[ranmarhall]

Hi, my name is Marianne and I have struggled with being overweight my entire life. My family called me "Big Mar" as my nickname -- cute as a kid, but not so cute as an adult.

For the past couple years my life got so busy...I didn't have time to take care of me. I continued to gain wait and my body just hurt. I felt like I aged 20 years but I knew that I had tried everything and nothing ever worked so I just needed to be happy with me the way I was. I gave away all my clothes that were my "skinny" clothes and decided to accept being overweight. Fast-forward to this year.

In January I decided that I had to take care of myself since no one else was going to do that. On January 12, 2009 (303 lbs) I started my journey to a healthier person. I have stuck to counting calories (strictly) and going to the gym and now 10 months later I have lost 98 lbs and have gone from a size 30/32 to a size 14/16. I still have more to lose but I know now that I CAN DO IT! For the first time in my life -- I can beat this thing that has weighed me down my whole life. My mom said to me a couple weeks ago that she couldn't call me "Big Mar" anymore!! It was so worth hearing that!

I am happy I found this forum so that it can help me finish my journey...that has only just begun.

[Onederchic]

Hi and welcome to 3FC!

Congrats on your success and good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[CountingDown]

on your success!
Glad you joined us!

[D22Guzman]

Congratulations!! Yayayayaya Warm Hugs Ans Wet Kisses!!!!

[garnetrising]

You can, you will, and we will help you! Look how far you've already come! You're an inspiration.

[Nizz]

Wow!! Way to go in your success so far.

[jefferzzzz]

Welcome and !!!

[leeway]

Hi Marianne! (or is it L'il Mar?)

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated, inspired and entertained!

There are lots of people here with more to lose and lots with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here a short time myself, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of cheating or giving up.

There are so many of us here who can certainly identify with your story. What a wonderful acheivement losing 98 lbs already and you are right - you can do this - your goal is just around the corner!

So welcome aboard - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!