Hello all, my name is Rachel. I am 32 years old (just turned on the 20th of August) and have been overweight my entire life. By the time I was 12, I weighed 194 pounds, and my weight increased exponentially from that point. I weigh a little over 500 pounds now, and am taking the steps I should have years ago to change my life.

I have suffered with venous insufficiency and almost yearly bouts of ceullulitis, and am fed up. I have tried dieting for ages, but it seems like everything I've tried has been half-hearted. I've been teased mercilessly, been made to feel ashamed of my body and the way I look- and as a result I've sort of slunk into a shell of depression and misery.

I'm hoping this is a fresh start, as I don't think I'll live much longer if I don't change my ways.

Rachel A77. I started my journey almost weighing close to 300 lbs. I know how you feel. I started eating better and exercising because of exactly what you said, I don't think I will live much longer if I don't change my ways. I am here if you ever need to talk. We can do this, you can do this, we can do it together!

You can do this!!Dont give up on a better life.

Rachel, welcome. I am glad you are joining us. You will find a lot of support here and a community of people who understand.

I wish you the very best of luck and hope to cross paths with you often on our weight loss journeys.

J

Hi Rachel and welcome to 3FC!

Good luck with your goals. You can do this

Hugs
Michelle

Welcome, Rachel! Kick your shoes off and relax, have a look around. There are lots of forums, so there is something for everyone. I look forward to getting to know you!

Welcome Rachel. You'll lots of help and support here

What are some of your plans at this time?

Glad you joined us! You CAN do this!!! And, we are here to help!

Welcome, u can do this. Just start with baby steps to make it a permenent step to better health. We are all here for u!!!

Thank you all SO much. What a warm welcome! I am going to the gym with my sister each night- and although I'm only able to do a little bit at a time, it's enough to break a sweat and make me feel a little bit better.

I have serious impulse control issues- I'm the kind of girl who can't eat just one of something, but will devour everything and then feel terrible about myself for doing it.

But I"m going to try coming to this board every day- and blogging about what I eat, and how I'm feeling- people might get sick of my posts, but it might be the only thing that will help.

I don't post a lot here but what I have learned just by logging on daily and reading has help tremendously. Every day is a new daya nd every step is a new step.

If you ever just need an ear or a shoulder I have two of each and I can lend you either for however long you need them.

You can do this! I think this forum will help alot, reading and gathering inspiration. Hang in there!

Rachel I just started here a couple of weeks ago, I find if i come here everyday and even post to a couple of people i feel better, often I am finding that I am comming here during the time of the day that is tough for me, the best thing I can say it that you can't beat yourself up. I have found I have to accept where I am now and look to the future. You can do it!

Rachel~WELCOME!!!!!!!
I Wish you much success.
Start by changing all food in your home to lower calorie foods and that way if you have a devouring moment(we all have had them so do not feel bad) At least its not high calorie items.
Calorie intake and exercise is the key(And determination of course)
www.freedieting.com Is a helpful Site I use to figure a good healthy calorie intake amount if your interested in counting calories check it out.

Oh, Nearly forgot ~I have been overweight all my life also.
(I honestly blame it on being taught to eat bad food choices from a young age... Anyways~Then when we get older we get our hands on even more of it! We must learn to reprogram ourselves to eat different ~it's hard to do but so rewarding ~IF you ever need a friend feel free to message me anytime!!!.~GOODLUCK!)