INTRO Introducing myself - why I'm here, what I'm looking for

Hey all,

Figured I'd say hello and explain my situation.

Back then, 4 years ago, I was competing as a paid athlete at a high level. Then things shifted and the weight piled on. Adult obligations, injuries, that sort of thing all stacked up.

I went from 8% body fat to some number I can't even guess. 64 kg up to 106 kg.

Since I was 16 I've gone through dietists, nutrionists, basically every option out there; and even more of them once the weight came on. It felt like something went wrong neurologically. This started after I donated blood; from that point I couldn't stop eating and keeping myself in check became hard; on top of everything else contributing.

So I spoke with a doctor who has known me for a while, maybe 3 visits in 15 years; and rather than hearing my request for help, the response was to suggest I read a book, since it could all be in my head. Which is exactly what I would have told someone before I gained weight.

That's why I'm posting here. If the doctors would quit wasting my time, I'd happily pay the full price and get it properly, but they won't give me the chance. Pretty frustrating, given they boast about how many of their patients are on it, yet for me to access it I have to pass a psychological barrier.

I've spotted a fair amount of 'me me me' going on in this thread.

Naturally, I'm also looking forward to getting to know you all and hearing what you've been through, and it makes me happy that so many people are getting results from this product.

There was a time, back when I was lean and in shape, when I'd have said that fat people are simply lazy.

It seemed obvious; adjust your routine, choose better food, get off the couch more. Why is that so difficult?

Yet the moment you put on that weight yourself, the reason becomes clear; getting that across to people outside is hard. It's like a murder just happened somewhere, and you're full of blood, but you have to explain it was not you; it was the serial killer who looks like an angel in a suit next to you.

Your own body turns on you. The simple movements everyone else does with ease are out of reach, you generally move around less, and your body doesn't even bother with craving, it simply takes what it wants, you don't have a choice.