First name:

Geographical location: Chicago Metro Area

Age: 56

Marital Status: Divorced - Dating the same guy for the last 26 years.

Occupation: Computer Programmer / Systems Analyst

Hobbies/Interests: Paper crafts (scrapbooking & card making), watercolor, gardening

Height:5'8''

Eye/Hair Color: Brown / Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May, 2012

Starting Weight: 301

Present Weight: 286

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Getting my brain wrapped around the fact that this isn't a diet this time. It's a lifestyle change. I need to maintain a healthy diet and a regular excercise program from now until I finally check out.

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I quit smoking in January. It's been a tough, but rewarding 8 months since I quit. If I can quit cigarettes, I can have success in any personal project. It was time to deal with my weight.

Anything else you would like to share with us: My motto is: If you can't say anything nice about someone, come sit next to me!

First name: Elizabeth

Geographical location: Canada

Age: 25

Marital Status: In a relationship

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Substitute teacher

Pets: 3 dogs

Hobbies/Interests: Belly dancing, music, singing, acting, musica theatre, history, reading, writing, exercising

Height: 5'3 1/2

Eye/Hair Color: Dark green/dark brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: October 3, 2012 (we'll say because I am have some rough few months)

Starting Weight: 250

Present Weight: 247

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Making a lifestyle change and not just following a diet

Following any specific plan: Reccommended nutrition for hyperglycemics without diabetes (lots of vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, whole grains, lean meats, low fat dairy)

First name: Melissa

Geographical location: Canada

Age:25

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: Boy/3 1/2

Occupation: mum/artist

Pets: Betta Fish called Bubbles

Hobbies/Interests: Piano,camping..etc

Height:5'5

Eye/Hair Color:green eyes/dark brown/almost black hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 1st 2012

Starting Weight:270

Present Weight: 225

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Learning what my food addiction was and staying on track

Following any specific plan: Eating Paleo for the most part and exercising when i can

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm more focused and i've stuck with it instead of giving up.

First name: Kym

Geographical location: London

Age: 20

Marital Status: Engaged

Children/Ages: None yet

Occupation: Secretary

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, history, socialising, shopping, clubbing

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color: Blue eyes/Ginger hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 11th October 2012

Starting Weight: 185

Present Weight: 183

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Eating 'bad foods' proportionately. My problem is I can't stop myself eating too much of it!

Following any specific plan: Less calories and more exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Determined not to continued to put on weight and ruin the 60lb loss I made 3 years ago

First name:Gail Lynn

Geographical location:Northern CA


Age:48 on Nov 8, 2012 :-O


Marital Status:Married since April 1, 1989!!!


Children/Ages:None.


Occupation:Customer service but looking for different work.


Pets:1 neurotic cat, Agatha Noel.


Hobbies/Interests::Reading, walking, photography, camping, needlepoint, rock music (classic & metal), sci-fi...more


Height:5' 6"


Eye/Hair Color:Drk blonde, blue


Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:Oct. 5, 2012


Starting Weight:285 lbs. :-(


Present Weight:???

Goal Weight:175?


Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:Keeping myself in check. No emotional or boredom eating.


Following any specific plan:No. Just healthy eating, plenty H2O & exercise (cardio & strength)


What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:I'm older. Have a few more health issues. But I know what to expect on this journey.


Anything else you would like to share with us:
:Youngest of 7 kids. Grew up on a ranch. Still live near the ranch I grew up on. Don't really have a relationship with anyone in my family but my elderly mom...and of course my hubby. Family fell apart when Dad died 12 years ago.

First name: Courtney

Geographical location: Texas

Age: 27

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: 1 furbaby - she's 2!

Occupation: Merch Manager

Hobbies/Interests: reading, photography, movies

Height: 5"6

Eye/Hair Color: blue/blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Did this 3 years ago, back to do it again 10.15.12

Starting Weight:244

Present Weight:240.2

Goal Weight: My goal has always been 154:normal BMI for me (which is 90lbs, but I know I'll want to lose more when I get there which is why I'm here!)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: my work schedule - retail hours are horrible for the consistency I need to lose weight.

Following any specific plan: just counting calories

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: While I'm not at my heaviest weight ever(252), I feel like my weight has shifted to make my belly fatter than ever. This is so unhealthy and I'm ready to make a change forever!

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Jessica

Geographical location: Pennsylvania

Age:23 (24 in about 2 weeks)

Marital Status: Committed long term, live in relationship

Children/Ages:none yet

Occupation: Pt Telecommunications Rep, full time student

Pets:2 cats, Tigger and Dinner, and one betta fish, Splat

Hobbies/Interests: Quilting, hiking (not well with all this fat), traveling, and reading

Height: 6ft

Eye/Hair Color: blonde and blue eyed

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 10/12/12

Starting Weight:286

Present Weight:286

Goal Weight:190

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Losing it! Also eating out so much, being a busy couple we tend to eat out way too much, anywhere from 2-5 times a week! Horrible I know.

Following any specific plan: I am meeting with my weight loss doctor on Tuesday to go over options and see what would work best. For now I've started walking more and watching what I eat and not eating more than 3 grams of sugar a day.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This time I am hoping with posting here that I can form a bond with some of you all and feel like someone is cheering me on and I don't want to disappoint them.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am a traveler and its time to slim down before I have to pay for two plane tickets!

First name: Laurel

Geographical location:Bermuda

Age:43

Marital Status:Married since Sep 1998

Children/Ages: None

Occupation:Primary school teacher

Pets:Two black cats - Dark and Stormy

Hobbies/Interests:Oh so many! Reading, painting, aquafit, singing, snorkelling

Height:5'2"

Eye/Hair Color:Green/reddish brunette

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:Sep 24, 2012

Starting Weight:373

Present Weight:351

Goal Weight:195

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:Hmm... Probably just taking care of myself, eating on schedule, being too 'busy', and of course my temptations like potato chips

Following any specific plan:Ideal Protein

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:The weight is coming off so fast that it's fairly easy to stay motivated and stick to the plan. Plus I sort of understand the science behind this diet and know what it will mean if I stray. Also, finally ready to do this for me and I have the best support group.

Anything else you would like to share with us:I lost both my parents over the past year and a half and that has totally changed my world. Nothing prepares you to lose a parent. My sister gave birth to my nephew the day after mom's funeral and now I'm auntie, godparent and substitute grandma all in one. I want to be around for him and my brothers kids and who knows maybe have one of my own - (I've heard IP can do that for women who haven't been able to conceive or carry to term.) I don't want to just keep going through the motions, I want to make every day count. So here I am.

I'm happy to be here and be a support for others as well as receiving support from y'all.

First name: Jody

Geographical location: Long Island, Levittown, NY

Age: 43

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: accounts payable clerk

Pets: dog..a little Yorkie

Hobbies/Interests: I like music, reading watching /tv & movies

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: hazel/green brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 7/23

Starting Weight: 291

Present Weight: 265

Goal Weight: 160

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: getting off my butt and exercising

Following any specific plan: Low carb high protein diet with no sugar

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: In the past I bought phentermine off the internet..It worked great and I lost alot of weight. But this time around I'm older and I really don't want to get a heart attack.

Anything else you would like to share with us: The way I am now I feel invisible to the world and I hate it!!! I want my self esteem back. I never tried a support group before. I started this diet 7/23 @ 291 by 9/25 I was 265..It felt great to lose the weight..But after that I fell off the wagon and hate myself for it..I want to get back on track and move forward.. Hopefully with some new perspectives and support from people who are in the same boat that I'm in or from people who have accomplished their goals..

First name:Kim

Geographical location:Chapel Hill, TN

Age:44

Marital Status:divorced(the ink is still wet)

Children/Ages:3 ages 23,22 and 21

Occupation:in between jobs

Pets: 3 dogs, my hearts!!

Hobbies/Interestsinterest, crafting, wedding planning

Height:5'6"

Eye/Hair Color: hazel/brown and gray

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:which one???lol! October 24th, 2012

Starting Weight:312 lbs.

Present Weight:312 lbs.

Goal Weight:180 lbs.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: pasta potatos meal planning

Following any specific plan:WW

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:I am honestly scared for my health and I have to do this for me

Anything else you would like to share with us: recently kicked my husband out for cheating after 13 years and he has filed divorce papers(just signed them yesterday) quit my job after 8 yrs three weeks ago because I had just had enough and I need to start putting myself first!

First name: Misty

Geographical location: OHIO

Age: 41

Marital Status: Divorced

Children/Ages: 2 girls 18 and 14

Occupation: Medical Assistant for Pain Management and Spine Rehab Center

Pets: they keep running away

Hobbies/Interests: love to read, and just be with my family/friends

Height: 5"11

Eye/Hair Color: green

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Today 10/27/2012 who am I kidding? Everyday!

Starting Weight:308

Present Weight:285

Goal Weight:200

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I am bored and very emotional, which leads to eating anything in sight--when I am alone.

Following any specific plan: still looking

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I had a very big wake up call yesterday--MORTIFIED--at an amusement park.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I joined this site like 8 years ago--was with a group called "10 pounds at a time" just trying to find where I fit in now!

Geographical location: Canada

Age: 31

Marital Status: Divorced / Long Distance Relationship for 3 Years

Occupation: Planner / Manufacturing

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, movies, cooking/baking

Height:5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel / Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: August, 2012

Starting Weight: 241

Present Weight: 227

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Realizing this isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle change. This isn't eat healthy and exercise to lose weight. This is eat healthy and exercise for life.

Following any specific plan: Counting Calories

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm actually sticking with it. I have lots of positive support, and am going through this with some friends so it helps not being the only one.

First name: Debbie

Geographical location: Las Vegas, NV

Age: 34

Marital Status: Looking.

Children/Ages: None.

Occupation: Customer service representative.

Pets: None.

Hobbies/Interests: Anything active. Triathlons, weightlifting, hiking, gym group classes, reading, writing, movies, TV, crocheting, dancing.

Height: 5'4".

Eye/Hair Color: Blue / Light brown.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 7/3/09.

Starting Weight: 215 lbs (heaviest 230 lbs, 2004 when scale said that weight).

Present Weight: 117 lbs.

Goal Weight: 107.5 lbs.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Emotional/boredom/anything that doesn't have to do with hunger or fueling eating.

Following any specific plan: Nope. Eat as decent as I can, work out. I work out because it's fun, though. The weight loss is a bonus.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: 6/3/09. Dad fell down the stairs, hit his head, died. 69, in great mental and physical shape. Went to Venezuela to bury him. Signed up to 24 Hour Fitness from his computer over there (why, to this day I have no idea). Came back 7/2/09 after 11p. 7/3/09 went into a 24HF and never came back out.

Started with 15 minutes on the elliptical. Walked in, worked out 15 minutes, walked out. Went back the next day. And the day after. And the day after. 30 minutes. 45 minutes. An hour. Added some weights. 9/1/09 went to my first group class, TurboKick, fell in love with it. Lost most of the weight with TurboKick, Zumba, and Spin. 1/2/12 (Monday) started triathlon training, dropped everything else. Now that's all I do, 10-18 hours a week (I'm on a four week build plan, every fourth week is "easy" at around 8-10 hours). Just did my first Half Ironman on 10/20/12 (1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike ride, 13.1 mi run) and doing my first Ironman on 6/23/13 (2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike ride, 26.2 mi run). After that plan to branch out into endurance events in each discipline, i.e. 10K swim, 100 mi run, 200 mi bike ride. Also do and love weightlifting.

I've done a variety of stuff, outdoors boot camp, hiking, etc. Love it all.



Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm a Gemini and love long walks on the beach.

First name: Christa

Geographical location: Panhandle of Texas

Age: 25

Marital Status: common law

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: student

Pets: dog

Hobbies/Interests: camping, guitar, fishing, hunting, outdoors, motorcycles

Height: 5'

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel / Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journeyver 2 years ago

Starting Weight:about 237

Present Weight:231

Goal Weight:130

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: staying motivated to work out

Following any specific plan: I work out about an hour a day, I do a mile on the eliptical, 200 sit ups with a 4lb ball and then kinda pick and choose for the rest of my work out.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I went to have a physical and the doctor looked at me point blank and said for a pretty girl, you have death wish. If you don't take care of you, your body and your weight you will be lucky to make it past 40 with out a heart attack. It pretty much scared the crap out of me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: For me my weight gained after high school is what really kinda made me start feeling bad, I was chunky even over weight most my life. In High school I was a wrestler, had a decent body and had good self esteem, I was also a swimmer up until high school. Being athletic has alway been big in my life even as an overweight child. Looking at pictures over the last 4-5 years has really been hard, I hate being photographed, I feel akward around my girlfriends who are all slender and pretty. I want my old body back, I want my boyfriend who tells me I am beautiful to be in awe of me. I want to be healthy and I want my self-esteem back!

First name: Janet

Geographical location: Ridgeland, Mississippi

Age: 57

Marital Status: Married almost 34 years

Children/Ages: son 30 and a daughter 24

Occupation: Federal Employee

Pets: 2 cats (Opie and Trouble) and my bad dog Leo.

Hobbies/Interests: I love to paint and draw. Reading comes a close second.

Height: 5 ft 4 1/2 in

Eye/Hair Color: Brown eyes and Brown Hair (but it wants to turn gray... I just won't let it)

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: November 9,

Starting Weight: 257 lbs

Present Weight: 257 lbs.... I just started 3 days ago.

Goal Weight: 145 lbs I think.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: My husband is a great cook and cooks all the time and it's tastey but unhealthy. The sight and smell is so difficult to ignore.

Following any specific plan: I am on the Ideal Protein Plan

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have been having knee problems that keep me from doing all things I love to do. It is the motivating factor behind me starting this diet and sticking to it.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I don't have any local support in this diet so I'm looking at the boards to help me stay motivated and encourage me along.