My surgery date was 6/21/16. Since then I've lost 22 lbs. I've had ups and downs, cheating consequences (nothing surgical - thank God) and many crying fits.

This week I've hit a plateau, to be expected especially since I haven't really been physically active. Today I took my very first cardio-kickboxing class. It sucked. I sucked. It was hard and painful and I felt nausea and dizziness and short of breath. I almost walked out, my eyes watered and I was ready to cry. I thought to myself, I hate this - I hate exercising. I feel uncomfortable, self conscious, ridiculous - I compared myself to everyone in the room. The looked great, didn't have to stop as much as I did, and I felt inadequate. I kept going though, mostly because of the encouragement of the instructor who kept coming over with words of support and showing me alternative ways to do what the class was doing. I started feeling better but wished I was there alone. When the class ended I signed up for 3 months and plan on going again tomorrow. As great as I felt after the class, the dread is already starting for the next day.

I'm so scared I will drop this. I need this, I need to exercise and this is something I have enjoyed in the past. How do I stop caring about other people and focus on me and not get discouraged as people lap me? How do you do it? Why is this so hard?!

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You can do it! I'm glad that you made the commitment to sign up for three months. You didn't give up--this shows the strength of your commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Five years ago, around 280+ lbs, I decided to run a half-marathon to Celebrate my 30th birthday. Crazy, right?!? I remember the owner of my gym telling me something that has stuck with me--something that I repeat to myself when the going gets tough: "Your body can do it. Physically--you can do this." Now's the time for you to get your mind strong, too!

Believe that you will make it through the next 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, to the end of class. And when you're done, be proud that you did make it through. You've got this!

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You got this! My mind always fails before my body does. I don't think you realize but you are an inspiration to many in your class. While you may think you look awful and people think the worst of you, I know they are seeing you as a strong woman who has made a commitment to change to a healthy lifestyle. Keep going and you will see how you are a role model for many. I know it's hard but look what you've already accomplished.

Just take it slow... who cares what everyone else is doing.... even if they are able to follow the instructor better or are fitter it makes no impact on you and your health...

You are doing this for you, your health and well being.. no one in that room will benefit from it but you.

Honestly, when i see unfit/obese people working out or in classes who are struggling, i have so much respect for them, the fact they have the willpower to do something about it, and are committing to improving their health.

Good for you for sticking with it. Go at your own pace, do not risk injury or pain, slowly build up....it does get easier with time..

As you get fitter the easier it will become... then you will look back and you will be amazed at how far you've come!

Concentrate on doing you and the benefits you get... you've got this! Keep up the good work.

Edited July 29, 20169 yr by AussieGirl81