Now there's a good question. I certainly don't feel like the same person and hubby is continually telling me that he married an overweight self-conscious shy woman and now he has this outgoing hot babe on his hands and doesn't know what to do with her. LOL!

I feel more energetic, not as put off by shopping and being on my feet as I used to be. I seem to get a lot more enjoyment out of simple things. Going to the store used to be a chore, now it's fun...and can be good exercise just to window shop.

I'm so inspired by this thread. I've got about 50 (maybe 60--I won't get NEAR a scale right now) pounds to lose. It's just so frustrating sometimes!! I'm really active (which is probably why it's 50 instead of 150), so part of me keeps thinking if I do this much I should be able to eat whatever I want! I know, I know unrealistic but waaah.

Anyway, thanks for the inspiration and if any of you maintainers can remember back at the beginning and share some tips I sure would appreciate it.

I have to agree this thread has really inspired me to get started and keep going. Thankyou so much to those who have shared their stories, you are all an inspiration well done to you all and I hope one day I can add my own story to your successes

Thanks to EVERYONE who replied to my original post and who continue to reply. As I mentioned before, I have been truly inspired by all of your stories. I have kicked it into over-drive and I have lost five pounds since my original post on December 19. (I'm really proud I've been able to do that over the holidays!!!) I just needed to believe it could be done and knowing that it can be...I am on my way. I just joined a gym today and signed my husband and a best friend up as well. All three of us will be effected by all of your kind words. THANKS!!!! I can't tell you how many times I have come back to this thread to read and re-read your words...and everytime I'm motivated to exercise afterwards or say NO to those amazing Christmas chocolate chip cookies. THANKS...YOU ALL ROCK!!!

MrsJim, I just wanted to pop in here and tell you that your before and after pics are truly breathtaking. Thank you for sharing!!

Aww jeeeez you guys. :blushing:

I just want to show that losing and KEEPING OFF weight is TOTALLY possible. Trust me - I'm not Superwoman or Mrs. Perfect. If *I* can do this, YOU can too!

Persistence...making goals and sticking to them...with a long-term view. And SUPPORT - through your family and here at 3FC.

No majic diet pills, no gadgets, no gimmicks necessary!

Mrs.Jim - I just wanted to pop in here to tell you that you're GORGEOUS. Wow, such a beautiful woman with such a great, friendly smile. Congrats on your hard work!

redhed I hope you don't mind I'm going to add the quote to my signature. :"I can't lose 100 lbs, but I can lose 10 lbs 10 times." I usually don't read new post but stumbled on to yours lastnight. Thank you so much. I was feeling really low for I hadn't lose this week and I had been really good with workouts and my food plan. It's comming off so slow when I see other zipping right past me. I know I must dig my heels in and view it as you stated. Thanks so so much once again.

thegal - congrats on losing 5, especially during the holidays!!!! Isn't it great to have this community of supportive people here? It's what helped me so much.

I totally understand what you said about being afraid to start, that you were afraid of finding out that it wasn't possible...but now you see that it is!! I was a SLOW loser, it took me well almost two months to lose my first 10 pounds, but it was slow and steady after that.

Mrs.Jim - what a GREAT photo of you by the window!! Your avatar shows your nice body shape, but difficult to see your face...what a great smile, and I love your hair!!

Hello Everyone! I am new to this forum so I thought I would Jump in and say Hi. My Goal is to lose 50lbs by the summer because I want to join the Army. My Bigger goal is to gain strength and endurance because I have to be able to do pushups (real ones!) and run about 5km comfortably. This will be what I am striving to accomplish, more so than the number on the scale. I am so inspired by you Mrs. Jim, and you make me realize it can be done. I remember reading your story at Lean and Strong and you are one person I have never forgotten! I am glad I found this site because I truly feel I will find all the support I need here. Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Sincerly, Marie

I'm glad I'm came across this thread...really glad. I have been lurking around 3FC for awhile. I've been ignoring my weight gain for quite awhile, well my whole life really. The past 4 years I put on about 50 lbs and things are starting to get harder to do so I'm realizing it's time. You'll be seeing my avatar around here more often