[mandymic]

Hi everyone!
I've heard great and inspiring things about this forum surfing the web so I thought I must definitely give it a try. I'm 24 and my weight has been an issue since I hit puberty. I've lost and gained the same 30lbs a few times now and am really sick of that continuing! So for all other clichés out there, new decade new start! It's time to do this once and for all!

Just before the holidays, I lost almost 10 pounds and even though I indulged quite a bit, I kept to my exercising regimen of working out and the gym and running outdoors (I've always been an active runner). And to my shocking surprise, I lose another 2 pounds over the last week during New Years! Hopefully I will be more successful and maintain successfully this time around!

To be honest, even though I was fairly diligent in the past week and the scale says I've lost weight, I definitely don't feel ANY different! I don't just want to see the difference on the scale. I want to see it in the mirror and feel the difference as well. I find this weird because most people say they feel/see a difference before the number changes and I'm the other way around! I'm assuming then that it was mostly water weight and so it's time to become much more vigilant with my weight loss!

The buck stops here and the time starts now! Wish me luck

[ajowens]

Give it time. Also take measurements. I never see the progress until I look at pics of me in a bathing suit. I know that might seem horrifying but its a way for you to see your self out side of a mirror. I know its hard to keep going when you don't see results and as you get lower you might not even see a scale change each week but the pics will show you you are still changing. Try it!

[CLCSC145]

Good luck to you and welcome! This is a great place for support. I can identify with not feeling any different, but it will come. Give your brain time to catch up.

[LotusMama]

Welcome!

I wish you the best on your weight loss journey!

Cheers,

J

[SilverShine]

Maybe you're not noticing how much weight you've lose because you see yourself on mirror everyday.

[leeway]

Hi Mandy!
Congrats on your success so far (and during the holidays, no less!) - the support you need is here - 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 and inspired - you'll be a wonderful addition to any of them! There's also info and first hand advice on different eating plans and exercise to help get through the ups and downs. The 20 somethings forum might be of interest to you as well.

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 going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in the success of my weight loss so far.

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

[mandymic]

Thanks everyone for the support already!

I took measurements last night (of course I forgot them at home this morning!) and will take my first pics tonight.

I know it will be a while before I see/feel the results but I have to keep at it and you are all wonderful for supporting me!

THANK YOU!!