[Reye]

(Okay, so I'm only half German. Still. :P)

Hey, everyone! First off, I have to tell you I'm ecstatic that I found this site. It seems to be really helpful and supportive, and seeing as how I have no one here at home to give me a helping hand, this is just what I need. (All friends and family are thin and have never had to lose weight, so they have nothing to offer except, "Stop eating so much and move more like we do!" This doesn't help because they don't seem to realize that what they are eating around me is the cause of my weight gain, and the extent of their physical activity is reaching for the remote. )

So my name is Madysen. I'm 17 years old as of last November and I've weighed 156 lbs. for a year or so now. I shouldn't consider this too bad, but I'm only 5'1" (Barely!) and I haven't been below 135 lbs. since the fourth grade. Needless to say, that means I've been overweight my entire life. I'm wanting to start anew when I get to college in 2011 and that means I'd like to have confidence. I don't have much as of now because my self-esteem has always been pretty low. I don't believe that being thinner will magically give me super-confidence or anything; it'd just help a little since I've never been thin. And weight-related disease runs rampant in my family, so I really need to get myself in check before it catches up with me. That's what I'm concerned about most, you see. Diabetes and all. ^_^

I did lose thirty pounds once in middle school when I reached a high of 163 lbs. at 14, but I gained it all back for some reason the year after. And I've literally tried everything you can imagine (except for that AbCircle that people say works well) but I'm hung up now.

And that's me in a nutshell.

(Sorry for the long paragraphs; writers have the tendency to overdo things sometimes... ^^')

It's nice to meet everyone!

[ShootingStar]

I've lurked here off and on for a long time, and it's a very positive place. We're glad you found us!

[leeway]

Hi Madysen!
It is really hard to lose when the people around you just don't get it but that's why we're all here, to be with those who understand completely - how smart of you to focus on your health instead of just a diet or a number - 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. Try the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Browse around, clicking on whatever catches your eye - there're wonderful people here.

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 since last fall, 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 my success 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

[Reye]

Thanks for the welcome.