Let me introduce myself...

I'm a 26 year old nursing student in Tampa, Florida. I have always been the fat girl, from grade school on. Last February or so, Something finally kicked in ( Im giving credit to new anti-depressants) I started working out regularly, and eating the way we've always been told to. Lots of fruits and veggies, lean protein, small meals during the day, minimal fat and sugar, lots of water... nothing new, no fads, just trying to be healthy.

IT WORKED! By September, I was down from about 365 (don't know for sure, couldnt find a scale that went high enough) to 290. Then it went downhill... I lost my job (which i was miserable at anyway) and really delved into my depression. I moved back home (to start school) where there's always take out, junk food, and large wonderful meals cooked. It started to pile on again. I knew I was regaining, but I didnt know how much.

At the end of this September, my gym had a renewal special going on, with encouragement from my mom, I went for it. I got weighed in October 1st at 372. Probably the heaviest I've ever been. I was devestated. But, I'm moving forward.

It's only been about 3 weeks since I started back up again, so far it's going pretty well. I've been browsing on this site for a couple days now, and the support here is fantastic, and I'm hoping will help me stick with it for good this time.

Sorry for the long post...

I'm brand new here, and want to dive in head first! I'm setting my first mini-goal as a 10 lb loss by Nov. 1. I'm nervous!!!!

Congratulations on meeting your first mini-goal. May it be the first of many.

I can relate to your story, except I've had more setbacks than you. I'm determined this time and so far, so good. My not-so-secret secret is calorie counting. I've said it before but this has been the easiest 50 lb. loss that I've ever experienced and it's a method that I intend to use for life.

So, welcome. I think you'll find this to be a friendly, helpful place to be.

Welcome to 3fatchicks! You can do this!

Welcome and good luck on your goals! I used to live in Tampa, or more specifically, Riverview. Beautiful place, sometimes I'm sad I left! You definitely have a lot of food temptations there, so congrats on your resolve!

Welcome to 3FC Congrats!

Welcome I'm new as well and live on Orlando. All we can do is pick our selves up and get back to it. The one thing you shouldn't do is beat yourself, finally learned this myself. It only makes it harder to move forward. Say yhe things to yourself that you would say to a friend who was trying to lose weight. The things we say to ourselves is so much worse than what other people say so don't get hung up on what was, move forward you can do this, we can do this!

congrats on getting back on! i too fall off but i consider it "life" testing me to see how much i want it.

Well, I weighed in today, the first time since I started. I lost 8 lbs, BMI went from 51.9 to 50.9, % body fat went from 49.5 to 48.7.

While everything is moving in the right direction, I'm pretty bummed I didnt lose my goal of 10lbs (which is a goal my dr. gave me).

BUT I'll take any progress I can get, and just gotta keep at it!

I've been checking in here rather often, and I hafta say that the support here is freakin' amazing. And there are so many people that are so inspirational, it has strengthened my resolve to get healthy for good this time. I'll be back often, and plan to post some photos soon!