Hi Everyone! I am getting married next October and have about 40lbs to lose...

Last year I was the most fit I have ever been then, long story short, I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer and one of my best friends in an accident...so I let depression set in and I stopped working out and ate poorly...I was always heavy growing up and had been fit for about six years prior to all of this.

I saw myself today in a photo from Thanksgiving...I just want to cry and shut myself away so no one sees me like this!!I need to be able to fit in my wedding dress and feel good about myself again...but it's time I stopped feeling sorry for myself and I really look forward to being on this journey with all of you! Much love in advance!!

Welcome Gingern! I'm so sorry for your losses, but I know you will find lots of support here. The good thing is that you have lost the weight once so you know you can do it again. And 40lbs by next October is completely doable. Good luck on your journey! We are all here for you!

Hey & welcome! I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and your friend.. that must have been really, really hard. I agree that you're going to find lots of support here.. you WILL reach your goal if you really want it! Good luck & hope to see you around :]

Welcome to 3FC and good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Hi Gingern!
I'm so sorry for your loss - what a lot to go through - but don't beat yourself up - you needed to grieve. But now it's time for you to prepare for your wedding - to be healthy and happy when you marry your sweetheart. 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 eating plans and exercise to help 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!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee

Welcome Ginger!

So sorry to hear about your mom and your friend. A lot of us, myself included, have turned to food in hard times. But now that you've had that time to grieve, it's time to focus on you and being the happiest version of yourself by your wedding day. I have my wedding coming up in May of 2011 so I totally understand the incentive to look amazing- and you will. I completely believe that you can reach your goals, you just have to totally dedicate yourself to it =)

Jen

Welcome to 3FC!

I'm so sorry for your losses. Good for you for wanting to make a change, this site has tons of support and inspiration, I'm sure you will reach your goal before you know it! Good luck!