[karilyn1982]

Hello - I am new here to this entire site in general. I posted a message at the Support board, but felt I should post here also, as I have more than 100 lbs to lose, and if anyone understands what I am going through, it would be most of you here.

For starters, I am 20 years old and currently weigh 300 lbs. I have always been big. As a child, teenager, and now adult. When I was around 16 years old, my weight stabalized at 200 lbs and I was comfortable in my skin. I had a boyfriend, I felt good about myself, I wore a size 16 (which I hadn't in a long time.) Over all, I was happy, even at 200 lbs.

I guess everything changed when I was 18 years old. I experienced the loss of a pregnancy I became depressed and instead of talking with people about my emotions, I ate. I ate so much, that even if I wasn't hungry, I would still eat. I could be completely full, to the point where I was almost sick, and still find room for ice cream. From the age of 18 to 20 I ballooned up to 300 lbs which is where I am at right now.

Though the depression is gone, and emotionally I feel better, the weight stuck. I've tried my own diets, but I find it very hard to stick to them. So I remembered when I was about 14 I went to The Medical Weight Loss Clinic near my home, and I lost about 40 lbs while there. I thought I'd give it a shot again. I have more time to myself now, and can be more dedicated to the program.

When I went in for my consultation, they asked me how much weight I would like to lose. I told them that I would be happy to weigh 200 again - but why stop there? I want to TRY for 160 lbs. 140 lbs to lose. I plan on setting small goals for myself. Nothing that is unattainable. I will be starting my program on April 4th, 2003.

So I look forward to starting this journey, and keep everyone updated on my progress. I have been reading many posts here, and I love seeing everyone else's progress, and how great everyone is looking! You will all be hearing more from soon. As soon as I start my program, I'll let you all know how it is working for me.

Thanks everyone for reading,
Can't wait to get to know you all!

Kari

[matt_H]

Hello Kari,

Welcome to the board! Its a really interesting and fun group of girls (plus Simon and me).

Matt

[bella23]

Welcome Kari,

I hope you like it here as much as I do! Post often.

Bella23

[AngiKL]

Hi Kari!
Congratulations on your goal-setting! This is a good place for support - both getting and giving!

[mthrgoos68]

Hi Kari! Congratulations on making up your mind to get started and picking a plan to stick with. Sometimes just getting going can be the hardest part. You'll find lots of great support here!

[Charbar]

Welcome Kari
You have found the best place on the web! Stick with us - you'll lose!

[Izzybeff]

Welcome Kari!

I'm new too, but from what i've seen so far, this forum is a wealth of support. I'm 29 and I wish I would have realized at 20 that I needed to lose weight.. I just recently (25 days ago) started realizing that my quality of life would be better if I weighed less.. My self esteem would be better and I might enjoy life a little more if I weighed less. I also haven't totally settled on what weight I want to get to.. Right now i'm focusing on small things.. Like weighing less than 350 on May 1st when I go to the doctor.. That way i'll be able to weigh on their scale. Not sure if that will happen or not since I don't know what weight i've started at.. But i'm praying and doing everything in my power to make it there.

Good luck to you! Post often!
Liz

[Sheila53]

Congratulations to you guys who are starting this healthy journey so young!

I find this a wonderful place for motivation and the challenges are a great way to make a commitment to healthful eating and exercise.

Good luck--and can't wait to hear more from you!

[muelledk]

Kari, welcome! I hope you chime in often! You have such determination in your post, congratulations. Good luck.

[boiaby]

Welcome Kari! Congratulations on finding your plan and setting your goals, sometimes that's half the battle! You sound determined and ready so good luck! Remember, we're all in this together so never hesitate to share, good or bad.

[SuchAPrettyFace]

Yes, welcome to the fold!

[slimmingsi]

hello and welcome i'm also new as matt has already mentioned me i guess i should say hello. 160lb is very achievable for you so don't stop at 200. i lost nearly 100lb in 13monhts i'm now 21. and 220lb.

good luck on your quest its all good and the more you lose the more excited youl'll get. i was also suffering from depression not so long ago due to my ex gf being a *****. and my diet was my focus to pull me through. think 12months down the line. watcha gonna look like watcha gonna feel like.

have fun si

[Jennelle]

Hi, and welcome!