Roll call! (bio's)

[aphil]

Hi ladies!

I thought I would go ahead and start a bio thread where everyone can introduce themselves and tell a little more about their life, interests, etc. Have fun!
Aphil

[vibrantecho]

Thanks Aphil! Do you think we could possibly get this thread pinned?

Fiona

[aphil]

Done! :)

[SyracuseNY]

Hi everyone:

I'm from Syracuse, NY area. Work in the computer field. I'm 48, married for 23 1/2 years and no children (I love kids - just couldn't have any and have successfully dealt with that). I guess that says it all. I love warm weather and wonder what I'm still doing in Upstate NY? Retirement will bring me to the southern states at least for a portion of the year. Haven't looked that far ahead yet. LOL! I'm taking this 'diet' thing one-day at a time and I plan on being very successful this time. What got me thinking about this seriously is that I overheard some 'always thin ladies' talking while we were all on a golfing bus trip - and both were talking about how they had to watch what they ate, and it was getting harder and harder for them to maintain their current weights. It struck me funny that 2 thin people would be having the same problems I've had with my weight (although I was overweight). The more I thought about it, the more sense that it made to me. I've always thought that thin people could always eat what they wanted and was always jealous of that. Then I sat on that thought for a couple months, and decided that since I got my exercise habits established in 2003 - 2004 would be my year for successful weightloss.

Started back dieting in Jan 2004 by starting off going to WW. The weight was coming off at a snails pace and I was getting very frustrated. So, in April 2004 LAWL was having a great special in our area. My older sister decided to sign up for the plan after knowing several people having great success on the plan. With that said, I joined a couple days later and my younger sister joined a couple days after me. The only weightloss program that I have successfully lost weight with in the past is the pre-points WW plan. I needed something more restricted, and to the point. Tell me what to eat and I will eat it. I'm ready for the challenge.

So, did some web-investigation along with info from my sister prior to joining so knew all the facts that others seem to have problems with. When I joining the plan, althought I had to pay upfront, it was much cheaper for the base plan that paying for WW.

My current stats are:

199 / 166 / 155


I have been struggling with the last 10-11 lbs and I know that I'm getting lazy with the plan, but I'm not giving up.

Sy

[Star]

I'm the oldest chick on here, I stopped having birthdays several years back. I have afew goals here. First and foremost is to lose alittle weight, secondly is to never consider a floral moo-moo figure flattering and last, to avoid blue hair at all costs. With the help of you younger chicks here you keep me in line with my battles...... Plus I ride a Harley and don't want to get too big for my Biker Babe image (lol). I wasn't always over weight and was thin until I was in my 40's. Ranging from 120-130 and at 5'7" which was a good weight for me.
After my husband passed I managed to get up to 216 and have been losing ever since. I'm remarried and still have a short way to go to goal of 150. I can't get back to 120-130 becuz I would be one big wrinkle (or so my mom says & she knows everything).....
By the way, I have two grown sons, 2 awesome daughter-in-laws, 1 grown step-son and wife, one step daughter and husband. Three adorable grandbabies, 2 girls and 1 boy - they are my sunshine! Oh and can't forget Pookie, our dog, that will probably retire before we do (& I hope he takes Peter, our quirky goldfish, with him).

That's enuf from here....Hugs to all you other chicks - you make this fun!
Remember - Enjoy the adventure, it's not about the destination.....it's about the journey! ;)

[auditgirl]

Hello,

I'm 33, been married to my high school sweetheart for about 16 years. We have a 15 year old son. I wasn't heavy as a kid, just kind of a bigger girl. I'm about 5'10'' and kind of broad shouldered, so will never be a stick kind of figure. I weighed between 145-155 during high school and quite a few years into my adult life until I started going to school full time at night while working full time during the day. I ate what I could when i could, without much thought to what it was and forget exercise.

When I finished school in 1998 I tried several times to get rid of the excess weight, but nothing seemed to work for me (had limited success with WW, but didn't learn to eat properly). I finally got up to 234 lbs and decided enough was enough. Had a friend at work who had amazing success with LAWL, so decided to try it. Started the program in September 2004, lost nearly 40lbs by Christmas, but have been kind of stalled since then. Some due to exercising too much for my plan and some due to my own slips. This is a plan and program I feel like I can live on for the rest of my life, a true life style change that I haven't been able to make in the past.


Jen

[aag118]

Hi Everyone,

I am 29, have a 10 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. My DH is in the Army in Special Forces (Green Berets). We moved to Washington in May, love it! Lived in Germany, NY, and NC before moving here. I am originally from Norman, Ok. I miss it so much! I was in school when we lived in NC going for my RN, but kindergarten here in Wa is only 1/2 day, so I am waiting til my daughter is in school full time, before I go back.

I was a very skinny girl my whole life. When I got pregnant with my son, I actually lost a ton of weight, but when I was 27 weeks along, I was in a car accident, on bed rest til I delivered, gained 70lbs in 11 weeks. Lost it all, had my daughter, barely gained any weight with her, lost the little I did gain.

In March 2002 had to have a hysterectomy and gained about 50lbs in about 6 months. And I have just kept on gaining steadly since then. I would go on diets, lose about 25lbs and then go off, gain it all back and then some. Started then looking into a center, came to this board, got all of your wonderful insight, and decided to go with LAWL.

[ilovemike]

Hello, I am 27 yo and live in Pennsylvania. I went to lawl center almost 5 years ago and lost a lot of weight. I went from a size 12/14 to a size 8. I was almost at goal and then I stopped following the program and basically all that money went down the drain! I think I have gained all the weight back and in the last four months I have gained even more than my starting weight. I have been trying to lose weight off and on since then but have never been really committed.

So I came across this site and thought I could do the plan without going to the center. I am starting tomorrow with the three day take off and then I am going to start out on the red plan and see how that works.

When I attented the center they put me on the gold plan right away. I think I had 40 pounds to lose then. Now I have 60 pounds.

I am single and have no kids but would like to change both those factors soon! or at least by the time I am 30. :smug:

I am a social worker and enjoy my job but am always wrestling around the idea of doing something else, most likely teaching.

So that sums me up! Hee Hee!

:lol:

[videochick]

Hi, I'm Melissa (aka videochick) 41, 42 in June, single, two cats. Live in NYC, work for public agency in community relations.

At 5'6" was never a thin girl, held my own at about 150 since H.S. In late 90s gained about 10lbs when I went to grad school part time, but even at 160 was a sz 12 which I was okay with. In Dec 2001 had a bad time with fibroids and my cycle, was put on all kinds of hormone things and gained close to 20lbs in like 2 months - yikes. When I came off, I thought for sure the weight would come off since I wasn't having the massive hunger bouts but it didn't. My sister, who was overweight had joined LAWL in April 2002 and in the first month had significant losses (I think she was just over 200) so in May 2002 I joined, too. It took me about 6 months to go from 176 to 147, I never lost the 2lbs a week, never. I don't think I've ever even lost more than 2lbs doing the take off. Then I hung in there at around 147-152 for about 1 1/2 years. Then life got in the way, and I've done a lot of stress eating and just plain old "I want it and I'm gonna have it!" eating. Currently, I'm at 162, which isn't so bad because it is a weight I maintained for several years before, but once i was back down in that 150 range, I really did feel thin (funny when I was 19 and 150 all I wanted was to be 120!) I am currently on the Gold Plan, but sometimes use the blue plan which I got off ebay. I will be happy just to fit comfortably in a size 10.

That's my story so far. I'm challenged everyday to stay OP and also trying to exercise consistently. While LA doesn't encourage it, I feel that fitness is important especially for looking and feeling younger and healthier.

This forum and the LAWL chicks are an amazing source of inspiration and motivation for me. Thank you.

Melissa

[textjewel]

Hi, I'm Julie (aka textjewel); I'm 46, a Washington DC native (pretty rare), single . . no kids, and not likely to have any at this point!

I'm currently following a dream - to see if I can write a novel - used to be in the computer field (20 years) before that was in insurance, retail, fast food.

Weight wise - I started LAWL at 228.8 about my highest weight ever. I had been there before - about 10 years ago- and lost it by going to a nutrionist (also very expensive). Have had success with the WW way of eating, but never got below 170, got tired of going to meetings and never felt that anyone cared if I went or not. Saw the LA commercial on TV, did some web researching, found this site.

Dieting wise - I think I've followed every diet out there, have found that I hate low carb!

My goal this time - not only to drop into the 140's, which I think will be maintainable - but also to learn the techniques to keep the weight OFF.

I think the basis of the LA plan is pretty good - portion control, a wide variety of foods every day. And weight is dropping off pretty well. . As for any diet, the challenge is to stay OP while life happens.

But I know one thing for sure - the chickies on the board have helped me stay with this longer than I stuck with WW!

[vibrantecho]

Okay, my turn!

I'm 25, married, 4 1/2 year old DD. I was thin, thin, thin and active, active, active my whole life (I'm guessing around 120? - wore a 4/6 on a 5'2" frame) until I got pregnant. I ate a lot of junk food - Taco Bell - while I was pg and weighed 160-ish after DD was born. Had a full time job and not a lot of money so DH and I ate a lot of unhealthy "convenience food" (Hamburger Helper!) for a long time - and I gained about 40 pounds in four years.

Last August I joined LAWL, the week before my brother's wedding - because I had to have my bridesmaid dress completely taken apart and drastically altered because the size I had ordered wasn't anywhere close to my real size! LAWL had an ad for 1/3 off the weekly price so I jumped on it.

I like the LA plan for the same reasons Julie does - it really makes me think about choosing healthy foods and not succumbing to the first drive thru that I come to at the end of the day. Unfortunately for me, I find myself choosing to go off the plan rather frequently, so I think I've lost the same five pounds about 13 times now! Since I paid for the whole plan up front I can't just walk away, so this is a good lesson for me in persistence, too. Other "diets" I've tried (including just plain old eating healthier) I've usually given up - gone back to my old habits - within a few weeks. I like the way I feel when I'm eating OP - but I also love food, and tend toward instant gratification over long-term rewards, so that is something I have to work on.

My long-term goal is to get down to around 120-125. I maintained 120, without really thinking about it, for a long time before I gave up my active lifestyle in favor of a kid and a desk job, so I think that if I get active again, getting back to 120 isn't inconceivable for me.

Fiona

[Karen]

Hi, I'm Karen. I'm 44 soon to be 45 (June) I've been married for 3 years although we've been together for 12 (he says he had to be sure :lol: ) I don't have any children of my own but I have 2 stepchildren. DSS is 21 and DSD is 18. I have my sweet puppy Scooter and his kitty Buoy..
I've had a weight issue for as long as I can remember. I got up to 180 pounds after my Mother passed away two years ago and have been fighting it ever since. I went to visit my SIL and she had joined LAWL. She inspired me to go to a local weight loss center when I got back home and I lost 30 pounds. I wasn't learning how to eat though and gained about 15 pounds back. I decided to give LAWL a try last March after my SIL did so well. She lost 75 pounds. My starting weight was 161 and I got down to 148 at one point last August. Then I lost my job and my house (I was a resident manager) and then moved to the Lake (the move there was the best part) then the house flooded because of a defective part in the plumbing. I'm still dealing with all the repairs from that. So, I was doing alot of stress eating and gained all the way back up to 176.4 (January 3, 2005) weight. (that's 15.4 above my original starting weight with LA) But anyway, I'm back to work and everything is hunky dorey again.. :lol: Well, if I could just get this weight off. I started an exercise routine yesterday that hopefully I can stick with. All I know is that I don't want to be fat at 45 and I won't be...I guess that's enough about me.... :D

[synn1977]

Hey All~

I'm Keri...27 yo from RI, but have also lived in Maine and Kansas. I like some of you have been on many different weight loss plans for the last 13 years. I have been on WW (pre and post points), cabbage soup, SBD, Michael Thurmond's 6 Week Body Makeover, and have done the calorie counting thing too. I even tried vegetarianism for a while thinking that might help.

Now, as far as I go, I am Wiccan (yes, I am a witch) but hold no ill feelings toward anyone else's beliefs. I grew up Baptist and now live with 3 Irish Catholics. I just found that Wicca suits me better than anything else. And, no, I am not going to try to convert anyone. I do not worship the devil, and I do not sacrifice small animals to the goddess or god.

Some of my hobbies include reading, writing (mainly poetry and short stories, although I am working on a vampire novel), singing, playing games (computer, board, PS2, XBox, and poker), spending time with my DBF of 4 1/2 years, shopping, photography, designing clothes, arranging flowers, sewing and cooking. I also play a role playing game with my DBF, his brother, his brother's girl, and one of our other friends, ever single Saturday. I am a big geek, I know!

I love movies and have amassed a collection of 150+ DVD's in a two year timespan. I love all sorts of movies, and used to work in a movie theater with the BF, so we have also amassed a large collection of movie posters (I think equal to our DVD collection)

Let's see, we live with my BF's parents, who are wonderful and supportive of all of my efforts in anything.

Also, I do suffer from Major Depressive Affective Syndrome, and I am working on controlling that with counceling and Celexa. So, I do have good days, and I do have bad...but, I am working on it!

And lastly, I have decided that now is the time to get healthy. I am doing this for me, and will not give up until I am healthy (physically and mentally)!

[Chklithunder]

Hi Everyone. I'm Carmen, 34 from the Cleveland OH area. I have worked for 10 years in the computer field in a very large corporate setting.

I went to work as a personal assistant about 13 years ago, met my boss' son ;) and married him a year later. Since then, we have had 2 wonderful sons (they are 11 and 7). We adopted a dog about 5 months ago. His name is Bucky and he is really the sweetest little guy on earth (usually).

I dropped out of college during my sophomore year because I got bored. I woke up, smelled the coffee :coffee: and went back to school part time when I was 29 years old, and got my BS MIS two years ago.

As far as weight goes, I have always carried a bit of extra weight. I was a chubby kid, and a plump but happy teenager. I think I truly am "big boned," because I am only 5'4" tall and I have worn a size 11 shoe since 6th grade, even when I was much shorter. During high school I was a constant size 14/16, weighing about 180 lbs, and I was comfortable at that weight.

When I was 23 I had my first son, and lost a lot of weight during my pregnancy with him due to nausea and when he was born, I weighed about 170 lbs, which is the thinnest I can remember being. Once I stopped breastfeeding him, the weight came on like crazy. After another baby and the associated weight gain and loss, plus going back to school part time while working full time, there was no time left for me. Once I finished college I tried working out and watching what I ate, but I gained more and more weight and never lost any. I gained muscle and retained fat.

My weight maxed out at 249 before I joined LAWL. I still wear a size 18 after gaining almost 60 lbs, and now those are getting tight. I don't know how the weight loss will affect my body. My goal is to weigh 170 lbs, which I am thinking will put me at a size 14. I'd be ecstatic to make it down to a 12.

I was happy to see that there was a thread for LA on 3fatchicks. I like the site and I really like the ladies who post here. They are very supportive. KEWL.

That's my story, and I am sticking to it.

[haylo921]

Hello ladies, m name is Janelle I am a 27 y/o from San Antonio Texas. I am single, no boyfriend, never been married but hopefully that will change. I am currently in graduate school I am working on my Masters in Speech Therapy(Pathology) I am currently a Speech Therapist for a school district here in San Antonio. Unfornutaly, Graduate school has left me with very little time to exercise and a lot of time to gain weight.
I just recently joined LAWL, I an 5'9'' and have always been thin. However, since I have been attending graduate school I have taken an interest in eating whatever I can find. Unfortunatly, I have realized that I can not do this for to much longer, only because it has resulted in serious weight gain.

To my suprise, in October of 2004 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it was then that I realized that not only was my gaining weight due to my eating habits but also because of my thyroid disorder. I went to the doctor he put me on meds and I went to WW. I had tried WW before, I thought I would be able to achieve the same results, unfortunatly no matter how hard I tried either I couldn't stick to it, or when I did I wasnt getting the results I wanted. After going on and off WW, I saw a commercial for LAWL, that same day I came across an article on the internet that LAWL was a suggested diet for people with thyroid disorders. The end result was that I decided to give it a try. This is the most I have ever weighed and the biggest I have ever been.

My goal is to lose weight and get back into my clothes, which no longer fit and live a healthier life style.

Janelle

[mandyd26]

Hello!! My name is Mandy. I'm 26 years old and live in Washington state. I have a 2 1/2 year old son and have been married for a little over 5 years. I've been doing La weight loss for exactly a year. I have been searching for a forum like this to talk to other lawl members. I guess I wasn't searching hard enough. I'm just so excited about this! Anyway, I'm currently at 160.8 (yes I have a digital scale, that thing is going to be the death of me!) I started out at 235.8. So today I hit the 75 pound mark!!!

I had never struggled with my weight before. I was a 5'7" athletic built girl. I usually weighed between 130 and 145. I was size 7,8 or 9 depending on the clothes. I gained about 10 pounds after highschool. I stopped playing softball and moved out to go to college, so I put on a little bit of weight. So I was about 155 for a year or so. I got married when I was 22 and 7 months later I had put on 20 pounds!!! That is where my weight issues started. At first it was just kind of strange that I had put on weight, but before I knew it I was up to 185. That is when I went to a trainer and I lost about 14 pounds. Shortly after (and by that I mean the next day) I was done with my training. I found out I was pregnant. I didn't put much weight on at the beginning, but around the last 2 months. I packed it on. I gained about 60 pounds in total. After I had my baby I got quickly got back down to 190. Now this is where my real weight gain problems began....

I was so happy and comfortable after brining our baby home that I just baked and ate and ate and ate. I would eat at all hours of the day. I watched the weight just pack on. I remember being 215 for a little while and then pow! I was at 235. I knew I needed to do something, but really didn't think I would be under the 200 pound mark again. It just seemed so impossible. Eventually I joined LAWL. I have a very loving Husband, but I knew that if I didn't do something my marriage would fall apart. Mainly because of how I felt about myself.

So that was March 29th of 2004. I'm so happy to say that today I'm about 12 pounds from my goal and I'm happier than ever. I'm fitting in to size 10's and can even sqeeze into a few size 8's. Last year my size 20's were getting a little snug. I have soooo much to say about my weight loss Journey, but I'm afraid that most people that have started reading this message have already gone on to read another one, so I'll save it for another post. :)

I hope to get to know some of you better. It sounds like some of us have had some pretty similiar journeys.

Thanks so much for reading this!

Mandy

[Fashnvictm]

Howdy ya'll! I'm MArisa and I'm from Ft. Worth. I'm 27 and weight in at 170lbs. I'm hopeing to lose about 40 pounds and be back to where I was when I got married 7 years ago. I work 7 days a week and attend college 4 nights a week. Needless to say, I'm super busy. I've got some medical issue to deal with - but I'm excited about begining this journey and look forward to the support I'll recieve here! *e-hug*

Whoa!

Look at all those typos! Can ya tell I just got done working a long shift? My brian is rejecting my fingers - or vice versa. :lol:

[jenesse]

Hi everyone!! My name is Jenni and I am brand new to this site. I am 27 years old, married for 3 1/2 years and have a beautiful little girl named Kaiya who will be nine months old in two days. I live in Colorado and have most of my life. I always thought I was overweight when I was growing up, but now looking back at pictures, I was just bigger than my friends, not really fat. When I was a freshman in college, I lost about 20 pounds and at my skinniest I was about a size 7. I was a fair queen (I know, I know :rolleyes:) and at a very good weight, not too fat, not too skinny. Then I met my husband and over the next few years, gained what I call "happy" weight. Not that I was happy about it, just that I let myself go because I was so content. We ate out a lot, sat around and basked in each other's love and let ourselves go. I didn't really gain a lot of weight when I was pregnant, but the fat is different now...all you moms know what I mean. I started LAWL after a lady in my office lost 20 lbs in 3 months and looked great. I decided it was time to do something drastic since I've been doing curves for about 3 months and didn't lose any weight. It was time to change the way I was eating for good. So I started my TakeOff yesterday and now there is no turning back. I'm so excited to meet the new me and to share my successes and setbacks with all of you. :cb:

[solocat]

Hi!

I am new to LAWL (joined on the 25th March). Off to a shaky start since I got the flu right after, so actually "really" started on the 30th!

My name is Cathy and I am 52 years old (divorced), living in Salem, Oregon. My kids are grown (3 girls), although my oldest lives with me and is almost ready to graduate with her nursing degree! Other two girls live in CA - one is an architectural engineer and the other is an accountant. I am a counselor working for corrections - love my job, but I tend to be a work-aholic.

I joined LAWL because I have a lifelong history of being a yo-yo in regards to my weight. This past year has been a "regrowth" of sorts where I am learning to actually accept me as me and challenge the parts of me I don't like! Soooo...here I am. I want to be back down and actually feel good and in shape again! The rising scale was bothering me!

I guess I am looking to hearing all of your successes...and the rough spots. Get any hints (like I turned down the LA Lite bars due to $$...anyone else?). And love getting new recipes!

Glad I found this site!

Cathy

[solocat]

Guess I should try out the weight thing!

Cathy

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar039/cartoonstar01/lb/210/170/204.5/ (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[SyracuseNY]

Solo: Welcome! Stop by the "LAWL Losers & Friends - April '05" thread as you will get all the advise and assistance you want. :lol: We all love to help out. Most of us are LAWL members, a few are do-it-yourselfers so all are welcome. We all have the same goal, to lose weight - and fight this battle together.

I'm not sure what you last comment meant? Oh, you may have meant the ticker for the weight thing. I just looked at your first post and the second. :lol:

Your going to love this site, it's very addicting!

Sy

[scrapmom02]

Hi

I'm Laurie. I started LAWL on March 21 and have lost 10lbs. I go for my next weigh in tomorrow. I am on the red plan without the la lites, too $$. I am having a hard time getting all the food in. I try to walk for a 1/2 hr on my lunch break. I've been able to walk every day this week.

I'm 27, have been married almost 10yrs. I have a daughter 7 going on 17, and my little man will be 6 in a few weeks. We're in northern Ky, yep we wear shoes :lol: My husband is a disabled vet with sarcoidosis, so at 37 yrs old he feels like he's 67. He goes to school full time and stays with the kids. He is on prednisone, which now he's gained a lot of weight. He's real supportive of the diet. He does most of the cooking and so he sticks to the book for me.

Anyway, I am so glad that I found this board. Nice to talk to others going through the same stuff. :)

[vibrantecho]

Hi Laurie, and welcome! Sounds like you are off to a great start. :)

Fiona

[iheartsushi]

Hey ya'll. I have to say this is the best "support group"...EVER! Anyway, my name is Amanda. I'm 27 years old. I've been married for a little over a year (still kinda newlyweds). My DH and I actually dated for 6 years before we took the plunge and he made me an "honest woman", as my great-grandmother liked put it. I currently live in Alabama, ROLL TIDE!!! I'm originally from WV. However from the house I grew up in you could see the "Welcome to PA" sign. But I claim PA most of the time because that's were my mother grew-up and where I spent most of my life with my grandparents. I came to Alabama for college where I met my DH. I liked it so much I stayed. :D I'm currently a business manager for a private Audiology practice. It's stressful work but my boss just got back from Paris :( and brought me back a really cool Furla purse :D . So at least I know I'm appreciated.

I never had a real problem with my weight. It wasn't until I went to college that it really started. I went from being a very active high schooler to your typical college couch potato. I was actually pretty aware of my wieght gain and started to do something about it in my Junior year. But then I broke my ankle and also tore some ligaments and muscles in that foot. All from "falling" down 1 step. :dizzy: Yes, it can be done! They don't call me Grace for nothin'.

I joined LAWL after a friend of mine had great results. I got off to a bumpy start but now I've got two of the COOLEST counselors! It's nice to be able to chat it up like old friends. So far so good. However, I'm having control issues right now so WI today is going to show it. Stupid TOM! :mad:

[CruiseinJanuary]

Hi all! My name is Amy. I am 26 years old and have been married to my husband Bryan for 2 1/2 years. All my life I have dealt with being larger that others my age. I averages a 10-12 in high school and typically stayed around 170 pounds while growing up. Got to college and of course put on weight. Lose 25 pounds before my wedding and was 170 and felt wonderful in my wedding gown. Since the wedding I have gained 50 pounds by being lazy and eating out way too much with my husband. It doesn't help that he is overweight too and isn't very active, so to spend time with him we typically go out to eat, watch movies and other unactive things. I have done weight watchers and a number of other things trying to lose weight but keep failing. Got a call last week that a friend of mine is getting married on a Cruise in January going to Key West and Mexico and I want to get back to my normal weight by then. When I look in the mirror I don't feel like I look that big, but when I get pictures back it is like "Who is that?" I feel the real me inside and needing to come out.

I do not have children yet and that is another reason I want to regain a healthy lifestyle, so I can teach my children to be healthy and not have to go through what I did growing up.

I have two Minitature Pinscher dogs named Zuko and Guinness that keep me and my husband feeling like parents in the meantime though.

I am so happy to find a list people who are excited about weight loss with LAWL!!! There are so many negative things out there about the program and I just started last week and don't need any mental excuses not to continue.

Keep on writing everyone!

Amy

[mrsSmiley]

My name is Sherry and I'm 43 yrs old. I am married to Richard and have two beautiful daughters, one 17 almost 18 and the other one just turned 8 in March. We live in central Texas on 5 acres. I've been overweight as long as I can remember. I've tried I think every diet known to man and even created some of my own. I have many health issues that if I lost the weight most likely wouldn't be an issue then. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I joined LAWL on March 15th. A friend of mine and her husband have been doing the program since Jan 1 and she has lost 25lbs and her husband 30+. After joining, I have put my whole family on the eating plan. Adjusted, of course, for each person, and together we have lost a total of 43.4 LBS

Richard 16lbs
Kelli 13lbs
Kaci 7lbs
Me 7.4 as of last week
_________
43.4 lbs

My DH and oldest DD are eating Slim fast bars in place of the LA lites and the little DD eats one protein snack bar a day from Walmart.

I am so very proud of our family. I knew as the one that cooks our meals that I was the key to it all but had no idea in almost a month we could drop that much weight!!! :yikes:

We all love the outdoors. We go camping about once a month when we can and we have quiet a few animals of our own. We have boer goats, pigeons, chickens, cats, a dog (who's boss), a cockatiel and lots of God's critters.

I am a LVN and work doing home health care mainly for the elderly. I love my job and see it as an opportunity to minister to the elderly and help them when I can. They have so much to offer and yet, younger generations treat them so badly. Even many of there own family members are so bad. Anyway, that's another soap box. ;)

I look forward to getting to know all of you and supporting each other in our successful lifestyle change.

[Irishgirl]

Hello Everyone! :wave: My Name is Jennifer. I am 25 years old, and live in Western Massachusetts. I work as an Executive Administrative Assistant for a Life Insurance Company. Right now my life is pretty hectic.

I live with my fiancee Bob ( we just got engaged in January), and we are getting married March 18, 2006. So with Starting LAWL, planning the wedding, Work, and our already busy lifestyle..I have very little time to myself lately. However, I realize it will all be worth it in the end! I'll be thinner, healthier, and feel better about myself.

Feel free to check out my wedding websites:
Wedding Web Site #1 (http://wedding.weddingchannel.com/pwp/gui/pwp.asp?pwp_view=0&wauid=200141187)

Our Knot.com Webpage (http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?coupleid=3242085547309790)

There are the details of our wedding, how we got engaged, and so on

[gemjlo]

:dizzy:

My name is Gretchen. I am 29 years old and I live in Maple Grove, MN. That's a large suburb of Minneapolis. I am married to my high school sweetheart, and we don't have any children yet, unless you count our pets, Treena (Rottwieler/German Shepard), Trouble (Treena's sister), and out two cats Lucy, and Boo. They are really wonderful creatures, and I am blessed to have them.

Well, I have been chubby for most of my life with the exception of my Junior and Senior years in highschool. I am 5'10" and at that time I weighed 135 pounds, that's way too thin, I know that now. My current weight is 267.6 pounds as of weigh in yesterday. My highest was 269.8. I started LAWL because I have tried everything else. I had a little bit of success right before I was married, but eating not a lot of food and excercising everyday. That's obviously not healthy. Anyway, I gained back all the weight I lost, and 70 more.

I eat when I am bored and when I am stressed as most people I have found out do. I have begun to do other things, like read, paint, and take photos instead of eating. I have discovered that I am actually kind of good at painting. I didn't think so, but I have been told by a lot of others that they like my work. Maybe they are just saying that not to hurt my feelings, but I like to think they like it. I like most of it.

I look forward to getting to know ya'll!

Gretchen

[erinmh]

I am new here and wanted to introduce myself. I am an almost 25 year old stay at home mom of three. I actually won a month free of LAWL with a local radio station promotion. They have divided six of us into two teams of three-whichever team looses the most wins 6 months free. I am on my 5th day and can't wait to get weighed tomorrow to see how much I have lost. Does anyone use the supplements LAWL offers-or can you suggest any thing they offer that will help me? I get everything free-thank God-so I want to take advantage of whatever will benefit me the most!
Thanks-you ladies are awesome!

[textjewel]

Hi Erin! The chickies here are awesome and we all help each other thru the plan. . .Most of us don't take the sups since they are expensive -I've never tried them. I do think the EFA (essential fatty acids) and calcium are things that anybody needs, so if you get them free, go for it. There's also a multi vitamin that would probably be good. If they are all free, get all of them, and you can be our guinea pig!

Hopefully, someone with more experience with this can help you more!

Join us on the main thread for more chick chatter.

Julie

[vibrantecho]

Hi Erin! I don't take the LAWL-brand supplements - too spendy - but I have recently added a daily multi, EFA and a calcium/magnesium/zinc supplement. Am looking into non-LA versions of the fat and carb blocker products, too, but haven't actually purchased any yet. I think, like Julie said, the EFA and calcium are the biggies that the LA diet is lacking, and a daily multi is just a plain old good idea these days. :) Hope to see you in the monthly thread, too!

fiona

[discobear79]

Hi all, I joined LAWL at the end of JAN, since then I've lost 19.8 lbs, can't wait to weigh in with -20. I'm 26 from MA. I've been gaining weight steadily since high school and decided enough is enough and am taking control. I feel great and the program seems to be working. I was just moved to the purple plan. I don't use any of their supplements, but I do use their bars. I also go to curves... I look forward to chatting with you all.
Have a nice day,
Monique :)

[tparra]

My name is Teresa and I am from Vancouver Wa. I am married and have one 8 year old son. When I got married 10 years ago I was about 140 ( is it even possible for me to be 135???) and I just want to get back to that weight and my flat belly again. I am 44 years old and use to work out 5-6 times a week but have been in a slump for the past two years and need to get back with my workouts.
I have been thinking about joining LAWL and I think after reading your posts, I am more convinced. :) I think I will go check it out tomorrow and see what it is all about.
I just know one lady from my church has lost a LOT of weight and so if she can do it, I can too. :)

I look forward to getting to know you ladies.

Teresa

[shar3kids]

;) Hi Ladies! My name is Shar, I'm almost 31 years old now. I come from a very large mother and a marathon running father, so since I was about 21, I've had some weight issues (10-30 pound problems) that I largely kept under control but my real problems started with pregnancies. I jokingly say that I've been pregnant for 4 years straight, and its kind of true!! I've got 3 kids, an almost 4 year old, an almost 2 year old and an almost 1 year old. They are perfect and wonderful, but now I'm approximately 70 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight and another 90 pounds over my skinniest high/school college weight. I'm 5'9" tall on a large frame, so for me 140 is like a funny dream I had in high school. On LAWL my goal is to lose 70 pounds. I've got a feeling that when I reach that goal I'll need some cosmetic work done on my stomach since my abdomen is streched out and loose already. Anyway, saving up for that now!! I'm on the red plan and I'm happy with the portions! My husband is in the Army, and he's deploying to Iraq late this summer so my hope is that when he gets home he's got much less of a wife waiting for him! :lol: So, other interesting facts... I have a thyroid problem or two (hypothyroid and a goiter), I'm taking a couple of the supplements (this month anyway) but no bars.

[mandyd26]

Teresa-I'm from Vancouver Wa also. I actually technically live in Ridgefield. LAWL is great. I've lost 80 pounds (up a few pounds so actually 77) in about a year. It would be wonderful if you joined and stuck around. This is a really great place to come for support and advice. Good luck!

Mandy

[tparra]

Hi Mandy,

Wow, how neat is that!! From Vancouver (well, ok, Ridgefield :) I just had a good friend move out there about 5 months ago.

What kind of workouts did you do to help lose the weight? Way to go!! Congratulations on your weight loss, that is awesome. :)

[solocat]

Hi tparra...I live south of you and Mandy, in Salem. And I agree about this being a great place to get support and ideas!

[skandrews]

Hi!

I just signed up today! Wow! This site reminds me alot of the Weight Watchers website that I belonged to (for a price of course).

I am 51 years old, married, 1-27 year old daughter, an almost 2 year old furry daughter (Australian Shepherd-Skye) and a 3 year old furry grandson (daughter's Australian Shepherd-Atticus). I have worked for 24 years for Dex Media (Yellow Pages publisher) and just got downsized on January 28th...so am now unemployed. I have lived in Portland Oregon area since 1973, before that I spent my childhood going back and forth between New Castle, Indiana and Coalinga/Avenal, California. My interests are my dogs, quilting (I own a New Joy quilting frame system), handcrafts of all types, Macintosh computers, reading trashy romance novels, as well as horror/mystery.

I just got back from 2 weeks in Hawaii-in Kona (all I had to pay for was plane fare and spending money/food). I got my first tattoo while I was there. I had hoped to be in "better shape" before going...but I blew that. But I am "back in the saddle again" and hope to get this weight off before the end of the year.

Sharon

http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/purpvinebar/slider-but5/lb/229/129/219/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[solocat]

Welcome Sharon!

You are a close proximity neighbor to me (I live in Salem). Two weeks in Kona sounds very, very good right about now! I'm 52 (rapidly approaching 53!), divorced and have 3 grown daughters - 28, 25, 22. Only the oldest lives with me, but is about to finish nursing school so will be finding a place of her own with her b/f. I contract with corrections as a counselor....so I work lots (that's why the Kona trip sounds wonderful!). Anyways....welcome to the site!

[skandrews]

Thanks Cathy...sounds like you are a very busy mom. I went to school (while working) for about 10 years. I have NO desire to do that again. But, I am wondering what I am going to do since I have been downsized. I am wanting to open a Doggie Daycare once I get my "retirement" money...but I am up in the air until then.

Anyway.....I didn't address my weight history. I'm a firm believer of WW....but know it is not everyone's cup of tea (it wasn't mine this time either). About 3-4 years ago, I did WW Online....it worked wonderfully! I had a website like this (and the Fit Day website)...was on track...lost 80 lbs, was doing great. BUT I was feeling so good about myself that I wanted to go out dancing with my best friend (my husband has no desire for dancing) so we started going out. NOT GOOD. I enjoyed myself, but started drinking...got off the wagon in more ways than one (wasn't intentionally on the wagon for drinking-it just happened).

Anyway, to make a long story short, I gained back all I had lost. All the cute clothes I was able to wear are too small for me again. :( !!! I tried going back on, but just couldn't do it. I thought that LA Weight Loss would give me the accountability that I was apparently needing this time. I started the Sunday after Christmas 2004-and was fine until my routine got screwed up because I was downsized from my job. Everything kind of fell apart in the weight loss department. I gave up around mid-February after my "routine" was torn apart.

After I came back from Hawaii, I was determined to start again....so I went in this Monday and met with Peggy. I have decided to make her MY counselor (having one steady counselor worked well when I was on the Weight Loss Clinic program-years and years ago-even though I ended up in the hospital for gallbladder surgery due to my eating - or lack thereof). So I am feeling much more positive about this.

The only OTHER thing I need to do is get back to the gym. So...since I am thinking of it...after I get done here, I am going to go get everything I need together and go tomorrow morning. The gym helped me alot last time (when I lost 80 lbs).

Yes-I too, have been on MANY diets...TOPS when I was in the 10th grade (we met during school)...Weight Watchers (many, many, many times-but only twice that was extremely serious where I stuck it out. Body for Life, Weight Loss Clinic/Trim for Life/NurtiSystem (same place changed their name that many times).

Anyway-I am hoping for the same support from this boards as I received from the WW board. I did notice that the CHAT rooms had no one in them...that was disappointing...but can't have everything.

For those people who live in the Portland/Vancouver (and Salem too!) area...it would be fun to actually get together sometime this summer and meet each other.

In case anyone is interested....the Oprah Show is having their "BOOT CAMP" lose weight for summer show tomorrow (Thursday).

Better go down now and get my gym stuff together if I want to go tomorrow (No More Excuses)

[solocat]

I think it's agreat idea to get together during the summer Sharon. I actually work up in the Wilsonville area and am up in PDX everyother weekend at my b/f's house. SO meeting somewhere up that way is a breeze!

I tried WW a long time ago also...when my oldest daughter was about 2. DId well on it, but then got pregnant again...and well, the rest is history! Tried the online WW and the e-Diets, etc, but I need face-to-face counseling (go figure since it's what I do). So far this is working, the few slip-ups have been all my own doing. But more determined than ever now...summer is coming!

[mandyd26]

Hey ladies-
Welcome Sharon. That would be fun to get together. I live across the river in Vancouver.

Tparra- I actually didn't exercise at all. I just joined the gym (24 hr fitness) a few weeks ago and I'm loving it. I'm trying to work out atleast 4 times a week. Doing 45 to 50 minutes of cardio and doing weights also. I have 7 pounds to go (back down to 156) and know that it will take some extra work to get this weight off and I also want to get toned.
I had a trainer a few years ago that really helped out a lot and what is great now is that I remember a lot of what he told me. It's nice though to have someone there to push you harder than you can push yourself, but I just can't afford a trainer again. Anyway, I will talk to you chicks later.

Mandy

[BARBARA123]

Done! :)
Good Going Indiana Girl - I'm originally from Elkhart - now living in Chicago -

This question is for anyone in the Illinois area - Has anyone ever come accross a "Healthy eating learning Center" I'm looking for classes or weight loss centers that focus on eating healthy and with demos.

any help would be appreciated.

Barbara123

[Star]

Barbara123 - In the Detroit area, I went to the hospital for a class called "Weight No More" it was all about healthy eating. I think it is called something else now but still offered here at the hospital.......you may want to call your hospital and ask.

[DaisyRN03]

:D Hello, Im DaisyRN, I have 3 children, 2 grown and on their own, one dog & cat! I can tell you that LAWL works, I joined years ago and lost 30 pounds and was 10lbs from goal weight when "life" came along and was not able to finish. I have 39 lbs to lose and I am a bridesmaid in a wedding June 25, and would like to look my best for the wedding and..... dress is tough to zip know d/to recent injury -have been unable to excercise and gained some weight since I had the dress....so, back to LAWL because I knew it would be a sure way ( If you stay on plan) to meet my short term goal ( fitting into dress w/out having to pay bridal shop to alter it!) then, long term goal of reaching my weight loss goal of 130! I start take off tomm and wed, then begin blue plan ( shift worker plan)on friday after weigh in!

I was so happy to find this sight....look forward to sharing our lOSSES together!

[textjewel]

HI Daisy! Glad that you found us! Most of our chick chatter is in the monthly thread - so come on in and join the fun!

Good luck with Take Off.

My experience so far is I'm almost down 40 pounds (39) and I have about 45 more to go.

Julie

[DaisyRN03]

Thanks Julie, and congratulations on your loss, that is awesome!!

[neennicole]

Hi! I am 19 and currently a full-time college student. I started on the LA weight loss plan about a week ago. I am 5'4 and my start weight was 193. So far I have lost 5 pounds bringing me to 188. I am on the purple plan and have gotten the assorted free box of bars. I have not yet received the sales pitch to convince me to buy the bars in bulk. Is buying them in bulk a good decision? I'm really excited about the plan so far and hope to continue to lose weight.

[textjewel]

Hi and Welcome, Neeni!

If you decide to buy the bars, buying them in builk is the best price if you can afford it - however they offered me three options - 1) for the weight loss(WL) weeks, 2) for the WL and 1/2 of the stabilization and maint weeks, and 3) for the entire WL and maint and stab weeks. I picked 1 - and it was for 43 weeks. Even at bulk rates (meaning 10$/for 7 bars, or 20$ for 14) - that was a lot of money. BUT if I hadn't bought the bars at bulk rate, I'd have paid full price and that would have been closer to 28$/week. Although, I have since found out that you can buy bars in sale prices occaisionally at the center.

Hope this helps, and join us in the monthly thread!

Julie

[twhitesell]

I just found the group and wanted to introduce myself. I have just joined LAWL and today is my first day on program. I am feeling excited right now about it and I hope to be able to keep that feeling up.

I am a mother of 1 DD and 1 DS and I homeschool them both. I also have a small bookkeeping business out of my house. We are involved in Scouts, Ball and lots of other things.

We eat out a lot and I am going to really try to get this under control a bit. I just went to the grocery store this afternoon and stocked up on fresh fruit and veggies. I have washed them and got them portioned out. I think for a while until I get used to the information that is how I will do it.

edited to add-I am 35; 5'4" and have 60 pounds to lose.
Tammy

[MNBanshee]

Hi, my name is Jill, I'm 32 years old and live in Apple Valley, MN (that's a Suburb of Minneapolis). I'm 5'3'' and started at 145lbs. I decided to go on LAWL because Diabetes runs in the family and I'd become quite overwesight for me. I've always been extremely active. I was in a Horseback riding accident, where a 3 year old Quarter Horse fell on top of me (caught the saddle horn in my pelvic bone), follow that up with a round of Steroids and depression and that equaled weight gain. I was completely at a loss on how to take off the weight, since I've never really had a problem before. So far I've lost 8 pounds in a month, I'm quite pleased with the results so far

[vibrantecho]

Hi Jill, and welcome! I'm in MN too - currently in Richfield but moving to Delano in a few weeks. Great job on your first month, and hope to see lots of you down in the monthly thread!

Fiona

[ruggie]

Hello, My name is Dori and I joined LAWL about 6 weeks ago. I'm 30 yo and have been married for 6 years. We have a very high energy 3 year old named Sophie. I live in Farmington Minnesota (southern suburb of mpls/stp). I work full time and go to school 1/2 time to complete yet another academic endeavor.
My start on LAWL has had a few hurdles as the purple plan they originally had me on put me into starvation mode because my days are so long and I exist on limited sleep. Once I changed to the blue plan the progress is starting to happen (with the exception of a minor OP incident while attending a graduation in DC a couple weeks ago).
I have been "stalking" this forum for a week or so waiting to have time to get set up. My friend Jill posted earlier and she joined around the same time as me so we have been trying to keep each other going. We are very excited we found this forum so we can exchange thoughts with other members and discover different ideas to help make the process a little less overwhelming.
I did WW last year and had pretty decent success until I decided to "live" a bit and gained 75% of it back. I found I became a master at manipulting the points to my carbaddict behaviors.
I have a very silly question, for some reason I can't figure out what the D stands for in DH :lol: I get the husband part just not the D which I assume might be an adjective of some sort :)

[vibrantecho]

Look at all my fellow Minnesotans coming out of the woodwork! Welcome Ruggie! Hope to see you soon and often on the monthly thread(s). :wave:

"D" would usually be "Dear" or sometimes "Darn" and occasionally" D*** as their actions warrant! :dizzy: Gotta love 'em anyway, right? ;)

Fiona

[Irishgirl]

Happy Thursday Chickies!!

First and Foremost a big welcome to the New LAWL Chickies!

Ok so I am bummed today, I didn't have the best weekend plan wise, and went to weigh In and was at 185.00, 6/10ths of a pound is what the Counsler said. Remeber I weighed myself, before my shower, with no clothing, and it was 182.00, so frusterated it wasn't back to that last night...

However, I have had two good days sticking to plan.

I have finally figured out my routine, and what I eat more of.

See Journal Thread..not going to post here..

My vent...

I started using the Luna Bars b/c I just cannot afford the LA Lites, and I had heard that the Luna Bars, are very much like the LA Lite bars. Well dumb me, I wrote in my journal that I had a luna bar, and she wasn't happy. Of course, I know the only real reason for her being upset is b/c they want us to buy their LA Lites, and not use a bar that is almost identical to theirs but a fraction of a cost. They are $.98 cents each, and that is much more affordable then spending $28.00 for a box of LA Lites. I was annoyed b/c the counslers should realize that we are already spending a good amount of money on the Program, and the food we buy. Our grocery bills have increased b/c my FI and I have completely different eating habits. Has anyone else had this kind of face off with a Counsler?

[carinoleo]

Hello I just signed up for LAWL yesterday and will begin my 2 days of the Take-Off juice tomorrow. I'm looking forward to starting this diet...lifestyle change...and I'm glad to have found this site. My goal is to lose 65 pounds which I feel is very reasonable. I'm 24, single and have no children...so I think I have no excuses to give up. :wave:

Any advice to this newbie? I really know nothing about LAWL but my aunt said it's a good program....thanks.

[912go]

I'm also pretty much a newbie. I started on friday. So far I am loving it. I really believe that this plan will work for me. Although, why is it, that even tho I stick to the plan, I am afraid I will see a gain on the scale? What causes this paranoia? :( I wish i knew. Well, gotta w.i. again tonight, so we'll see how it goes!!
linda

[OHmomof3]

Hello everyone,

My name is Donna and I'm 35 with 3 kids, 1 husband and 1 ex-husband, 1 dog and 2 cats. I went to LAWL in Nov. of 2002 I had great success lost 72lbs. and really had changed my lifestyle. I had been a stay at home mom for 8yrs, then decided to get a job(2 kids then). I started working at a furniture store in sales. Very shortly after starting this new job I found out I was pregnant which let me tell you was a big shocker!!! I was 3 months along and didn't even know it(i have always regularly missed my periods). I am a real fananatic about what I eat while I'm pregnant. Lots of protein, no caffeine, no nitrates (which is in every processed meat and lunchmeat there is), no red dyes and of course no smoking or alcohol which I don't do anyway, and the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong I'm no health nut far from it, I just wanted to do everything I could possibly do to make sure I had a healthy babies. Well needless to say I hadn't been doing any of these things in those 3 months. On Dec. 23 I went for a normal check up and found out the baby was no longer alive. My husband was the only one that knew. I didn't want to tell my other 2 children about it right before Christmas and have them forever associate Christmas with when they lost their little sister. So I went through the holidays as best I could then I finally went into labor on Dec 29th. I had to go through all the labor and pain just like my other babies but this time I didn't get a baby to cuddle and nurse and love after it all.I ended up losing that child when I was 6mos pregnant. It was devastating to me, I totally blamed myself and still do most days, even though everyone told me it was'nt my fault. I went into a depression stage that no one really knew I was in. I tried to get back on plan then found out I was pregnant again(6 wks after the mis-carriage). I was over joyed to be pregnant again. I needed a baby to love and hold. I totally threw all caution to the wind about calorie wise choices or how much I ate. All I could think of was, just get this baby into the world big and healthy then I can lose the weight, I did it before and can do it again. Well I acomplished my first goal, I had a healthy baby boy 10lbs 8oz. Nov. 5 2004.(my joy) But as far as the second goal I have steadily gained weight. I don't know why I was so completely motivated before (2002) and now I can't even get myself to go to LAWL. I know it works. I've decided tomorrow is the day. I'm going to the store today to get all the good foods I need. Then tomorrow I'm starting again. That's why I went looking for this web site. I need some support from fellow LAWL members. I know my intro may sound like I'm a depressed down trodden person, but I'm really not I'm usually a very upbeat fun loving person. I love humor and try to be funny myself. I was just trying to explain how I fell so far. I'm not even sure what I weigh now. I guess I will find out tomorrow when I weigh in(scarry!!!). I just need a buddy, need a buddy, need a budeeeee!!!! please.

[OHmomof3]

Irish girl,

I use genisoy bars, they are delicious and also about $.98. I have had a problem with my counsler with this same issue. I just stopped telling them about the kind of bars I use. Just that I had a bar. I know what you mean about the bars being so expensive and I don't even like them, too chewy for me.

Donna

[Cadressa]

Hello all I am new to the group. I am a 31 year old woman who lives in New Jersey. I am married with one child. I am currently enrolled in the LA Weightloss Program. I have been there for about a month and have lost about 16 poounds so far. I am 5 foot 2 inches tall, and weigh when I started 227 pounds. My goal is to be 125 pounds. That is where I feel the most comfortable at. I would love to go outside to walk but this heat lately has been brutal. I can't wait for it to get a little cooler again. Anyway, I will keep you guys posted with any new results as per my weightloss.

Good Luck Ladies! <>< <>< <>< ----------- CADRESSA

[Cadressa]

Hello Donna (OHmomof3). I agree that the bars are pretty expensive, but they are my safety net when I start to get food crazy. How have the Genisoy Bars worked with the program. Have you seen the same type of weightloss after you switched bars. I would like to switch as well. I tried to gather as much information as possible to compare but I found that nothing comes close to the LA Lites in terms of nutrition facts. How long have you been apart of LAWL? How many pounds have you lost so far? What color plan are you on? I have been going to LAWL for about 6 weeks now and have lost about 17 pounds. My starting weight was 227 and I would eventually like to get down to 125 pounds.

Please repsond as soon as you get a chance :-)
Thanks

[EweWho]

I have been lurking a while, reading as many of he posts as possible while absorbing as much information as I could so I wouldn't ask any questions that had already been covered. I've decided is time to introduce myself.

I'm Regina, live in Tulsa, OK (going on 10 years), am soon to be 55 (July) and am currently into my third week of LAWL. I am on the Red Plan with Lites. After half-heartedly giving lots of other lifestyles a try, I feel I have finally found one that is balanced and nutritious, which is what I've been searching for these many years. My contract loss with LAWL Center is 105 pounds, but I hope to continue on for at least a total loss of 140. I will make up my mind about that when I reach the end of my contract.

I have 9 grandchildren, 6 living in California, 2 living about 30 minutes away, and 1 that lives at home with us as well as his mama. I care for him while his mama works and goes to school.

I enjoy gardening, crafts of any kind, and needlework, primarily cross stitch, sewing, and knitting.

It seems that this group is very friendly and knowledgeable and I hope to integrate myself into it.

[kcreary]

I'm Kate, from Ontario, Canada! Just joined LAWL!
I'm almost 24 years old, single, still live at home! I like reading, going to movies, working out, bars sometimes, hanging out with friends, the usual! I have 70lbs to lose...and really want to lose it!

[alliesarang]

Man, everyone's in so WA. Anyone from Seattle??

Helloooo...I'm Allie. And I love LAWL!

I just turned 20 yrs old, I live in Philly during the school year and Seattle during the summer....and I've been fat my whoooole life. I have been able to lose, but never on my own. Just when I was shipped off to fat farms.

I joined in early February and I've lost 36 pounds to date (June 21st).

ummm...what else? I'm in college pursuing a degree in Education (ESL specialization). I'm a singer/songwriter and I play the acoustic guitar. I get up the nerve to do open mics every now and then. I've done a cappella for the past few years, that's another love of mine. AND most recently I started studying hip hop at the Koresh studio in Philadelphia...it's awesome that I can keep up the pace. Something I never could have done at nearly 250lbs.

Anyway. keep the faith everybody! I'm glad I found this board!

[debi d]

hello

I've been lurking for awhile just trying to get more info and put it into my lifestyle. I've just started LAWL (red) and am looking forward to losing more than just my mind these days.

I'm 38, have 7 children at home (combined family) and work full time. Eat all the time. I'm an emotional eater. Doesn't really seem to matter what the emotion is. Happy, sad, stressed, bored, unconscious.

I weigh 170 and don't like it much. I'm rather on the short side 5'4" in shoes and I'm on my way to losing 25 lbs. I'm wanting a breast reduction and as it happens, the surgeon would rather I loose 25lbs too. So, since I've been unable to loose this for the last 7 months on my own, I'm embarking on a new road.

Look forward to reading more and checking in with my future progress.

dd

[odirish]

I should have introduced myself before i posted. My name is Mary Ann and I have been with L.A. since April. To date, I have not lost anything. I am on the Gold Plan and I am scheduled to see a Dietician. I am 53, live in Pa. I am married with 3 kids, 1 still at home. I also work swing shift and have 1 weekend off a month.

Mary Ann

[cablegirl]

I am new here, I just started the 3 day xpress diet yesterday. I am going to go on the Gold plan when I am off this one, I like the food selection a little better then the rest. I am at 191.5, and would be happy at 150, but would love to be 140, like that will ever happen, LOL. Anyway. Anyone who has ideas or suggestions for me please help. I did not go to the center, but have the plan from ebay, it has pretty much of everything. How often do you guys exercise, etc? Thanks and look forward to being a BIG LOSER, with everyone...

Karen

[MetalChic]

Welcome CableGirl! You will be Karen #3.... There is me and RustyWallaceFan. Come over to the monthly thread!

[~Rissa&Lilly'sMommy~]

Hello :) I am Crystal and I am 29. I am 5'9" and have a large frame. My starting weight is either 243 or 242?? I was married for almost nine years until my ex left me and our wonderful girls (ages 5 and 1) at Walt Disney World last may. It was devastating but we have moved on and our divorce was final in September. Since then he has lost weight and I continued to gain. He decided to take the kids for two weeks and it is KILLING me!! I miss my babies and since they were gone and I don't work during the summers (get to that in a minute), I decided to join LA Weightloss. Well, that was last week and I have lost 4-5 pounds so far. My goal is 175 and I pray that I can be that by my 30 birthday.

I work at the university as a secretary on a nine month contract, which means I am of during summers. However, I still get the crappy pay and benefits through the summer. As I said, the pay is bad but I do get to go to school for free so it makes up for some. I am learning to be a single mom and so far it is ok. I need to lose the weight so I can feel better about me. And I have started to walk two miles around my neighborhood. It is a great time to think. I am actually enjoying it but I do need to get some better shoes and will do that tomorrow.

Well, enough for now. Good luck to all!!

[henrygirls]

Another new person here!

I am Michelle (age 37) and have successfully lost 35 lbs on LAWL in 2002 (after DD#2 before DS). I really believe this diet works and have seen the results when I stick to the program!

In 2004, I gave birth to #3 (DS) via c-section and moved from NJ to England with the entire family when he was 8 wks old. DH had already started working in the UK, so I was left to shut everything down, sell the house and coordinate the move while pregnant with a 3yo and 4yo. Looking back, I also had vertigo problems which I thought would be solved by EATING --- so I ate and ate and ate and ate....... I ended up gaining over 55 lbs; but baby and I were both healthy.

I now have my head around the idea of living in a foreign country and the baby is also 1 year - so it is now time to focus on me. I know that this will be my last baby - so I am ready to get my body in shape before I turn 40.

I currently live over 3 hours from a center (yes, there are centers in the UK); so at least I can get the bars however I don't get the support - that's where I am looking to you ladies!

Jan 2 '05 - 193

Jul 4 '05 - 170.5

short term goal - 155 by Sept 5 (in time for a black tie)

Goal -- 135

So excited to have found this board!

[Mom_of_3_Monsters]

Hi :wave:

My name is Norissa. I am 33 years old. I live outside of St Louis Missouri. I have been married to the man of my of dreams for 11 1/2 years now, we have 3 beautiful children DD 8 1/2, DS #1 5 1/2, DS #2 4. (yeah, I know I am corney ;) )

I have always had some sort of issues with weight, in high school I wasn't exactly thin, but I was happy enough with myself ... then I started college and being out more on my own and eating lots of fast food ... so I quickly gained 30 lbs. Then came married life, which actually I hovered around 165, and me being only 5'3 is pretty chunky, but then again I do have a big frame, and I held my weight somewhat good. Then came preg ... it was between #1 and #2 that all my weight came on ... (I had 2 miscarriages and lots of depression) I reached 200 after my 2nd was born, and that is where LAWL comes into play, I had dramatic results with it I went from 190 down to 140 in 8 months, but we had another surprise blessing on the way, and I put back on about 35 lbs, and kept it for the past 4 years ...

So here I am once again, pulling out all of my old info and trying to get the motivavtion to get the results I had 4 years ago (gosh has it really been 4 years?)

Norissa

[firmingdi]

Hello all. I joined LAWL on Saturday. Just did the Express Take off on Sunday and Monday and started the Gold Plan today. I'm 5'7" and about 186# and plan to lose 30#. I've been trying to lose weight the last couple years and just have had no success. I'm hoping this will help me. If I can get down to 155 again I may even want to lose more, but it's been so long since I've weighed that I don't know what it looks like anymore.

Of course I went in after a day of the Express and it wasn't down yet - of course it would be that TOM week to kick off the weight loss. Hopefully, it will be better when I go in on Thursday.

More stats - I'm 35 years old. Have three boys. Married. Work full time. Looking forward to losing this weight once and for all.

Diane

[staceyd]

Hi there! I joined LAWL 9 weeks ago and am happy to say that I've lost 18 lbs! I'm currently breastfeeding my 6 mth old DD and NOT using the lites so they put me on the red plan (red plus? I get an extra starch and fruit everyday.) Once she starts eating more solid foods, they'll change my plan (any day now . . . sigh.)

I'm 5'10" and want to lose another 52 lbs (to put me at 180.) I remember feeling fat in university at 175 lbs but I look at pictures now and would kill to look like that again! After just losing this 18 lbs I feel soooo much better about myself - I can't imagine what losing that much will feel like.

A little bit about me . . . I've been married for 10 years next month and have 3 kids. I'm on maternity leave until January but I was working in social services.

I've been lurking for a few days now and thought I'd join in. I hope I can keep up with the July thread - you guys move fast!

[firmingdi]

welcome staceyd! 18 pounds in 9 weeks is great. I would love that!

[nissa]

Hi.
My name is Nissa. I am new here to the forum and website.

I started LAWL May 15th and have lost 23 lbs so far and 9 inches. I have 77 lbs to go. I am glad I found this forum. I like the individual support and attention from the counselors at LAWL, but it would be nice to have others who understand the program, struggles, and SUCCESS to talk to.

[staceyd]

Welcome Nissa and congratulations on your loss!

Stacey

[Snactuary]

Hi all, I'm new. My name is Sarah, I'm 30 - and I live near Dallas, TX. I recently got married (April) and am enjoying married life. I have been struggling with my weight for the last several years. My first attempt at weight loss was with WW - and I lost 22 pounds and was within a couple pounds of my goal of 148 (I'm 5'6") - when I threw in the towel. I attempted to rejoin WW several times over the years - never with any luck - because of my head, not because of their program. With an upcoming wedding, I joined WW one last time back in December - again with no luck. At the same time, my step-mom had joined LAWL back in September - she and I are the same height, and had the same amount of weight to lose. She reached her goal of getting to 140 by January - and has been maintaining every since. So - in March - seven weeks before my wedding - I joined LAWL. I lost almost 15 pounds before the wedding - they had to take my dress in :), but after I got back from the honeymoon, my heart wasn't in it anymore - no more looming deadline. I've been bouncing around the same weight ever since.

Today - I went to weigh-in, and asked them to set a new goal date for me (the original has already passed). I weighed in today at 165.2. My starting weight was 175.8. My goal is 139.0. So, I have 26.2 pounds to lose, and my new goal date is October 20th. I would really love to do it by October 1st - but I'll be happy just to be almost there by that date.

I am hopeful that having this forum as a place to check in every day will really help to motivate me. Any suggestions to a newbie on the forum? Are there places to match up with a buddy?

Thanks,
Sarah in TX

P.S. I'm on the Gold plan.

[10/30/2005 Update] Hi all - I've been gone for a long while, and in the meantime have gained all my weight back (and then some). I am really disgusted, and not sure what to do from here - so I'm thinking of giving this a fresh start starting either tomorrow or Tuesday (see - I'm so wishy washy!). My goal this time is not to be so 'perfect' and just to be 'better'. I weighed on my home scale this afternoon, and it read 179.1 - which is higher than when I originally started LAWL. At this point, I'd be happy to lose just 15 pounds and hold steady for a while. Also - my hubby and I are trying to conceive our first child - so I'll need to transition from dieting to just plain healthy eating when that happens - which shouldn't be too hard with this program.

[05/07/2007 Update] LOL - I'm laughing reading this - because little did I know - I was already knocked up! I think I found out a week or so after I posted this. I have a healthy beautiful daughter born 7/18/06. I'm weighing at home around 169 or so - probably 174 or so at the COD - will find out tomorrow when I check in again. I want to lose at least 10 lbs before we conceive again - hopefully more, depending on when it happens...

[Star]

Welcome Sarah - Just go to "LAWL Losers and Friends - July '05" and start posting, you will find alot of buddies there.. There are even some fellow Texans with us.....
See you over yonder.....

[ldwhitney4]

Hi all. My name is Lisa. I am a wife to a wonderfully supportive guy & mom to 4 kids (ages 18,14,14,5) I just started with L.A.Weight Loss after weighing (I don't keep a scale at home and weighed in at the doctor's) myself and realizing I was at my all time high. I knew I had to do something and after researching into the different weight loss programs- LA Weight Loss seems like the best choice. I can't wait to hear any and ALL advice!

[Star]

Welcome Lisa - You will find alot of good sound info on our threads and make some great weightloss friends.....

[nursegal81]

Hi, my name is Jeffin and I am new to your site. I am very excited about this forum and the new program. I am almost 24 years old and an RN in an ER. I am recently married and have to teenage step children. My husband and kids are very supportive of ALL my dieting antics. I have started a "new" diet every Monday for the past 1 year, hoepfully this will be the one. I lost 40+ pounds with Weight Wathcers and few years back, but have now gained back 50+ pounds. My husband and I are thinking about kids so I would like to be healthier before this happens.

I got too excited on WW about their "eat all the foods you love" slogan and did literally eat everything and more. I want to try something different and hoefully this will be the progam!! Like I said I am very excited & motivated!

[jorninsmama]

My name is Terry and I'm 37 years old. I work as a Telecom Consultant which means I sit on my butt all day with no physical activity. I have 2 great sons 12 & 6 as well as a fiance & soon to be stepson who is 14. Looking back I don't think I've been overweight my whole life. However, I'm 5' 11" and have felt "big" my whole life. I didn't start trying every program out there until I hit my 30's and after feeling like a failure on every one of them decided to really look into some programs before jumping in. LAWL looked like the one with the most accountability and structure without depriving myself. It also helped that my doctor told me that it was a really great program and a healthy way to lose the weight. So, here I am. My first day on the program was last thursday. 08/04/05.

I've been lurking for a while now and am excited to help support and see all of us meet our goals!!!

[slimmerKim]

Hi - my name is Kim and I am 34 years old. I have 3 kids (5 1/2, 4, 1) who are currently fighting on the floor right here in front of me - school starts next week - YAY!

I have struggled w/ my weight my entire life - was a chubby kid. I lost 50 lbs on Jenny Craig 10 years ago, then gained some back and lost 30 lbs on PhenFen - then I met my husband and gained a little back.

I've had 3 kids in 5 years, and now I'm DONE! So time to get healthy and lose the weight.

I joined LAWL on June 8th and after a terrible initial experience (sales tactics, etc), I am now thrilled with it. As of today I've lost 19 lbs and 10+ inches. This is all without the bars - when they claimed I'd only lose 1 lb a week rather than two. I'm now averaging 1.89 lbs per week :)

I am 5'1 and my stats are:
165.8/147/125

[jmpike]

I'm Jenn and I'm new (started yesterday) to LA Weight Loss. I'm kind of a computer geek, but have never really used a message forum like this, so hopefully I won't mess it up too badly.

I'm a Domestic Engineer (stay-at-home-mom) and have about 100 pounds to lose. LA Weight Loss has to help 'cause I just paid out a ton of money! :)

Yesterday was my first Take Off day and I did all right. I only had trouble when my hubby decided to eat strawberry ice cream in front of me. But I still stuck to my plan. I just got a bit cranky with him.

Here's hoping that support here and elsewhere will make losing weight a little easier.

[billie31]

My name is Angelica Im 31, have been married 4 yrs, no kids. I have chosen to change my body because I do want children, I want to be as healthy as I can be. I am a fast food junkie I am a picky eater, of course this has to change. Ive been on LAWL for 4wks, Ive done WW in the past It help me get down from 299 to 250 but I stopped going & started in with all the bad habits, I gained back 30, was not feeling good health wise. All this is my motivation A baby and feeling healthy I hope I can go all the way. :)




http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/tulip-bar/slider-but3/lb/280/150/271/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[joanwildest]

Hi! I have been doing LAWL since mid-April and have lost 34 lbs. I have 24 more to go and my goal date is Oct 29.

I am very pleased with my results (I HAVE NOT been using their bars or supplements, much to their dismay! :lol: ) And the slow down I see is when I stray from the plan. I have had a lot of friends visiting this summer and going out to eat every day for 3 days straight has stalled me several weeks. And I haven't really been gorging myself - has me concerned when I reach maintainence that I will always be limited to 1100-1300 cals/week?!

Anyway, I'm pleased I found this forum because I really need to focus and lose the last bit before my goal date, so I can 1) get my refund and 2) prove to them that their foods don't make a bit of difference in weight loss success, it's just a way to make money.
Joan

[Wrigley]

This is the start of week 2 on LAWL and I am sad to say that the 2 lbs, that I lost appeared again. They gave me some tips, but anyone else got any for me?



http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar027/yinyang01/lb/274/180/274/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[Wrigley]

Mary

Thanks for the quick response. Yeah I am eating everything I am suppose to be eating, it is hard cause we have eaten out a lot in the last couple of days and I eat out at lunch everyday, but usually and really it is most of the time, I eat a salad at lunch.

I got the Slim Downs today to see if that helps me out when I am at work. I am getting all my water in and barely drinking any caffine(almost none).

I totally had a break down at the center today for my visit. I think that the counsler thought i was a nut case.

Oh by the way for the rest of the forum...I am 28, married for 3 years and have 2 dogs. We moved to the Cleveland area in November for our job only to find out 3 weeks ago that they are moving the HQ to Chicago (where we just came from). we decided that we are staying here since we love our house and like it here.

I have been heavy since about the 4th grade from what I remember. I remember being the first girl in the class with boobs. I finally decided that it was time to lose the weight and I have tried just about everything. Finally here is where I am at.

Hoping to get a lot of support from 3FC Forum.

Dawn

[auditgirl]

Dawn-I eat out for lunch nearly every day at work too and have lost 68lbs in about 11 months. I just make the best choices I can, low fat dressings on the side and grilled chicken or fish. I also will get the fresh vegetable or a baked potato and since I get my fat serving eating out, I usually don't use any at home. You can lose weight on this plan while eating out, that's why i like this plan so much, I really didn't have to alter my life, just my choices ;-)

[Wrigley]

Thanks so much for the advice.

[Leah AU mom]

I am so glad I found this site. I am so encouraged by reading the effort so many of you are putting forth in your weight loss.

My name is Leah, and I am 34. I have three children 8, 6 and 2. girl, girl, boy.
They are truly a blessing, and I have a DH--married 12 yrs.
I did LA weight loss and was successful and reached my goal, and I felt great!!!!!!!! However, stupid me did not stick to maintenance and I have now gained 20 lbs. THat's right I gained 20 lbs. I could kick my self!!!!!!!!! Instead of paying LAWL again, I'm going to do this on my own, and God's help. I'm so glad I found this site because I'm encouraged by all of your experiences and challenges. I ordered some LA lites on Ebay since I'm not going to the center, and after reading what many of you said about the Luna bars, I think I'll try them.
Looking forward to being challenged and encouraged by this group!!!!!!!!!
Leah

[MetalChic]

Leah, How much did you lose the first time on LAWL?

[bunaybunnie]

hi everyone, my name is yvonne. i am 21 years old and i am married with 2 kids, 2 1/2 and 1. both boys. i went to la weight loss to get my body back to 125, i don't know if ill ever see that again but im gonna try. i look foward to talking to you all. good luck, http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/img/bar061/slider-pig/lb/151/125/144/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/weight-tracker/index.php)

[shennie_97]

Hi everyone, I joined a little over a week ago and I am sooooooooooooooo happy to find this website and all the support here.

I feel a lot better about my decision now

I am 26 and live in Indiana. My goal weight is 155, but I have told myself that I will see how 155 looks on me and might go further, but i wanted to set a goal.

I have an 8 year old son ( and before he was born i swear I could eat whatever I wanted). I will be starting a new job on Monday and thank GOD my last day at my old one was Thursday :D

I am alos a graudate student wokring on my second master's degree ( can't afford to pay back the loans so I have to stay in school)


I am really glad to find so many real success stories and so much support


Hi everyone

[T2 RITZ]

I just joined LAWL on 09.13.05. The upfront enrollment fee was a little heafty, but I needed to give myself a kick in the butt. I'm normally the type of person who exercises regularly and eats healthy the majority of the time, but the last two years of my life have been so hectic that I fell off the wagon and gained 30 pounds. I bascially joined to be held accountable. I'm glad I found this web site. I picked this Thread because it seems to have the most bites. I have some questions and concerns with the program. Hopefully all of you wonderful people will help me out.

I've gone to my first three appointments. I've done the juice and I'm on the GOLD PLAN. Is anyone else on this plan? I also opted to take some of the supplements. I normally don't take things like this, but I'm going to Hawaii on October 19th and I wanted to lose the bulk of my weight by then. The counselor told my I was eligible to take all of the products. I already take a multi and calcium daily, so I didn't get those, but I did get the Xcel, Reduce Plus, FB500 and Carb Enders. I've been on them for three days now, and I'm starting to feel jittery and light headed. Has anyone else taken the supplements? Can I please get a heads up? I'm feeling obligated to take these because they cost so much. Any advice?

I also was bit shocked on my third appointment when I was hit with the cost of the LA Lites. I wasn't given too much information about these on my first two visits, except they help curb your appitite, provide you with protein and taste good. I was given a sample box on my second visit, along with a coupon to purchase more in bulk on my next visit. I was told it was cheaper to buy in bulk, but I wasn't given any costs. When I got to my third appointment (3.4 pounds lighter than when I started-YEAH!), I was given the LA Lite package information. WOW!! I've already dumped $400 for the start fee and $160 on supplements. I told the counselor that I needed to discuss this new cost with my husband. She did extend my coupon for two more days, but I'd like to get some info. from everyone on the LA Lites.

My husband feels I don't need them. I mean I did just join the program to get a kick in the butt to do what I already know how to do. I'm not sure if the LA Lites are really necessary. I left the appointment feeling obligated to buy a package. The counselor told me to tell my husband that this would be the last cost. I need some help. I've tried a few of the bars, and they are good but I'm looking for other on the go alternatives.

In need of advice!

[shennie_97]

Hello and welcome. i am not an expert bcause i just started my third week, so you will probably gte better advoce from the seasoned veterans on here, but i knowthat mnay people have opted to use LUNA bars instead of the lites because they are basically the same thing. Or you can look on ebay and try to buy the lites...but if you don't do the lites, you get a different plan I am pretty sure.

I myself didn't know about the luna bars until it was to late, so I paid for my program stabilization and half of maintenance already. i had been debating on what I would do after maintenance, but I am pretty sure thatI won't keep using the lites, unless i find a great sell on EBay just because after doing the math I realized that if I but the other 6 months of lites, I would be spednign more than my rebate would be anyhow, so I will probably do a reality check when I hit that point but for right now I think that if I maintain for 6 months, I'll be fine andI will probably move over to the luna bars just to have as needed.

I wrote down the ingredients to alot of the supplements on my visit last week and went down the street to vitamin world and found the same stuff for way less money, so you might want to rethink paying them 160 every month or two whenyou can probaly go to your local nutrition store and get what you need. Especially since you have the bottles, they shoul be able to find a perfect fit for you.

Don't let yourself get pressured into spending more than you can afford, because then you will end of being upset and hating to see the people who "suckered" you in and you don't want to hate each time you have to walk in there.

It is really sad that there are soem centers who don't explain the price of the lites upformt. My center didn't tell me the bulk price but I did know the regular price was $30 per box, so I was prepared for the sticker shock.

Good luck and the people on here are wonderful, they have healped me tremedously.

Also as far as the supplements, i am taking a supplement that increasing matabolism and you take it three times a day before you eat ( I think that is almost like the Excel) and I made a mistake and took one thinking I was about to eat, but got busy and I felt terrible (jittery, sweating etc), so I called my doctor and her told me that that was normal sinc eI hadn't aten right away but to not make that a habit...just FYI

[T2 RITZ]

Thanx for the information. I was wondering if I could please get the nutritional informatoin on the LA Lites from someone who is or has used them (i.e. calories, fat grams (saturated, unsaturated, trans, etc.), carbs, protein, etc.). I've been trying to find a copy of a label on-line with no luck. This way I could possibly compare before my visit.

[shennie_97]

All I like are the lemon ones and I am not sure if each flavor is different, but for lemon

Serving size 1 bar (47g)

Calories 190
Total fat 4.5g
Saturated fat 3g
Cholesterol 5 mg
Sodium 55 mg
Potassium 40,mg
Total carbs 30g
Dietary fiber 0g
Sugars 18g
Protein 8 g

[textjewel]

Hi Ritzy (hope you don't mind me calling you that)

You don't have to buy the lites AT ALL -- what they will do is move you to the next higher food plan -- this is what Karen/Metalchick did -- she stayed on the purple plan until she reached maintainence, which she's been on for the past few months. I imagine that you're doing gold?

Personally, I dont do any of the supplements at all. Most of us don't.

However, the standard plan doesn't include any sweet treats at all, so I use the lites for that. I do substitute luna bars frequently for the lites - even though I bought the lite package up front. Yes, it's a lot of money, and I wish I'd found the chicks here before I plunked down the money.

Come join us on the monthly thread - that's where most of us hang out..

Julie

[Repo girl]

My name is Katie, I'm from Idaho. I am 28 years old, three kids, ages 5, 4, & almost 3. By day I own and operate a Childcare/Preschool Center from my home. I have smewhere between 10-15 children each day. By night, my husband and I are reposession agents. We repo mostly cars and trucks. I was always the thin kid in my family growing up. My sisters, mom, grandmas, aunts, and cousins were all on the heavy side. When I was 19 I got engaged to my high school sweetheart, and went on birth control pills. By the time I got married a few months later, my dress size had gone up two sizes. When we were on our honeymoon, we were involved in a car accident in L.A. I came home hurting all over. For months the pain got worse, until I went to the doctor. After extensive testing by a specialist, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. For a fews years after this, it hurt me too much to exercise, and the weight just kept on coming. By the time I popped out 3 babies in 3 years, I had gone from my college weight of 117, to 218. I have been with LAWL for 4 weeks now, and have lost 12 pounds. I want to get down to 130, and back to a size 8, rather than the 18 I am in now. Since I am only 5'1, with a small frame, I believe that I can attain this goal. I am excited to be a member of this forum. I need the support, and hope that I can offer some of my own to all of you!

[MetalChic]

Welcome Katie!

We all have similar stories. I'm sure you can make your goal; just stay focused on your goal and you will make it.

Come on over to the monthly thread; we are chatting all the time about LAWL, life, and our own demons.

[deetsmom]

MrsBeannie, your stats are awesome...Im sure you will make your goal, congrats!!!

[emmysmom]

Hi everyone! I'm new here, but I have been reading the posts for the past month or so. I joined LAWL on Aug 18th. I had been on the plan before, then I got pregnant. My daughter is now 18 months old and I decided that it was time to lose the extra weight. I started with a goal of 41 pounds to lose. So far I have lost 14.2. The plan worked really well for me a few years ago and it's working for me again. I need the accountability...that seems to be the only thing that gets me going. I also want to be a positive influence for my daughter. It's really great to have her see me eating veggies and exercising. I want her to grow up with all of this being very routine for her. Anyway, I'm done babbling now. You have all been a huge inspiration, even though you didn't even know it. I look forward to chatting with you all.
Tina

[glasgow314]

Hello, My name is Brandy and I am 22 years old. I live in White Oak, Texas. I am a student at The University of Texas at Tyler. I am a elementary ed major. I will be done in May and hopefully find a job. I am really excited. I love children but have none of my own. I got married on Dec 29, 2001. My husband works in the oil field. I just joined LAWL two weeks ago.

[dee in az]

Hello,

I am 34 years old, I am 5'5" and I currently weigh 171. My lean body mass is 125, currently (the weight of my non-fat). My fat% is roughly 27%--my goals is to hit 12-14% (whatever that weight ends up being). My guess is that it will end up being about 132, or so.

I work in HR for a major retailer, which means I have some really irregular hours--and alot of stress. So, when work gets busy, I am not on this board frequently. :dizzy: I do try to catch up whenever I can.

I grew up on a farm in West Viriginia, went to school there and promptly moved to Arizona. After moving out on my own, I started a 10-year trend of gaining more and more weight every year--adding on more and more weight as my jobs got more and more stress oriented.

I attempted to control my gain problem by doing Atkins for a year or so...I lost almost all of the weight I wanted to...and then promptly gained it back in 6 months. I believe that that diet really played some nasty tricks on my metabolism. My weight gain was incredibly fast after I left Atkins, compared to the calories that I was eating.

Then my world changed...I got engaged in May 2004 (weighing over 210 pounds) and swore that I would be back to my normal zone of weight when I got married. (Not just for the pictures/wedding...but more because the weight loss would be a outward indication of better balance in my life).

So, my goal for the last 6 months has been BALANCE--spending a little less time at work...spending a little more time on me and, of course, my fiance. ;)

Starting in March 05 I started focusing on making sure I had a long and healthy life with my husband-to-be. I started out on Weight Watchers and I lost 20+ pounds...but I "broke" the diet. I started to find ways to have exactly what I wanted and I was eating exactly what I wanted in one meal a day...but still within my points for the day.

Realizing that I needed something that dictated a balanced diet, I came across LAWL and started to doing alot of reseach. I began LAWL in August. I started out following the diet to the letter of the law, because I needed the discipline to get in the right frame of mind.

As I progress, I am doing more and more research on diets/exercise. The more I read, the more I modify what I am doing (so instead of "breaking" the diet, I am modifying it so that it gets me where I want to go). I still consider that I am doing LAWL...though not through a center...but I am focusing on more than the basics of the plan.

I focus on eating appropriate amounts of calories (switching from 1200 to 1400 calories every other week, to keep my metabolism going and not adjusting to hit plateaus) and watching my weight loss and adjusting my exercise routine to boost my metabolism when I notice stalls. I have also gotten away from eating protein bars and have supplemented the caloric and nutrient intake with other foods. I am keeping myself motivated by reading alot about nutrition/natural cures, etc.

To date, I have lost 17 pounds on LAWL since August (2 1/2 months). I currently weight 171, so I have quite a way to go to hit my goal of 132 by my wedding.

More realistically, however, I would like to be/look healthy and happy for my wedding.

As long as I keep on track with what I have been doing, I am going to be happy with my results by March 20, 2005--when we are getting married on a beach in Maui.

I just try to keep in mind that this diet goes one bite at a time and I try to make good decisions that don't negatively impact my goals (be it balance or weight loss).

I wish you all luck and discipline in reaching all of your goals.

-Dee

[slimdreams]

Hello ladies!

I have lurked long enough, and decided this is the forum for me. Everyone seems so down to earth and supportive. So here goes my bio: My name is Kisha. An earlier post I misspelled this as Kisa, so I apologize. I am just turning 27, and have struggled with weight since 22, when I started on clomid to reverse annovulation, and get pg with my now 3yr old daughter. I had complications with the pg, and got gestational diabetes. My weight shot from 195 to 242. Before I did clomid I was 150. Anyway, she was 10lbs, early at that, but I still lost all the weight by breastfeeding. When she was 9 mos, I got pg again on our own. I got to 236 this time. Still lost all the weight by 3 mos. I started slim in 6 in oct.04, and got down to 184-186, and in a size 13, some 12's. It's been a year, and I'm now at 182, but sometimes will hover at 185-186. My eating wasn't good. So, my sil lost weight with lawl, so I figured I'd give it a try. My habits are eating late, snacking, eating out, no breakfast or lunch sometimes. So, lawl will show me how and what to eat, and I like that. I will not give up, I am going to get back to 150. I'm only 5'3 with shoes on, but with all the inches lost, I don't look over 160(so they tell me!). Anyway, I've talked a bit with Shennie on here, and I've decided to join you all. I hope to get to know you all.

[Naughtyangel]

Hello My name is Felicia.

I just joined LAWL yesterday and I am looking forward to getting all this weight off once and for all. I am 28 years old, married and we have an 8 year old son. I gained most of my weight from pregnancy but after having him and dealing with the day to day life I guess you can say that food has just become a good friend.

My highest weight ever was 267 lbs and in May of 2005 I decited to make some changes. I started dieting but not exercising and I lost 45 pounds. I am no longer as motivated as I was and I just can't seem to get with it. So I decited to get some help because I am so tired of starting programs and not finishing them or not getting the results I should.

I think LAWL is the lifestyle change for me and I am sure I will kick butt. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

[Sallydallydo]

Hi all! Guess I ought to introduce myself. I'm Sally, 37, former teacher and now stay-at-home mom in Tennessee to a 13-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son with Asperger's (a form of autism). Once upon a time, I was a skinny mini who could eat whatever and never gain weight. Boy, are those days over! When I got married I weighed 110 lbs. I'm 5' 2" and have a small build. After two big babies (8 1/2 lbs and 9 lbs), I went up to a size 12 (from a size 7-9), but when my son was about a year old suddenly my weight started to balloon. At my heaviest, two years ago, I was 186. That was while I was caring for my father when he was dying from lung cancer. I am a stress eater. I began watching carbs and lost down to 176, but have been stuck there since. I've lost 5 lbs in my first week and a half with LAWL and I am thrilled!

I appreciate all the support and advice y'all have given me so far. This board is definitely a blessing!

[Chklithunder]

Hi Sally and welcome! Congrats on your quick loss thus far. I love TN! We were in Pigeon Forge 2 years ago on a cabin getaway. The mountains and trails in TN are so beautiful.

[DestinyS8]

Hi all! My name is Nancy. I just found you today and love what I see. I started LAWL 2 weeks ago and so far have lost 5 lbs. I have played with losing weight for years and decided it was time to get serious. A friend of mine (male) did LAWL and saw great success. He has been at goal weight for over a year. Anyway, I am in sales and sit way too much! Eat out way too much and just cannot seem to stay motivated. Can't wait to talk to all of you....this seems just what I have been looking for!

More info: Married 9 years to Craig--met in the Air Force and have known him for 17 years. Have 1 son who is 15 (great kid!) Other than my weight, I am a happy person--would like to be a thinner, happier person!

[lucky_me]

Hello everyone!

My name is Kristina and I am 20 years old. I just started LAWL almost 3 weeks ago and I have lost almost 13 pounds so far. (I am sure most of which was water weight.) I really do like the program so far... I would like to get down to 165, I have about 40 pounds left. I thought this forum would be a great motivator- everyone seems so nice, encouraging and full of information. Hope to get to know all of you soon!

[shennie_97]

:welcome: lucky. come over to the monthly thread and join us there and meet the rest of the chicks

[cnt0418]

Hello,

I have been reading and posting on LAWL Friends and Losers for about a month and then took the time to look around and found this. Let me introduce myself. My name is Nikki, I live in Idaho. I have been married for 8 1/2 yrs and I have 2 kids. My daughter is 9 and my son is 1 1/2. I work part-time (30 hrs wk) and go to school part-time. My husband owns his own business. We are pretty busy people :dizzy:

I started LAWL a little over 4 weeks ago and so far have lost 11 lbs. In high school I had gotten down to a size 7 and was happy with that. I got preg with my daughter and gained about 50lbs but lost that fairly fast since I was so young. When I got married we ate out a lot and i finally ended up at a size 20. YIKES!!!!!! After a few years struggling with an unstable marriage and a stressful job, my husband and I split up for about a yr. Durning that time I dropped about 40lbs. We got back together and I got preg with my son and still maintained the weight pretty well. Then I stopped watching what I was eating and have gained some of the weight back. I finally decided that I wanted to be lighter and needed some help to do this-- so here I am. I really do like this forum, I think that I get more support here than at the ctr- even though I have had good luck there. Everyone has good ideas and is soooo supportive. :smug:

[mentul77]

Hi! My name is Melanie, I am 24 (25 in December). I have been married since the middle of May and I am a sales/use tax accountant in East Tennessee.

I joined LAWL on 10/18 and have lost just over 16 lbs as of 11/11. I knew I needed to lose weight but the final straw was when I couldn't fit into a formal dress I bought last year and hadn't had the chance to wear. I finally had the chance and it was too tight, very upsetting.

My husband is very supportive but has a hard time eating what I'm eating, I'm trying to get him there so it isn't quite as difficult on me.

I am on the red plan with the lites, I got the 10 week bulk and don't know whether I'm going to keep them after that is up. I know they help w/ my sweet cravings but I just get so tired of the few flavors that I like.

Good luck to everyone and I'm glad I found this site!

[Rockstar11]

I just have to start by saying that since joining LAWL a week ago I found this website and have been inspired by everyone here. You ladies are truly amazing. A little about me, just turned 24 last friday and am originally from NJ. I have been living in Las Vegas for 6 years. I will finish my MPA this summer and am currently working as the Director of Development for the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. My mom did LAWL a few years back and absolutly loved it, so for my birthdya this year I decided to make a change. I look forward to many interesting conversations and a great support squad!!

[shennie_97]

:welcome: rockstar

I just finished my MPA in August of '04, went back to school to get my MSW though so I still have another year until I am done with that. Great job though, I really couldn't finad anything i liked, that's why I went back to school.

Join us on the monthly thread

[LibraryGirl]

Hello everyone. I just registered today after "stumbling" upon this site looking for library recipes. I have to say, I am really impressed by how motivating everyone is! I'm please to join this great group. Anyway, I joined LAWL for the 2nd time in August. So far so good--I've lost 25 pounds and ten pounds away from my initial goal. But honestly I think I may make my goal a little lower b/c I could still stand to lose a few pounds. Anyway. I'm currently in library school in the DC area. I love LAWL and look forward to being a part of this group. I love the recipes by the way. Tried to make the pumpkin pie tonight. :-)

[Repo girl]

Hi Library Girl,
Welcome to the forum. Come on over to the Losers and Friends thread and meet everybody!! Katie

[fitgal2]

Hey

My name is Dana. I am 25 years old and a two time cancer survivor. I had Ewing sarcoma (bone cancer in 1996) and was diagnised with Leukemia (A.L.L philidelphia chromosomal positive) last december. I was attending teacher's college at the time of diagnosis. I underwent a Stem Cell transplant, my brother was a perfect match which is VERY VERY rare...He is my hero! So where I am at right now, I am about 10 pounds over my Ideal, i gain a good 20 during treatment, so I am trying to lose the last 10! I love this site and I come here at least once aday everyone is sooo awsome here!

[mahannamamma]

My name is Amber. I have been on LAWL for about 8 weeks. I have lost almost 10 lbs. but I am in desperate need if this support group I just happened upon! I have 3 kids and I am a SAHM. I am very, very busy.
I just read Dana's thread and I am so happy she is doing good! My baby had to have a Bone Marrow Transplant in Jan. of 2003 with her brother as a perfect match too! It is a miracle! She had a bone disorder called Osteopetrosis. She was in the hospital for 6 months w/ lots of complications. She was 4 months at the time and I didn't get to nurse her much and I was sooooo stressed out I gained about 20 lbs. on top of my baby weight! Now she is blind and I am still stressed out! I am here almost 3 years later trying my last resort to get it off. I love LAWL if I stick to it! I am hoping that this group will help me. I have already read some threads, and I feel a lot more motivated!
My life is so busy, I tend to throw things to the back burner when I am overwhelmed! I spent too much money to fail at this! I am so glad you are all here as inspiration to me! Amber

[diamonds_n_pearls]

Hello, everyone! This seems like such a wonderful group! May I join you?

I just joined LA Weight Loss on Novembe