WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!!!

We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone (roosters as well as chicks!) to join us in our journey. We share laughter and tears, heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations. We also share what works for us and what doesn't.

We know the thread can move very quickly, and that people often make "personal" remarks and keep a number of conversations going. Please feel free to contribute even if you can't make personal comments all the time.

Finally, we also have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, Photos, Exercise, Info for Getting Started and more. Many of these threads are stickied at the top of the page. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group... we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.

I know you'll all agree that we are really thankful for the free services here at 3FC. The sisters offer all of this support and information with no charges to us. There are a couple of ways though that we can help out.

If you are thinking about buying anything at Amazon, why not help out 3FC at the same time? You can do this by clicking on the button for the Amazon "store" in the upper right hand corner of the screen on the PURPLE tool bar. A portion of your purchase price will be given to 3FC by Amazon. It doesn't increase your price at all, but it does help out 3FC. You can use any of the Amazon.com links that you see on the site in order to help contribute to the site.

Also, BTW, in case you didn't know it, you can view the message boards "ad free" for a minimal charge. I think it's $15 for 6 months. A very small investment to be rid of the annoying ads and make your pages load quicker.

There have been some concerns expressed by the powers that be about copyright infringement. So please, if you are directly quoting someone else or printing an article in whole or in part, please give credit where credit is due!!!

Hello Ladies!

Off to a good start this morning, I weighed in and am down 6.8 pounds (actually, 8.8 if I count the 2lbs I was up last week), which means I can add another to my signature tally.

Ammi, I love your new avatar - you look so pretty and happy! Glad to hear Beth's b-day party went well and you enjoyed yourself. I can't join a gym myself because of the money. But I actually kind of prefer walking outdoors, and when DH, who goes to his gym at work, comes with me, he says that it's actually harder than walking on the treadmill. And there's such a variety of workout DVDs out there, I'm sure you can find something that you like and gets your heart rate going. Maybe you can buy some weights to do the strength training. Basically, you may lose the gym membership, but you can definitely keep going!

good morning all. woke up with new determination to stay OP. Ammi my whole month of May as far as exercise was a flop...when i wasnt busy going with Jim then my knee was bothering me so i just let it slied. i will do better in June though.

Ammi -- Sorry to hear about the gym... that's too bad. I love your new avatar too... and you didn't mention it, did you?, but you lost 2 more pounds, didn't you????

Lesley -- great weight loss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTG!


I have to work and grade today. But I took the whole weekend off from work and it was GLORIOUS. I'll be done with the grading in less than 2 weeks. I can't wait.

I will also get to the gym today. I WILL. I didn't go all weekend!

I have only caught up on a tiny smidgen of the posts this last week, but:

ScarlettDrawl - Yes! Bread is the root of all evil... and my drug of choice.

I found, we visited, and Bill signed with a new company that I think we'll be really happy with. You know how the Lord closes a door and opens a window? DH (Bill) has been SOOOO upset with the recent actions of our last company that he didn't even want to deal with or think about finding a new company until after his daughter's wedding, but this transition is going so smoothly and looks so promising, that I just have one of those "Meant to be" feelings.

To those who've wished me luck at the wedding from ****, well, it was better than having my leg caught in a bear trap... but worse than having two root canals in a row. It would have been a three root canal event, except that I got to zing my husband's ex. In case I didn't mention it, I was NOT invited to the shower (or the wedding for that matter.) Both dear SD and her mom have officially blamed each other and each said that SHE really wanted to invite me but the other one wouldn't let them. (Refusal to take responsibility is a family trait, among other things.)

I get along with my teatottling (sp?) MIL just fine, but I wound up restricted to sitting only with her, unable to mingle, forbidden to touch the champagne or have a glass of wine, watching a pack of really drunk rednecks fall down on the dance floor, was forced to smile joyously for hours, AND, due to the brides last minute 'request' for a ride to their motel after the reception, I had to stay to the bitter end.

As she well knows, my car is a traveling tack shop and dog-mobile. For much of this winter putting a passenger in the back seat was not an option. I spent most of the day cleaning out the car, vaccuming it, getting the nose prints off all the windows, which meant I didn't get my hair or nails done, and even finished my makeup in the parking garage at the hall. At least my car is gorgous now, and I can carry five people. Even the dogs are happier having more room. <BG>

At the bitter end, while the bride & groom were putting their luggage in my car and chatting with his folks, the senior she-devil (my DIL's mom & DH's ex) strutted over. I'm afraid I lowered myself to the she-cats level (hiss-hiss) but I couldn't help it at that point. It was an irresistable chance to hand her her most recent Victoria's Secret catalog and innocently mention that it was the second one this month with her name that came to OUR address. It sent her sputtering to be called on such a tacky act on her part. She turned to the bride and tried to blame it on her! Zing. Even the facility manager had mentioned to DH that his ex was "a piece of work." She had insisted, contrary to the bride and bridesmaids wishes, that the A/C be turned off in their dressing room, because SHE alone was cold.

Surprisingly, the highlight of my evening was the actual drive to the motel with just myself, the evil bride and her trash mouthed groom. I fully expected one of her usual attacks, especially since DH was following in a seperate car, but all there was was pleasant chat. Shocking.

Still, I'd truly rather have At Least 2 root canals, than ever have to go thru that **** again. Sigh of relief - it's OVER!

And NOW (insert drumroll) I can FINALLY get on with my return to a healthier lifestyle!!!!!!!! The wedding from **** marks the end of a series of birthdays, weddings, parties and cake filled events that have continually sabataged me. It's been a long chain of First Day's back on the wagon, followed relentlessly by temptations and setbacks. Yesterday was actually my first REAL day back, eating right, being active, and feeling like success was really back in my control.

So, I write to you now without the burden of failure that I've had for the last month, with not just hope looking forward over the next year, but with the certainty of the struggles ahead, and most importantly, the certainty of success over those struggles!

Onward to better things.

catlover-He had nothing in writing because he trusted his sister. The paperwork from the attorney who handled the sale did list his name next to the deposit check amount on the mortgage stuff. I suspect the attorney was uncomfortable with what was going on, and did that to cover himself. His sister even told him to lie to the owner about his last name so that the owner wouldn't know that she was a party to the transaction. Just that could cost her real estate license, but that wouldn't help anything in the family to escalate to that point. I will be grateful when I never have to deal with her again. Life is too short to fight over money or deal with toxic people.

Valerie-I'm so glad your ordeal is over, and that you survived it. I understand what you mean about everything is cleared away now, and you can concentrate on getting healthy. That's the way I feel. So much nasty stuff is over now for me, and I feel like I can finally get a good restart. I have just been treading water in the meantime.

Annie – Your swim time sounded great! After going swimming last week I would love to find somewhere to go more often.

Brandnewme – Congratulations on the 2 pounds! That is fantastic. Also, that is such great news that your parents quit smoking. It is such a hard thing to do, but so important! I am sorry you are feeling sick though. I hop you feel better soon.

TheStory – It is really weird how sometimes we can do everything right and the scale doesn’t budge. It could definitely be in part your TOM, but sometimes the body is just stubborn and tried to hold onto water when we lose fat. It will eventually flush out.

Michelou – If you have access to a cheap gym, you might want to try out an elliptical. I have a lot of problems with my knees too, and I find the elliptical doesn’t cause anywhere near the stress of the treadmill. Also, have you looked into weight training at all? Adding muscle can help your joints, give you more strength for your daily life, is low impact, plus muscle burns more calories at rest. One thing to remember is that going down is always better than staying where you are or going up. One thing you might want to try is counting calories. There are a lot of free websites out there where you can track what you eat to make sure you are staying within a good range – probably around 2000 for your weight. As to remembering everyone – just give it time!

Lesley – The Lobster Pool was the place we went! It has been a family tradition since I was a little girl. We used to go explore Rockport for the day and then eat dinner there watching the sunset. I don’t think I have ever been to the paper house, but it looks fascinating. Maybe some time I can get back up there for a day with my parents and we can check it out.

Michelle – Family visits can be really stressful. I always feel the need for the house to be spotless. The one thing I like about it is that I get a spotless home out of it. Hope your visit goes well.

Donna – We all need relaxing days like that where we take it easy. I know what you mean about the jealousy monster. I often have the issue. The thing is that I know my progress (or lack of it) only has to do with myself.

Peggy – I would love to check out your pictures – where did you put them?

Cris – Weekends are the hardest time for me too. It is something I am still really struggling with. I just haven’t been able to apply my weekday structure and routines to the weekend.

Ammi – What a fantastic new pic. You are smiling!!!! I am sorry that you will have to cancel your gym membership for now. Maybe sometime later you can add it back when you have a bit more cash to spend. At the same time, you have made so much progress exercising at home that you don’t really need it.

Catherine – I too cannot understand people who consciously take advantage of others. It is so incomprehensible that I too have had several situations where I got taken advantage of. It is a horrible price to pay, but I still would rather be like I am then be someone who could take advantage of someone else. Hopefully your husband’s nephew will come to visit him without the mother when he gets old enough. It is such a shame that this has happened to your husband, but please don’t blame yourself. I am sure if it wasn’t your marriage that caused this behavior to surface, then it would have been something else.

Patti – Sorry to hear you are having knee trouble again.

Heather – I am glad you gave yourself the weekend off. You deserve it!

Valerie – I am glad the wedding wasn’t as bad as it could have been and that it is finally over!!! You are a generous woman to offer to drive them to the motel after the wedding. I am glad they had the decency to be pleasant to you for the trip.


I have had a rather bad weekend (again) in regard to staying on plan. I have great intentions and then things slowly deteriorate. Moving will definitely help this a lot, since a big part of my problem is eating things that my ex brings into the house. However, that isn’t a great excuse because I will always be surrounded by tempting things my whole life and I need to learn how to deal with them no matter where I am. I think the thing that is most frustrating is how for awhile it felt so easy and things happened well for me, but now I feel stuck in a funk and I don’t know how to get out. ::sigh:: Tomorrow is always another day.

Hi all! I'd love to join you in your quest. As you can see, I'm at the beginning of mine, but I'm determined this time. Last weigh in was on Friday, and I was down 11 from the start. Only 194 to go ! Actually, my mini goal is a total of 25 by 4th of July. I'm well on my way, and know I can do it with support from people who "get it".

I look forward to getting to know you all, and joining the support team!

Shirl

Torrister, thanks for starting the new thread

AmmiUK, I am sorry you have to cancel the gym (I am new so don't know what is wrong with your DH but I hope he is well soon )

LitChick, WAY TO GO! You are doing an amazing job

Toofat4u, I relate to the exercise issue. I have been dealing with health concerns this month (read:I have been in pain). Today is a new day!

Wyllen, it must have seemed like a luxury to take a weekend off (I know how you professors are! ) and you deserved every moment! Now, off to the gym with you

cdncatlover, how are you doing with your plan?

Nolifewithouthorses, I don't think that what you did with the catalog was "hissy" at all. I think that what you did was appropriate and may possibly get her to change her behavior! Glad that ordeal is over for you.

hippievanlady, I am glad the toxic people have moved on and you don't have to deal with them any time soon. I agree with you 100%! I keep toxic people out of my life too, because I refuse to be miserable!

Notthecheat, I hope you move goes well. Shedding the ex will liberate you on many levels!

Musictchr Welcome! I am new too and I love it here. Congratulations on you losses already

As for me? I had my first truly OFF plan day since starting 2 weeks ago. I am at peace with my decisions.

I went out with 3 friends I have not seen in forever and we had a good time. I was in control of myself more than I have been in the past and I made the best choices from what was available to me.

We went to see one of the friends perform with a Jazz act she sometimes works with (she is a full time entertainer) and I had 2 lemondrop martinis (the first drinks a month!) as well as some snacky things (in moderation).

I am okay with it. No guilt or regrets and back on plan 100% today!



So, today, I have to see my ex husband, his new wife and their 2 children as well as the former mother in law. I am taking my daughter to see her family. They stopped having contact with us 7 years ago and we recently started speaking again.

It is a strange situation for my poor daughter. She has to deal with facing the senseless rejection from her family in the past, the awkwardness of seeing them again and with having a new brother and sister at the same time. My ex is apologetic and says he regrets his choice to remove himself from my daughters life, but the words feel hollow when reviewing all we went through those years.

My daughter lost her father and her only grandparent for seven years and for what? She has only had me, an aunt (my sister) and my DH in her life as family during those years. It is just so sad. I am sad for my daughter. She seems to be taking it well but she is guarded.

Well, as I am sure you all can see, I have so many emotions surrounding this issue. What matters is that I am firm in my resolve to not let it make me eat in response!

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Hi everyone. I have been away from the boards for a week or more so am too far behind to catch up. I took the GMAT on Saturday and had spent most every extra minute the week before studying. It sure paid off because I ended up with a score of 690, which is an EXCELLENT score. It is in the 91st percentile of scores. So now I can relax and not worry whether or not I will be accepted to the program I want. Now I just need to focus on getting the rest of my application together...essay, updated resume, etc. I need 3 letters of recommendation and requested those last week. Everything is due July 1.

I am feeling a combination of excitement and fear at the thought of going back to school. I am excited at the potential adventure of it. I always enjoyed school, but I know grad school is a whole other beast plus I will be working 40+ hours a week at a demanding job (not 20 hours/week at a pizza place like I did in undergrad. ). I hope I don't get overwhelmed. I suppose it will be inevitable that I do get that way at times. I just don't want to make myself miserable in this endeavor. My intent is to enjoy the process and in the end be prepared to move up the corporate ladder a little bit as well as do work I find more satisfying than accounting. Anyway, that is what is going on with me.

Next Saturday I am doing the Race for the Cure benefitting breast cancer with my WW buddy. I had set my fund-raising goal at $500 and ended up receving donations just over $1,100!!!!! I am very excited about that.

The following weekend is my trip to the Grand Canyon. There are now 4 girls going instead of just 2. The more the merrier, I say. With one exception...my friend is still only booking one hotel room instead of getting two. I can't imagine why. We all have good jobs and can afford to get 2 rooms and be comfortable. I can't imagine 4 girls trying to shower and get ready in the mornings. Plus we will be sharing beds. I am sorry, that is WAY too much togetherness for me. But apparently everyone else is fine with it so I won't rock the boat. I just really would like more privacy in getting dressed, etc. I am the only very overweight one and just am not comfortable with the idea. Oh well, not sure what I can do about it now.

Well, I better get going for the day. I am have been shopping for new lights fixtures and ceiling fans. I really want to replace the old yucky ones I currently have and upgrade to somethign a little nicer. It's hard to make a decision though!

Take care everyone!

Hi everyone! I did badly at the dietians today--am up 3lbs. I am so bummed! She did say this is the same 3lbs that I have been yo-yoing with for about 4 months now. I guess I need to do something different to get past it.

cdncatlover- Thanx for the welcome! My dietian says that I should only be loosing about 1-2lbs a week. I think that sucks, but she says that is the healthiest way to do it. I have made a lot of little changes, more water here, more veggies there, but I am soooo tempted to crash diet!

notthecheat- the only cheap gym around is the Y. I have thought of it a bit, but I am so shy about people seeing me. I only walk after dark so nobody can. It took a great deal of courage on my part to take the tai chi class I'm in! I hadn't thought of weight training, though. Thanx for the tip.

musictchr- want to buddy up on the 25lbs lost by July 4th? I could really use a compition to egg me on, I think.

me

Xena2005, Congrats on scoring so well!

Graduate school while working 40 hours a week will be a challenge...but I am sure you will have an incredible time, just make sure to manage your time well!

As far as your trip is concerned, maybe you CAN do something about it! I say BOOK YOUR OWN ROOM! Why not? If you can afford it, and it will make you enjoy your trip more, go for it!

Michelou, have you visited the Y? I work out there and in my area at least, it is a great place for all bodies!