Hello everyone!

I'm new to the forums, but I am NOT new to weight problems or self esteem issues. My name is Angela, I'm 27 and I'm from Ohio. I've recently decided that I needed to change my life. "Diet" is a dirty word to me. It signifies multiple failures and frustrations, and feelings that I just don't want to deal with anymore. So here I am. Ready to change. I started the life-changing process in mid-March (March 10th, to be exact) after a trip to South Carolina left me feeling less than adequate in my own skin. I typically shy away from photo-ops, and there are a few shots that were taken (unbeknownst to me) that I saw and I was not happy with how I looked. I am not a tall woman, but I am definitely round. My face and body looked inflated with air, and I had these hideous dark circles under my eyes. I looked awful. When I got home, I decided I didn't want to live like this anymore.
I started by setting very small goals for myself. I challenged myself to quit drinking soda by March 15th. I had a goal loss of 2 pounds by March 21st, another 2 pounds by March 30th, etc. I bought an MP3 player, dusted off the exercise bike from my parents' basement, and purchased a workout video. I started a weight loss journal, and began measuring my waist, hips, and bust.
When I started my slightly obsessive trip down exercise lane, I weighed in at 303. Presently (April 28th) I'm down to 282 and one pants size. I no longer touch table salt, or soda of any kind (diet or regular). I couldn't be happier with the way things have been going.
I wanted to join this forum because I need support.
My husband doesn't understand what its like to be a fat chick (unless there's something he's not telling me) and says he loves me just the way I am. That's all very sweet, but its also a load of crap. He knows it. He's just afraid he'll face the wrath of a starving, carb-deprived madwoman if he tells me, "yeah, you could stand to lose a few (hundred) pounds..." I can't say I blame him. I'd be scared too.
Anyway, lately I've been feeling extremely lazy and unmotivated, and as I said before, I'm not getting much support on the homefront. I'll give support as well, cause I know what its like to be locked in a stare-down with a package of DoubleStuf Oreos.
Good luck to all that read this or explore the boards. I won't be posting frequently as I have no internet access and have to rely on the good will of friends and family to let me raid their PCs once or twice weekly. But I will check back, and hopefully in time develop online friendships with a few other chicks.

Good luck everyone!

Angela

Angela!!! I like to look at this as a lifestyle change too. Not a "diet." I know exactly what you mean about that word!! I have fallen off and got back on like a million times. Lifestyle change works for me just fine! I am determined this time to stay on board. I know you will too. Like you I don't have lots of support at home, but I do here. This is a great site. I hope to talk you you soon! Good luck with everything and I am here checking threads once a day or so. Take care and nice to meet you!! -Paula