[foophi]

First name: Linda
Geographical location: New Jersey

Age: 43

Marital Status: Separated/ soon to be divorced

Children/Ages:2/9 &4

Occupation: Stay at home mom

Pets: Going to get a goldfish this weekend - we will name him Oscar

Hobbies/Interests: Interior Design, Reading, Writing

Height: 5' 7"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/ Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 2/14/2012

Starting Weight:228

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Not eating everything

Following any specific plan: Still deciding

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am older, and more determined to stay the course

Anything else you would like to share with us:

[Crabby Chick]

First name: Laura

Geographical location: Maryland

Age: 49

Marital Status: Married for 27 years

Children/Ages: 21 and 25

Occupation: Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Pets: 2 dogs, 2 cats

Hobbies/Interests: singing, yoga, walks on the beach, swimming, reading, hanging out with friends

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 1/6/2012

Starting Weight: 236

Goal Weight: 160

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Quick carb urges

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protien

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Husband and i doing the plan together- makes it much easier,no small kids to feed so can focus on myself

Anything else you would like to share with us:

[thinminded]

First name: thinminded

Geographical location: south dakota

Age:49

Marital Status: married nearly 27 yrs

Children/Ages: 21/16

Occupation: social worker

Pets: none currently, just lost our english bulldog last month

Hobbies/Interests: gardening, home projects

Height: 5"2'

Eye/Hair Color: brown/hazel

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: which time?? currently, 2-6-12

Starting Weight: 175

Goal Weight:130

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: sticking with it; not becoming bored and discouraged

Following any specific plan: ideal protein

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: tired of carrying this "baby fat" on and off for the last 21 yrs. just plain sick and tired of it.

Anything else you would like to share with us: enjoy this forum, have learned a lot.

[anjsmom]

First name: Linda

Geographical location: New Jersey

Age: 44

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: 2 kids/15&13

Occupation: RN

Pets: 2 doggies!

Hobbies/Interests: Reading and excerising

Height:5'9"

Eye/Hair Color: Browm/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 10/18/11

Starting Weight:217

Goal Weight:150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I love my sweets!

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protein

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Eating the foods I like to eat!

Anything else you would like to share with us: Glad to be here with all of you! ;o)

[flapjack1010]

I am old to the weight loss battle and new to online support, blogs or posting. I apologize in advance if I make errors in how and where to post.

First name: Danielle

Geographical location: Michigan

Age: 41

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: 14 & 11 (both boys)

Occupation: jail case worker

Pets: wheezie (dog)

Hobbies/Interests: On a personal level I am still trying to figure this one out. I love spending time with my boys & husband doesn't really matter what we are doing; I enjoy the time.

Height: 5'2

Eye/Hair Color: blue eyes/brown hair and every 5-6 weeks gray hair mixes in

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: about the age of 13 but this time around it starts today 3/12/12

Starting Weight: 220

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: myself and my never ending list of excuses.

Following any specific plan: not yet, I am considering Jillian Michaels body make-over. I have been on a number of programs in the past and they all have worked when I worked them.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: by being on this site, I am hopeful of having ongoing support will help me stay motivated.

Anything else you would like to share with us: my mind is swimming with possibility right now.

[IronsInTheFire]

First name: Kris

Geographical location: Oklahoma

Age:41

Marital Status: Divorced

Children/Ages:two boys...12 and 17

Occupation: Teacher

Petswo dogs (Max and Maycee), a cat (Mallory), two guinea pigs (Blossom and Buttercup), a hamster (JoJo), two sugar gliders (Leonardo and Amelia), and a tank full of nameless guppies..ha. Between personal pets and classroom pets, I have a small farm!

Hobbies/Interests: My children, paranormal research, geocaching, reading J.D. Robb books in the bubblebath..ha

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue eyes, brunette hair...today. Next week? Who knows!

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: March 12, 2012

Starting Weight: I don't know for sure. I'm not weighing yet, because I know I will be disappointed in myself, and depressed. I'm a size 16 tho.

Goal Weight: Size 6

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Snacking, and my boyfriend who has no concept of how to support me in this.

Following any specific plan: Taking Phenobestin, going gluten-free and just cutting out unhealthy foods. I eat a lot of tofu and use soy milk instead of dairy. I also walk in the morning and evening.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This time I think it will be harder. I'm older, I have had a partial hysterectomy, and I still battle depression somewhat. The Phenobestin should help with that, along with Wellbutrin.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm very excited to be here, and know that without support, I just won't make it. So, I thank you already for just being accessible!

[Lunula]

Hi everyone!

First name: I don't like to give out my name online, I just go by Lunula

Geographical location: North Carolina

Age: 40

Marital Status: Married for almost 15 years

Children/Ages: Unfortunately, no kids

Occupation: Marketing manager at an accounting firm

Pets: 2 greyhounds

Hobbies/Interests: TRAVEL! Lots & lots of reading (mainly historical fiction), genealogy, photography, charity/volunteer/community work, jigsaw puzzles with my husband, computer stuff (websites, tinkering, gadgets) and keeping up with my beloved Tar Heels & Green Bay Packers (and Carolina Panthers, when they cooperate)!

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Blonde

Starting Weight: 230 lb is my highest recorded weight

Goal Weight: 139 (though I'd be SO happy with 145)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Compulsive binging.

Following any specific plan: I am on Weight Watchers, lost some on my own, then joined online, now going to meetings to lose that last 20.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: When I hit 40 last year, I had a mid-life crisis...but I decided to make it a positive and not live another decade wanting to shrivel up and die because of my weight. I've spent so many years fat and unhappy, in physical and mental torture, that I just decided I'd had enough.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have become a "no excuses" person regarding my health and fitness over the last year. I have had multiple knee surgeries after multiple injuries, beginning in high school when I was an athlete, that my weight only exacerbated. My ortho-surgeon told me 4 years I needed double knee replacement. I've also had back surgery and surgery to remove a large fibroid (nice huge scar on my abdomen). So, my body is pretty beaten up, but I do push through the pain. I don't hurt myself more, but the weight made it all so much worse, so that is goal #1! When my knees are swollen up like balloons and my back is aching...I still work out. When I binge and go over my daily points by 50, I still track all my food. NO EXCUSES!

[Periwinkle8]

So excited to have found this forum!

First name: Periwinkle

Geographical location: Midwest

Age: 39

Marital Status: Married for 13 years

Children/Ages: Daughter, 11; daughter, 9; son 6; son, 5

Occupation : High school teacher

Pets: 2 mutty dogs, 3 cats

Hobbies/Interests: Movies, hiking, camping, board games

Height: 5'3"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/blond

Starting Weight: 197

Goal Weight: 129

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Giving up.

Following any specific plan: I am on a very low calorie diet, as prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My husband has given me a (gentle and loving but very real) wake up call.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have high triglycerides, worrisomely high blood pressure, and 50% body fat. It's time to get serious about my health!

[KG123]

First name: Katy

Geographical location: Massachusetts

Age: 47

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: One Son/Age 13

Occupation: At Home

Pets: 1 Dog/German Shepherd & 3/Cats

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Television, Cooking, Hockey/GO BRUINS!

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 2, 2012

Starting Weight: 148

Goal Weight: 128

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I love food

Following any specific plan: No.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:
Summer is coming and we have a small beach cottage. Felt lousy last
year going because of weight. 128 is my comfort weight.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

[Finny321]

First name: Finny

Geographical location: NY

Age: 42

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: 20, 17, and 14

Occupation: CNA (and a LPN student in the fall)

Pets: bassett/beagle dog, and four cats

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, walking, internet, school, Disney World

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Which time? I started Wonderslim 3/22/12

Starting Weight: 198

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: thyroid issues and boredom, I love to cook and eat

Following any specific plan: Wonderslim

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My thyroid issues are being treated and I'm not going to remove any food groups.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Hmm, not off the top of my head.

[CdnQH]

First name: Deb

Geographical location: Ontario

Age: Just turned 46

Marital Status: Married for 23 years to a wonderful husband

Children/Ages: Daughter - 21, son - 19.

Occupation: Dairy farmer and work off the farm full time as an accounting technician in a CPA firm to help make ends meet.

Pets: AQHA gelding, 3 house cats, 1 dog, 1 barn cat, and 55 registered Holsteins.

Hobbies/Interests: My horse

Height: 5' 7"

Starting Weight: 227.8 but I was 230 at my highest weight

Goal Weight: 160

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: I am a hardcore stress eater. I need to learn to make my go-to reaction to stress something more healthy, like exercise or meditation.

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Our youngest went away to school last fall. I find it easier to cook for two and my stress level has dropped since I no longer have to worry day-to-day about the kids. They are good kids, but I was always worrying for their well being.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

[cbigsis]

Hi everyone!

First name: Christina

Geographical location: Wisconsin

Age: 42

Marital Status: Widowed 8 years and 3 days

Children/Ages: 3 kids. ages 18, 16 and 14

Occupation: Childcare

Pets: 2 Cats

Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, Biking and swimming ( more like splashing around ). Camping and boardgames

Height: 5'1

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Blonde

Starting Weight: 212

Goal Weight: 130

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Stress and boredom eating

Following any specific plan: I have a meal plan from a dietician that follows mainly food groups rather than calories

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I saw all the health problems my mom was having in her 60s from being overweight her whole adult life and deicded I did not want to live like that if I could at all help it.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

[Miral Paris]

Hello everyone!

I have had life-long eating issues, including anorexia and binge eating, from emotional abuse. I went through a binge eating program and seem to be binging less. Most of my adult life I have been of average weight, but two or three years ago some traumatic things happened (which are now over) and now I weigh 190, the most I have ever weighed. Just to keep things interesting, I also have fibromyalgia and have had three shoulder surgeries.

I feel like a whale and am really ashamed to have people see me, especially those whom I have not seen since my skinnier days. I went to my brother's wedding, which was very hard. Seeing myself naked is hard. I have kept gaining and how have clothes at every 10 pound mark between 140 and 190.
I went through a pain management program and was exercising quite heavily until my shoulder surgery and healing, which took a year and a half. I routinely exercise at least three times a week. But that's not really a weight loss thing.

I have a great husband and since I work for myself, plenty of time to work on this. My downfalls are not taking the time (fibro makes me exhausted) to prepare meals. I eat pretty healthy; just more than I should. I have to be sugar free or I binge.

First name:Miral

Geographical location: Midwest

Age:49

Marital Status: Happily Married

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: writer

Pets: 1 cat

Hobbies/Interests: Science fiction, singing, reading, intellectual pursuits like history and anthropology, GLBT activism and left-leaning

Height: 5.5

Eye/Hair Color: brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: yesterday

Starting Weight: 191

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: hunger

Following any specific plan: My dietitian gave me one

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have this forum

Anything else you would like to share with us: I would like to meet someone like me and have a one on one relationship accountability thing.

[enr20707]

hi all,
1st name- Nancy

area - Tx.

age-42

marital status- married -19years

children- 1 girl 12 years old

occupation- nurse

pets- 1 dog, dachshund

hobbies-shopping!

height- 5'4

starting date-may2nd 2012

start wt-211.3

goal wt 150

biggest hurdle for weight loss- have sweet tooth

[thaimon]

First name: Monica

Geographical location: I currently live in Northern Thailand. I grew up in Texas and we own a home in Colorado where we plan to return in 4 years.

Age: 41

Marital Status: Married - 20 years this year

Children/Ages: 3 - 18yr old boy, 15 yr old girl, 12yr old boy

Occupation: tag along spouse and mom. I've also recently become a trainer at my gym - which has been incredibly helpful in keeping me on track.

Pets: two dogs - a Thai street dog named หวาน (Waan, sounds like a lot like Juan. It means sweet.) and a shih tzu named S'mores

Hobbies/Interests: knitting, crossfit, excercise, nutrition, reading, attempting to learn Thai

Height: 5'9" (175.25 cm)

Eye/Hair Color: green/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Jan 2011

Starting Weight: 247

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: keeping the weight off

Following any specific plan: paleo

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm truly focusing on something I can do for the rest of my life. Not just to lose weight, but to be healthy and fit.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I actually joined 3 Fat Chicks as I started my weight loss, but didn't take advantage of it as a support group. Now that I've actually lost the weight, I've discovered that I really need some support and understanding to keep it off. Hoping to find that here.