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 to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We often use a "Topic of the Day" for discussion.

Motivational Monday
Tuesday Tips
Wednesday Wish List .. and What you are doing to obtain it.
Thankful Thursday
FUN Friday ... don't wait until you lose your weight.
Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Share your Success Sunday

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We often find them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations.

We have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, and more. 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.

WELCOME!

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Hello, everyone!

I'm glad to see that everyone is doing well and still hanging in there.

Life has been crazy here. Still no word on Honey's job. Still pluggin' away with this weightloss battle. *sigh*

Angela: I'm so sorry for your loss. I know what you mean about a bitter sweet goodbye. My father had dementia and the last few years were very hard. When he finally passed, mom and I really didn't cry much. As I told her, "we had lost him years earlier and done our grieving then". The blessing was that he was out of his confusion and she was able to get a life back. I encouraged her to take some time for herself and she has joined one senior card group after another. At this point, she plays cards 3-4 days a week at different places and goes to the casino about once a month. She'll be 84 in July and I'm so proud (and thankful) of her independence.

Catherine: I'm sorry to hear about your 'have to be perfect' life. That must have been terribly stressful! I'm an only child and my father could never fathom that a "C" in school was "average". He always thought I should/could do better. And I did, most of the time, but the arguments still ensued. Oh well. We are only products of our up-bringing. We have to take control of what we do as adults.

I'm a "showgirl" this weekend, so not around much. Got to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith yesterday. Very fun!!! The theatre that I work at is getting an IMAX. Can't wait, it should be fun. They were supposed to get it in September, but the manager said last night that it may be as early as July! WooHoo! Currently we have to go downtown to the science center or to Greenfield Village for an IMAX.

Well, my dears, my time is up. Must run. We also have a lunch to do at Hooter's. Boy, talk about ruining your self-esteem......or boosting your motivation, one of the two.

Love ya bunches!

This hasn't been the best of weeks.

My SO and I have been having problems for a long time now...more than 6 months. Aside from all the issues we have had with each other we've had to face a constant stream of life crisis that's left us both burnt at both ends with no relief in site. We've both been miserable. Earlier this week a series events finally led me to a breaking point. I was unhappy all the time and I couldn't go on anymore. I told him we needed a break from each other and had him move into the guest room. I told him we needed to get our individual issues resolved before we could try to be together again. We both want to work things out...but I had to have a break from all the opressive sadness. His, and my own.

It was too much to try and take all at once so I allowed myself a few days "off". I didn't worry about what I ate or how much. I just focused on doing some things to bring back some fun in my life. Sadly, I didn't even really get a chance to munch all the foods I've been missing as my tummy upset from all the emotional storms refused to accept any foody-goodness. I did get my pizza though...and of course it was poorly made and tasted like crap. I never have any luck.

So today I am starting over and I am not even going to glance at a scale for a few days to allow the water-weight from the salty foods to fade away. Hopefully next week will go better.

Good afternoon ladies! Hope everyone is well. I dont think its ever going to stop raining in south carolina, lol! We have had rain for about 7 consecuative days now. I hope it stops soon, i am going to the beach with a friend for a few days. Which brings up the problem of wearing a bathing suit! lol
Catherine thanks for the sewing advice. I thought maybe i could take a class at a fabric center. I would really just like to be able to sew simple things like ponchos, or just embellish my pants and jeans with fabric and things. Maybe that wouldnt be too hard
Well, i hope everyones day is good, and remember to never give up. Even if we detour (which i have many, many times) we can find our way back if we have faith

peace,love and happiness,

Greetings my fellow supporters . Blessing to all . I would like to thank all those who post here. I reap so much insperation from each person.I know my mind set and thinking process around food and reasons I eat are changing from the sense of knowing I'm not the only one feeling this way. Thank you everyone .

Dogpal: I want to first congadulate you on your hard work. I know you are working hard to feel healthy. Your words share the feeling I also have . I also want to jump up and down and scream and shout for you and your teriffic weight loss. Another 5 lbs!!! Super job lady . I'm jelouse yet extatic for you. Keep it up but don't forget to share the little things with us too . Please know I'm listening carefully!!

Angela: big fuzzt hugs to you my dear . Not only for the sadness you have right now, but for you courage to continue to share with all of us. I've had the need to share a hug with you for awhile....so here it is today !! Be kind to yourself .

WELCOME!! WELCOME!! WELOCME EVERY NEW POSTER AND THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING US TO SUPPORT YOU AND YOU GIVINGNESS TO SUPPORT ALL OF US . IT IS SO NICE TO SPREAD THE GOOD FEELING EVEN FARTHER. WE NEED YOU AND HOPE YOU'LL NEED US TOO .

Good luck to us all in the next week . Keep your eye on your goals, the big and the small. Remember to be nice to your selves not only to others . We CAN do this . Enjoy your lives and all the little moments before they get away.

Hi gang--Well, a friend who knows the town we're in asked me if I would take her to a grocery store, and I thought it would be good to pick up something for dinner, so I got a treat: mac and cheese, ready to heat in the microwave in the hotel room. Only thing I forgot was a spoon or fork, so I just finished eating it by spearing each individual piece of macaroni with one of those little coffee stirrers. I wouldn't recommend it as a daily practice, but it did remind me of just how often I eat too fast and don't savor my food, whether it's a treat or not. Tomorrow I'm off to home, and back to being OP.

Thin--Thanks for sharing. I feel the same way--we really lost her several years ago.

Solus--Sorry to hear things have been so stressful, but good for you for not letting this take you off track more than a few days. Doing good things for yourself like losing weight are always good things to do when other things are tough.

Shadiepurple--Thanks for the hug! Much appreciated!

Hi Everyone~~

It's been about a week since I came here and I've missed it. We just put the AC in the den--which is the room with the computer --so I should be here more from now on. It has been so hot and humid and I've just been coming in here to check my e-mail and then running into the room with the AC. :LOL: I'm sure you all understand where I'm coming from. Good news for me this week. Apparently I've changed my "official" weigh in day to Friday--since that's the day I've been doing it --last week on June 3, 2005 I weighed 350.8 and this week I weighed 349.0 That means I'm down 1.8 pounds for this week. I am so, so happy. I'm not really doing anything too different either--just watching portions and I'm exercising VERY LITTLE each day. I was trying to do the 30 minutes a day in June and then the 90 degree weather hit us here. So basicly, I've just been dancing to the music on the tv once in a while and I'm making the extra trips up and down the stairs and I guess that right now that is okay.

I can totally relate to you Kari--I've had some pains in my chest before and a lot of your other symptoms. Good luck sweetie ((((HUGS)))) The people here are really nice and they are so inspirational. Keep coming back and you'll see.

Angela--I'm so sorry about your grandmother. My boyfriend's mother just passed away on May 15. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's 3 years ago and I actually left my job to stay home and take care of her. She was also afraid to go into a nursing home The last few months were so hard with her. I feel bad saying that it was almost a relief when she died, but it was. The weird part is that I really miss her. I don't know why, she hated me before she was crazy. She called me "horse" because I'm fat and yet I was always polite to her. I just want you to know that I understand where you're coming from and if you need to talk you can e-mail me. ((((HUGS)))) And thinthinker--good for your Mom. It's so stressful taking care of someone with dementia so I'm glad that your mother is living life to the fullest right now. Tell her, "You go girl!" for me.

Solus--I'm sorry you're having problems with your S/0. Sometimes they just don't know, do they? And while I'm sorry that your pizza wasn't as good as you expected--but look on the bright side--maybe that's because your taste buds and your body is actually enjoying healthier foods more now. What? It could happen.

FutureDiva--was it you who tried on the size 14 and discovered that it fit? WOO-HOO! I am so happy for you! I can't wait until I'm back in a 14.

Well, I've got to go. I know there was more I wanted to say, but I can't remember the names of who I wanted to say things to. I really have to start taking notes when I read these threads. Especially when it goes from one number to another. I'll try to check in tomorrow. Be good ladies and know that I'm thinking of you even if I'm not here every day.

Hello Everyone!

Im sorry I havent had the chance to hang around here and get to know you guys as well as I hoped I would get to when I joined. Right now life is just kind of crazy around here, my friend has been staying with us more and more since her living situation has started to get stressful and I just feel really rude hanging out online while shes here. Hopefully her life will get more stable soon enough so I can get back to my old routine again and start participating more.

I cant sleep tonight. Im really nervous about this job interview thing I am going on this morning and Im getting a little too worked up about it...Im giving myself a stomach ache just thinking about it. I know Im not doing myself any favors by not sleeping, but I just end up laying there thinking and making my nerves work overtime so I figured I would hop online. I think I have a few anxiety issues...lol. I havent had a job in a long time, pretty much since I was pregnant with kiddo and hes going to be 5 in October. I think Im just as worried about getting the job as I am NOT getting the job. I guess I just hope it works out for the best.


Since today is now "motivational monday" I went to find one of the things that I enjoy reading to pick me up when Im feeling kind of low. Someone posted this on another message board that I go to, and it has become one of my favorites so I thought Id share it...

Consider, Royal Highness, if you will, an enlightened soul...

Does Kwai Chang Caine of "Kung-Fu" come to mind? Certainly a likable chap, meditating and all that.

Now picture this: A being so alive that their vibrations awaken all their senses. Their energy automatically summoning circumstances, gathering friends, and blasting limits. Falling so in love with the adventure of life that, like a child on a playground, they can't help but stretch, reach, and rediscover all of their capabilities, wanting to be involved in every "game". Yearning to spring from bed each morning to greet the day. Dipping their toes in every pool, stream, and ocean, simply because they can. Understanding the power of thought, and then sailing out into the world to avail themselves of its magic; knocking on every door and turning over every stone, to facilitate the swift manifestation of their dreams.

Sure, you can do less and have more once enlightened, but when you realize that the world spins in your very hand, that your thoughts become the things and events of your life, and that there's truly nothing you can't do, be or have, who would want to do less?

Have at it, Grasshopper,
The Universe

Well, I guess I better head to bed and try to at least nap before I have to get up in the morning. I hope you guys all have a healthy, productive day... Blessings to you all!

Congratulations to everyone who lost!!!

Way to go!

Tashabella, I really like your icon

Good Morning Ladies!

What's so good about it? Not much, really...but it would be rude to say, "Mediocre Morning Ladies".

Got back from the first 1/2 of my screwed-up, swing-shift of a vacation last night. It rained Friday while we were trying to pack up the cars A LOT! There were times tying tent poles on the roof of the car that I thought I might possibly drown...Like a turkey looking up at the sky! Then, we got such a late start we didn't make the campground until 9p.m. so we stayed at a hotel...additional cost $70. But they had a pool for the kids and we didn't have to lie about the dog...a bonus! Saturday we go back to the campground and start putting up the tent - it rained. A LOT! And our $500 medieval tent, which was ridiculously hard to put up, LEAKED! "Okay", I thought..."maybe it's a fluke...it's canvas and we've been rubbing all over it putting it up." So we dried everything out when it stopped raining and finished setting up camp. That was Saturday. Sunday came and I realized the folly of setting up camp without sunblock in a little tank top, which was pretty much all I'd left on after being soaked to the skin for the 2nd time in as many days. In retrospect, leaving on the soaking wet shirt would have been wise, though uncomfortable. I now have such a sunburn I can barely move my arms! Anyway, come Sunday afternoon we discovered that level 4 storms were forcast and I had to come home, so we battened down the hatches and I left for home in an attempt to stay ahead of the weather. And...yep, it rained. A LOT! I drove in torrential downpours for 1 1/2 hours of my 3 hour drive. But at least I stayed dry that time, which is more than I can say for my DH, who advised me that the $500.00 tent still leaked! And we aren't the only ones, some folks camped nearby have the same tent from the same tent manufacturer, which also leaked. So much that the man actually took a shower in the corner!

So now it's Monday. And it's raining. A LOT!

I do have some hopes that it is soon to stop raining north of KC, where my husband and kid are. I hear it's supposed to clear up, so maybe the vacation will be saved for them, and for me once I get back up there.

Lots of new folks here! Welcome to them all! This is a great site with great ladies and great support! We're happy to have you here!

I know many of you deserve replies and I'd do it, but I have no time. So I'll try to pop back later when I get the chance. In the meantime, everyone stay dry!

Hello ladies – I am glad that everyone is doing well. I hope everyone had a great weekend! Sorry I couldn’t have come around and posted over the weekend. We shut off our Internet connection at home, so I only use my computer at work now.

Angela_aka_Alice - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. I can see how you must feel about your grandmother being out of her confusion/pain. I will keep you in my thoughts, and pray that your mother can start a new life, and move forward.

hippievanlady - I can relate so much to how your mother was towards you growing up. My mother was the same way. Luckily I had family members who knew that I marched to the beat of a different drum, and encouraged me to do my best, even if my mother thought it wasn’t.

My father was/still is the same way. I am the ‘Big Girl’ of the family – and he just cannot accept that fact that I am large. On a recent trip home from my sister’s house (2 weeks ago), he told me that he had a dream that I was in bed, smothering to death because of how fat I am. He said that is all he can think about, and he is losing sleep over it. (Nothing like making me feel guilty about being overweight!) Needless to say…I cried the whole way home.

Solus - I’m sorry that you and your S/O are having problems right now. Sometimes you need a little space to clear your mind, and focus on yourself. When you can do that, then start trying to talk through what is happening. I wish the best for you and your S/O – just remember…take care of yourself.

dogpal – Congrats on the 5 lb weight loss! Weigh to GO!!!

Futurediva – way to go on getting into a size 14 pants! Who cares if they are ‘stretchy’! You can wear them!!! That is so wonderful! I can’t wait until I am one day in your shoes! (I am currently a size 26, borderline 28)

DoxieMom – just wanted to say that I love the picture of your two doxies! I too have two doxies whom I love very very much.

My weekend wasn’t too exciting. My sister came down to visit. (We live in S.E. Michigan) and she lives in the Upper Peninsula (near Wisconsin). She came in on Friday evening. Saturday we took my mom out to Ruby Tuesday for lunch. I’m usually pretty self-conscious around my sister & mother (because they are so skinny) so I ended up getting the salad bar to avoid any crude comment by either one of them.

Later on that day – we went to dinner with my dad at some little Coney Island restaurant. That was an enjoyable dinner. We laughed and talked a lot. (I hadn’t seen or talked to my dad since his comment about the dream he had of me dying).

Sunday – a large group of our family ended up going to the Greektown Casino. It was my first time in this casino – and to tell the truth…I wasn’t really impressed. I prefer going to the Windsor Casino any day over the Detroit Casino’s.

I have still been really motivated about losing weight. I haven’t eaten real well this weekend due to the fact that my sister came into town. But this week (Wednesday), my aunt and I are going into the ‘Power House’ gym to get a tour, and possibly sign up. The location is so close to our home, and right on the way home from work. So now we can meet after work, and get in a workout.

After going to sign up at the gym, I am going to run to Kroger’s and get some groceries. I have to pick up my Slim-Fast bars and some other healthy dinner options. Ricardo (my fiancé) is begging me not to go ‘Health Food Crazy’. So I suppose I have to go and buy him his ‘junk’. I’ve been talking to him about the gym, so I am trying to encourage him to go with me. I figure – if we can get fit together – we will both feel great.

This Thursday coming up is going to by my ‘Official Weigh-in’. I will consider my weight on Thursday, to be my starting weight.

Friday at work – I made some ‘Meal Plan Sheets’ so I can keep track of what I am eating everyday. I am thinking that this plan will work out for me – because it is structured nicely.

Breakfast: 7:00 a.m.
Snack #1: 10:00 a.m.
Lunch: 12:15 p.m.
Snack #2: 3:30 p.m.
Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
Snack #3: 9:00 p.m.

My previous ‘plans’ that I have been on only involved eating 3 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Because of that plan – I always felt hungry. So maybe this will be a good start for me.

Well – I’d better get going. Sorry I couldn’t respond to everyone – but you are all doing great! I will check in later to see how everyone is doing!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

- Kari

P.S. – For Motivational Monday – a favorite quote of mine:

“If you don't like who you are and where you are, don't worry about it because you're not stuck either with who you are or where you are. You can grow. You can change .You can be more than you are.”

Good morning all,

Thank you everyone for congrats on my -5 pounds. I have finally updated my tracker to reflect it since today is my offical weigh day. I am a bit nervous right now. My hubby has a phone interview with a company in Montana. We just moved to Idaho 3 years ago from CA and this is very different then CA. Nice but different. Montana is even more remote and country, which we both love but I have never been there. I am praying for God's will to be done and for me not to be disappointed either way.

Thinthinker: Hang in there about your honey's job. I know it is stressfull just not knowing sometimes. Have fun being a showgirl.

Solus: Sorry that you are having troubles with your S.O. Hopefully the space you have taken will be a good thing. Congrats on keeping focused on your weight loss though.

Futurediva: Yea! Size 14 Wow. You go girl. Have a great time at the beach!

Shadie: You are so sweet and such an inspiration too. I'm glad you are here.

Angela: So sorry to hear about your Grandmother. I know how you feel. It has been 3 years since my Grandma passed away and I still miss her very much. It does get a bit better over time. I will be praying for you and your mom.

Dolfingirl: Congrats on your loss. That is so wonderful anytime we see the scale move down.

Tinker: I hope that you had a wonderful interview and that you get the job if it will be a good one for you. Good luck.

Lilion: So sorry that your trip wasn't pleasant. You have put so much work into getting ready for it too. I hope the weather clears up so you can enjoy it when you go back.

Starting over: Keep your head up girl. Sometimes people who love us think it helps us to share their fears and thoughts. Also, I've noticed that there are some folks that don't view over weight people as people but rather as objects that they feel free to comment on. I hate that. I get soooooo much of it every time I go to the pool It seems I have someone or other asking me about my weight loss and swimming. Or giving me unsolicited advice. It is not a good feeling to be treated like less than a person. Hang in there and keep your sweet heart.

Blessings to everyone and have a great OP Day.
Dogpal

It is Monday, and the first storm of the season went by without blowing us to Kansas, so it is a good day.

Angela-I had to laugh at your coffee stirrer story. If I get to eating too fast, I force myself to eat with chop sticks. It slows me way down, and is actually good exercise for my hand.

Lilion-I have a lot of experience with leaky tents. For canvas ones, the best thing I found was Snowseal. You buy it back in the shoe department at a sporting goods place. Lay the tent out on a hard dry surface like tennis court or parking lot, or garage floor. Use a semi-flexible putty knife to apply it in a thin coat. It has the consitency of car wax. Then you use a blowdryer on it. That melts the wax so it soaks in. It will darken the fabric some. I like to use the putty knife to scrape any excess away because dirt will stick to any wax that doesn't soak in. Bee's wax was something they would have used for the same purpose in olden times, so you can maintain authenticity. Whatever you do, don't use scotch guard. That's made with liquid teflon. Teflon is going to be the next DDT. Researchers have found it in everyone's blood, and it doesn't break down in the environment. Fears about it being the next asbestos made the manufacturer of scotch guard off the market. Of course other companies are putting it in all sorts of stuff these days: stain free pants, streak free shower cleaners, and dust polishers. Stay away from that stuff, especially if you have kids.

Starting over-I had a similar problem with my roommate wanting junk food. Here's how I handled it. I do the shopping and cooking. I only buy decent food, and only cook healthy meals. If she wanted something else, she had to go out for it. There is a book called Healthy Cooking With a Man in Mind, you can get it at a discount online from Edward R. Hamilton. I gave it as a gag gift to my brother in law, and they started using it, and lost a bunch of weight. I didn't have the heart to tell them that it was supposed to be a joke since it worked so well. We joke that it is a Redneck Diet, but it does show you how to cook familiar favorites a lot lower in calories. It might make a place to start with your fiance. As for my roommate, it was either seeing my success, or starvation that led her to start eating what I was fixing. She's lost 40 pounds since Christmas, and went from being close to needing insulin, to perfect blood workups, and is now a true believer.

In the pool today, I had the weirdest experience. I think a guy tried to flirt with me. I can truthfully say that I can never remember that ever happening before. When I was younger and smaller, I was too angry and unpleasant for anyone to approach. I had absolutely no idea about how to handle it. I feel like I need to go to some type of remedial lessons. I'm already going through puberty again since I've gotten small enough for my hormones to turn back on. My face is even broke out. God help us if I start sitting on the phone giggling. I didn't like puberty the first time, and I'm too old to be a valley girl.

dogpal - Thanks so much for the kind words. I understand 100% what you mean about how some people view us as objects that they can say anything to. People can be cruel - some intentionally - some just by ingnorance. Either way - we just have to keep chuggin' along and keep doing our thing.

Saturday evening when I was walking into my mother's house - some young kids next door to my mother's house were playing outside, and shouted at me: "Hey Tubba-lard!!!"

Typically - this would make me upset, and I would dwell on it A LOT. But I just realized they are kids, and they are ignorant. Their parents may not have taught them that name calling is rude, or they may be learning it from peers. Either way - I know that I am making an effort to become healthy. They may not know it - but I do.

Also - before I go - I just wanted to say that today at lunch I went to the mall and visited GNC. They have a nice digital scale there that prints out your weight information on a little ticket. I decided that I didn't want to wait for Thursday to weigh in - so I did it today. I weighed in at 316 lbs So why am I happy? I'm happy that it didn't say 325 or 330 lbs!!! I thought for sure that I had gained MUCH more weight since my last weigh in (January 2005). When in fact - I gained 1 lb since then. I felt a wave of relief when I saw it. Now - I just have to work towards my mini goal of 299 lbs