Ok Everyone answer these if you have time.. learn a little MORE about each other!!

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?
#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?
#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??
#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)
#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?
#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?
#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?
This time I have NO pressure to lose weight, I am also READY to do it because I am upset with letting myself get this bad.
#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?
My INCREDIBLE support network in my husband, my best friend, my mom, and my dad. Also the goal I have to surprise my sister when she comes back from Italy in July
#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??
My rewards will be being able to buy new clothes as the old ones don't fit anymore!! I'm also hoping to talk my husband into Swing Dancing lessons once I get to 200 lbs.
#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)
50 lbs lost is my first goal
#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?
I am exercising by (trying) to walk every day. Right now I am walking 1 mile in 20 minutes, but I am a little out of breath by the end. My goal is to be able to walk 2 miles by the end of March without getting out of breath.
#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?
I try to drink 64 oz of water a day. I'm going to the bathroom about every 2 hours, but then I do have the "Bladder Of Steel" as my friends joke!
#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?
I think that I really had to have a good dose of self esteem, have most of my life under control, and feel like I "Fit In" to somewhere before I Was able to have the emotional, mental, and physical readiness to do this. But its working!!

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?
I feel for once that I finally have time in my life to help plan better and exercise more.

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?
Finally getting up off my arse and doing something

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??
I would like to do something little for myself every ten pounds (movie, buy new book, cd, etc). For bigger goals like 25 or 50 pounds things like get a manicure and fake nails, hair coloring etc.

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)
I would like to lose 36 pounds that will bring me to 300

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?
I walk and also swim, have no personal goals just try to do it

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?
WATER?!?!?!?!? I work at a water plant and see it all day long and drink it all day long. Needless to say working around water I am peeing more than working

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work? Not obsessing about fat grams and calories just having smaller portions and moving

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?

Life is too short to be unhappy with what I see in the mirror. No one can do this for me, but me. The one thing I have control over in my life. If I slip up, I don't give up.

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?

The wonderful group of people I have met at 3FC.

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??
Lots and lots!
1. Cothes and clothes and clothes
2. Tattoo
3. Cruise
4. Pretty much spoiling myself crazy
#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)
Under 199 was my first goal, I set. 51 lbs, and I did it once. I am back to try again. 14 more to go.

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?

Walking and weight training, to not want to pass out. lol

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?
I drink anywhere from 84 oz to 128 oz. Bathroom? When am I not in there? lol

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?
Keeping focused and determined. Not letting things get in my way.

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?

I am taking a practical approach and I am trying to change my whole lifestyle, not just my diet. This time I want to be healthy and fit as bad as I want to be skinny

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?

Exercise

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??

some sort of diamond purchase (tennis barcelet or diamond pendant) and I am going to cut my hair extremely short when I finally have the face for it!

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)

Under 250

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?

I do step aerobics 5-6 days a week at least 30 min and I plan on alternating in Yoga a couple days

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?

126 oz. - Bathroom ALL the time, but I have my water done by 8:00 or 9:00 so I don't have any over-night visits

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?

Consistency and Accountability. I have purposely made myself accountable to someone which has made all the difference in the world. Plus I feel some accountability out here

Beth - great thread!!

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?

I'm very motivated and I'm doing it for me rather than anyone else. P.S - I've been on a constant diet all my life

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?
This forum, and I'm working and setting goals with a friend. We'll work out together and eat lunch together. It should be GREAT support.

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??

We're really starting today, so we're still working on the rewards part. Any ideas? I'll keep reading and think of a good one. Probably like most, clothes.

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)


Great thread Beth.

Inca's Momma - I lived in Winston Salem last year and went to school at Elon. Boy do I miss NC.


Good luck all. Let's keep each other posted.
My goal is 50 pounds but in 10 pound increments. I think oftentimes we try to set unattainable goals. Trying to keep it simple. 10 pounds by April 5. One month from today.

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?

I feel like I exercise enough now. Right now i'm walking 3 miles a day - 4 days a week. I'm swimming 50 laps a day - 5 times a week and I'm lifting weights with another 20 minutes of cardio - 3 times a week. My friend wants to work out more though and exercise more so i'm going to work with her on her goal.

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?

I try to drink a gallon of water a day. It's a conscience effort and needless to say, I pee OFTEN.

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?

I've lost a little big since i joined the gym, but I'm cutting down carbos and just bought the Carbohydrate addicts diet book. INTERESTING.

What is the difference this time in your efforts to lose weight?
To lose weight is a process and like a person who quits smoking , most must try again and again to suceed but this time I am totally aware of my down falls. Getting stuck for weeks and weeks and how disheartening it can be, the mentality that you are being deprived when the reality is you are !!!!! Your weight is depriving you of the freedom to be just exactly who you are, to move easily, to do the things you want to do , take part in the things that you won't do because of your weight , to feel good about how you look, to express your self freely( without worring about embarassing yourself),of the clothes you want so much to wear but would'nt look good on someone my size! (I have better taste than that), to not be deprived of my strength and energy (which will make me more able to do for, care for and be more creative for my loved one and myself), and most of all to not be deprived of respect for myself ,my body and my mind by being so out of control.

What one thing is going to make you suceed this time?
This support group. Here you will find good loving and caring people who walk the same walk you do. Each has a wealth of knowledge and compassion to help you. even if you fall ,you are gathered back up by this group and supported without question. Post here everyday also makes me accountable for my actions and choices. Being fat is after all ultimately a choice.
plus if you post your food for the day and you are in error any where someone here will assist you to make it work well. It also keeps you involved with your own well- being which is so easily ignored as we tend to be all caught up in ohters and life to realize what we are doing to ourselves but I think that is done on purpose so we don't have to face what we have done to ourselves and our lives.

Have you set rewards for yourself , if so what?
Rewards are important but the first thing I had so realize was that it had to be nonfood things in order to break the food addiction. Each goal met has a reward. Such as what? getting my nails done , a new hairdo (or color) , getting my bedroom painted that perfect color, those breath taking roses I have wanted ,I have a list of items and thing I keep just for rewards, going somewhere I have wanted to go and top of my list is 5 or 10 dollars a payday to add to my stash for the day I reach my final goal so that I can buy a whole new wardrobe and spend a day doing just for me. Lord I wish we had a spa here!!!! That would be included too. A massage oh so many things to do for ones self!

What is your first goal?
to get below 300 lbs!

How much water do you drink and how often do you visit the restroom?
one gallon a day , per milk jug in three or four hours. Visits to the power room, about every 20 minutes for the first few days but after that it is not so often and doing it early in the day and getting the job done means that I have to run for a few hours and then I am cool.

What is the key factor or point helping you to suceed?
I will shortly be 48 years of age and I have settled for less from myself and life nearly all my life. My body has suffered and rebelled powerfully as a result . Health, for one , love and appreciation of the life I have been given, but mostly the need for freedom from the self destruction I have lived. The price for body abuse is always paid in the long run and that is a fact. I know. I feel the total need to make amends for what I have done to myself what I have missed, what I have lost, just to feed my face. Before I leave this life I want to experience it to the fullest to make every single day count. To live in gratitude especially for life.
Pam

This is great Beth Anne

1. What is different this time that you are trying to loose weight?
I am finally going to do it for me.

2.What is one thing you think is going to help you succeed?
Support from my husband and daughter and all of you. Also changing things on the inside.

3.Have you set rewards for yourself? What are they?
I'm going to ride on the back of my husband's motorcycle and I'm going to ride all the rides at Dollywood.

4.What is the first goal you have set for yourself (total lbs. to get to goal)? My first goal is 300 and I need 32 lbs. gone to get to goal. I'm now 10 lbs. away.

5.Are you excercising? What do you do and what is your goal for that? I walk 4 days a week and I would like to work my way up to 3 miles each time.

6.How much water do you drink a day and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom? I drink 96 oz at work and 64 at home. About the bathroom let's just say my boss is talking about moving my work station INTO the bathroom!

7.If you are dieting and are losing weight, what do you think is the key factor or point that is helping you make it work?
Prayer, support, and realizing that I am not the only person in the world who is more than 100lbs. overweight. I have a wonderful book called Prayers for Dieters and through this book I came to realize that losing weight is indeed an inside to outside process. The changes have to start on the inside.

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?
Because for the first time in my life, I've come to understand that when you have ended up at the same destination time and time again, it's time to choose a different road. Not only are my goals to lose weight but also to open up my heart and soul and be true to the person I really am.

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?
Truly believing I already am a wonderful, beautiful woman with intelligence, grace, and class.

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself? What are they?
A Dale Ernhart Jr leather jacket this Christmas, skydiving on April 20, 2003-my 30th birthday

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)
Beautiful, sensual silky gown pajamas-loss of 40 pounds

5# Are you excercising? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?
I'm interchanging 4-5x a week between walking, strength training, and yoga.
My goal is to participate in the 2.5K Frosty walk next Feb.

6#How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom? Not enough and often but I think that might be to my aging LOL

7# If you are dieting and are losing weight what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?
I'm tired of the word diet-I'm on a lifestyle changing adventure. It will work because I've decided I WILL make it happen because I am a remarkable, unstoppable individual.

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight? I am doing this for myself. I am doing this slowly and whth a definate goal in mind and nto poundage goal but feelinggoal, and how i look. I have the dedicationa nd the passion to reach the goal

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed? My success is because i am maintaining my focus even with a few slips I have found support and have learned so much on my rocky road. and i am not allowing my self to be distracted from this even during times of stress.

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they?? No rewards so to speak. my goal is my reward.

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal) My first goal was 50 lbs and i have reached that. my second is to be fit and i am working on that. and the last goal is going to e totaly fit, and that will take a while but i am taking it slowly and forgiving my self for indiscriminations.

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that? I do about 20 min cardio daily and 30 - 45 min of weight treining daily. my goal is to be not jiggly and to be firt with a very nice curvey body.

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom? about 100+ oz daily and well it depends on if I drink it all at once or over the coure osf the day, i can hold a lot of fluid in my bladder!!!

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?

I'M different, my whole life is different, and just about everything I do is different... I have to rely more on myself and my family for support, since giving up smoking, and I don't have Slim-Fast to fall back on, since I'm vegan now, so I have to do it with my food choices, cooking, and willpower (can't go suck down a cig everytime I'm hungry, to get past it...)

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?

My support system...my family, these boards... also, having plenty of fitness equipment available to me AT home, and being able to go to the pool and gym with the in-laws occasionally

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??

When I reach 50 pounds lost, I want to buy myself a charm bracelet, and add a charm every 25 pounds after that.

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)

Right now I'm in for 10 by Easter, but I guess my first big goal is 50, 28 pounds to go!!

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?

Yes, I have been trying to do 5 days a week, but fell into a slump this last week, been walking on the treadmill, weight training, and yoga

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?
I'm trying for at least a gallon a day, sometimes I over shoot, some days I miss by a few ounces, but at the end of the week, I'm usually ahead on the water...and I don't have the tinkles too much, it's when I drink something that's NOT water that I find myself running to the potty room

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?

I'm not dieting, although I have changed my eating habits, drastically, it wasn't as a move towards losing weight that pushed us to veganism, and I think my weight loss comes more from the exercising than foods...

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?

I made a 'promise' to myself that I would make changes in my eating/living habits...new ways of living basically not go on a 'diet'. I made many simultaneous changes and this was really important because they reinforced each other. I did new eating habits, new drinking habits, and new exercise habits and that was the key for me.

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?

See above....but I swear eating slower was such a key. It is unbelivable how many calories you can cut out just by eating slower....try it. Its a win/win thing, you actually taste the food more so get more eating enjoyment and you cut out calories.

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??

I actually didn't set any rewards, except perhaps asking more women out? Frankly feeling better socially and being unbelivably more healthy, living a fuller and richer life, I mean c'mon talk about rewards...I don't think anything 'material' could compare to those anyway.

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)

I set very small goals, usually 10lb goals and that was very important. Patience is key.

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?

Yep, yep, exercise is VERY important. It is important to do weight training and some cardio. Weight training is key because muscle cells burn more calories then anyother cell so you really up your metabolism. I generally walk for cardio but I also do a rowing machine for around 12mins 3 times a week and weight train 3 times a week, nothing fancy, I just try and do 'something' every day.

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?

I try to do around I suppose 9 or 10 cups, I probably go to the bathroom a fair amount but it isn't distracting.

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?

Wanting to lead a richer life. I was at 320lbs and around 12 years earlier I had backpacked through the Grand Canyon from rim to bottom and back up. It was an amazing experience. I couldn't even consider doing that at 320lbs. I realized I was cheating myself, I was damaging my body, I was putting myself at risk for diabetes for goodness sake. I mean here a lot of people are dealt bad health cards at birth and I who was given a healthy body was bringing a disease upon myself. This was NOT ACCEPTABLE. Some of you might not like this, but I got pissed to **** with myself, I got really, really angry at myself. Frankly I would not have succeeded if that hadn't happened. I am not going to sugarcoat things because that would be a disservice to those of you reading this. Getting angry at myself, not parents, not friends, not co-workers, not kids or spouses (even though I don't have kids and I am single), was the key for me. I am not saying that approach is for everyone or advisable for anyone but me, but it did help me.

Larry

I found this to be interesting questions so I thought I would chime in...

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?...The difference this time is I refuse to accept myself being fat anymore. I am tired of it and I want it gone and I will not tolerate anything else for myself. No matter what the little recorder in head say to eat eat eat I refuse to give in.

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?...Determination

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??...My biggest reward is I am gettting married in about 2 years And my goal is to wear a size 10 wedding dress. I dont really have any mini rewards set for myself. I'll have to think about that one a bit.

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)...My first goal is to be at 235...I was at that weight about 1 1/2 years ago and gained some back. My ultimate is 150 or whatever gets me to a size 10. PS...I'm focusing on the size 10 because I want to wear my mothers dress and that is the size it is.

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?...I started a walking club at work and when the weather isnt wet we go out every day for about a mile and a half. I also set up a gym in my house with a bench and weights which i use when I can. My best addition was an 80lb kicking bag. I can go down there and beat the **** out of this thing with kicking and bunching. It really works up a sweat and it gets out my daily frustrations...I love it

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?...Not sure how much really. I sip on it and green tea all day. I'm in the bathroom alot.

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?...The refusal to let myself fail. Single minded determination is my tool this time.

Sarah
276/269/150

Listen Big Dawg.... you get in the wind and when you do streatch out your arms, drop your head back and think of me. There is nothing in the world like it and no words can ever really describe it. Of course try and do it on a Harley!

Larry, Good for you babe! Get torked about it. In a few days I will be 48 and my body has paid a heavy price for my lack of love and appreciation for the gift of life,and being so oblivious to this poor abused body. Do it now please don't think I have time, it goes by so fast and we all think we have time and then........... life is what you
make of it. Make it count, make you count by being a real part of this life. Being on the outside looking in is a sad way to live. You deserve the best of yourself and life but only you can make that happen. There is no one else on this panet just like you which means you have a very special place in this life to fill. I learned that along time ago in my intellect but I was not a part of me in my spirit. Think about t . You will suceed because you did understand and get mad at what you had done to you and your life. Post every day we are all with you.
Pam

#1 What is different about THIS time that you are trying to lose weight?

I'm using a program through my HMO. It's the first time I've tried with outside support.

#2 What is one thing that you think is going to help you succeed?
Thinking of this not as losing weight, but as living a healthier life. It's something that's going to last the rest of my life, but that's not a bad thing. It means living a more active life, feeling good.

#3 Have you set "rewards" for yourself?? What are they??
I'm making a list of rewards to give myself every time I lose 10 lbs. They include a manicure, a pedicure, getting my hair done by a real hairdresser, a massage, taking a vacation day to sleep in and do something fun, going clothes shopping. I've already done one--I bought myself a computer game I've been wanting. I want to choose some big ones for when I hit the big numbers--300, 250, 200. Oh, and when I lose enough weight to do it, horseback riding lessons!

#4 What is your first "goal" you have set for yourself (total pounds to lose to get to that goal)
I haven't really set one. It would be amazing to be under 300 for the first time in YEARS, tho.

#5 Are you exercising?? If so what do you do, and what is your goal for that?
I'm trying, tho I've fallen off the wagon the past two weeks. I want to do something different every day. If I just walk every day, or swim every day, or whatever, I'll get bored. I need to keep things fun as much as I can.

#6 How much water do you try to drink a day, and how often do you find yourself going to the bathroom?
I never thought about it in ounces--I try to drink a lot, and drink lots of diet caffeine-free pop--pretty much water, w/a whole bunch of chemicals in it. I am tiny bladder woman--sometimes I have to go every ten or fifteen minutesr!

#7 If you are dieting, and you are losing weight, what do you think was the key factor or point that is helping you to make it work?
Well, it's very uneven, but when I am being successful, it's because I believe in myself, believe I can do it, believe that I'm worth it. I need to work on that.