[CharityMarie]

Every once in a while I would stumble upon this message board looking for tips or clues on certain diet fads, etc.

I've been overweight since highschool, I ping-pong 40-50 pounds when I try diets and then gain it all back, I always tried to do it alone since all my friends are rather thin so I never felt comfortable talking to them about it, and I don't have much family to back on.

So finally, at age 25 and 287 pounds.. I think I'm finally ready to be serious about this. Everything in my life if slowly falling into place (It's been a rough couple years, to say the least) I got a job I love, I just turned in my crappy beater car for a new one (yay payments!) and the only thing really missing is my own self confidence. It's hard, as I'm sure most of you know to pull around extra weight. I want to do things I know I can't, down to being comfortable going to an amusement park. I dont want to be winded as soon as I get there.

I was thin for a short period in high school, I remember how it felt and how energetic I was.. the crazy thing is, even then when I lost weight I felt[ big still. I was a kid still living in my fat self image. I hope I can really stick to my guns here now. I went to my physician, talked about dietary needs and all kinds of issues down to depression from weight.

So I came here, and I'm hoping to get some further inspiration and maybe even eventually be someone that can inspire others, instead of just another fat girl joke.

Thanks for reading!
-Charity

[makebelieve]

Hey Charity. My name is Kayla. I'm in a similar boat. I'm also 25, I'm at ~255 pounds right now, down from 330 23 months ago! I'm pretty excited because I realized... this is the lightest I've ever been in my adult life.

I also have lots of thin friends who can eat whatever they want and not need to worry about it because they don't gain. My family isn't very supportive which is tough as well.

I have noticed a huge difference in my energy level which is awesome. I'm really excited to see how good I can actually feel. I've always been over weight so I've never really felt that great I don't think.

I always find the goal/mini goal boards inspiring.

[Jacqui_D]

Hi Charity! I'm glad you decided to join us! The more involved you get, the more motivated and accountable you'll stay, so jump right in! Good luck! You can do it!

[CharityMarie]

Thanks, I've definitely found a lot of posts on this site so far that really speak to me in terms of staying committed. Diggin' in deep to find my willpower, I really really want this, it's just hard because it's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Getting used to it is the hardest part, but I'm sure once I have that down it'll become easier.

[Campana]

Hello and welcome! I feel the same as you. About everything falling into place and only needing self confidence. I amcurrently 215 a few years ago Igot down to 158 and I felt great beautiful I had never looked so good in my clothes lol I cant wait to look like that again. Feel free to message me anytime I am looking for a buddy someone to check up with thoughout the day just to see how our water intake is or Ideas for meals and exercise.