Hi Michelle:

I want you to know that I completely relate to your story.

I have been overweight since I was five years old. I had a very unhappy home life growing up (a lot of verbal and physical abuse). Everyone in my family was overweight. Food was the only thing that would comfort me.

Several years ago my brother, who was morbidly obese, died very suddenly, leaving behind his wife and 2 children, ages 10 and 12.

My parents both died soon after that - and instead of learning the lesson about being overweight, I started to eat even more. The grief and stress in my life had just been too much for me and I always turned to food.

For a very long time, I couldn't look in the mirror or step on the scale. Finally, at the doctor's office, I found out that my weight was 284, and after having to go on blood pressure medicine, I decided that this had to change. I found 3FCs, which is really helping me a lot.

Thanks so much for sharing your story and your pictures. You really are an inspiration to me.

I am so very sorry for your losses

3FC has been a major tool for me during my journey and I look forward to following your success here as well

wow you really worked hard for that weight loss! thanks for sharing your story with us truly inspirational! well done you

Thanks Echo

Wow I just read your story, saw you pictures and wow you look great.
What an inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing.

Thank you

Im new here and was trying to see you journey of 155 lbs lost but cant get to it on facebook unless i request a friendship. So if you get an email for a friendship it is me naenae52 here. If your journey is posted here at 3 fat chicks, please advise how to find it. Thanks..Rene

Your story is so amazing! You should be beyond proud of yourself. You are an inspiration to us all.

Thank you!

WoW! So inspirational... I can just see by the photos how much better you FEEL! Thanks for sharing... I'm just starting my journey and have to keep telling myself it's one day at a time.

Thank you very much and good luck with your goals

I selected a few things you said, because I think it sums up the attitudes we all need to get into our heads - myself included. Thank you very much for your inspiring post, for sharing your story, and also for the helpful links. And congratulations on your success! In your pics, your waist shrinks, but your smile grows. That's the reward I think we all want most.

I *am* worth it, and I *can* do it!

You just made my night, thank you so much and yep, you are worth and you can do it

Your story inspired me so much. I was afraid I had lost your Journal because I find this site a little clunky for me just yet. I will get used to it. I was lamenting that I had lost your journal to my husband and all of the sudden, your post flashed on my screen.

So, because of your story, I registered, I have to lose at least 30 pounds or more and really have a hard time. Start and stop, start and stop merri-go-round.

Just wanted to say thanks! - Jimmie Kaye