WELCOME

We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone (roosters as well as chicks!) to join us in our journey. We share laughter and tears, heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations. We also share what works for us and what doesn't.

We know the thread can move very quickly, and that people often make "personal" remarks and keep a number of conversations going. Please feel free to contribute even if you can't make personal comments all the time.

Finally, we also have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, Photos, Exercise, Info for Getting Started and more. Many of these threads are stickied at the top of the page. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group... we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.

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If you are thinking about buying anything at Amazon, why not help out 3FC at the same time? You can do this by clicking on the button for the Amazon "store" in the upper right hand corner of the screen on the PURPLE tool bar. A portion of your purchase price will be given to 3FC by Amazon. It doesn't increase your price at all, but it does help out 3FC. You can use any of the Amazon.com links that you see on the site in order to help contribute to the site.

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There have been some concerns expressed by the powers that be about copyright infringement. So please, if you are directly quoting someone else or printing an article in whole or in part, please give credit where credit is due!!!

Good morning all,

With the lovely weather comes gardening projects. Saturday I went out and bought dirt. Okay, good dirt, but still dirt. We also cleaned off the patio enough to put the chairs out and take the cover off the table. Sunday we started digging a new bed for the berry bushes. It wasn't as easy as we both thought. We had to lift the mulch, cut the ground cloth, and then deal with some larger than expected tree roots.

And the funny part - I've been using the treadmill (consistently) since January. Even jogging a little lately. I've been lifting weights for 6 weeks (seriously). And today, after digging/working in the garden this morning - now, I have a sore knee. Not the usual walking too much one, but behind the joint. Seems quite silly, doesn't it. It does feel a little better this morning, but really, a little digging in the dirt does this?

Oh, and I'm finishing up Sunday's laundry this morning. I was so beat last night that I went to bed at 10pm (and was asleep well before 11), so I just lifted the lid and put it in the dryer this morning. Good thing I at least washed it, because my workout wear was in the pile.

I think I was absent towards the end of the week, but I think that was just because I got busier. Today will be the first day I try to work my regular exercise (including the pool) in with garden work as well. I know, I know, I'm pretty lucky at the moment that I'm not working a job into that as well!

Debi - I'm so sorry about your husband's meds. I do hope they get it sorted out soon.

Julee - sorry that the family dinner wasn't better. I don't get it that people will look at others and talk about their weight. It's almost like they don't understand that you fit into that category as well.

TheWalrus - any time you're running on less sleep hunger seems to be overwhelming. Hopefully you'll get the one project finished up tomorrow and that you pushed off the other one enough to give yourself a break. You work at home (for yourself) don't you? I know from those times that giving yourself decent time off can be a problem. I always tried to overestimate time by 25% (didn't always work) but sometimes helped me not to over-commit myself. Good luck, and do try and take a full 24 to 48-hours off when you're done.

Annie - good luck on the job front this week. It sounds like you have a couple of good prospects. The free use of fitness facilities sounds like a great bonus for the one.

Carol - tell me about it. Gardening seems so serene, until you think of the digging, hauling, moving, etc.

Debbie - winning the contest is a good thing. On the chinese, you'll likely find some decent choices, and even if you retain water for a few days, it's just water, and it's just a few days. My mother got a gift certificate for a British pub around the corner. I've looked at their menu and there's really nothing (other than perhaps a salad) that's on the decent side (without changes). I put her off for a bit, but I may just have to give in and have an 'off plan' meal with her at some point.

Ratkitten - the fellow who owned this house before us was a heating/air conditioning guy. He had a bad habit of using a combination of nails and screws with different heads when doing anything. So when trying to take down some paneling he installed you needed to be ready for anything.

Catherine - still snowing out your way? (Okay, I know it is, but the end of the week looks better for you guys.)

To anyone else I missed - a big I only went back a couple of pages, and I think my dryer has stopped, so that removes my excuse for not going outside to work. I do hope that everyone is having a good start to the week. The sun is up here, although it's still a little cool. Really though, this is very good weather for this time of year, we really can't complain.

Hi, all! I've been posting around 3FC, but not so much here in the 300+ section. I played with South Beach for a bit, and then I was recently diagnosed (is it a diagnosis?) with high blood pressure. It was 150/95, and I'm only 25 years old!

My doctor immediately said she couldn't give me a new prescription for my birth control pills because of my blood pressure. Umm, hello, I'm not on the pill just for birth control--I was put on it a week after my 16th birthday when I had emergency surgery to remove a 10-inch ovarian cyst (and the ovary it killed). My surgeon told me I was a "cyst farm" (they found another cyst on my other ovary that they removed during the surgery, as well as some smaller cysts starting to form) and that I was to never go off of birth control pills until I actually wanted to get pregnant. They are my cyst prevention and ovary protection medication.

So after a bit of arguing with my doctor--her saying she'd rather I end up with a cyst than end up with a stroke, and me demanding there had to be a way to protect my remaining ovary--she finally gave me the option of an IUD, the Depo shot, or a pill with no estrogen. Well, I don't want an IUD since we may start thinking of trying for a family in as little as 2-3 years. I didn't want Depo because I've heard way too many horror stories about insane weight gain while on Depo. So I opted for the estrogen-less pill.

So now I'm on this new pill, and I read the insert in the pack, and it says that ovarian cysts may be a side effect of using this pill. WHAT?! I can no longer use the doctor who prescribed it because she was through the HMO at my old job, so now I'm waiting until my insurance at my new job kicks in on May 1 so I can see a real doctor, someone who is willing to listen to me, work with me, and answer my questions rather than argue with me.

No wonder I had high blood pressure at that appointment, huh?

So anyway, here I am--started a new job a few weeks ago and am loving it so far. Our 2 puppies are about 9 months old now and driving us crazy as we're trying to let them stay out and use their crates less (read: we get up every morning to clean up whatever they've destroyed while we were sleeping). My parents finally sold their house in CT and moved to Va Beach, so now they're only about 3 hours away instead of 8-9. My sister has gone to court once for the child abuse case against her daughter's babysitter, and the judge found probable cause, so they will have a trial by jury around June or July (baby is doing well--got her cast off and is walking around like a normal kid now! She's about 15 months old now). Jeff and I are actually starting to think about wedding plans--we've been together for over 4 years, living together for almost 3 years, and engaged for over a year now.

I'm doing the Biggest Loser Challenge here at 3FC--just signed up with my starting weight of 315. I'm hoping my competitive side will kick me into high gear!

Good Morning all,

Debbie: That scent is called "Hello Sugar" It smells delicious. Okay it is snowing as I write this UGH! There is snow collecting on the ground and it keeps coming down. The forecast is calling for 3 days of snow then the rest of the time rain/rain/rain. At least with the rain the snow is gone and it warms up.

Carol: Have fun with your pool. I bet my Pepper would have dove right into the pool too. I love dogs. Your dogs sound just like mine except Bear won't go into the water much.

Debimitch: still keeping you guys in prayer. Congrats on the -2.

Walrus: Hugs and take a big deep breath.

Julee: Wow, sounds like your family day was.... fun? lol. Glad that you stood up for yourself though.

Sharon: I think my dream job out of the 3 would be at the Salvation Army because although it is part time right now when they open the chances are it would be full time. The facility is going to be so beautiful with indoor tracks for running/walking, a couple of pools, climbing walls, a huge chappel, fitness center with tons of machines, the list goes on. I know you will find a job soon. Just remember right now you have the very best job in the world. You are a Mommy! What a joy that would be.

Anne: sorry your knee is hurting. Hugs and I hope it gets better very soon.

Jillybean: Welcome back. Sorry about the high blood pressure but hopefully it will serve as a wake up call to you sweetie. Good luck with the Dr. stuff.

Well, I need to get my rear in gear. I already faxed over my cover letter and resume to the Salvation Army after talking to her on the phone this morning. I am going to exercise and do some chores and then at 12:30 I have to head to that testing with the county job. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Blessings,
Annie

Debi: We get tremors out here now and then as wel...a little more normal in CA of course. DH sleeps through them and it shakes me awak every time...ugh.

Just a note...FIL did not make one comment about MY weight...he was making fun of his sister and his wife!

JILLY!!! My Dr. also wanted to get me fitted for an IUD as well because of being on the pill and my HBP. I have been on meds now for about 4 years. So she sent me up to talk to an OB/GYN who told me that she was INSANE for suggesting it...namely because I have been on the pill since 17 for horribly irregular, painful and debilitating periods and need to stay regular. He said an IUD would not help my periods that much, I'd still have pain and a decent amount of bleeding and that since I have never had chidlren, the risk of a perforation upon insertion was much higher and he would not feel right doing the procedure. So I am still on the pill and they agreed that diet and exercise needed to be my focus. My BP is getting more in control...and is now a lot more a product of my stress than anything. If there is any chance of you switching pills...maybe that could be an option. I am on a very low-dose pill that has worked well for me.

No work today b/c of Passover. I'm thinking it's a good day for a haircut... hmmm...

Afternoon Everyone!

Hope every one had a good weekend! I had some fun with DH we went to the Toronto Truck Show. And chinese after. So needless to say for WI today I was up 1.5 lb. But I attribute that to TOM and extra soduim eating out. Not that I ate poor choices. Did not sleep well last night so every little thing is bothering me today. Not a good day to work (babysit). Oh well they wull just have to play nicely or end up with a dose of my crankiness LOL and sit on time out.

Later ladies!

Jillybean: I didn't mean that you don't know if you are over weight. Sorry it came out that way. I meant a wake up call about health. Hugs.

Julee, o the woes of in-laws. It can be so hard sometimes. It sounds like you have a good enough relationship with them that you can speak your mind and their feelings won't get hurt. All in all, you survived and your kugel turned out well and people were fighting for it. Kudos to ya!
I love the songs that you sing. Some of the oldies never get old.

Sharon, we're sisters-in-menopause. All the things you described have been what's going on with me too. It sucks, doesn't it?

Debi, so glad to hear your hubby got the much needed sleep. Hopefully the docs will come up with a new combo that will work for him. In the meantime, you're still in my thoughts. Your earthquake even made it into our news here in Washington.

Anne, you're a very busy lady!!! Sounds like you and hubby got alot done this weekend. We're still getting snow in the morning, but it's usually gone by early morn. Take care of that knee and enjoy the pool and the gardening.

Jill, good to see you posting again. You've been a busy lady too from the sounds of it. Glad you love your new job and can't wait for your insurance to kick in. That person that is suppose to be a doc that your seeing, needs to review what her job is. Sheesh!! I can't believe she would rather see you get cysts. Although I'm sure a stroke wouldn't be too much fun either. I'm sure there is someone that knows how to handle this situation. In the meantime, try to be stress free and take care of yourself.

Annie, I want to work at that Salvation Army place too!!! It sounds like a exercise heaven. Who could ask for anymore? I sure hope you get that one. It isn't snowing or raining here right at the moment. Just very dark and dreary.

We took Sadie in to get her staples out and everything looks good. We were concerned about a lump under one of the tooth marks, but the doc seems to think it could be tissue trauma or scar tissue. So he told us to keep an eye on it for the next two weeks and if it doesn't change, then it's ok. So thank goodness this is hopefully over. I still miss Marilyn and even called the Humane Society. She's still there but people have been looking at her. I just want her to be in a home where she has people to love her, and people for her to love.
Hope everyone is having a great day
Debbie

Hee I'd love to work in exercise heaven, too! Or even live there! This would be me:

(Followed by )

It does sound like a fabulous place, doesn't it? I hope that it all works out for you, Annie!

Hi Peeps - another week on us - seems they are flying this year. It's been a great week and hopefully the scale will agree with the brain.

Jill - nice to see you hear.

Annie - what a sweetie you are - the Salvation Army job does sound like a perfect match for you. How did the testing go?

Debbie - great news on Sadie - I hope Marilyn finds a great home soon - she needs someone to love.

Time to start dinner and watch em dance. Ohh someday maybe I will do that too - (note to self - add ballroom dancing to the someday list).

Hugs to you all,
Carol

Well girls, I am alive.....LOL things around here have been mad.....I have pretty much stayed OP this past week. NO exercise what so ever! But managed a 4lb loss....I stayed within my calories all week even with poor choices over the weekend.

Today I have felt sluggish all day and I think it is due to the poor choices I made over the weekend. Not enough protein and ALOT of FAT grams!!! LOL but still managed to stay within my calories!

I met my mother's day challange goal today with 2lbs extra lost!

I find it impossible to catch up on a weeks worth of your alls chat! So I will just appologize for life getting in the way of me getting on here.....LOL

ttyl
BErNICE

Hi Bernice - missed ya! How was your week back to work? Hows the new floor in the class room look? Congrats on your mother's day goal that rocks!

Hello Everyone~~

How are you all doing tonight? I'm doing okay. I have joined the 3FC Biggest Loser Challenge and figured I'd better start posting to get myself in the habit of it again. Most times I just come by and read because I don't feel like I have anything to say. Sometimes I bore myself and I don't want to inflict myself on anyone else. It's nice to see that some of the same people are posting here since when I posted regularly. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who's coming "back into the fold". Hi Jill--sorry to hear that you're having some BP problems and some doctor problems. What a schmuck that lady is. So anyway, I'm back to posting.

This week I'm probably not going to be doing so well on my food--although I'm NOT eating like a pig. I'm on vacation down in Cocoa Beach, Florida. My boyfriend and I arrived here yesterday after driving all the way down from Massachusetts so I didn't do any kind of exercise yesterday. Today We walked on the beach for 2 miles. You know, I forgot how HARD it is to walk on a beach and my ankles are killing me. I feel good about it though. And then we went to Ron Jon's resort where our friends are staying and we swam for almost 3 hours. That includes going down the slide and stuff so it wasn't straight swimming, but still, that's a lot of activity. And while I didn't follow my low-carb diet, I did eat pretty healthy. I had bacon and eggs for breakfast with toast and fresh fruit. For lunch I had a cheeseburger with a salad, and for dinner I had a chicken breast sandwich with Swiss cheese and then some more salad. I had pretzel sticks for a snack and I only drink Diet~Coke now so I actually did okay. I'm proud of myself even though I didn't do perfect.

Okay, I've got to go now. We are watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and it's making me laugh. Have a great night and I'll see you all tomorrow.

Vicki

Hi everyone,

I've been off plan for about a week. My clothes feel noticeably tighter. Today was better. I certainly am taking the zig zag approach to weight loss!

Last week was a combination of a number of factors: TOM, Passover, stress, to name a few. Today I threw out all the Passover foods that throw me into a spiral of bad eating, so my house has nothing but clean, healthy, non-triggering foods. I know I need to get a grip on my emotional eating when stressed or feeling down.

No time for personals, but I'm reading and thinking about you.