Hi Sandi,
I think you are so totally awesome and you inspire me! And believe me that is hard to do......I'm not inspired often in life.......
but wow......
I can so relate you all of what you have gone through and are going through.
I'm sure many of us on this board can relate.

You are so strong in your admittance of the past.....
but today is a new day......

and we are all here for ya.....

you can do it!!!

Lori

Sandi, you are a fighter, and no matter what, you will succeed. It took me years of starting and stopping Weight Watchers before I succeeded in losing weight. Along the way, you learn a lot about yourself and what works and doesn't work for you.

It's all been said so well by so many. A big thank you, Sandi, for sharing. I joined not very long ago and as you can see from my slider, I'm doing so well.... not! I've been easing into this "on plan" stuff and it is showing in my success rate. I need to make a stronger effort.

My point is that I, too, could have written that. I am so with you on this. I am glad that you put your heart out there for us all to share with you. I agree that sticking with 3FC is the way to go. I could see retreating into the shell and not trying, but with an inspiration like you and what you wrote, I feel that I can continue. Whatever it takes!!!

I'm with you Sandi!!!!!!!!! Hang in there!

Wow, did I write that?! I can't count how many times I write out, "this is it. I'm doing it this time." It's kinda funny, or sad rather, how I am so much better at keeping promises to anyone but myself. It's amazing how much it takes a toll on your self worth. To think there is no point because you know you are only lying to yourself anyways.. well that's just sad.

Sandi -

You have so much heart! I think it has been said in just about every post - that what you have written could have come from any one of us. I know I have started and faltered so many times.

You can do this, we are going to be here cheering you on!

Gosh, Sandi. You struck a chord for me, too. How many restarts, do-overs, impassioned and heartfelt declarations have I made? Not just about weight, but about money, writing, cleaning!, and so much more.

The key is, you gotta do it one more time to succeed. The only way to fail is to give up forever. Trying and trying again is better than that.

So make your plan (I'll make mine too) and let's get at it again.

Sandi,

I've been there too. I had gotten to the point where I had given up and thought I was doomed to obesity for the rest of my life. I know losing weight isn't necessarily easy, but on the other hand, being obese is much more difficult.

Now step back and look at all of the friends who want to support you. When you need help getting back on plan, hop online and let us help you.

Sandi -- As you've been reading, this is so many of us. That was me, until 2005. I didn't really think I could do it, but I have done it. I'm not exactly sure what was different this time.

I guess the thing to remember is that you can get it wrong 100 times, but you only have to get it right once!

You know I'm pulling for you. Always.

Yup that could be me as well. I've been on this board for almost 8 years and haven't lost a lbs that I haven't regained but I've loved being here. When I first found this board it was such a relief to know there were others that had the same struggles as I did when it came to losing weight. I don't know why but back then I felt very isolated about being overweight.

I know it is hard not to think of food in terms of all or nothing. We all have a real love/hate relationship with food, in someways food isn't what it is supposed to be, that is fuel for our bodies, it is an emotion. When we are happy we eat, when we are sad we eat, there is a food for every social event, holiday or celebration and every way we can possibly feel. I don't want to stop enjoying my food, I'd like to continue to be able to appreciate good food, the flavours, the textures, the sublties of great cooking but I would also like to disassociate these emotions from food, maybe then I would have better success losing weight.

Thanks Everyone!!

I knew I had to post this because I knew you guys would be behind me all the way. There is something about knowing that you are not alone. I needed to be reminded that everyone who is a success story now has failed before. I really believe that I will do it this time. You frame of mind makes such a difference in your success. I am visulaizing my success...I can see it. I can see myself making it through the "slips" and learning to get past them.

Dana - I like the thought of never being off plan, just better and worse days. I am turning 40 in December and am planning on walking into that party 100 lbs thinner!

Robin - Unlike before where I had the midset that a calorie is a calorie, along with getting thin, I also want to be healthier. With the high choleateral and pre-diabetic I have no choice but to choose the healthier options. So this time, although nothing is off-limits, I am making my every day foods much healthier.

Casey - I am reading you on a deit too...Great book so far!

shelby897 - I'm glad my post helped you as much as it helped me.

Luminous - I guess I didn't realize that my post was self-deprecating, but when I go back and read it...the first part is. I guess I felt the need to qualify myself, to let people know that I do realize how many times I've said this before. Maybe I thought that would help me not be so embarrased.

Thanks to all of you!! It really means alot to me to know that you are all with me. I am gald for the "losers", you are showing me that it really can be done. I am glad for others like me who are just starting "again", you help me feel not so alone. And I am glad for the lurkers, who are not ready. Because maybe today is their day to start once and for all.

Day 1 was a complete success. 1756 healthy calories and 45 mins of water aerobics. I'm on my way baby!

Sandi, I did the same thing for 20 years as well. I would get so...I don't even know how to describe it. I never wrote any declarations, but they were definitely SINGING in my head the first few weeks of any diet. The feeling never lasted. I honestly can't tell you why this last time was different, maybe because I finally found something I liked? Maybe because I really liked the way it made me feel, it was easy for me to stick to.

Anyway, I have definitely been there. Anytime you want to PM for buddy support, please do!!

Down with diets! Up with a healthy lifestyle. I'm just doing my best to make healthy choices, and you can,too. If you are always on a diet, you'll feel deprived and binge. If you go off it, you'll feel like a loser and eat more. Resolve to get healthy because you deserve it!

Oh, Sandi

You know I'm right there with you.

I joined here, at the very same time as your 2005 declaration. I have felt very close to you the entire time I've been a member here.

I had so much hope in those days. I made it halfway to my goal!
Today I am fatter than I have ever been in my life and find myself drowning in this loss of hope (for weight loss, NOT for life in general). But it is affecting my life in general. I don't want to see anyone because of this tremendous shame I carry for such a failure.
I find myself fighting myself every single night...and every night I lose to the terrible dialog of failure in my mind.

I want to be at the point of a fresh declaration, but I can't seem to get there now because I just keep telling myself, "What's the point....you always fail anyway"

I am so proud of you, and want desperately to be at the point where you are today. I am so angry at myself.


Linda

Not to hijack Sandi's post, but I just want to virtual hug Linda for a second. It's not a test you only get one chance to pass, every day, every meal, every food choice is an opportunity to be healthier. I worked on this for 20 years before I figured it out for me, I'm sure glad I never gave up!!!