Hey, everyone. I was referred here by Tiffytaffy because we have the same goal: lose weight to get into the USAF. She has quite a bit less now to go, but I'm still struggling some. Hopefully I'll get the kickstart I've been needing here.

Also, best of luck to everyone trying to lose weight here. I've been heavy since kindergarten, so this will be quite a change. I have never seen myself thin.

Glad you joined!This is where I get all my motivation and I have come this far thanks to everyone here.

Hello. I saw your post and thought I'd respond because I was in your boat up until a couple months ago when I FINALLY joined the air force. Right now I'm just waiting to be matched up with a job, which SHOULD happen in the next day or two. Then, of course, there's a delay on shipping out, so I'm probably looking at February. Anyway, I was about 175 and needed to get to 165 to join. It took a bit of time because I have somewhat of a muscular build. I can stare at a weight and gain muscle. Okay, slightly exaggerating, but you get the point. In order to lose the weight I kept a track of my calories and had between 1500-1800 each day. I would recommend going with a calorie amount that you can stick with for a long period of time, because not only do you have to LOSE the weight, but you have to maintain. I've maintained 163 for a couple months, give or take a couple pounds due to weight fluctuation and such. I ran frequently before this attempt to lose weight for the military, but after I finished the half-marathon I had been training for, I dropped my mileage down to about 2-3 mile runs 5-6 days a week. That was more days of running than I did during training. Once I finally got to my weight, I dropped my running down to about 3 days a week and added weight lifting every other day. I had my delayed entry monthly meeting last night and they gave us a taste of boot camp. Let me tell you--if you don't do push ups or sit ups or leg lifts/flutter kicks, you BETTER start. They made me sore. So, needless to say, I'm adding all of those things to my weight lifting days to prepare myself. The day I swore in, they recommended that each of us gets on a physical training program and eats 3 square meals a day. The physical part I get, but I've been doing the Body For Life program, which requires me to eat small meals every 2-3 hours. It speeds up the metabolism. Anyway, I'm rambling, but I just wanted to say that if you need support or whatever, you can definitely talk to me since I just went through the weightloss for the AF thing. I'm also trying to continue losing weight to make basic training a little easier when I go. I'm shooting for 150, initially. With my frame, I wouldn't look right at less than 135lbs, and that may be pushing it. I guess I'll re-evaluate the situation when I hit 150 and see where I am.

Best of luck to you and keep me posted on your progress!

P.S. Once you sign the documents, at least for me, you'll be more motivated to maintain/lose your weight. I guess it's a little different when you're obligated and you don't want the embarrassment of weighing in too high.

Good Luck on your goal!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I just got a call from my recruiter! I got a job reserved--Information Management. My leave date is December 5th, much sooner than expected. Oh wow. I have bills to take care of, phone plan to change, boxes to go through, arrangements to make, people to inform. I feel so overwhelmed, yet so excited!!!! I'm going to get my "to do" list together and get started as soon as I can! I have to work today, though. I'm thinking I'll take a month off before I leave if I can afford to do so financially. We'll see! Keep going strong because it feels good to finally get here.

Congratulations! It won't be quite as easy for me as far as my MOS goes. I have to take the DLAB (and hopefully get the top bracket) for my desired job. Either way, good luck with the planning!