I'm not sure I'm in the right place, to be honest: I'm a 43-year-old married man (no kids) and I need to lose at least 120 pounds.

I'm a serial dieter and have had great success in the past, followed by great failure. Back in 1995 I weighed 317 and got down to 240 by cutting fat and working out. I then got sick (mono for almost 2 months) and slipped back into old habits and regained the weight. In 1994 I decided to go to Weight Watchers and lost more than 60 pounds. Then quit going and slowly but surely gained it back again.

So, here it is, 2008, and I'm starting WW again. I really don't want to do it, but I know I must because I'm beginning to have some health issues (knees, shortness of breath -- thank God there's no heart damage yet, according to my annual EKGs and full physicals). But I can tell this time is going to be ROUGH. I really think I need a support group to make it work this time.

I am doing Weight Watchers again (the Flex plan works for me), and I'm signed up to use their Internet tools. But after two days there, I can tell I don't belong. Some of the people there seem very nice, but most of them came off as very fake and sugary. When I expressed that I'm kinda depressed and bitter, all I got was a long list of Pollyanna-type comebacks.

I've been through the weight loss process before and I know how hard it's going to be, yet that's not something they want to talk about. I'm not saying I'm signing up for a pity party, but a little taste of reality (as long as it's low-cal, of course) would be welcome.

So, are men welcome here? If not, or if it would make some of you uncomfortable, then I'll head off, no hard feelings.

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By the way, in addition to WW, I'd love to talk to some people who have had the LapBand surgery done.

Thanks for your time,

Buzz

Hi, buzzter66!

There are a few men floating around these forums, and they seem to fit in just fine, so don't worry, you are more than welcome to join. There is a lot of upbeat thinking & support here, but also some members who will kick your butt if you need it!

Good luck with WW, and see you around the forums.

Nope, no guys allowed in the clubhouse! Girls only! You lot have COOTIES!



Just kidding, love! Far as I can see it's mostly chicks here, but there ARE blokes to be found too. And from what I've seen, whenever blokes do show up in the threads they get lots of positive attention - I think it's the novelty value! Anyway, yeah - hope you find this a good resource. I'm in much the same boat, with 100lb - 120lb to lose (although I'm doing Low Carb - have followed the WW program in the past, but I'm finding Low Carb works better for me. YMMV). I've found this place a truly INVALUABLE resource, both for practical and emotional support. There's a pretty wide range of forums (...fora? Well, you know what I mean) dealing with different facets of weightloss/different programs/different lifestyles - I'd be surprised if you can't find somewhere that's suited to you. Off the top of my head, you might find the WW group and the 100 Club helpful - but then you might also find some of the more lifestyle-specific gangs are your cup of tea. I tend to mostly frequent the Low Carb forum, but also dip into Alternachicks and the 100 club, and make the occasional foray into the Buddhist group and the Exercise threads.

Welcome aboard!

Oh! Sudden thought - wrt the whole 'depressed and bitter' thing - there's also a whole forum geared up to people whose weightloss is being impacted by depression. (But otoh, if you just want to sit around and vent, I think folks do that in most places at one time or another!)

Hi BUZZ . . . . . . Men are certainly allowed and very welcome, although definitely in the minority. It's a very big place, so have a wander around and just start posting wherever something catches your eye. Hope to see you soon . . .

Here are a couple of places that might be interesting . . . first, the Weight Watchers Forums . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18 . . . and then, the Weight Loss Surgery Forum . . . http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=78

Welcome Buzz

Yep, there are some other men about, so make yourself at home. I've gotten much support and encouragement here - suspect you'll get the same. Good luck on your journey.

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Completed Beck Program-day 42. You’ve met your goal. Congratulations!

I know how depressing and even frightening it can be to be facing once again the prospect of losing a large amount of weight. I've also had great success in the past and lost 50-60lbs on several occasions only for life to get in the way and to put it all back on (plus a few more).

I hope its different this time round. I know I'm more motivated than I have ever been as I too at 44 years old was beginning to have some minor health issues that would only worsen if I continued to be 120lbs plus overweight.

In 11 months I've lost 75 of those 120lb, more than I've ever managed before. I'm sure you can do the same using the knowledge and experiences you have had in the past losing weight.

And sure, as a male, you're welcome to join in.

Kitty

Hi Buzz!

You are definitely welcome here!!

It is indeed a big place and may take some time to find out exactly where you fit in, but hopefully you'll find that place soon.

I, myself, am a WW'er too, but I hang out mostly with the alternachicks

Hey Buzz..
Welcome to the 3FC.
Here everyone is welcome, and you will find all kind of support and answers to your questions, and so much inspiration...
So welcome aboard.

Hi there fellow WWer!



We do hope you'll join us over in the WW Flex section under Diet Central!!! There are "roosters" all over the site, so sit down, have a look around & post post post! (Wherever you're comfortable that is!)

Nobody here is going to lie and say that it's easy and happiness all the time. Heck no! Sometimes it's depressing, maddening, frustrating, annoying, often all at the same time ... but most of the time we can see through all of that and know that it's worth it.

It may indeed be rough, but we definitely want to help support you through this any way that we can. Stop back in, keep on posting, you can do this!

Best of success!!!

You are more than welcome. And let me tell you that there are people here who are so helpful and motivational, the people on this board are a huge part of the reason I have finally started to succeed in weight loss! Welcome, I hope you feel the way I do here!

Thank you VERY much! I'm off to work now, but this warm welcome has made my day. I'll come back by during lunch and start participating.

Hey Buzz! It is great having you here! This is a great site with lots of support!!!

Hi! You are absolutely welcome here. People here are so great, amazingly supportive. Good luck on your weight loss journey, we'll be here for you every step of the way.

Hey Buzz, the site is great with tons of support! Everyone here is wonderful, Good Luck!!!