No - that's not really my name (the subject) ...

I'm Karen from New Jersey. I'm 55 and when I started my life change for the final time (I'm going to do it this time) on March 18, I weighed 302 pounds.

I weighed on Saturday March 30 and I'm down 12 pounds to 290.5. Not bad, a pound a day. Believe me, I'm not a newbie to weight loss attempts. My whole life has been one big diet after another.

What changed for me was I was watching the Today Show a couple of weeks ago. They have this segment called The Joy Fit Club or something like that. Anyway, there was this woman on there that once weighed over 400 pounds. She lost over 200 pounds. She said the way she did it was by limiting her calorie intake to 1200 calories a day. Period. After she lost some of the weight she began exercising.

For some reason, I connected with her. We don't have a lot of money, so some of these diets are way too expensive. I'm not a candidate for lap band surgery.

So, for the last 10-15 days, 1200 calories a day it's been. I've been under a couple of times, but never over.

Anyway - that's my story ... I'll keep ya informed!

Best to all!

KarenGinNJ

(can't wait to be able to use my ticker!)

Hi there Karen &

You might like to check out the Calorie Counters area for like-minded people or for tips and information.

Congrats on your weight loss so far! You can do this ^^

Best of success!!!

Thanks for the welcome!

I actually found this forum through an RSS Feed at Yahoo... Seemed right up my alley!

I'm sure I'll be here a lot. Sometimes, not always, I need a little boost in morale (who of us doesn't)? LOL

Again, thanks for the welcome and best to you!

KarenGinNJ

302/290.5/175

Hi there KAREN . . . . . . so glad to have you with us. You've definitely come to the right place for lots of support and friendship as you wander the long and sometimes bumpy road to better health and fitness . . . wow, you are doing so very well so far.

Just wanted to let you know we have a special little chat forum called Age 50+ for those of us who are 'of a certain age'. Hope you will make it one of your regular stops areound this great big place. We;d really love to see you over there . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=217

Have a great day . . . try to keep things moving and shaking . . .

Hi again to Meowee, BlzMaxGnrCCJkMly and Pachyderm -

Gee, you all are so terrific! Thanks for the welcome, I'm sure we'll become fast friends!

All so creative with your signatures too!

Thanks for the invite to the 50+forum, the "Will Power Dust" and the Welcome! It's so appreciated!

KarenGinNJ
(I feel naked with no signature!)

Welcome Karen and congratulations on taking this step. No matter how many times you've done it in the past. I wish you nothing but great fortune and weightloss.

My parents are living in Morris Plains, NJ. In what part of Jersey are you?

Just hang in there KAREN . . . You'll get your 30 posts and 30 days before you know it.

Hi Ladybballer24, singdenver and meowee (again!)

I so appreciate the welcomes! You have no idea!

I'm in the northwesternmost part of New Jersey - Sussex County. Been here 18 years and I love it. I originally am from Texas (with stops in California, Florida, South Carolina and then back to Texas). Met my husband and moved to New York for a year, then we bought a house and moved to Jersey.

When I get this weight off and my husband retires, I want to travel, travel and then perhaps do some more traveling!

Best to all!

KarenGinNJ

Hi Karen! I am new here too.. and a neighbor.. I'm in Delaware!
Welcome!

Hi there! I'm down your way quite a bit. My daughter and grandson used to live in Wilmington, DE. They've moved to Philly... I'm usually down that way a couple of times a month!

Best to you!

KarenGinNJ

Very cool! Some day I'd like to do the same.