weird, but I love the videos in which you cry. Those are the ones that I relate to you most, and I wish I had the guts to cry in my videos (although I haven't made one in FORever).
My mood and my eating behaviors often depend on my activity level. If I exercise, I'm happy and less likely to overeat. Healthy for me is diligently exercising and the nutrition aspect becomes more manageable. I know what you mean about having the info but not applying it. It's a constant struggle.
rkpost89, I know exactly what you mean! I feel like i cant eat healthy if i dont exercise, and cant exercise until i'm eating the right foods to fuel my work outs.
Yeah, these "mid-life" epiphanies sure do wallop us, huh? But we ARE worth it. I'm 40. It never ceases to amaze me how life just keeps having these breakthrough moments about self, as long as we are open to them.
Gretchen you are so. strong. So resilient. The difference between 10-years-ago Gretchen and today Gretchen is today, you know your worth. You know you're incredible and you don't have to prove it to anyone.
So now when you get healthy you'll be doing it for you, not for them. You'll be listening to your body because you want to not because they want you to.
You can do it. And we're all standing here behind you ;)
yeah I know what you mean my cousin just told me that he is worried about his mom bcuz the doctor said that the fat is starting to affect her liver. Her weight is causing her health problems =( she is about your age too. It sucks bcuz its not easy as every1 thinks and its just emotional
But I know what you mean about weight and age; I'm 30, and I definitely notice a difference between being my size at 22 and my size at 30. I'm trying to lose a little, just so I can be active like I want to be. But it is really easy to get obsessive. I am trying really hard to be balanced about it all, and it is not easy.
Hey Gretchen, I totally feel you. I weigh over 300 lbs, and I am mentally healthier now than I was at half this size. I know the struggle, believe me I do. Have you heard of Health At Every Size? If not, basically, it is the philosophy that weight is far less an indicator of health than habits. If big people eat healthy (meaning get your veggies, be balanced, and don't obsess), and get enough exercise, then we aren't the health risks the powers that be claim we are.
You might check out the book The Obesity Myth and Fat Politics, and there are others, too. They talk about the studies on obesity being skewed, and the difference between correlation and causation in fat and diseases. Basically the message is that you're better off just doing what you need to do -- eat healthy and exercise, and by eat healthy that means eat enough, and enjoy eating, and just make sure you get your veggies and not do anything in excess.
i know no other way of losing weight than hurting myself. i'm in the middle of that and the worst part is that i don't really care. i try to eat healthy and then i also fast and then i eat. i know i can't go back to where i was 5 years ago but the darkest part of me is caling my name and i don't think i can't hide much longer.
Thank you for posting this, and your honesty. I really get so much out of how you talk about how you're growing into appreciating yourself and how 'cool' you are. I grab onto that stuff because it's inspiring and my goal for me too. I am currently in the worst relapse i've ever experienced, and will soon be going to treatment...my biggest fear. I have hope.
i agree with u ive been like the same size for idk how long im plus size and people are so Negitve with wanting to help u that no one is really there 2 help u i cant do it alone
We love you the way you are, Gretchen. I somehow forgot to mention that in my 7:09 video of rambling, but I know my point got across and it's well appreciated. :]
I understand what you are saying about knowing more than most skinny people about food and how to eat healthy. It can be really hard to take knowledge and put it into action. What i did and it worked for me was deciding what i was going to be eating that day the night before and trying not to obsess over it the next day. I had a food plan and weighed everything but because I planned it I didn't have to worry about it. Good luck!!
I hope these suggestions help, but if they don't just know that you are loved, we're all rooting for you, and you're awesome just the way you are foibles and all :-)
~Val
sorry bout the more than 2 posts, I got to rambling and I just couldn't stop :-)
And along the lines of HAES, maybe you could use other markers for health besides weight loss,
like climbing X flights of stairs without getting winded
or going for a 1 mile jog or run in X amount of time
or even gaining muscle mass and seeing the change in your clothes and the mirror,
cause ya know the scale will sometimes lie, especially if you're gaining muscle weight (which in the long run I think is healthier than loosing weight in general.)
1. Self-Acceptance: Affirmation and reinforcement of human beauty and worth irrespective of differences in weight, physical size and shape.
2. Physical Activity: Increasing social, pleasure-based movement for enjoyment and enhanced quality of life.
3. Normalized Eating: Discarding externally-imposed rules and regimens for eating and attaining a more peaceful relationship with food by relearning to eat in response to physiological hunger and fullness cues...
Wow, first of all *HUGS!* I totally get where you're coming from (at 27 I'm starting to get those aches and pains too.) and I commend you for being brave and awesome enough to say what you said and face your fears head on.
On the subject of health, I'd like to point you towards an interesting book/ movement called 'Healthy at every size' or 'HAES'. The book was written by Linda Bacon (kinda Ironic name, no?).....
I'm a new subscriber and I adore your videos. I'm a bit confused by the part of the video that you talk about gastric bypass. Did you lose over a 100 lbs by yourself? The idea that having gastric bypass and having someone dictate how much you can eat would only be for a limited time. i've known many who go through a near death experience with the surgery and then lose all their weight and their still not happy and gain it all back. Being healthy and happy has to come from you :)
You are absolutely right about not submitting yourself to the barbaric act of having your insides cut out.
First of all sweet, sweet girl, U are enough just as u are
If ur health is a concern, create a plan for urself based on where you authentically want to be (healthier) and then step by step start moving towards that goal one day at a time. Work on being focused and making small changes.
I know these feelings are all consuming...they're life consuming....
Gretchen, I'm so sorry you're going through this intense mental battle. But you better know, girl, that all of the subscribers on this channel are behind you 100% in whatever you do.
If I may, can I suggest going into therapy regarding your thoughts about losing weight? All of the thoughts that you're having would be really, really good to talk about with someone who has the ability to steer you in the right direction - there are definitely people out there who could help you :o) <3
My Dad taught me a view that has helped me greatly, to set a goal trying to lose weight is a horrible punishment (it leaves me feeling self loathing and weak) He made me keep focus on challenging my heart when doing cardio and muscles when doing weights, eat carrots for my eyes, fibre for my digestion. Make changes for your organs and not any other reason. Any weightloss that may or may not come is irrelevant because it is the organs that matter for health, not a number or measurement <3
I think maybe if you burned more calories than you take in then you could still eat what you wanted. Or maybe just taking walks or hikes would help out. It's the little things that can be helpful. I hope that you are able to find a balance. :D
I wish I had magic words to help you, but sadly I do not. It makes me sad that people automatically associate health with skinny people. Being healthy doesn't mean being tiny. :D
My sister is at least sixty pounds lighter than I am, but running is much more difficult for her. With your previous bad experiences, I don't know how you can balance health and happiness, just make sure you don't confuse an unhealthy state of weight loss for health.
Being overweight is BORN out of mental health issues. Shouldn't we be focusing on regaining health mentally? Chicken before the egg? Stop thinking and just act. Over the last year, I have SLOWLY lost 25kg. Still 35kg to go. Just act. No expectations. Just act. Thanks go to my psychologist.
your words are saying everything that that lots of others have felt but never been able to come out and say it and tell people you are truly inspirational :D i personally am sick and have to take eight to fifteen pills a day some of my pills make me gain weight and as a 14 year old girl its not the image that people have created for my generation so I've tried to look at my self and just stay the weight i am and ill eat healthier and just be healthy because i can be anything i wanna and thats me
I've been sitting here for 10 minutes trying to figure out what to say. I feel like I can't fully express how much I appreciate you and your videos. you verbalize what I've been feeling for so long, and it means so much to hear someone saying it out loud.
I need this to day - needed it bad, and you made me strong for a littl while anyhow -- have a lot of bad thoughts about myself and my weight and yesterday they toled my i HAVE to loose half of my weith to get a life saving operation ...
I highly recommend a book called diets don't work by Bob Swartz, it is much more about working through issues around eating, then the actual food itself
yea i get exactly where youre coming from... ive been through similar things... youre beautiful gretchen no matter what weight you are and happiness doesnt always come along with being skinny :) luv u, look after yourself and good luck with everything :)
If the thought of losing weight right now makes your mind go to a dark place, then it's not time for it yet. When the time is right for a healthy change in the direction of weight loss it will feel natural and right. You get there by doing just what you're doing now, being happy with who you are. You don't have to do it RIGHT NOW. I know the health concerns are there. But it will be alright, give yourself time. :)
Thank you for going there, Gretchen. Your honesty makes me constantly re-evaluate my own and makes me want to be better. And more open. And learn to love myself again, if I ever did in the first place. I want to be there. I am 290 lbs at age 21, and it terrifies me. I've always been big, and I know I can't continue on this way, but it's all I know. It's me.
Sometimes the greatest epiphany of all is admitting that you DON'T have all the answers. That can take a lifetime. Some never even see it or reach it. The fact that you have? Now? Makes all the difference.
i feel exactly the same way gretchen. i am only 20 years old and very overweight but everytime i try to diet and eat healthy i turn into a very miserable person.... i wish i could find the answer.
I feel you here. I haven't reached and "obese" level according to my doctors, but I already have a heart condition.
So I'm 19 and I can't walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'm going to pass out. So b/c of my heart, excercising is wicked hard, but unless I lose weight, my heart can't be fixed.
And it's tough. But as a person, I'm good where I am.
You arent alone Gretchen. Im trying to figure out how to be healthy and happy too. I cant get down with "diets". Ive been trying out SparkPeople, so far it's ok. They seem to emphasize getting healthy as opposed to just dropping pounds, and there's alot of support which is so important when trying to get healthy and happy. Sometimes, it's not easy, but I now feel like I'm worth it. Im worth getting healthy. I support you. You'll figure out what's best for you, and you'll do it.
Such a hard hard hard topic. Healthy=/=thin or vice versa. If you're doing it to be healthy and live a better life, I'm all for it. I really hope you find that good balance between everything. ::Hugs::
I think you are an absolute beautiful person inside and out. This video made me ache for you. I hope you find the medium that makes you truly happy and never empty. <3
You're my hero, Gretchen.
YayitsRuthayy 10 months ago
You're amazing
DameDeluxe 1 year ago
"i don't know how to be happy losing weight"
amen.
tkraven 1 year ago
I love this video. This one was soo real...I can totally relate to you about your video. In some sense I feel like being bigger/overweight/obese/plus size is an issue that is bigger than all of us. I feel like it's a mental&physical disorder. But with overeating everyone can see what our issues are, and somehow they think they can judge us. There are diet places but that's only a temporary band aid for the bigger problem.You are a wonderful woman and I wish you the best!
pinkdumpling02 1 year ago
size 10 and up r plus sized and i always associated plus suzed with fat and people tell me all the time that im not fat when i say it but its something i have to figure out myself and i have to learn to except myself...this is truly inspiring and i hope u realize that u have helped a young women who was at a place of self loathing...im on my way to recovery and i thanx u
moyams09 1 year ago
@moyams09 Thank for your sweet sweet words. You inspire me too :)
Gretchen
ProjectLifesize 1 year ago
this is exactly how i feel!! im 18 yrs old and a size 12 and everywhere says that a size 10 and up r plus sized and i always associated plus suzed with fat and people tell me all the time that im not fat when i say it but its something i have to figure out myself and i have to learn to except myself...this is truly inspiring and i hope u realize that u have helped a young women who was at a place of self loathing...im on my way to recovery and i thanx u
moyams09 1 year ago
Amazing! Thanks for sharing :)
eshutchison 2 years ago
You are an amazing inspiration. Women like us have to deal with these issues all the time and we may never know the answers but we have to deal with the churning emotions and constant struggle with ourselves while maintaining this strength everyone sees in us. You've given my a new perspective about the issue of weight loss surgery and I thank you for that. Thank you for putting yourself out there and letting others, like me, know that we are not alone in our fight. Stay strong. Keep loving. :)
amiller1188 2 years ago
you gotta accept who you are and be happy with your body, especially when your man loves it & you. I LOVE bigger women, myself! (please don't take that the wrong way, this is the 1st video that I have seen of yours!)
jellybellys69 2 years ago
I actually just looked up a theory of mine about why I like to eat although I'm not hungry, and I found that maybe I am stuck in the oral stage of Freud's stages of development, and I think that's what my problem is. Maybe it's most of overweight folk's problems. I mean, yeah it's hard to give Freud some credit for he might be right, but it's just something I want to figure out. Why do we overeat? There must be an answer within us all. The struggle of weight loss is worth it to find answers.
thebalance229 2 years ago
I know this sounds weird, but I love the videos in which you cry. Those are the ones that I relate to you most, and I wish I had the guts to cry in my videos (although I haven't made one in FORever).
My mood and my eating behaviors often depend on my activity level. If I exercise, I'm happy and less likely to overeat. Healthy for me is diligently exercising and the nutrition aspect becomes more manageable. I know what you mean about having the info but not applying it. It's a constant struggle.
rkpost89 2 years ago 2
rkpost89, I know exactly what you mean! I feel like i cant eat healthy if i dont exercise, and cant exercise until i'm eating the right foods to fuel my work outs.
krysteenahkills 2 years ago 3
<3 :)
tegio0807 2 years ago
Yeah, these "mid-life" epiphanies sure do wallop us, huh? But we ARE worth it. I'm 40. It never ceases to amaze me how life just keeps having these breakthrough moments about self, as long as we are open to them.
<3
cbgoddess31 2 years ago
I don't have a big message like everyone else lol but just needed to say.. thank you..
nikamiw 2 years ago 7
You'll figure it out. : )
rosastor 2 years ago 2
Gretchen you are so. strong. So resilient. The difference between 10-years-ago Gretchen and today Gretchen is today, you know your worth. You know you're incredible and you don't have to prove it to anyone.
So now when you get healthy you'll be doing it for you, not for them. You'll be listening to your body because you want to not because they want you to.
You can do it. And we're all standing here behind you ;)
gililima 2 years ago 6
yeah I know what you mean my cousin just told me that he is worried about his mom bcuz the doctor said that the fat is starting to affect her liver. Her weight is causing her health problems =( she is about your age too. It sucks bcuz its not easy as every1 thinks and its just emotional
0BALLINN0 2 years ago 2
you are soo amazing..i just had to subscribe to you!
jamalee84 2 years ago
Surprisingly good video.
TheUnbreakableOne 2 years ago
But I know what you mean about weight and age; I'm 30, and I definitely notice a difference between being my size at 22 and my size at 30. I'm trying to lose a little, just so I can be active like I want to be. But it is really easy to get obsessive. I am trying really hard to be balanced about it all, and it is not easy.
lngwstx 2 years ago 2
Hey Gretchen, I totally feel you. I weigh over 300 lbs, and I am mentally healthier now than I was at half this size. I know the struggle, believe me I do. Have you heard of Health At Every Size? If not, basically, it is the philosophy that weight is far less an indicator of health than habits. If big people eat healthy (meaning get your veggies, be balanced, and don't obsess), and get enough exercise, then we aren't the health risks the powers that be claim we are.
lngwstx 2 years ago
You might check out the book The Obesity Myth and Fat Politics, and there are others, too. They talk about the studies on obesity being skewed, and the difference between correlation and causation in fat and diseases. Basically the message is that you're better off just doing what you need to do -- eat healthy and exercise, and by eat healthy that means eat enough, and enjoy eating, and just make sure you get your veggies and not do anything in excess.
lngwstx 2 years ago
i know no other way of losing weight than hurting myself. i'm in the middle of that and the worst part is that i don't really care. i try to eat healthy and then i also fast and then i eat. i know i can't go back to where i was 5 years ago but the darkest part of me is caling my name and i don't think i can't hide much longer.
i love your videos. i love this channel. cheers.
autoplastic 2 years ago
Ggirl,
Thank you for posting this, and your honesty. I really get so much out of how you talk about how you're growing into appreciating yourself and how 'cool' you are. I grab onto that stuff because it's inspiring and my goal for me too. I am currently in the worst relapse i've ever experienced, and will soon be going to treatment...my biggest fear. I have hope.
Love wendy
Iamalwaysgodschild 2 years ago
I think you're in the process of figuring it out, its just the hard emotional part right now. You'll get there. :)
AJewelledGirl 2 years ago 2
i agree with u ive been like the same size for idk how long im plus size and people are so Negitve with wanting to help u that no one is really there 2 help u i cant do it alone
Tinkerbellstar83 2 years ago
We love you the way you are, Gretchen. I somehow forgot to mention that in my 7:09 video of rambling, but I know my point got across and it's well appreciated. :]
alyssaluzzyou 2 years ago
I understand what you are saying about knowing more than most skinny people about food and how to eat healthy. It can be really hard to take knowledge and put it into action. What i did and it worked for me was deciding what i was going to be eating that day the night before and trying not to obsess over it the next day. I had a food plan and weighed everything but because I planned it I didn't have to worry about it. Good luck!!
whitestripesiluv 2 years ago
I hope these suggestions help, but if they don't just know that you are loved, we're all rooting for you, and you're awesome just the way you are foibles and all :-)
~Val
sorry bout the more than 2 posts, I got to rambling and I just couldn't stop :-)
ValGrl82 2 years ago
And along the lines of HAES, maybe you could use other markers for health besides weight loss,
like climbing X flights of stairs without getting winded
or going for a 1 mile jog or run in X amount of time
or even gaining muscle mass and seeing the change in your clothes and the mirror,
cause ya know the scale will sometimes lie, especially if you're gaining muscle weight (which in the long run I think is healthier than loosing weight in general.)
....
ValGrl82 2 years ago
The major components of HAES are:
1. Self-Acceptance: Affirmation and reinforcement of human beauty and worth irrespective of differences in weight, physical size and shape.
2. Physical Activity: Increasing social, pleasure-based movement for enjoyment and enhanced quality of life.
3. Normalized Eating: Discarding externally-imposed rules and regimens for eating and attaining a more peaceful relationship with food by relearning to eat in response to physiological hunger and fullness cues...
ValGrl82 2 years ago
(post 1 of 2)
Wow, first of all *HUGS!* I totally get where you're coming from (at 27 I'm starting to get those aches and pains too.) and I commend you for being brave and awesome enough to say what you said and face your fears head on.
On the subject of health, I'd like to point you towards an interesting book/ movement called 'Healthy at every size' or 'HAES'. The book was written by Linda Bacon (kinda Ironic name, no?).....
ValGrl82 2 years ago
You are amazing Gretchen, Thanks for being you, We love you, I hope that helps.
onthegoodshiplollie 2 years ago
thankyou soo much for your honesty xox
kyliekin3 2 years ago
I'm a new subscriber and I adore your videos. I'm a bit confused by the part of the video that you talk about gastric bypass. Did you lose over a 100 lbs by yourself? The idea that having gastric bypass and having someone dictate how much you can eat would only be for a limited time. i've known many who go through a near death experience with the surgery and then lose all their weight and their still not happy and gain it all back. Being healthy and happy has to come from you :)
jennycole2005 2 years ago
Gretchen,
You are absolutely right about not submitting yourself to the barbaric act of having your insides cut out.
First of all sweet, sweet girl, U are enough just as u are
If ur health is a concern, create a plan for urself based on where you authentically want to be (healthier) and then step by step start moving towards that goal one day at a time. Work on being focused and making small changes.
I know these feelings are all consuming...they're life consuming....
You're not alone.
scenefunny 2 years ago
Gretchen, I'm so sorry you're going through this intense mental battle. But you better know, girl, that all of the subscribers on this channel are behind you 100% in whatever you do.
If I may, can I suggest going into therapy regarding your thoughts about losing weight? All of the thoughts that you're having would be really, really good to talk about with someone who has the ability to steer you in the right direction - there are definitely people out there who could help you :o) <3
TheAllieB12 2 years ago
My Dad taught me a view that has helped me greatly, to set a goal trying to lose weight is a horrible punishment (it leaves me feeling self loathing and weak) He made me keep focus on challenging my heart when doing cardio and muscles when doing weights, eat carrots for my eyes, fibre for my digestion. Make changes for your organs and not any other reason. Any weightloss that may or may not come is irrelevant because it is the organs that matter for health, not a number or measurement <3
000MixedChick000 2 years ago
I think maybe if you burned more calories than you take in then you could still eat what you wanted. Or maybe just taking walks or hikes would help out. It's the little things that can be helpful. I hope that you are able to find a balance. :D
angel56335 2 years ago
I wish I had magic words to help you, but sadly I do not. It makes me sad that people automatically associate health with skinny people. Being healthy doesn't mean being tiny. :D
My sister is at least sixty pounds lighter than I am, but running is much more difficult for her. With your previous bad experiences, I don't know how you can balance health and happiness, just make sure you don't confuse an unhealthy state of weight loss for health.
IAmTheBookie 2 years ago
thank you. this is how i have felt for years. it isnt fair. hugs.
mizeloise 2 years ago
Dito!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aknpnk187 2 years ago
I don't even know how you do it, but you say everything I think.
There is something in you that is greater than medicine, G. It's your strong, resilient heart.
I will take this journey with you, if we can both figure out how to be happy and still healthy. Losing weight is not losing you.
I love you dearly.
sopranocat 2 years ago 4
Being overweight is BORN out of mental health issues. Shouldn't we be focusing on regaining health mentally? Chicken before the egg? Stop thinking and just act. Over the last year, I have SLOWLY lost 25kg. Still 35kg to go. Just act. No expectations. Just act. Thanks go to my psychologist.
HardCandyJane 2 years ago
Thank you for your honesty - I'm lifted by it : )
SameFatCrow 2 years ago 3
'thinner but not empty' - wow, you hit the nail on the head... im scared of the emptyness
lovemusic1222 2 years ago
I've been recording a video since 4 oclock! it's 5:30. hahaha, i kept messing up. or getting emotional.
alyssaluzzyou 2 years ago
your words are saying everything that that lots of others have felt but never been able to come out and say it and tell people you are truly inspirational :D i personally am sick and have to take eight to fifteen pills a day some of my pills make me gain weight and as a 14 year old girl its not the image that people have created for my generation so I've tried to look at my self and just stay the weight i am and ill eat healthier and just be healthy because i can be anything i wanna and thats me
hero99cheezit1 2 years ago
I've been sitting here for 10 minutes trying to figure out what to say. I feel like I can't fully express how much I appreciate you and your videos. you verbalize what I've been feeling for so long, and it means so much to hear someone saying it out loud.
thank you, Gretchen.
SnailThing 2 years ago 4
I need this to day - needed it bad, and you made me strong for a littl while anyhow -- have a lot of bad thoughts about myself and my weight and yesterday they toled my i HAVE to loose half of my weith to get a life saving operation ...
nicnaknoc 2 years ago
Gretchen, you beautiful, beautiful woman-
I'm one less person who will tell you how to be.
And If that makes any difference, I want you to know that I care.
Stay Bright. Stay Bubbly. Stay Beautiful.
With love, always,
Tin <3
Tinplz 2 years ago 2
I love you Gretchen.
inayellowwood 2 years ago
Oh Gretchen I am with you on all this. I am overweight and now on the downside path YAY! I know all about the aches, pains, and food cravings!
NorwayHero 2 years ago
What ever you do. I believe in you. You are AWESOME.
Amuia 2 years ago 2
LOVE THIS VIDEO!!!!
Love you.
You're gorgeous.
So real.
Love love love love love.
I'm right there with you, baby.
tonjesml 2 years ago 12
I highly recommend a book called diets don't work by Bob Swartz, it is much more about working through issues around eating, then the actual food itself
brisweet55 2 years ago
yea i get exactly where youre coming from... ive been through similar things... youre beautiful gretchen no matter what weight you are and happiness doesnt always come along with being skinny :) luv u, look after yourself and good luck with everything :)
bubblegumbabe21 2 years ago
Wow.
You're completely inspiring.
And I totally believe in you - you can figure this out! Because you're right, you are worth it.
:)
hannahbananalee 2 years ago
If the thought of losing weight right now makes your mind go to a dark place, then it's not time for it yet. When the time is right for a healthy change in the direction of weight loss it will feel natural and right. You get there by doing just what you're doing now, being happy with who you are. You don't have to do it RIGHT NOW. I know the health concerns are there. But it will be alright, give yourself time. :)
artofalexandra 2 years ago 2
Thank you for going there, Gretchen. Your honesty makes me constantly re-evaluate my own and makes me want to be better. And more open. And learn to love myself again, if I ever did in the first place. I want to be there. I am 290 lbs at age 21, and it terrifies me. I've always been big, and I know I can't continue on this way, but it's all I know. It's me.
We ARE worth figuring it out. All of us.
slowthetrain 2 years ago 3
290 & 19.
i swear you took those words right out of my mouth. It's nice to know that other people deal with the same struggles. It's not so lonely at times.
paperdollgashes 2 years ago
Sometimes the greatest epiphany of all is admitting that you DON'T have all the answers. That can take a lifetime. Some never even see it or reach it. The fact that you have? Now? Makes all the difference.
slowthetrain 2 years ago
i feel exactly the same way gretchen. i am only 20 years old and very overweight but everytime i try to diet and eat healthy i turn into a very miserable person.... i wish i could find the answer.
CoralistaGirl 2 years ago 3
I love YOU.
AffairWthGravity 2 years ago 4
I feel you here. I haven't reached and "obese" level according to my doctors, but I already have a heart condition.
So I'm 19 and I can't walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'm going to pass out. So b/c of my heart, excercising is wicked hard, but unless I lose weight, my heart can't be fixed.
And it's tough. But as a person, I'm good where I am.
Katiedora122 2 years ago 2
Holy Shit. I feel like I am looking in a mirror when I watch your video today Gretchen!!!!
krysteenahkills 2 years ago 4
You arent alone Gretchen. Im trying to figure out how to be healthy and happy too. I cant get down with "diets". Ive been trying out SparkPeople, so far it's ok. They seem to emphasize getting healthy as opposed to just dropping pounds, and there's alot of support which is so important when trying to get healthy and happy. Sometimes, it's not easy, but I now feel like I'm worth it. Im worth getting healthy. I support you. You'll figure out what's best for you, and you'll do it.
Reluctantwriter7 2 years ago 3
Such a hard hard hard topic. Healthy=/=thin or vice versa. If you're doing it to be healthy and live a better life, I'm all for it. I really hope you find that good balance between everything. ::Hugs::
carissag99 2 years ago
Oh wow Gretchen. =[
I really don't think surgery can be an answer, it's really dangerous o.o
I'm sure you will figure it out buddy. Good luck and I <3 you.
RockTheNPC 2 years ago 2
I think you are an absolute beautiful person inside and out. This video made me ache for you. I hope you find the medium that makes you truly happy and never empty. <3
kthomas1013 2 years ago 2