Hello everyone! I have been lurking for quite awhile now and it is finally time to come out of hiding. I have been working night and day finishing my college degree (BBA in Accounting). Tonight I handed in my final paper and am finished. I am so ecstatic! I have been working on my degree part time at night for over 10 years. The thing is, now it is time to finally do something about my weight. I have certainly proved to myself that I have the discipline to make things happen. If I can spend all day at work, go to a class and then spend another 3 – 4 hours in the library, I can find the time to get some exercise and record what I eat.

I have been dieting since I can remember and it has always been such a source of trial and tribulation. I would start and feel on top of the world, but I could never sustain anything because I was always way too strict with myself. When I “cheated” I would feel like a failure, I would hate myself and feel miserable. I managed to break the cycle of hating myself about four years ago, but I still gained weight. This time however, I definitely understand that what I need is a lifestyle change, not a diet. I have a totally different feeling about things this time. The funny thing is that I am really excited, but not in a hyper kind of way – the way I used to try and psyche myself up, but in a deep down content way that makes me know I can do this – I can make a major change in my life.

My first weigh in when I got a scale about two months ago was 353. I will weigh in tomorrow morning. I am planning on counting calories and will be joining the gym at work and forking out the cash for a personal trainer once a week. One of the big differences this time is that I know now that this is something that I cannot do on my own – I need support. From my time reading the posts here, I know I have come to the right place.

Welcome Nancy, and HUGE CONGRATS on finishing that degree!! That's totally awesome! I just started working on my masters with an online course, and between the holiday and my work (long haul trucker) I haven't made anywhere NEAR the progress I should have. I was off the truck in November and made headway on my weight, but buckleing down to study is another matter. You've really got the disapline to get 'er done!! I'm glad you've joned us!

Just briefly gang, cuz I've GOT to get some sleep and be up early for Curves in the a.m., I didn't do bad on the calories today, but too many of them were from Doves dark chocolates BAD Valerie, BAD! I did do a whole bundle of walking during the course of the day, although not at a heart pumping rate, so it doesn't count towards my Dec goal. I DID get my nails done today for hte first time in my life. It's a real boost for my girlie self-image, and I think I'd like to keep them for a while!

Gotta snooze - v.

Nancy - It's so nice to have you with us. First off, congrats on finishing your degree. That is a great accomplishment in and of itself. It's also great that you have reached this new awareness of yourself in regards to diet and exercise. With great determination and the support you get here, I am sure you can do this.

NoLifeWithoutHorses- if it's any consolation, dark chocolate is supposed to be much better for you than milk chocolate so if you didn't overdo it, then you probably didn't do much damage.

Christine -- You have my sympathies. Being sick at Christmas is no fun . I like your idea of celebrating in July! As for the weight loss, I vote to just not worry right now. Do what you can to stay healthy and focus on what you have control over. I know that's easy for me to say! Good luck!

Nancy -- WELCOME! I think you have the right attitude -- you CAN do this. And think of all the fun we will all have sharing our progress!! Sounds like you had a "lightbulb" moment. I had one this summer, and while I wouldn't say this has all been easy, I do not feel like I've been battling my self nearly as much as I have in the past. I think I accept that to be healthy I will have to make permanent changes, and that the consequences (health) are worth the sacrifice (cookies and what not and extra time lounging on the couch watching TV)!

It's hard this time of year though, isn't it??! I had a package delivered from Harry and David today -- pears and truffles. I haven't had a pear yet, but neither have I had the candy -- yet -- and just yesterday I was dying to have a truffle! Please, someone tell me the Harry and David truffles are awful!!

Christine, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Being sick is never fun, but it must be especially difficult during the holidays.

Waterlillie, welcome! I know how dangerous isolation can be -- I did it for many years. Good for you for speaking up and letting us get to know you!

I have had a good day. I went crazy Christmas shopping for Andre and Ayana, his 10 year old cousin who is spending Christmas with us. It was a lot of fun. My family didn't have a lot of money, especially when my brother and I were kids. I've made up for it since , with my own toys, but it is so fun to buy toys for kids.

Andre has been a real sweetheart this week. Although I was pretty frustrated at times and the house looks like a tornado has hit it again, I think we did pretty well. Tomorrow afternoon my 18 year old stepson flys in, and then tomrrow night, Marie comes home with Ayana. I'm really looking forward to this Christmas.

Take care, all!

Nancy, welcome aboard. I joined a gym in September after my dad had triple bypass surgery. I signed up with a personal trainer, and it has been very helpful. I have learned so much, not just about exercise, but also about how to eat well and lose weight. The accountability has been a huge help as well. Congratulations also on finishing your degree -- that is awesome!

Chritine, I'm so sorry for you, at least you have the medical support you need and if you lose a few pounds enjoy it, your health is more precious than getting into a size 12, even if it doesn't always feel like it!!
I GAINED 3 lbs yesterday, things are pretty grim at the moment, my oldest son was rushed into hospital to have his appendix (sp?) removed and its still t.o.m. so I feel pretty tense, angry and hateful. No exercise, I'm having too many pains to do any. I have to get everywhere clean and make up the spare room and clean the small bathroom ready as my brother-in-law is staying over Christmas. Saturday I'm baking, I hope you all have everything done and can relax a bit.
Elmay, hope you enjoy your Christmas with the kids, it always seems more magical when Christmas is spent with young children. to the new girl, sorry no time to get into details for everyone.
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and peaceful (or partyful!!) New Year.
xxsharonxxx

elmay -- It's nice to hear of someone happy and excited about Christmas this year. I'm seeing it as something to "get through" and I hate that. I hope it will go better than I fear.

sharon -- I hope your son is okay. Also, you probably didn't gain 3 pounds of fat -- more likely some water retention. Even if you did, you won't be giving up, right? Right. If you did gain it, it WILL come off again. I hope you cna enjoy your Christmas!

Hello ladies! Long time no see! I'm a putz! I have been crazy insane and business during this holiday season and we had some major drama on my own forum that took a great deal of my attention. It is all better now. I miss my weight loss buddies though! There are only a couple of women on my forum that need to lose as much weight as I do, so I find this board to be a great comfort.

BTW, AMMI . . . I miss posting and emailing with you! Have you finally kicked my sorry *** to the curb? I couldn't blame you if you did! chica!!!!!


I also see some newer people here. I need to go back through the other threads and catch up on what I missed. I will make that my project for today.

I have good news on my own weight loss front! I have met my Christmas goal of getting below 300lbs!!!!! WOOOHOOOOOOOO! I need to put up my new goal ticker of losing 100lbs by Jan 31. Not sure where I need to put my goal after that, but I'll figure it out once I inch closer to the 100lb loss mark! Today is my normal Fat day, but we have family coming in tomorrow. I am going to try to stay in my caloric limits, but I will allow for some extra calories in the evening. Christmas day . . . . . all bets are off! Luckily, I don't really like a lot of desserts so maybe it won't be so bad!

Hope you all have had a great holiday so far. I am off to read and catch up now!

Neurotica - Way to go! Congrats on getting under 300. That is fantastic.

Thank you so much Tracey!!!!

Well I weighed in this morning for the first official time in a few months, and I am down 8 pounds since then. Not bad for making only a few small changes like cutting out drinks with sugar and being more careful about portions.

Valerie – I don’t know if I could do an online program. I took one economics class where we had a set of video classes and only showed up to take tests. I did the worst in that class of any I have taken. For me, there is something about having to show up. Good luck with your degree.

Wyllen – I definitely had a light bulb moment, and part of it definitely had to do with school. I remember reading in some diet book, in one year you will be a year older anyway, why not also be closer to your goal? If I had known it was going to take me 10 years to finish my degree, I am not sure I would have started. I didn’t think about it – I just started, knowing that in one year I would be older and I could either be stuck where I was or I could be that much closer to my goal. The same applies to my weight - in one year I can be the same (or heavier) or I can be closer to my goal.

Elmay – the accountability is a major part of using the trainer. It is also because I know I need to build strength but have no idea what to do with all of those machines. Being able to ask for help is a big step for me.

Voodoo1 – I hope you and your son feel better. It always seems harder when tough things happen during the holidays, like there is some rule that you are supposed to be happy that you are breaking.

Neurotica – that is fantastic! You must feel on top of the world.

sharon (n) -- Just wanted to say congrats on getting below 300#. What a great gift to yourself!

Nancy -- That's great about losing 8 pounds. Amazing what a few small changes can make! Must feel good to start the year having already started!

Congrats on getting under 300!!!! I can't wait to be there...it's been a few years! I did a little informal weigh in (had my hoodie and boots on...lol), and it looks like I lost 5 lbs! I'll have to do a weigh in when I get the chance, perhaps on Sunday sometime, and update my ticker!

Congratulations, NotTheCheat on your degree! I just started college in the fall, and needless to say, I wish I wouldn't have taken a year off after high school. I'm working on a law degree at the moment, but I've been thinking more and more to just become a paralegal...then I wouldn't have to take the bar! hehe...