Hi, everyone! I randomly ran across this site today, and decided to sign up. I've never actually joined a weight loss support group, though I've toyed with the idea for a while now. I notice everyone seems to be giving their backgrounds, so I figure I will too! (I'll try to make it as brief as possible, though I tend to be a bit long-winded, lol.)
I've always been pretty hyper and upbeat, so weight has always been relatively easy for me to burn off. I'd never been seriously overweight-- meat on my bones, but never too much junk in the trunk, ya know? However, about three years ago, I got into a long-term, abusive relationship, and my weight skyrocketted over sixty pounds, putting me at just a little under 220lbs. I became depressed, and developed a generalized social anxiety disorder (which was difficult to deal with, as I have always been a very outgoing person). I finally ended the relationship, and literally up and moved 1000 miles away from my ex, in hopes of rebuilding my life (my friends were AMAZING, as they all got their cars together within 2-hours' notice, and carted all my stuff back to my hometown for me, just so I could be with my family). I'm still torn between thinking it was a good move, or just a cowardly one-- but either way, what's done is done... it's time to focus on the future, and not the past.
So basically, here I sit-- still trying to fix my life, and feeling optimistic about it. I briefly joined a depression support group, but had to stop going, as my work schedule gets hectic at times, and it seems I'm never able to make it to the meetings these days. The group did WONDERS for me, which was surprising, because I used to consider myself a do-it-yourselfer, and I thought going to a "support" group defeated what I stood for. But I was wrong! It helped out insanely; I have a renewed outlook on life, and I'm hoping this group can do for my weight what my depression group did for my mood!
I've kick-started the weight loss myself, and have lost 23lbs so far, putting me just a little under 200lbs. I still have a looooong way to go, as my average weight during/after high school was about 140lbs, but I'm planning on sticking it out until I've reached my goal, and just changing my lifestyle, altogether. Hopefully I can talk to some wonderful people on here, and offer/accept support in the whole process.
Well, that's all for now. I look forward to hearing more about you guys!
... And for the record, I WARNED you I was long-winded! lol.