I've been on and off lurking 3FC since I was in grade 10, and it has been the number one reason for my success in weightloss. In the beginning i went from 184 lbs to 152 lbs the first time i started loosing weight. I didn't know what I was doing until i found 3FC. Once i found out that eating less calories than you burn was going to consistently work for me i began to lose weight. I hadn't known what to do before because just eating 'less' wasn't quantitative.
I've fallen off the wagon numerous times loosing weight when summer came, and gaining it back when school started. But at this point i was still living with my parents, and had to mostly eat what they made when i didn't have time to make my own. And i had a hard time resisting the urge to binge after school (they kept so much sugary snacks around). But mostly i kept my weight around 160 lbs. I also have a sister (and most of my friends) who can eat whatever she wants and stay super thin, which isn't easy.
Now i live on my own (going to university), i'm 19, and this summer (starting end of may) i've lost 21 lbs..from 168 to 147lbs. I'm able to make my own food, and only have the food around the house that I can eat. I've been lurking around 3FC and i figured it was time for me to start posting again, as this is the point where i've always wavered in my weight loss.
I'm in quite new territory as I have never been below 150 lbs that i can remember...even in grades 7/8. Now i am 147 lbs and down from a size 12 to a size 8/10. This is a really great feeling that i just wanted to share with you all.
Also, my friend and i are going to be starting going to the university gym, which is soo nice, and not very expensive, and i want to start some cycling classes. Has anyone had any experience with these. I'm worried that i'm going to make a fool out of myself (which is silly, and not the point, i know).
My goal weight is 130lbs. But ultimately i want to look good in a bikini.
I have a DD your age, and she too struggles with her weight, she knows I'm a member and moderator here at 3FC but she's never participated in the site, I hope some day she will, it would help her a lot, as it did you. Maybe she's a secret lurker also and I don't even know it, and that would be fine by me ...
I have tried a couple of spinning classes before. Personally, spinning isn't my thing, but I know several women who swear by it and it is an incredible work out. You will sweat your butt off! I've felt self conscious going to different classes before too. Just remember that everyone else in the class was a beginner at some point too!! I also tried to get a bike somewhere towards the back the first time or two, that definitely helped as well. Good luck!!
Mandi, you're gonna do it! And--no small thing--you have youth on your side (how I wish I had my 19-year-old metabolism back), and a whole lifetime to develop good habits. Wait til you start exercising--you're going to see something really dramatic and wonderful happen to your body.
147 - lowest ever!
to the Feathers and 
on your weight loss...
and I don't even know it, and that would be fine by me 
...
