First name: Melissa

Geographical location: Turkey

Age: 22

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: No children

Occupation: Grad student

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: My education is my life.

Height: 5'6''

Eye/Hair Color: Brown eyes and red hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: June 29, 2017

Starting Weight: 302 lbs

Present Weight: 302 lbs

Goal Weight: 275 for now, small steps. In the long haul, 150 lbs.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I can't stay committed to my plans. Also, I tend to turn to food whenever I find the time, it's like I can't sit still without eating something.

Following any specific plan: Taking it one step at a time, at a daily basis for now.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My weight is at its highest ever, and this time I'm determined to seek support from people who understand what I'm going through

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name:
Carrie

Geographical location:
Pacific Northwest

Age:
42

Marital Status:
Celebrate 25 years of marriage this October

Children/Ages:
I have 3 children ages 24,23 & 21

Occupation:
Not working due to disabilities

Pets:
2 dogs

Hobbies/Interests:
Too many to list... Yet I don't really do any of them any more


Height:
5'4"

Eye/Hair Color:
Blonde and blue

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:
Which time? Lol. I'll just use today as my start date 7/14/2017

Starting Weight:
243

Present Weight:
243

Goal Weight:
140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:
Physical limitations

Following any specific plan:

Not yet... Trying to find the best way to do this

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:

I'm depressed. I'm in pain. I miss having fun.

I really hope I can do this. I am desperate. Unfortunately I have many obstacles. I've been living with severe pain for years. I have nerve damage to my spine, neck, arms in addition to moderate-severe arthritis. Both of my knees are bad and extremely painful. Have has surgery on both and looking like will have another on my left knee thanks to recent fall. I try to eat healthy but honestly never have an appetite. Right now the diet isn't good due partly to being in middle of getting dentures and hard to eat when you have no teeth to chew with. I recognize now that I am moderately to severely depressed and know if I don't make a change soon I'm simply going to die from not taking care of my body.
My goal isn't so much about weight as it is about being happy and I want to enjoy the things I haven't for years like biking, hiking and dancing! I also want to learn to paddle board and for that I need strength in my knees, back and core... None of which I have!

First name:Alaina

Geographical location:Louisiana

Age:39
Marital Status:Married

Children/Ages:18/20

Occupation:Inventory Clerk

Pets:1 Cat

Hobbies/Interests:Swimming and Reading

Height:5'10

Eye/Hair Color:Brpwn/Black

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:July 5, 2017

Starting Weight:280

Present Weight:268

Goal Weight:180

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: The biggest hurdle I have is to stop getting on the scale everyday.

Following any specific plan: I am following OMAD/IF.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: The difference this time with weight loss is now my daughter is going off to college in the fall. I promised myself that since both of my children are away in college that I would now focus on me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: This is my first time actually feeling the DRIVE to finish through with this. I have so many things that I want to do coming up in the near future and that is really motivating me.

First name: Nancy

Geographical location: Upstate SC

Age: 61

Marital Status: Married for 37 years

Children/Ages: Erin 35, Kathleen 32

Occupation: Quality Engineer

Pets: Beau and Tilly (German Shepherds), Jangles (cat)

Hobbies/Interests: Search and Rescue, Kayaking, Walking,

Height: 5'6"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue / Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 7/24/2017

Starting Weight: 264

Present Weight: 258

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Stress and triggers / hungry when driving (fast food)

Following any specific plan: Trying most of the Bright lines plan I am making some modifications by moving veggies to breakfast and a fruit to dinner and not calling corn a vegetable but otherwise think the structure will help me. I am not really into the videos nor can I spend the money for the boot camps etc but know the last time I lost weight best was when I was on a forum and planned my food.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I cleared out my house of things I am not supposed to eat and I realize that I really need to get this weight off as I am starting to see some minor health issues that I don't need to get major.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I was a fat kid. Got thin in high school and maintained until I got married and had my first child. My mother taught me how to use food for comfort and I learned that lesson well. It kept slowly adding and I really gained with my second child. I have never actually lost this weight. The best I did was get down to about 215 and that was with the help of calorie counting and a forum. Stressful events (caring for my mother who had a stroke) just diverted me that time. I know when I loose I will be a sack of loose skin but I am ok with that. We can deal with all that - I just want to be healthy. I honestly think hard and fast rules i don't have to think about crossing may help me. I want to not have to squeeze into a plane seat. Want to wear nice clothes. Want to be able to do more outside Planning each day the night before.

First name: Debbie

Geographical location: Colorado

Age: 35

Marital Status: Happily Married

Children/Ages: 2 - ages 6 and 9

Occupation: Nurse

Pets: 2 Dogs

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, sleeping, cross-stitch, cooking

Height: 5'8"

Eye/Hair Color: blue or gray

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Aug 21, 2017

Starting Weight: 242

Present Weight: 242

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: food addiction

Following any specific plan: Kickstarting with a liquid diet, then into Intermittent Fasting

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am in a year where I can focus on my own self

Anything else you would like to share with us: Ready to get this weight off for good!!

First name: Katie

Geographical location: South East Missouri

Age: 29

Marital status: never married

Children/ages: none

Occupation: Walmart sales associate in crafts

Pets: Bentley the cat, Thelma and Louise (2 fish)

Hobbies/interests: music, reading, anime, crafting, playing on my iPad....

Height: 5'4"

Eye/hair color: Bluegreen/dark brown

Starting date of weight loss journey: 2-4 years ago

Starting weight: 340 lbs

Present weight: 350 lbs (estimate)

Goal weight: around 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome and weight loss: impulse buying of candy, sticking with the diet and exercise routine, boredom eating, eating when I carry instead of going up to McDonald's for lunch

Following any specific plan: not right now, but I haven't tried eating for life and the 15 day diet. I succeeded to some degree with both until I fell off the wagon each time.

What is different this time in your weight-loss efforts: I have a trip to London planned for next year, and the airplane seats will be at least a little bit more comfortable with a little less fat. I also have some health risks that run in my family that I would like to avoid. Most of all I just want to look and feel better.

Anything else you would like to share: not that I can think of right now

First name: Ash

Geographical location: North Texas

Age: 23

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Social Work Student

Pets: Waddles the cat

Hobbies/Interests: anything crafty

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Blue gray eyes, dark brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 9/25/2017

Starting Weight: 322

Present Weight: 322

Goal Weight: 200

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Not giving up. Learning to be okay with the fact that is is going to take a long time and I won't see the results I want for awhile. Also Asthma.

Following any specific plan: No

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: Support from my friends and family, also hopefully here too.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm scared. I'm afraid of failing but I'm also afraid of succeeding because I know losing weight will change how people see me and how I interact with the world. Change is scary, even if it is a good thing.

First name:Stella
Geographical location:US
Age:late 30s
Marital Status:married
Children/Ages:3
Occupation:
Petsoo many
Hobbies/Interests:Writing
Height:above average
Eye/Hair Color:
Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:too many to list
Starting Weight:

Present Weight:280

Goal Weight:180

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:Pain. I have chronic pain made worse by exercise.

Following any specific plan:Not sure what to do. Nothing works.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:
I'm sharing my struggle.

Anything else you would like to share with us:
Any suggestions on how to exercise without inducing long term pain would be great.

First name: Rachel

Geographical location: Northwest Ohio

Age: 24

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: none... yet!

Occupation: Industrial/Organizational Psychology Graduate Student

Pets: A fluffy, sassy tortie named Heidi

Hobbies/Interests: Reading with a cup of coffee and my cat on my lap... Traveling and hiking when I can!

Height: 5'4''

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 2/16/17

Starting Weight: 275

Present Weight: 245

Goal Weight: 175

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Sugar addiction, binge eating, bad habits!

Following any specific plan: I use myfitnesspal to track calories. Trying to take a slow and steady lifestyle change approach.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:

I have a motivator that I am setting my eyes on: having children. I've been overweight for as long as I can remember, and my weight especially increased throughout college and once I got married. I lost about 40 lbs 5 years ago, but then gained it all back and then some. I have a wonderful husband who makes me feel beautiful no matter what, but I'm tired of being unhealthy. Most importantly, I want to have a family and give them all the best- starting with a healthy pregnancy.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

I'm committed to the long haul and am looking forward to getting and sharing support on this journey!

First name: Emmy

Geographical location: Dayton Ohio

Age: 31

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: n/a

Occupation:Graphic Designer

Pets: Two dogs, Pepper, & Basil, a Cat, Caper

Hobbies/Interests: Painting, Drawing, Learning,

Height:5'6

Eye/Hair Color:blond brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:Hmm October 2017

Starting Weight:250

Present Weight:246

Goal Weight: 165

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: It seems soooo far away

Following any specific plan: Free Version of Weight Watchers, Some Beach Body, fitbit,

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My husband and I want to start a family. I honestly do not want to be a fat mom. I want to be fit and fun, run 5k's keep up with the kids.

Anything else you would like to share with us:No>

First name: Tony

Geographical location: DC area

Age: 42

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: 2, ages 9 and 7

Occupation: Consultant

Pets: One small and far too spoiled dog

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, fishing, hiking, tech and anything I can do with my family

Height: 5'11

Eye/Hair Color: green / brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 1/2/2018

Starting Weight: 272

Present Weight: 272

Goal Weight: 170

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I don't totally know. I know I eat too much of the wrong things

Following any specific plan: I'm following the 'eat less, eat healthier and move more plan' :-)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My 'fat-man' pants got too tight and I became rather disgusted with myself - that's new for me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: My wife married a thin smoker about 10 years ago. i quit smoking and packed on the weight. First a few pounds, then 20 over, then I couldn't fit into my shirts and my pants started getting tight then I got my first 2X sized shirt, and on and on... I've tried to do the weight loss things a few times and failed but i also tried to quit smoking a few times and failed too, until that time I quit and it stuck. What worked then? A resolve to kick the smoking habit - something I now feel about weight loss (that I didn't truly feel in the past). Hoping that this attempt sticks.

First name: Abigail

Geographical location: Canada

Age: 19

Marital Status: In a relationship (if that counts haha)

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: taking a bachelor of science

Pets: two dogs and two cats

Hobbies/Interests: I love science and medicine

Height: 5'11

Eye/Hair Color: blue

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: today

Starting Weight: 265 pounds

Present Weight: 265 pounds

Goal Weight: 140 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Binge eating disorder, also I live on university residence so I have to eat at the cafeteria there

Following any specific plan: not yet

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This is the highest weight I have ever been. I know that if I don't try to lose weight I will just continue to gain.. I need to lose it.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I really am struggling with this, I don't have any plan and I'm so scared of my weight and I'm so scared of being judged. I don't know how I can lose weight and I'm just really looking for some support

First name: Amanda

Geographical location: Massachusetts, USA

Age: 30

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: Hannah - 11 months

Occupation: sahm

Pets: no

Hobbies/Interests: reading, walking, hanging out with my friends and family

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: hazel and light brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 1/15/18

Starting Weight: 271 pounds

Present Weight: 263.5 pounds

Goal Weight: 140-150 pounds

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: confidence and self doubt, sugar/flour addiction

Following any specific plan: food addicts in recoverery

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am in a group that cares about my success and I feel prepared to take on the journey. I need to do it for my family.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I need all the help I can get

First name: Cherry

Geographical location: Mid-Atlantic, U.S.

Age:51

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages:1 adult son

Occupation: Office/Clerical

Pets: Dogs

Hobbies/Interests:Cooking,bowling (very bad at it, but it's fun!), Dancing (not as often as I'd like).

Height:5'6"

Eye/Hair Color:hazel/blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:many years ago, it's been an ongoing losing/gaining/losing/gaining battle.

Starting Weight:308

Present Weight:308

Goal Weight:220

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: feeling paralyzed by fear & worry

Following any specific plan: counting calories (it really works, but you gotta do it forever)

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past:I left a very stressful job and now can work part-time. I'm still getting used to not stressing. It's a process. I have more freedom now to pursue going to the gym or just going for walks with my dogs, my friend, or just by myself.

Anything else you would like to share with us:I'm just glad to be here. I feel a freedom in message boards where you can just go by your screen name. I feel people are more honest about their struggles and just, well, more real.

First name: Stephanie

Geographical location: Santa Clarita, CA (Los Angeles)

Age: 36

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Pets: 1 cat - Trixie

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Hiking (when I'm in better shape!), Watching British murder mysteries, Baking, Wine tasting

Height: 5'6"

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel eyes, brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 02/15/2018

Starting Weight: 256.4

Present Weight: 253.6

Goal Weight: 155

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: WILLPOWER. I'm an emotional eater, so retraining myself to "just say no" will not be easy. I know that I don't need food to make me feel better when I'm down, but I'm used to it. It's a bad habit.

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm at my highest weight ever. I never imagined that I would be this obese. That said, I'm committing to losing all of this extra weight and keeping it off. When I've lost weight in the past, it was usually for some goal (dating, wedding) which wasn't permanent. I am looking at weight loss and maintenance different, this time.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm glad to be here!