New and nervous - and inspired by 3FC!
 

Hi everyone. My name's Kira and I've just started on my first diet/lifestyle change in nearly 13 years. As you can see by my stats below, I'm 300lbs and have a lot to lose (but a lot to gain, LOL!).

I'm very intimidated by all your success stories and how much further along everyone is on their weight loss journeys. Looking at my "weight tracker" thingy, it's daunting seeing my starting weight and current weight be identical! But I know we all have to start somewhere, so here I am. :) The truth is, I wouldn't have started on this road without 3FC. After reading this thread by chaoticfish, I felt for the first time that getting healthy was possible, and it wouldn't necessarily have to take a billion years to accomplish if I only put my mind and body to work. Honestly, it was like a light flickered on in my brain. I set about buying a bathroom scale, a food scale, and groceries, filling my fridge with healthy and varied stuff instead of junk and leftovers.

And it's not just chaoticfish's story that inspired me: everyone here at 3FC has unconsciously lent a hand to helping me get motivated, from the newbies who bravely introduced themselves to the mods and admins who created such a remarkable community! What a godsend.

Hm, more about me. Well, I've been overweight since about 12, but only seriously so since college. I'm 38 1/2 now and am hoping to get myself into "ONEderland" by my 40th birthday. Not using a program ... just a general low cal, low fat diet. I started a little lower this week (1200 cal./day) to give myself a jumpstart, but will move up a little to 1400 cal./day next week. Sadly I live an extremely sedentary life, as I work at home as a web designer, but I will walk more and start getting my body used to moving again.

My biggest challenge will be exercising, as well as finding substitutes for food, which I've used for all sorts of reasons from sadness to boredom to anger and reward. I suffer from lifelong depression and, while I'm being treated, it's still rough going. Food has been a consolation to me, and I know I'll probably go through a kind of "mourning period" for not having that as an escape. But hey, I'd have a bigger mourning period if I end up never having tried to rid myself of this addiction.

Other stuff: I'm a writer and web designer, I love music, comedies, TV, reading, PC games. I am single with three cats, have two older sisters and a few friends. Unfortunately my parents are no longer alive, but they're 'with' me now too, at least I hope so.

Anyway, that's me. Sorry for going on at length! Thanks very very much again to all who've made 3fatchicks.com such a brilliant and supportive home.

Welcome to 3FC Kira . Looking forward to sharing your journey!

Welcome Kiralira. Congrats on deciding to make a life style change. You will be glad you did.

Hi Kira and welcome to one of the most important journeys you'll ever embark on. You've definitely come to the right place, the people here are amazing! I want to wish you luck and let you know that we'll be here through thick and thin (no pun intended!) so if you ever need help just reach out and I promise someone will take your hand. I think you've got a great attitude and I hope you'll make yourself at home here at 3fc. I'd also like to recommend that you stop by the 100 lb. club. It's a fabulous group of people who all know what it's like to need to lose a large amount of weight, and are supportive in every way.

Take care,
Beverly

I'm pretty new myself, but welcome! I have to agree completely that this site is just wonderful! It keeps me so motivated hearing everyone's stories and being able to share mine.

I look forward to reading your posts and hearing of your success :)

Thanks!
 

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the warm welcomes and encouragement. It was scary to delurk after all this time, and especially to reveal so much about something that's difficult for me. I never talk about my weight to anyone other than my sister and my shrink. There's a lot of shame in me, I guess. But here everyone is so open and supportive that I feel safe.

Beverly, I'm so inspired by your accomplishment. You're one of the people who's made me think "wow, maybe this is possible!" And yep, I'm definitely planning on visiting the 100 lb club. I'm so grateful there's a group devoted to folks like me who have this much of a challenge ahead of them.

Again thanks so much to everyone for your greetings. I look forward to interacting and hanging out with all of you!

welcome kira. good luck. keep us posted. ineed to lose 160 lbs. i am single too and find i hard to cook for one. :) glen

Welcome to 3FC, Kira! I'm so glad you have found the motivation to get started with this. Don't look at your tracker as such a long way to go. Look at it as putty, shaping a new and healthy YOU. This is such an exciting time! Don't look back. Full steam ahead!! :)

Many many thanks for the kind encouragement, Jennifer -- and huge thanks for creating this amazing community with your sisters! :)

I'm off to introduce myself down in the 100 lb club.

Welcome, Kira!!! Wishing you much success in your journey!!