[startswimming]

Hi everyone! I have been lurking here for quite a while, but decided to finally join. I have been overweight my whole life. Twice as an adult I worked my way back down to 140 lbs, vowing to never gain it back. My dh and I have been separated for 3.5 years which has left me on my own with my two little ones plus a full-time job. Binge eating and indulging in late night glasses of wine were my coping mechanisms and now I am by far the heaviest I have ever been. At 290 pounds my whole body hurts, I feel awful, and I am too embarrassed to volunteer with my daughter's classroom because I fear she will be teased about my appearance. And that is an awful feeling. I decided to start over today. I am giving up the wine and the junk food and am going to try to walk every day. Anyway, that's my intro and I hope to get my ticker moving down very soon.

Liz

[Onederchic]

Hi Liz and welcome to 3FC. Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

[k8t]

Welcome You go, girl! I know you can reach your goal!

You did it before and you can do it again! Think of the positive example you will be setting for your daughter when you work towards and achieve that goal. That is my motivation to lose it and maintain it this time. I do love both my girls enough to do it and to resist my compulsive eating problems...I wouldn't wish my weight issues on them for anything, and I know eating habits tend to be passed down in families.

PS - May I humbly suggest talking with your daughter about whether she would like you to volunteer. I do understand where you are coming from because I am also overweight and am completely gray to boot. Everyone assumes I am both of my daughters' grandmother. Honestly, they have both told me they want me to do things with them at school. These years are precious, and your weight shouldn't keep you from enjoying your daughter's childhood to the fullest. It will bother you in years to come that you wanted to do it, but you didn't - even if you do meet your goal. Don't punish yourself. Make this a joyful journey!

[leeway]

Hi Liz!
So many of us have lost the weight only to gain it back (and more) but that's over & done - no looking back only forward - the support you need is here - you can do this - and we'll all be here to cheer you on!

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's also info and first hand advice on different plans to help you choose the right one for you and get through the ups and downs.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some 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 few months 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.

So welcome - you 've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

[Heidi58]

[boardchick]

Yes Liz, your story is very similar to mine!! Good luck to the slimming, may we both get what we want this year!! xxx