[cariadcymraes]

Hi - I'm at my heaviest weight yet at 206 pounds - this after many years of yo yo dieting on every weight loss regime under the sun - sprinkled with short bursts of traditional/latest fads in exercise - so I'd very much welcome your thoughts on how to go about it the right way this time

My first step so far is joining 3fc after many browsing sessions - I'm really enthused with all the honest and open comments and the supportive nature of the forum - I'm not fully confident that I'll be successful but I've made a promise to myself that whatever happens I'm going to regularly read 3fc advice/comments and ask for help when I need it and try to support others if appropriate (like many others with weight problems I'm pretty knowledgeable about nutrition/diet/exercise but I've spectacularly failed to put the theory into practice. Often because I've set myself unrealistic targets etc)

I'm thinking of hiring a personal trainer - depending on cost but I reckon I should make substantial savings on my food bill by eating sensibly

I'd be very grateful for any advice on how to stick to a long term plan to improve my health, fitness and confidence by reaching my target weight. I think my major stumbling blocks are my lazy attitude and failure to make time to exercise and lack of motivation and lack of respect for my body/health/wellbeing. Thanks for reading this and good luck to you all

[FatDude]

I can say this, I started Medifast a few days ago. While it is undoubtedly challenging, so far it is working well. I have done the same thing with the yo yo dieting. Lose it all, gain it back. I have tried atkins, phentermine, etc. All with the same result. I lose it only to put it back on. Here is what I like about Medifast so far. I have lost 11 pounds in 4 days.

Their counselors call me every day to check up on me. Answer questions, etc.

It is a long term plan. Im in this until August of 2013. Their are 3 phases. Lose the weight, transition back to "regular" food, and then a year of maintenance. I obviously haven't gotten to the transitional or maintenance modes but that is what I am hopeful will be the difference for me.

[cariadcymraes]

Thanks FatDude - I wish you well and I'm impressed with your initial weight loss - I'll check out Medifast - good luck - I'll try to follow your journey

[FatDude]

I have a LONG way to go. Im happy to be off to a fast start, I always seem to lose it fast initially but then put it back on. My goal is to get there this time and STAY. I look and feel great at 210-220. I have to keep reminding myself that being "thin" feels better than anything tastes.

[bargoo]

Welcome. Your story sounds a lot like mime. I went on many diets. lost, regained and did this over and over . I tried all the diets or so it seemed. Never had a personal trainer although I did belong to a gym. I found that for me Calorie Counting works the best, it is reliable, flexible, non restrictive and will teach you how to maintain your loss and it is FREE. A good diet plan and exercise will cause the pounds to fall off, I find it is not necessary to belong to a gym or have a personal trainer to succeed. Walking is great exercise, swimming is great exercise, there are all kinds of exercise DVD available. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[DoxieMama]

Welcome! I'm new here too, and it sounds like we have a lot in common as I can attest to pretty much every diet under the sun and yet, I am the heaviest I've ever been. The support on these forums is awesome!

Good luck!

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

I'd be very grateful for any advice on how to stick to a long term plan to improve my health, fitness and confidence by reaching my target weight.

One-day-at-a-time ... one-meal-at-a-time ... one-bite-at-a-time ... and one-lb-at-a-time (yeah, Kaplods) ... good luck ... you can do it!!!

[cariadcymraes]

Thanks again - sorry for the delay - I've been ill - and I've been eating everything in sight - oh dearbut I'm planning to get back on track tomorrow

[cariadcymraes]

Thank you Bargoo - I'll definitely carefullyconsider your advice - it's obviously working brilliantly for you - I'm so impressed with you weight loss - you must be so proud of yourself

[cariadcymraes]

Thanks and welcome to you too - I wish you well on you journey - I hope to be able to follow your progress along the way!!

[cariadcymraes]

Thank you Justwant2Bhealthy - it was lovely to receive your message of support and advice - I'd be so pleased to do just half as well as you - congratulations - it's motivating to us newbies to read success stories!!