First name: Maddie

Geographical location: east coast of Canada

Age: 42

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: DD 7 years DD 5 years

Occupation: was a teaching principal for 13 years,became SAHM for past 5 years, back on teaching sub list Sept '10

Pets: black lab Benny black cat Gage beta fish Bubbles and Fishy LOL

Hobbies/Interests: "glamping" interior design gardening baking (which is 25% responsible for getting me here)

Height: 5' 6"

Eye/Hair Color: green/light auburn

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: August 19,2010

Starting Weight: 220

Goal Weight: 160 and then I'll fine tune it from there

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: cooking something that my meat and potatoes and sweet dessert loving hubby will NOT complain about

Following any specific plan: definitely low glycemic and close to vegetarian

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: more motivation from external souces (so not looking forward to the subtle "OMG she put on weight since she's been gone" looks from former co-workers)

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am a diagnosed hypoglycemic who also has an overabundance of candida (yeast cells). Double whammy.ugh. Also I believe strongly in naturopathy and homeopathy rather than conventional medicine...but I'm not the crunchy-granola type.

First name: Eileen

Geographical location: Near Nashville, TN. Originally from Boston, MA (OFD!)

Age: 46

Marital Status: happily divorced

Children/Ages: son 21, daughter 23

Occupation: unemployed grad student. previously RN for 26 yrs

Pets: custodial grandma to Lucky, 12 yr old mutt. also have a grandcat, Binx

Hobbies/Interests: reading, gardening, travel, "lost 45's", plays, concerts, Hot In Cleveland!

Height: 5'6"

Eye/Hair Color:blue-ish/currently blonde but originally mousy brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 8-18-2010

Starting Weight:218.8, but my WW leader "takes off" 2 lbs for clothes, so she says 216.8 (Crazy, huh?)

Goal Weight: 154, then I will have a "normal" BMI

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: finishing what I have started

Following any specific plan: WW flex/momentum, and walking with a goal of completing a 5K in October

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have decided 2010 is MY year! I sold my house, quit my job, moved away from home, family and friends for grad school. I live alone so I only have to shop and cook for myself, finally!

Anything else you would like to share with us: I can get chatty....And I'm a Red Sox fan!

First name: Jacqueline

Geographical location: San Diego

Age: 47

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: lost my only child 2 years ago

Occupation: substitute teacher

Pets: yappy little dog named Precious Muchacho

Hobbies/Interests: Cooking (!), gluten-free baking, knitting, crochet, mystery novels, ZooWorld and Farmville on Facebook, thinking deep thoughts, and a 24-hour-a-day obsession with food

Height: 5'9"

Eye/Hair Color: green/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: August 2010

Starting Weight: 150

Goal Weight: 130

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: no self-discipline! I can't say no to myself, and myself is always asking for cookies, cake, ice cream and chocolate. I have never really been on a diet, or at lease a successful one, relying on bingeing and starving to achieve my weight goals. Somehow, twenty pounds slipped aboard unchecked....

Following any specific plan: See above - I have stopped eating pounds of chocolate at one sitting, but am unable to not eat it at all. I bought a used elliptical machine tonight, new running shoes, workout wear, and am building a weight-loss exercise INFRASTRUCTURE that is sure to bear fruit....

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: desperation

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am a middle aged woman with depression and anxiety who has suddenly gained a lot of weight and grown out of an extensive wardrobe. I am wearing thrift store clothes three sizes bigger than normal, and I literally spend 90% of my waking hours thinking about what I can or cannot eat, when I can eat it, and how I'll feel when I eat it. I need help, and am here for support and encouragement, and maybe to hear the voices of sanity, which is probably not what I'm hearing from inside my own head.

First name: Samantha

Geographical location:Chicago suburbs

Age:47

Marital Status:Single

Children/Ages:None I know of

Occupation:Instructional Designer

Pets:My folks have 3 chihuahua mixes who act as furry brother/sisters.

Hobbies/Interests:Movies, Britcoms, Reading comedy-mysteries, Cooking, Writing

Height:5'

Eye/Hair Color:Presently red/green

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:July 20, 2010

Starting Weight:?

Goal Weight:size 14

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:Getting past a size 16; I self-sabotage around that point.

Following any specific plan:Original Body Flex, "sensible" eating

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:I'm in my 40s

Anything else you would like to share with us:I don't like to get on scales; I'd rather feel roomier in clothes.

First name: Kelly

Geographical location: Southern California

Age: 41

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: 1 son; 14 years

Occupation: Legal Secretary

Pets: 2 Carolina Dogs, Bonkers & Bumpers

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Movies, Biking, Swimming, Hiking, Camping

Height: 5' 3"

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel/Brown

Starting Date of Weight loss Journey: September 1, 2010

Starting Weight: 236

Goal Weight: 130

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Allowing myself to put ME first, understanding that I am worth the effort.

Following any specific plan: Calorie Counting & Exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am a people pleaser and an emotional eater. I have done allot of emotional house cleaning and I am ready to be done hiding ME.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have a 80 mile RT commute daily, up at 4 a.m. and home around 6 p.m., and it really eats into the exercise time, I have to remember to make the time.

First name: Becky

Geographical location: Nebraska

Age: 41

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: 3 boys ages 19, 16, & 8

Occupation: Health paraprofessional

Pets: Black Lab named Kota and Bichon named Sophie

Hobbies/Interests: Camping, boating, gardening, reading, photography.

Height:5'6".5

Eye/Hair Color: Blonde / Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Wow - loaded question. My starting date THIS time is tomorrow (failed miserably already today) September 8th, 2010.

Starting Weight: 190

Goal Weight:155

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Everything! I have a total lack of will power to resist the foods that have helped put me in this position. I have no desire to excercise, nor the energy to even if I did have the desire! Afternoon & evening snacking kill me. I get easily defeated/distracted - I'm an instant gratification kind of girl - I want to eat healthy for a few day and lose 10 lbs - and when I don't show a significant loss I'll fall right back into my bad ways.

Following any specific plan: Eat more healthy, resist cravings & try to move more.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm the heaviest I've ever been - I feel awful all the time, tired, depressed & body aches. I'm so embarrased by my weight gain I won't let my picture be taken, I hate to go out of the house, I fear I'm an embarrassment to my boys and I carry alot of shame.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm a yo-yo dieter I suppose. I lost 30lb in 2008 with Metabolic - but I HATED the restrictive eating and the HIGH cost of the plan. I've had success with WW in 2007 - again - HATED the expense and ultimately felt like I was too restricted again. I NEED to lose weight - I'm too tired to even play with my 8yr old.

First name: Janice

Geographical location: Manitoba

Age:44

Marital Status:Single

Children/Ages: Girl, 23/Boy, 14

Occupation:Educator

Pets:2 kitties

Hobbies/Interests:Love to read King or Koontz

Height:4'11"

Eye/Hair Color:Blue/Originally brown; now "Sangria"

Starting Date of Weight loss Journey:September 1, 2010

Starting Weight: 224

Goal Weight: I'll start with 174 (50lbs)then it will change

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss:Finding variety in meals

Following any specific plan:I lean closer to Ideal Protein & Atkins than anything. I've basically cut out carbs so as to re-train my pancreas and change my metabolism.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:This is the heaviest I've EVER been; even when pregnant!! The difference this time is a desire to live long enough to see my grandbaby grow up.

Anything else you would like to share with us:I am so happy to have found this site. My life consists of work & home so I don't have a lot of friends. The support I feel from 3FC is very much appreciated. I like that I can bare my soul yet still feel anonymous.

First name: Betty

Geographical location: North Dakota

Age: 42

Marital Status: happily remarried!

Children/Ages: son - 19 daughter - 17

Occupation: nurse

Pets: 2 westies (Molly & Otis)

Hobbies/Interests: beading, crochet, gardening

Height: 5' 7"

Eye/Hair Color: hazel, brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: THIS time.....today!

Starting Weight: 178

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: motivation - it can switch at the drop of a hat! Eating sweets for a stress relief or just because I can't get enough!

Following any specific plan: Eat healthy, move more! Sounds so easy - why isn't it?

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have elevated cholesterol, depression, and need to get my butt in gear to take care of my health before it gets out of hand. I know the regular exercise will help with both.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Need to get out of my slump! No motivation - one day I'll have some, then the next it's gone and I'm frustrated with myself! Trying to move past a stressful 2 years! My brother took his life in October 2008 and ex-husband (an alcoholic) died in August 2009 due to tragic fall and skull fractures.

First name: Cassie

Geographical location: North Central Alabama

Age: 41

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Chel 20, Sarah 16, Lori 14, Rylie 7

Occupation: Sewing Machine Operator

Pets: 0

Hobbies/Interests: Reading romance novels, sewing

Height: 5'5"


Eye/Hair Color: Brown, redish brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: September 26,2010

Starting Weight: 285

Goal Weight: 165

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Excersizing I have time but not the gumption.

Following any specific plan: No

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Its time!

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Aubrey

Geographical location: Florida Panhandle

Age: 40

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: (1) 14 yer. old son.

Occupation: Program Assistant



Pets: (1) very spoiled shih-tzu dog

Hobbies/Interests: camping, boating, reading, spending time with family and friends

Height: 5'8"

Eye/Hair Color: green/ blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Sept. 28, 2010

Starting Weight: 233.6

Goal Weight: 180

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Not eating as a social event/ staying motivated

Following any specific plan: counting calories approx. 1200

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am going to stop taking 3 steps forward 4 steps back. I want to over this specific dilema.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I am excited to be here and any help or guidance will be greatly appreciated.

First name: Laurel

Geographical location: Atlanta

Age: 39.5

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: Regan, 3 and Lily 1

Occupation: coordinator

Pets: Sam the bird and Fred the fish

Hobbies/Interests: karate, yoga, the outdoors, cooking, reading

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: brown /red

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: all my life, but most recently this past fall when I was cleared after the birth of my now one-year-old; nothing is working and I'm stuck.

Starting Weight: 180

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: having the time to work out, which I love to do

Following any specific plan: trying to exercise at least 3-4 times per week and eating healthy; currently have starteda 1500 cal meal plan and I just don't think it's for me - cals not the prob, but counting the food pieces is dumb.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: no time to work out; I could work out seven days a week if I could - I'm an endorphin addict - with kids and a hubby who works opposite of me, I don't get to work out like that and am lucky to work out at all

Anything else you would like to share with us: After the last statement I posted, I'm now sad. Ugh.

First name: Kirsten

Geographical location: Chile

Age: 42

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: three kids ages 5, 7 and 1

Occupation: stay at home mom (was elementary school teacher)

Pets: 1 guinea pig - 'Miss Olivia Golden Squeak'

Hobbies/Interests: reading, cooking, gardening, travel, camping, hiking

Height: 6'1/2"

Eye/Hair Color: green/dirty blonde

Starting Date of Weight loss Journey: Sept 22 2010

Starting Weight: 267

Present Weight: 263

Goal Weight: 195

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: emotional eating, portion control, snacking

Following any specific plan: portion control, exercise 4x week, counting cals

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Now (with online tools) am able to actually count cals properly. I think I always thought it was my metabolism.. now I realize I was actually eating TOO MUCH! lol

Anything else you would like to share with us: Happy to find a support group!

First name: Rhonda

Geographical location: Near Houston Texas

Age: 47

Marital Status: happily

Children/Ages: son 26, daughter 17, son 5

Occupation: Legal Secretary

Pets: the overweight kitty in my avatar, "Stella" + 4 more cats! CatLOVER here

Hobbies/Interests: reading, playing bunco, socializing, internet games, tv shows

Height: 5'6"

Eye/Hair Color:blue-ish/ blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 9-13-2010

Starting Weight:276.8

Goal Weight: 145

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Not CHEATING on my plan!

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protein

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Trying to catch up to my husband who has lost 60 lbs this year.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm looking for a weight loss buddy that we can send text msgs and phone each other for support. Send me a PM if you're interested!

First name: Cathy

Geographical location: South Alabama

Age: 47

Marital Status: happily

Children/Ages: 2 sons.. 21 and 18

Occupation: soon-to-be job hunting after being a SAHM for 20 yrs.

Petsoberman and a little adopted terrier mix..also caring for MIL's lab and dachshund.

Hobbies/Interests: reading, photography, internet games, gardening, crafting,traveling, swimming... anything outdoors.

Height: 5'8"

Eye/Hair Color:blue/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 9/5/2010

Starting Weight:278

Goal Weight: 180 (for now)

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: staying away from sweets

Following any specific plan: calorie counting (daily goal 1200)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: The kids have moved out and hubby is doing this with me.. so I have support in the home. Counting calories this time (no food plan to stick to)...we have made a lifestyle change by eating healthy and exercising part of our day.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Like Rhonda, I am just looking fro some weightloss friends who are going thru the same thing and know the challenges we face... a txt buddy would be great too

First name: Alyssa

Geographical location: West Coast

Age: 41

Marital Status: Married 20 years

Children/Ages: 3 girls, 1 boy

Occupation: Homemaker, homeschooling mom

Pets: 2 cats

Hobbies/Interests: Anything housewife-mommy related... and having a relationship with God!

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color: Green eyes/brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: March, 2010

Starting Weight:185

Goal Weight: 130'ish (or less)?

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Caring about my weight!

Following any specific plan: Eating mostly vegetarian, exercising regularly

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I've never had to lose weight before. This is all new for me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Dittoing what others have said, I'm really needing a place to talk, encourage, and to be encouraged in this journey. Since putting on weight for the first time in my life a handful of years ago, I've had the worst time even addressing weight loss. It's a new thing for me needing to hold myself accountable and remain focused.

I also wanted to say that I'm really thrilled to be here!! This is such an amazing group of people! You all are an incredible inspiration to me, and I hope I can return the favor whenever you need a or a little pick-me- up along the way.

Alyssa
__________________