First name: Jola

Geographical location: Oregon, but soon moving to Boston

Age: 29

Marital Status: Married, ceremony on July 23rd.

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Ph.D. Student (almost done!!)

Pets: 0

Hobbies/Interests: History, Gaming, Reading.

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Green/Dark Brown (but I just got some red highlights)

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 9/1/11

Starting Weight: 200

Present Weight: 187

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Adherence to the diet and exercise program.

Following any specific plan: South Beach

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Following South Beach with my husband. Before I'd just tried counting calories. I'm also trying to work out every day.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Happy to have found a supportive community. Oh, and I'm extremely political, which can lead me to have a drink, which makes me more likely to binge eat.

First name: Sian

Geographical location: Preston - United Kingdom

Age: 22

Marital Status: In a Relationship

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Team Member at Cinema

Pets: 2 dogs and 3 chickens (not really mine, that's Mum's little project!)

Hobbies/Interests: Filmmaking, Film in general, Music, Gaming Piano, Reading, Writing

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: It's been so on and off for years! But I'll say today - so 29th April 2011

Starting Weight: 186 pounds

Present Weight: 186 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Consistency with exercise - no free passes if I have a good week!

Following any specific plan: Strict exercise plan: 3x Cardio 3x Strength/Core/Ab work out a week.
Cardio includes: 2x Distance Run and 1x Speed run substituted occasionally for Thai Boxing, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (when weather is bad!)
Strength/Core/Ab includes: Jillian Michaels "Making the Cut" (Loosely) for specific exercises, Pilates, general knowledge of Ab work outs!

First name: Rose

Geographical location: London England

Age: 26

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: Nil

Occupation: Doctor

Pets:Nil

Hobbies/Interests: Singing, piano, songwriting, performing, cycling, reading,
Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: Green/ Red

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 25th

Starting Weight: 168

Present Weight: ?? 1 week in people, I'm trying to be good and weigh once a week

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Depression, All or Nothing Approach, Obsessiveness

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting, Ocassional meal replacement shakes, lots of exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Its going to work Also first time I'm counting calories, plus more exercise options- bike outside, wii games, dvds, I have everything I need, I just need to use it!

Anything else you would like to share with us:
Would like a buddy!!

First name: Hobbes

Geographical location: New York

Age: 23

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: Admin at a college

Pets: 3 dogs, the loves of my life.

Hobbies/Interests: Art, traveling, music, movies, friends, going out

Height: 5'4.5''

Eye/Hair Color: black/hazel

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: today, 5/1/11

Starting Weight: unknown, probably around 200

Present Weight: unknown, probably around 200

Goal Weight: between 140 and 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Committing to the weightloss

Following any specific plan: nope

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I really want it. I am motivated.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm nervous! But I really want this, and I think it's time.

First name: Juana

Geographical location: DC

Age: 22

Marital Status: Not married, but an awesome boyfriend 1,000 miles away =/

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: I work in political media

Pets: I have joint custody of the boyfriend's golden retriever

Hobbies/Interests: Watching way too much Army Wives, reading, live music

Height: 5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/dark brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 2011

Starting Weight: 200

Present Weight: 185

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Time! I work 12+ hours each day without more than a 20-25 hour break and commute an hour to work. So by the time I'm done, I rarely have the energy to do anything more than crash. I'd love tips from anyone who has ideas for carving out

Following any specific plan: I've been doing 30 Day Shred on and off, combined with a lower-calorie diet. My goal is to eat about 1200 per day with a good balanced mix of healthier foods. Due to a lot of work-related travel in the last few weeks, I've realistically taken in about 1500 a day. I'm also running my first 5K (!!!) Race for the Cure in June, so having something to train and prepare for is exciting.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm looking for a community. I've struggled with my weight in the past but it got way out of control (I gained 40 lbs) after I graduated college, accepted my first job and then lost said job all in a matter of six months. Since I'm living in a city where I don't know anyone, I hope to meet some cool people online who will back up my goal to get back to a healthier, happy weight.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Caitlin

Geographical location: Los Angeles, CA

Age: 24

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: n/a

Occupation: farmers' market manager

Pets: 2 adorable guinea pigs

Hobbies/Interests: cooking, hiking, biking, crafting, reading

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: blonde hair, blue eyes

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 5/1/11

Starting Weight: 214

Present Weight: 214

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: not cheating on my diet

Following any specific plan: medifast for the first month and then low carb

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I actually weighed my self in at the beginning so I can track my progress better and have better accountability.

First name: Melissa

Geographical location: Minnesota

Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Asst. pastry chef

Pets: 1 female Husky (Skaši)

Hobbies/Interests: Art, outdoors, film, reading, fashion, music, adult beverage, my pet, etc.

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: brown/green eyes, black hair.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: This time, Feb 2011.

Starting Weight: 149

Present Weight: 142

Goal Weight: 125

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Depression, making consistently good choices, getting more fruit & veg.

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting, but may try Eat to Live.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I did it successfully once, but illness made me gain it back. I've regained that initial sense of determination and I'll do it again.

Anything else you would like to share with us: hm, not a whole lot.

First name: Amber
Geographical location: Upstate NY
Age: 26
Marital Status: Married
Children/Ages: Adam 2 yrs, Phoebe almost 3 weeks
Occupation: Stay at home mom, church pianist, Pampered Chef consultant
Pets: none
Hobbies/Interests: [COLOR="purple"]Spending time with my family and friends, going shopping, vacationing, reading, playing piano COLOR]
Height:5'8
Eye/Hair Color: blue-green/dark blonde
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 2011 (this time)
Starting Weight: 229 (at very end of pregnancy)Present Weight: 207
Goal Weight: 160
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Self control
Following any specific plan: nothing really right now - I'm strictly breastfeeding, so I try and eat healthy and exercise
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: After having lost over 40lbs before having my daughter, I know that I am capable of doing it
Anything else you would like to share with us: I like to be challenged and I like being able to talk with people in situations similar to me... Look forward to getting to know most of you!

First name: RyAnn

Geographical location: Colorado

Age: 27

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: little 4 year old boy

Occupation: Federal Correctional Officer

Pets: beta fish

Height: 5'3"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Red

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Nov 2010

Starting Weight: 180something

Present Weight: 164

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Motivation when the results are very slow to see

Following any specific plan: cardio, muscle strength, food monitoring

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I actually am hitting the gym, and making the lifestyle change, not just the quick diet that I do not follow through with.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I did do HCG, and started at like 192, got to 174, and then got back up to the 180s. This was last June, so I am not using this as my heaviest weight, since I did not do it right.

First name: Emma

Geographical location: Pittsburgh, PA

Age:23

Marital Status:single

Children/Ages:none

Occupation: Occupational Therapist

Pets: Conner, my little 7lb Yorkie-Shih-zhu!

Hobbies/Interests: Walking, watching movies, swimming (love it!!), reading, I like amusement parks though I do not get to go too often, cuddling up with a hot cup of tea and a book in the winter, watching very superficial tv shows with my friends

Height: 5'9

Eye/Hair Color: both brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Well, I have been dieting since the 10th grade however, I hit my highest in April 2011 and launched a diet program on May 1st.

Starting Weight: 220

Present Weight: 216

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Sticking to the food plan!

Following any specific plan: Exercise and staying under 2000 calories

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am going to the gym more. I also have a more stable life as I am no longer a student.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am quite friendly and my friends say I am bubbly. I am also looking forward to feeling good about myself and dating!

First name:
Sarah
Geographical location:
Hamburg, Germany but im from Brisbane, Australia
Age:
23
Marital Status:
in a relationship
Children/Ages:
none
Occupation:
nanny/ preschool teacher
Pets:
none
Hobbies/Interests:
tv/movies, travel, swimming, crafts, cooking,
Height:
167cm 5ft6
Eye/Hair Color:
Green, Black
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:
Today....although its not the first time iv been on a "diet"
Starting Weight:
87kg
Present Weight:
lowest weight...75kg
Goal Weight:
not really sure, for me this is more about becoming fit and healthy then being a certain size...however 65kg would be nice =)
Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:
I am a live in nanny, so i eat with the family in the evening..mostly its healthy.
The other thing would be not binging...actually exercising..
Following any specific plan:
low carb/low cal, exercise 5-6 times each week
What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:
this time its not about losing weight fast or looking skinny, its about being healthy, plus im using the forum for support =)
Anything else you would like to share with us:
id love some friends to chat too..if you would like to add me on facebook
it's facebook.com/sarahemilywieland.
as long as you dont comment on my wall about anything weight loss related, i'd like to keep it to myself for now =)
The main reason im doing this is because i want to join the Australian Navy when i go home

First name: Emily

Geographical location: Northeast

Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Student

Pets: None with me =(

Hobbies/Interests: Going out, cooking, reading

Height: 5ft

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 4/11/11

Starting Weight: 140

Present Weight: 129

Goal Weight: 110

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Late-night food and the college lifestyle

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protein diet

First name: Elisa

Geographical location: SW Missouri

Age: 21

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Baby girl 4mo

Occupation: Stay at home mom

Pets: N/A

Hobbies/Interests: Walking, Baking lol

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Dark hair, Blue/green eyes

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 4/7/11 off & on

Starting Weight: 211

Present Weight: 206.4

Goal Weight: 140-150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Finding the motivation to stick with the diet & exercise, i'll have a bad day then just decide the whole diets been ruined & quit

Following any specific plan: Counting calories (starting at 2000 a day & working my way down to 12-1300 & Billy Blanks Tae bo! Also walking daily & upping my water intake

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My daughter is now 4 months old & i'm ready to get back into shape I gained alot of weight when I became pregnant & now my self confidence is shot, I want to be healthy & happy because my little girl deserves a mother who's going to be the best she can be!!

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Lindsey

Geographical location: Los Angeles

Age: 23

Marital Status: Boyfriend

Children/Ages: n/a

Occupation: Freelance Makeup Artist

Pets: 1 insane cat

Hobbies/Interests: writing, makeup, reading, traveling

Height: 5'7'

Eye/Hair Color: Grey-Green/light brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May 1, 2011

Starting Weight: 186.2

Present Weight: 182

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Self control, consistency

Following any specific plan: calorie counting, lots of exercise.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This site! I need support