First name: Jacqueline

Geographical location: Dallas-Fort Worth Texas

Age: 27 (about to be 28 in two weeks!)

Marital Status: Long-term Relationship w/a fabulous red-haired guy

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Student (college senior): English/Secondary Education

Pets: None (although I really, REALLY want a dog!)

Hobbies/Interests: Computer games (Diablo III), reading, hiking, animals, retro clothing/design

Height: 5'8"

Eye/Hair Color: blue eyes/red hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 05/14/12

Starting Weight: 302.1

Present Weight: 301.8

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: [I have been fat so long (over 15 years or so) that it is hard to imagine ever being anything but fat. I tend to psych myself out with negativity and pessimism.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm trying to focus on overall health more than a particular number.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm a one-year ovarian cancer survivor. When I got diagnosed with Type IIIC granulosa cell ovarian cancer in the fall of 2010, it rocked my world. After surgery and finishing chemo at the end of March 2011, thankfully I am still here and grateful for every day!

First name: Ashley

Geographical location: California

Age: 23

Marital status: married

Children/ ages: Angelina 4 year & Lilyana 7 months

Occupation: stay at home mommy & new college grad

Pets: none

Hobbies/interests: crafts, reading, spending time with kids, hubby & friends.

Eye/hair color: green/ light brown (blonde at the moment)

Starting date of weight loss journey: this time... 5/14/12 (this is it!)

Starting weight: 305 lbs

Present weight: 291 lbs

Goal weight: 180 lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: not putting myself last... Realizing I deserve this.

Following any specific plan: just calorie counting. I was at 1200 but increased to 1350, because at 1200 when I plateau, I will have nowhere to go.

What is different in your weight loss efforts this time than in the past: honestly I can't really give that a definitive answer. I have just had enough... I'm unhappy with me and my body, Im uncomfortable, have no self confidence, I want to be healthy for my kids and hubby. This is it I will do this!!!

First name: Monica

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

Age: 41

Marital Status: Married - 20 years this year

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

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

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

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

Height: 5'9" (175.25 cm)

Eye/Hair Color: green/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Jan 2011

Starting Weight: 247

Goal Weight: 150

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

Following any specific plan: paleo

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

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

First name: Jenny, Jen

Geographical location: Grand Blanc, MI

Age:38

Marital Status: Happily Married

Children/Ages: CJ will be 13 very soon, and Emily is 5

Occupation: Health Education Specialist and Exercise Physiologist

Pets: Orange and white cat, Ozzie

Hobbies/Interests: Scrapbooking, exercise, reading, doing things with my kids.

Height:5'4

Eye/Hair Color: blue and blond

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: well it's an all the time thing.
Starting Weight: 275

Present Weight: 263

Goal Weight:160

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: emotions and immense stress

Following any specific plan:low carb

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:I want to do this, for my back and me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I was in a car accident last sept 2011. i have had 3 major surgeries, with the last to repair two ruptured discs.

First name: Tricia

Geographical location: Central Texas

Age: 45

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: 24 daughter, 19 daughter, 17 son

Occupation: I work in Human Resources for a school district

Pets: We have 2 doodles...one is a labradoodle and one is a muttdoodle....sweetest boys you ever saw!

Hobbies/Interests: I like reading, going to the movies, we used to love to go out to eat....now we love to try new recipes and go grocery shopping together

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: green / light brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 14, 2012

Starting Weight: 319.2

Present Weight: 267.2 (update 7-30-12, now 246)

Goal Weight: 190 (first goal, will probaly re-evaluate when I get there)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: self sabotage and exercise

Following any specific plan: P.I.N.K. Method

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have never fully committed to a life change before, this time I am going in it as a life change, not a diet. I have changed my behaviors.

Anything else you would like to share with us: My husband had a heart scare in September, 2011...so he is doing this with me. He has lost 87lbs. I have lost 52lbs (men suck, lol...they can lose it so much faster) I am doing PINK, but a modified version of it, I am not following their exercise....I go to a gym (but not often enough). I wish I could get more committed to the exercise....for me, the food part is easy.

First name: Amanda

Geographical location:Western New York

Age: 33

Marital Status: cohabitated for a billion years and FINALLY getting married in October.

Children/Ages: Daughter, just turned 1!

Occupation: clinical certified pharmacy technician

Pets: big dog, fat cat

Hobbies/Interests: photography and painting (finishing up my BFA, finally..), local history (huuuge history nerd!), hangin' out with the fam

Height: 5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: green/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: uh.. 1989! but really.. i've always struggled, but i've finally decided that being a poor example for my daughter in regards to physical health and emotional health is NOT acceptable. time to change.

Starting Weight: 270something

Present Weight: 268

Goal Weight: 180.. so far away.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: self-sabotage, for sure. and the fact that any time i feel ANY emotion, i stuff my face full of garbagey food.

Following any specific plan: i just joined a gym (oh, famous last words..) and am working with a personal trainer for 6 weeks. also, i'm using myfitnesspal to track my nutrition.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: my kid! now it's not just about looking better or fitting into clothes that i want to wear, it's about showing my daughter how to love herself.

Anything else you would like to share with us: i joined a forum (not 3fc) when i was pregnant with babybird - and was pleasantly surprised at how much support, advice, guidance, and useful information i got.. so i'm hoping to recreate the magic a little with my de-fatting adventure.

First name: Kim

Geographical location: Houston

Age: 28

Marital Status: single (recently broke up with my gf)

Children/Ages: 0!

Occupation: social worker

Pets: none - but I would love a kitty

Hobbies/Interests: I like to read and watch TV on Hulu!

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: blue eyes, short curly brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 3/17/2012

Starting Weight: 274

Present Weight: 261

Goal Weight: 147

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I have fibromyalgia and it makes it really hard to do a lot of intense cardio. Some days, I'm just really tired and in pain and it's hard to get up and go.

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers, low-fat, low-carb. I do a spin class twice a week and take two different dance/movement classes.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am holding myself accountable by being a volunteer at the dance classes - so I HAVE TO go, and I introduced myself to my spin instructor, so she keeps tabs on me. I have more motivation now, too - my doc recently diagnosed me with prediabetes & high cholesterol, and I'm on medications for both. I'm too young for that!! So I'm trying to regain control of my life.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Hmmm.... I would love to have a sense of community, because since I moved to Houston, I've felt very alone on this journey. Other than that, I'm excited to be a part of the 3FC community!

First name: Michelle
Geographical Location: Olympia Washington
Age: 20
Marital Status: single
Children: none
Occupation: unemployed, but trying to change that
Pets: a 2 year old black lab, a 5 year old shelter mutt (size XL) , a 4 year old black cat, two horses and more fish then I care to count (90 gal female Betta tank, 90gal with albino tiger Oscar, 20 gal tropical community tank and 4 male bettas in separate 5 gal tanks)
Hobbies/Interests: horses (minis, AQHA/APHA and ApHA) soccer, dog training, fish keeping, researching raw diets for my dogs/cat, keeping my dogs in top shape both mentally and physically
Height: 5'5
Eye/Hair Color: brown
Starting Date: today
Starting weight: 260
Current: same
Goal: under 150
Biggest hurdle to overcome: I'm an emotional eater, lazy and a procrastinator. I also very recently overcame depression and am so afraid that I'll go back to that place mentally.
Following any specific plan: I will be following a Paleo diet. Currently weaning myself off processed foods.
What is different this time: Everything. I'm no longer depressed and most importantly I am committed and ready for a drastic change. I am sick of not being able to do things I used to (I used to play soccer for a select team. I could run for 90 minutes, play the whole game, with no substitutions. I can't even jog a quarter mile anymore). Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend about how if we put as much research and control over our diets as I do with my animals we would be incredibly fit and healthy. Well, I plan on doing exactly that.

First name: Megan

Geographical location: Maryland

Age: 30

Marital Status: forever alone

Children/Ages: n/a

Occupation: teacher

Pets: cat

Hobbies/Interests: writing, reading, travelling, movies

Height: 5'3

Eye/Hair Color: blue/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 3-31-12

Starting Weight: 259.4

Present Weight: 227.0

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Maintenance. I successfully lost 80 pounds, then managed to gain it all back, plus some.

Following any specific plan: Medifast

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I want this to be the last time I have to lose weight.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Amanda

Geographical location: Southwest Virginia

Age: 32

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Christian 12, Haleigh 11, Noah 10.5months

Occupation: stay at home mom

Pets: 2 hermit crabs and a spoiled rotten pit bull named Jessie

Hobbies/Interests: crocheting, reading, fishing, gardening, Not that I actually have time to devote to any of these things lately, lol

Height: 5ft 5in

Eye/Hair Color: brown/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 5/28/2012

Starting Weight: 259.2lbs

Present Weight: 259.2lbs

Goal Weight: 150 lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: stress eating and soda addiction

Following any specific plan: counting calories and moving more

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: my health is being greatly affected. I am only 32 but feel much older due to joint pain etc.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have gained 20 pounds in the last year since my oldest son was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. I have stuffed my anxiety and fear and sadness about his condition with food. I also had a baby last July, and between taking care of the baby, and keeping up with my oldest's medical needs while also trying to keep my daughter from feeling neglected, I have had very little time left to take care of me. My weight is now affecting my knees and feet and I have heart palpitations and get out of breath so easily, I HAVE to take the time for myself to get in better health. The baby will be walking soon and I need to be able to keep up with him. I also need to be in better shape and be an example of healthy living for my kids.

First name: Elena

Geographical location: Houston, Tx

Age: 36

Marital Status: Never married

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Healthcare

Pets: 2 very energetic doggies

Hobbies/Interests: TV, movies, books and with my recent weightloss - travel!!

Height: 5'6" (used to be 5'7")

Eye/Hair Color: brown/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 9/8/11

Starting Weight: 386

Present Weight: 298.3

Goal Weight: 154

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: fear of the unknown, using food as a drug to self-medicate

Following any specific plan: calorie counting

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: The switch flipped in my brain. Not doing it this time because I know I'm suppose to but because I want to. Being kind to myself and acknowledging that this is a journey and there will be ups and downs. The most important thing is to just keep going no matter what.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have been morbidly obese for most of my life. The unknown still scares me, but I've reached a point in my life where the benefits largely knock out the fear. I've dreamed of being a healthy weight my whole life. I just know deep down in my heart that I am finally ready and I will do this.

First name: Mandi

Geographical location: Canada

Age: 33

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: Nada

Occupation: Teacher

Pets: Sadly don't have time for a pet right now.

Hobbies/Interests: Sewing, Sports, Cooking!

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Dark Brown Eyes / Currently a brunette, but I change my hair with the seasons.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Start of May 2012 I believe.

Starting Weight: I know I say 290 on my 3FC profile, but I might have even been a few pounds heavier.

Present Weight: 284

Goal Weight: 199 (I want to break the 200 curse!!)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Carbs! Fast Food! Staying active no matter what.

Following any specific plan: Nothing too specific, more fresh foods and less processed foods and drinks.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I had always been in the 270s for the longest time. I was shocked to see my scale tip over past 290 last month. I don't want to be in the 300 club this time. Realizing that my ultimate weightloss goal is going to take some time. I use to be under some magical illusion that if I worked out that somehow I would be magically supermodel sized in no time.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I had a heavy pop (Pepsi.. ) addiction for pretty much forever. I was drinking 2L of that nasty stuff pretty much a day a few years ago. It stopped being a treat every so often to being a daily part of my life. I slowly had to wean myself off of it. Caffeine withdrawals were the worst! I had splitting headaches for almost an entire week after I quit the stuff. I swore never again and surprizingly (for me) have kept with it. Despite the fact that there is pop everywhere I go (parties/dinners/work functions) I haven't touched the stuff in almost a year now. A big accomplishment I think. I am a water machine now, and feeling great because of it. I figure it was the start to my healthier me.

I stumbled on this website, lurked around a bit... Read a thread somewhere about how you know you need to lose weight, and a lightbulb came on. Or actually it was more like a 2X4 to the head... So my first act as "non-lurker" is to make a bio. Then I'll feel more connected, I think. Here goes...


First name: Kellie

Geographical location: Calgary, Alberta

Age: 27

Marital Status: married to my thesis.

Children/Ages: nope!

Occupation: writer (which doesn't pay, so really I'm a part-time freelance editor and full-time graduate student)

Pets: none, but there's a cat in my apartment building who thinks he lives with me...

Hobbies/Interests: biking, reading, drawing, movies, yoga, writing, blogging, cooking (for other people), putting together model airplanes, anything related to history, and being with friends.

Height: 5'3"

Eye/Hair Color: grey / brownish with some reddish. But it changes on a very regular basis.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 20 May 2012 (this time...)

Starting Weight: 261 (but I don't actually own a scale, so I go to a department store and stand on different models until I find a number that seems right)

Present Weight: 249. Or around that.

Goal Weight: 140.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: HA! FEAR!! MYSELF!! In 2004, I went from 230 lbs to 175 lbs, but I wasn't psychologically ready to handle that. My whole life, I've been invisible (by choice), so suddenly being visible was just too much to handle at 19 years old. Now, I'm older and marginally wiser, and I think I'm ready to become "human" again. It's just the fear that's going to be a huge hurdle for me - I'm terrified of failing, or even of succeeding; I'm afraid of getting fatter, but I'm afraid of getting thinner and not being able to hide. I am my own saboteur, which is something I'm working on changing as I go about losing weight.

Following any specific plan: nope, just cutting down on carbs (& calories overall), not eating to cover emotions or out of guilt or shame, and getting more exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm different. Really, that's all it comes down to. Last time, I was 19 and hadn't dealt with ANY of my emotional problems (I somehow thought skinny = emotionally stable). Now I'm 27 and I've been dealing with the emotional side for 7 years, so I think I'm ready for my body to match my confidence level.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Just that I'm so glad I found a place for support, because losing weight on your own is a whole lot lonelier than it should be.

First name: Karen

Geographical location: Maryland

Age: 45

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Daughter/12, 2 Sons/9

Occupation: IT Project Manager

Pets: 0

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Crafts, Rollercoasters

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Black

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 4/16/12 (this time)

Starting Weight: 250

Present Weight: 225

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Staying motivated, patient and determined

Following any specific plan: Medifast

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Medical problems which continue to pile-up which mostly point back to being overweight and the brain surgery which I will need to address on problem. I simply need to be in the best shape I can be in to tackle recuperation.

Anything else you would like to share with us: This time around I went into this not trying to lose weight but absolutely knowing I will lose weight and keeping that mindset firmly fixed has helped me so far. I hope that you guys will help me do that when it starts to slip like when I don't see any lbs lost in a week I get a little frustrated and I have remind myself that it is coming off (at it's own pace). BTW my last moment of frustration led me here and I'm feeling better again.

First name: Kristy

Geographical location: WV

Age: 30 years old

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: No living children. I have an Angel Baby in Heaven <3

Occupation: ABA Therapist working with children with autism spectrum disorders

Pets: A cat

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, movies, music, shopping, decorating, dancing

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel eyes, light brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 6/9/12

Starting Weight: 268

Present Weight: 268

Goal Weight: short-term: 250 long-term: 170

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: inconsistency and lack of motivation

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting and exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm not sure, but I HAVE to lose this weight. I want to be healthier and I want to look better and feel better.

Anything else you would like to share with us: