Hi all! My name is Amanda, and I'm 28 years old. I have struggled with weight all of my life. I was into sports up until I graduated high school, but I was still overweight. Both of my parents and sister have struggled with their weight as well. I have tried to lose weight before, and I have succeeded, but I always gain it back plus. It's so frustrating and difficult to keep going when you just stop losing weight, and I give up. That's the worst part, I just give up. I am determined to not give up this time. I want to have a baby, but I don't want to be like this. It's not healthy for me or a baby. I'm a fun and outgoing person, but my body is not me. I'm ashamed of myself, and I don't want to feel that way anymore. I want to be able to wear a t-shirt and jeans and feel confident, not always grabbing at the shirt trying to stretch it out. I've been a lurker on the site off and on for a long time, and it's time for me to get my butt in gear.

I started my weight loss journey on January 2nd. Currently, I am doing the Atkins diet. I lost 10 pounds very quickly, and I know that it won't come off this quickly much longer, but it sure does feel good to get that kick start! I'm confident in myself this time around. I have to do this, and I want to do this! I know that with all of the support here and with the support of my husband (he is doing the diet with me even though he only needs to lose 15 pounds), I will do well!

Welcome! You and I have similiar goals I have done Atkins before and it works for sure. Good luck on your journey

Welcome!! And great start on your weightloss already!

It's none of my business but this forum is for sharing so I will share my experience. I put off and put off and put off having a baby and this past year we decided the time was finally right to start trying. I was 36 and overweight (I was over 300 but didn't actually let the doctor take my weight when I saw her, I was too embarassed). Long story short, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer when the doctor was looking for reasons for my infertility and period problems. My cancer is fed from my fat cells, scaring the life out of me, hence my quick diet change and weightloss this past year. I'm so sad that I didn't have a baby when I was younger and thinner and I will probably regret this for the rest of my life. The only thing I am trying to pay forward is encouraging ladies to lose weight and have their babies sooner than later as I wish someone had told me (maybe they did but I wasn't listening...).

I wish you so much luck in your journey and future babies, this forum is awesome!

p.s. I don't mean to imply that anyone heavy will get cancer, it just happens that I did and it's the excess estrogen in my fat cells that helped it along. If I had kept my weight under control, I may or may not have still been diagnosed (the good thing is they caught it early!). I'm just excited for your babies.

Thank you so much for your support ladies!

Elvislover - I am so sorry to hear that. It breaks my heart. I am so afraid of something like that happening to me too. I know it's possible. My sister had the most beautiful, healthy little girl 2 years ago, and even though my sister was overweight, her daughter was perfect. I don't want to take that risk though. I'm hoping that within a year, I am at a much healthier weight, and I can be more confident in my body! I know that your story will help women. You've already helped me! You are doing amazing with your weight loss! Thank you so much for sharing with me. It means the world to me!

Thank you, star. As soon as I hit submit on my reply I got a lump in my throat and wondered if I shouldn't have told you all that.

Keep in touch with your doctors and your baby dreams will come true. I still have one more chance after getting tested next month (I am on medication to chase off the cancer) so I am praying the cancer is "gone" and I can see my fertility specialist to try and hurry up to get pregnant.

I don't want you (or any other woman) to have to deal with all these tests and doctors and poking and prodding.

I am on a medically supervised diet so my weightloss has moved quite quickly. I never even knew these plans existed!? I would have done this years ago too.

Good luck and this forum is here for any help or incentive that you need. These ladies (and a few men!) are amazing, I couldn't have done this without all of them.

Im new here but just had to comment on your post Elvislover.
What a heart wrenching story. You've done an amazing job with your weight loss and to share your infertility and cancer story too, Im sure it will help others.
I just wanted to say thankyou for sharing and wish you continued luck

Sharon

Thank you Sharelle. Your post means so much to me. I am just trying to save any woman from going through what I am going through. I am strong and determined to beat my cancer but the fertility part is out of my control. It breaks my heart that my husband might never be a dad and he deserves it more than anyone. When I saw that star143 wanted to lose weight to have a baby, I didn't want her to lose sight of that. I know she's young but time flies!

Sorry star, didn't mean to take over your intro post!!!

Your more than welcome. If more people shared their stories like you have then it can only mean more people are aware. Id never heard of that type of cancer although have experienced it, unfortunately losing my Mum to breast cancer.
Im just hoping that you realise your dream of having a baby you and your husband clearly deserve

And Star, apologies from me too for hijacking your post =)

Sharon

welcome and gd luck with ur journey xx

Welcome and good luck on your journey!

I hope that everything goes well for you next month, Elvislover! You are in my prayers! I actually went to a medical weight loss office tonight. I'm still trying to decide what I want to do, but at least I know that I have options! Thanks for all of the encouragement!

Welcome, Amanda!