and here's my bio:

First name: Lee

Geographical location: Ontario

Age: 44

Marital Status: Divorced

Children/Ages: boys 13 and 15

Occupation: lawyer

Pets: none

Hobbies/Interests: guitar, reading, movies

Height: 5'4

Eye/Hair Color: hazel, brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 1, 2013

Starting Weight: 167

Goal Weight: 128

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: hmmm... maybe I'm a bit too happy with how I am. Not miserable enough. And being fat is my excuse for not dating the right kind of men.

Following any specific plan: Beck Diet Solution

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: like the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy techniques from Beck diet

Anything else you would like to share with us: looking forward to meeting you all.

First name:

Geographical location: Brooklyn, NY

Age: 47

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: 22, 20, 14, 13, and one we lost to cancer

Occupation: homeschooling sahm

Pets: cat

Hobbies/Interests: reading, cooking, keeping up with the news

Height: 5'5ish

Eye/Hair Color: brown/greyish so dyeing it now

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: March, 2013

Starting Weight: 246

Goal Weight: 199 in 2013. The rest...we'll see.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I am easily distracted and when I start focusing on a different part of my life, I stop focusing on my health and fitness

Following any specific plan: No S Diet (making it low-carb), weights at home and walking lots

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: aiming for more balance in all parts of my life so no one part gets too much attention and derails my efforts in another part

Anything else you would like to share with us: excited to have a forum on which to share!

First name: Robin

Geographical location: North Idaho

Age: 45

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: My children are all of the four-legged and nautical variety.

Occupation: Consultant for Healthcare IT

Pets: dog, two cats, and fish

Hobbies/Interests: gardening/landscaping, woodworking, hiking

Height: 5'9"

Eye/Hair Color: green/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Puberty (feels like that anyway)

Starting Weight: 223 - this time

Goal Weight: 160 in this lifetime

Biggest hurdles to overcome in weightloss: chronic, life-long depression; takes longer to lose than gain; I love bad carbs; and I sometimes travel a lot for work; and myself.

Following any specific plan: Recumbent bike, walking dog, weights, trying to eat better. I know how to live healthy and lose weight. I just get off track and ....

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Not much, really. Hated the way I looked in my most recent photos. Better depression meds, too.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I was an active member here a few years ago. Glad to be back. I really can't do this by myself.

First name: Renae

Geographical location: Near Asheville, North Carolina

Age: 46

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Boy 14, Boy 13, Girl 12

Occupation: Self-employed (my recliner is my "desk" and my family room is my office)

Pets: 3 cats, fish

Hobbies/Interests: collecting postcards/stamps/coins, reading, learning new things, travel

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown / brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: June 9, 2013

Starting Weight: 220-something

Goal Weight: 140-something

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: 1) reduce alcohol intake, 2) exercise regularly, 3) fewer "cheat" meals

Following any specific plan: No

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Getting older and more desperate to be healthy; father in 70s diagnosed with heart disease--it runs in the family

Anything else you would like to share with us: Type 2 diabetes (taking pills), looking for one or more buddies to check in with regularly and to give/get support.

First name: Ella

Geographical location: Australia

Age: 45

Marital Status: Divorced

Children/Ages: Daughter 23 and twin sons 21

Occupation: Newspaper dogsbody (reporter, photographer, researcher, and a sometimes receptionist) at a country newspaper.

Pets: Dog - miniature dachshund named Low Rider...Lowy for short.

Hobbies/Interests: Writing and literature, reading, astronomy, photography, films (I'm a dedicated cinephile), and gardening.

Height: 5' 4"

Eye/Hair Color: anthracite/ dark blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Early April 2013

Starting Weight: 253 pounds

Goal Weight: 135 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Self-esteem. Or lack thereof. When a person has been mired in the quicksand of disesteem it can be paralyzing to the psyche.

Following any specific plan: No. Simply making better choices whether it be food, activity, or stress management.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Mindset. In the past I have voiced my intentions to change my lifestyle...make better choices, and 'played' at changes for a week or two before slipping back into old habits. This time I find myself in the place I need to be to walk along the weight loss footpath long term with each foot placed in front of the other willingly and with conviction.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I *think* journeying along the weight loss road is something you have to be ready for...the right mindset. You need to be in a place where you can push through those moments along the journey when you're faced with trials and tribulations such as giving into temptation too often, losing hope and faith that your hard work will pay off, that the brass ring of goal weight is obtainable...otherwise all too soon failure comes knocking at the door.

Don't diet. Make a change of mindset. A thought process and lifestyle change.

Hi all! Just joined and wanted to introduce myself.

First name: Kelly

Geographical location: NYC

Age: 41

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: n/a

Occupation: Sales support (sitting at a desk all day)

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, crochet, baseball, movies

Height: 5'3"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 29, 2013

Starting Weight: 274

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: My subconscious, I think I always start out well and then lose my motivation.

Following any specific plan: Mostly just counting calories.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm doing this just for myself and my health.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have young nieces and nephews and I want to have the energy to play with them now and I want to live long enough to watch them grow up.

First name: Barb

Geographical location: Louisiana

Age: 44

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: son-13

Occupation: Commercial collections

Pets: 3 dogs

Hobbies/Interests:

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: blue/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 6/25/13

Starting Weight: 225

Goal Weight: 165

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: sticking to it while traveling

Following any specific plan: IP

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: much more support as my hubby and best friend are on it.

Anything else you would like to share with us: lovin' Ideal Protein!

First name: Sheila

Geographical location: Alberta, Canada

Age: 40

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: 2 boys 15 & 13 - 3 stepsons 26, 23 & 19

Occupation: Educational Assistant

Pets: 3 dogs & 3 cats

Hobbies/Interests: Photography, scrapbooking, reading

Height: 5'1"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Monday, July 15, 2013

Starting Weight: 195.6

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Emotional Eating

Following any specific plan: Not really

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I hope this time is successful.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Cathy

Geographical location: Boston, MA

Age: 49

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: former secretary (on disability)

Pets: Scottish terrier rescue, Jericho

Hobbies/Interests: Puzzles, sudoku, shopping

Height: 5'1"

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel/green, brunette

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 7/4/13

Starting Weight: 325

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: consistency

Following any specific plan: no

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I cannot stay so big because I'm in too much physical pain - back & knees.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I live with my sister.

First name:CJ

Geographical location:Southeast

Age:43

Marital Status:Married

Children/Ages:None

Occupation:Manager

Pets:2 cats, one dog (proud to say all of them rescued!)

Hobbies/Interests:Music, movies, writing

Height:5'9"

Eye/Hair Color:Blue/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Today

Starting Weight:280

Goal Weight:180

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:EXCUSES! I make way too many. Also, depression I think. I can't seem to make myself move.

Following any specific plan:Eat less, exercise more

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:While I have always been overweight, I have never been THIS overweight. It's starting to affect my skin, my joints, and obviously my self esteem

Anything else you would like to share with us: A great big thank you for this site!

First name: Tricia

Geographical location: Utah

Age:43

Marital Status: md goin on 23 yrs

Children/Ages: several, diapers to high school

Occupation: mom, writer

Pets: fish, chickens

Hobbies/Interests: conservation, cooking, fitness, singing, art

Height: 5' 7.5" (I go 5' 8" when forced to round)

Eye/Hair Color: black/black with a little salt

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: March 2010

Starting Weight: 212

Goal Weight: health BMI, still losing slowly but not below 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Belief in myself

Following any specific plan: Food tracking, DASH diet

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Tracking has made a huge difference, also fitness, drinking enough water

Anything else you would like to share with us: I have really delved into the research on maintenance. I saw there was a maintenance community here and decided to get on board. I reached my healthy BMI 12/31/12.

First name: Cheryl

Geographical location: Saskatchewan, Canada

Age: 44

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Health Care Worker

Pets: 5 cats, 2 dogs and 2 rabbits

Hobbies/Interests: Painting, reading, gardening

Height:5"

Eye/Hair Color: Reddish brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: waxed and waned for years

Starting Weight: highest 220lbs

Goal Weight: 150lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: My lack of willpower

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: 44 and in menopause. It was easy to lose weight in my 20's and early 30's.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Would like to hit my goal weight before I turn 45.

First name: Wendy

Geographical location: Miwest

Age: 41

Marital Status: Divorced

Children/Ages: 20,18, and 6

Occupation: Outside Commercial Tire Sales

Pets: 1 naughty cat

Hobbies/Interests: Scrapbooking, bowling,golfing, and kids

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/ Brownish Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: August 14th, 2013

Starting Weight:185

Goal Weight:140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: laziness and will power

Following any specific plan: Ideal Protein (right now) maybe Weight Watchers later.



What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I lost over 75 pounds in 2000-2002. I gained the weight after my youngest son was born. I am ready for the extra to come off and stay off. No babies for me!

Anything else you would like to share with us: Looking for a support group that understands the struggles of weight loss.

We have the same blockers, lack of will power. I am glad I am not the only one. Let me know if you need encouragement.

Hi, everyone!

First name: Darlene

Geographical location: Midwest

Age: 44

Marital Status: Happily married for 22 years

Children/Ages: Seven: Son (24), daughter (21), daughter (19), son (17), son (15), daughter (14), and son (12).

Occupation: SAHM

Pets: Dog - Cavalier King Charles spaniel

Hobbies/Interests: The Bible, reading, singing, learning lots of things, friends

Height: 5' 2"

Eye/Hair Color: brown / brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Since my teens, it's been a battle in my head. Tomorrow (8/29/13) is my start date. I need to start!!!

Starting Weight: 270 pounds

Goal Weight: 130 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Making me a priority, saying "no" to those with good intentions, remembering the "why" of my journey in the face of temptation or desperation.

Following any specific plan: No, more of a combination of plans: WW, Food Addiction Diet, Chris Powell's Biggest Loser plan, etc.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My daughter is getting married next year and I don't want to be ashamed being around so many people, friends, family and strangers alike. But also, I need to for many other reasons too. That one just beckons me pretty strongly right now.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I really struggle with believing I can do this. I read the success stories for motivation. I'm glad for them. Just letting my fears stop me before I truly get started. I just want to make it through one day faithful to my plan, the two days, then three. Six years ago, I lost 50 lbs on WW and was down to 202. I was so happy! Then went backwards to gain it all and then some. So ridiculous. Just tired of the battle, yet there is NO magic cure. Truly.
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