There's nothing about 3FC that I don't like, and I couldn't possibly add anything to what all these other fine people have written, I only wish I found this site 1 1/2 years ago, then maybe I wouldn't have re-gained 25 pounds... I love this site, I can come here when there's no where else to go....I just found this site by accident, I was looking for something on the net to motivate me, and bam!!! I found it, I love it, and have logged on here everyday since I've joined, I actually look forward to it.....

Can somebody pass the Kleenex?? I can't describe what 3FC as a whole means to me. My weight would have gone the other direction without the support and knowledge that I have gained here. This site has always been very important to me and my sisters, but it is because of you that it is a passion for us.

The main reason I come here is for..

Motivation: to see that it can be done!

Education: Learn new ways of exercising and being healthy.

Support: Friends to encourage me on my journey and celebrate my victories with me.

Accountability: A support group that will hold me accountable for my actions but give me the support I need when I slip up.

Im looking for support, advice and encouragement. Its hard to do this alone. And Ive tried to do it alone and it dont work.

The biggest thing I was looking for (and found) was understanding. My skinny friends can support me, and my unfit family can offer advice, but until you've been 100+ overweight, I don't think you really understand how someone in that position feels. Those with 10 or so pounds to lose who have never had to shop in the plus-size section have never felt the shame, disgust, and downright hopelessness of someone who can barely even fit into a plus size anymore! I came here and found people in similar positions, and they have helped me immensely.

One thing I have noticed about 3FC that differs from both real life and other websites is that those who have 300 pounds to lose are just as welcomed and supported as those who have 30 pounds to lose, ya know? EVERYONE here seems to have some helpful advice and suggestions, and everyone is always willing to offer it with a hug or a smile

And, as Meg pointed out, the Maintainers does seem to be a unique aspect of 3FC as compared to other weight loss sites. They have such a wealth of expertience, knowledge, and advice that I think their presence here really helps the board as a whole.

I'm also particularly fond of the 20s group here. Other sites have 20-somethings who all have maybe 20 pounds to lose, so they reach goal in a matter of months (if not weeks). Here, though, there is a network of supportive 20-somethings, many of whom have either already lost a lot of weight or who still have a long way to go, and it's great to have that age group's understanding. Not saying I don't love all of the other ladies here, but being only in your 20s (or teens!) and being obese beings a lot more pressure in some cases, and it's nice to have those who can really relate to the fact that I haven't "let myself go" or gained weight from having kids--I'm young and ALREADY have this problem!

So I guess, now that I think about it, one thing I really LOVE is the separate groups. I love the 100+ to lose chicks, the 20-somethings, the 300+ ladies, the maintainers--and I LOVE how we can all still come together in these support threads and aren't afraid to poke around in other sections of the board as well. It's such an open community, and no one is restricted to a single group.

Okay, I think I'm done...for now

All of the above! I really need the support and encouragement - for someone to believe I can do this even when I don't believe it myself. And most of all, I need the accountability, people who are going to check up on me and keep me in line The information and resources posted here are invaulable as well.

Oh my yes, pass the kleenex!! I love this site too. If it weren't for logging on here daily to get my fix I'd be lost ... The motivation, inspiration, hints, just to name a few are priceless. Before joining I thought I was doomed to being a size 14 because, just because I was 40 ... Now I know better because I am where I want to be and it's all because I have met older women like Meg and Mel !!

Thank you SusanB for starting this thread...

AND

one hug for each sister chick!!

I'm a bit frustrated this week. I don't understand something and I want to verrry badly. What is motivation? When someone posts and says they have no motivation what can I give then? What are they looking for? What can I say? What can I do?

How about these three wise posts by Funniegrrl on motivation - or why 'motivation' is irrelevant.

...support mostly. Information, ideas, help with the details.

As far as motivation goes, I think thats something that has to come from within. I really do. People can talk at you all day long, but unless you're ready to "hear" it, it won't help a bit.

I was ready to hear, and Susan, YOU, as a matter of fact, said something to me that snapped me out of a funk and got me moving. "Eat clean and move." I was ready to receive a message, and you sent it.

SO, thanks. That's what I came here for.

Oh get the tissue back out!

I'll go read Meg. Thanks to both of you.

I came here mostly for accountability. That's what works for me. However, I've been finding much more.

I came here looking for help. What to do to get my weight loss started. I am always looking for new ideas that might fit with my lifestyle. I definately found them.

I find encouragement from reading that other people who weigh less than me and people who weigh more than me and people who weigh the same as me, have done it or are doing it. It lets me know, it can be done.

I came here with a long term goal of september, but have learned to make mini goals.

I just love this site. It is so informative, so supportive, so encouraging and so friendly, i just can't seem to leave it. I am here about 8 hours a day. I love it.

I have some ask me at work "How did I lose it" They want to start the same way I have...but when I explane it to them they all have a reason not to do what I have...it is all come from within. If you wnat it bad enought you go out and get it no matter what it takes!! I have gotton so much from this site. I will never stop reading and posting I really think this site is how I have lasted this long. It has keep me going. I tell everyone who asked me "how" That I could not have done it with all of yall. I count all of you as my friends.

I want to thank all of you....

ps Sorry for any misspelling My contacks are giveing me a fit today.

First of all I came here looking for information. I remember the site that linked here (I've not been back to that site much tho ). I remember that I was seriously starting to try again after "just eating less" and just moving a little bit more was starting to wear thin! I needed a little bit of a shove in the right direction, to start counting calories again (which is what I did back when I joined).

So I started off counting calories and posting my weekly weigh-ins and how much I exercised

But now I use this place for a whole lot more than somewhere to tell you guys how much I weigh! I've learned from the ladies who lift, more about weight training than I ever thought I would. I used to think lifting heavy on machines and restricting my calories would cut it! I now know about protein and the quality of your food and how important it is to eat healthily and well and not eat fish fingers for 2 out of 3 meals!

I love this place so much and that I can come and tell you that I'm "normal" for the first time in my life And I love the fact that you guys KNOW how much that means and what a great thing it is. Rather than being told, "I know, you're a healthy bun!" (DF). Yeah I know I'm healthy and I know another 2 lbs or whatever down on the scale is no real biggie, but COME ON! It's a MAJOR thing. It's taken 23 years and even if BMI is whack and the charts aren't accurate and maybe the scales aren't either... It's the psychological thing. You guys understood why I had a misty moment that morning, but no-one else did.

I can be accountable (as much or as little as I want) to you, I can rant and rage, even if no-one else wants to hear it. Even if it's the most stupid thing in the world, you guys understand. I can come here instead of eating junk food - it's better than a bag of crisps any day!

I love that there are intelligent and warm and funny women (and men) here that can cheer me along and see my point of view. I read this site for entertainment and for company and for wierd recipes. If you'd told me at age 12 that in 11 years time I'd weigh less and eat fried cottage cheese with egg whites and oats most days I would've thought you were off your rocker! Some days I do think I'm off my rocker!

I'm glad I can come here and BE a little bit obsessive. Like telling you EXACTLY how many protein grams I ate yesterday when no-one IRL really gives a toss! I love the fact that it will be celebrated that I resisted a chocolate or that I only had half a pizza!

And I love the fact that I've met so many special friends here, some of whom are spilling over into "real life" running buddies (you know who you are!). If I could invite you all to a party - I truly would!