[jen5309]

I have no idea just where to start. I have lost 100 lbs 3 different time. Pretty much 100 lbs in my mid 20's ( gained it back)
100lbs in my early 30's ( gained it back ) At 39 I lost almost 100 yep you guessed it.. gained it back.
Now I am 42 and here I go again. I started out at 274 yesterday. Gosh that makes me sick..
Not my biggest but pretty dang close.
I really do not have a weight # goal. To feel better is my goal. Every time I have lost weight I have done it the wrong way.
This time I am trying to learn how to eat to live. Not live to eat.
I struggle with so many things. I hate exercise. Don’t love water. However I know they are a must.
So that is my short story.
Jen

[Pacifica Bee]

A short, familiar story! You will find a lot of folks here can completely empathize with you and can help you on your journey!

One thing right off the bat I want to suggest is to lurk around the "maintainers" forum. I am not there yet myself, but I have learned (through those who have taken it off and KEPT it off) that maintaining is the harder battle. Maybe getting a head start on your longterm maintenance plan this time around is a good of place to start as any. You already know HOW to lose weight as your prior experience has proven to you. You just need to figure out how to make forever changes.

Also, I want to say I am so totally in your boat - hate exercise, don't love water. So I drink tea, and crystal light and diet soda and water with lemon in it if I have no other choice.

As far as exercise, I JUST started exercising 2 months ago. I decided that I was going to concentrate on how to eat healthfully before worrying about moving. Now that I started moving, I am actually starting to enjoy it - and if you had told me a year ago I would put those words into writing, I would ask you to pass along whatever you were smoking 'cos that is just wacky talk! I couldn't comfortable walk a city block this time last year, and now I am jogging / walking for 40 minutes 4 times a week.

I guess my point (besides a hearty WELCOME) is that planning is a good thing! Planning and taking things one step at a time.

Good luck on your journey! I can't wait to see your progress!

~Bee

[sept15lija]

Great advice about the maintainer's forum! I've been lurking there for a few months. I too, have lost weight before and failed to keep it off...this time is the last time! I'm just really wrapping my mind around how this is FOREVER, I will never stop counting calories, never stop weighing regularly....etc etc. Anyways welcome Jen!

[cheeriloos]

I lost a lot of weight before too, and right when I started to look really good I got pregnant! Soo here I go again right where I started, I really understand where you're coming from. Don't worry You can do it ! You know how , just get started and it will be over eventually.

[Lori Bell]

Hi Jen! Welcome to 3FC.

Hey just an FYI, I lost 190 pounds without EVER guzzling gobs of water and without any "formal" exercise.

I counted calories, focused on non-processed, healthy stuff and moved more. Like Pacific Bee, I didn't start any "real" exercises for many months into my weight loss....I just began with the diet basics and moved more, sat less. As the weight came off I moved even more...now I rarely sit down. I still have never set foot in a gym nor do I intend too. I do NOT lug around a water bottle. I drink coffee, unsweetened decaffeinated tea and a very occasional diet drink. No need to send yourself to the bathroom every 5 minutes. I still don't understand WHY people think they have to drink so much fluid. Dr. Oz debunked the water myth years ago!

[jen5309]

Thanks you guys. I think as the weeks go by I will exercise more. I do have an elliptical I bought off of a friend last year. Going to start using it little by little.
( I hope ) ha