Hi everyone! My name is Jackie (I’m going to be 21 this August) , and I just wanted to take a little time to share my story, and my goals with you all. I’ve decided that I can’t do this on my own, and any support or encouragement that all of you wonderful ladies could provide would be an immense help to me right now!
I have always been on the heavy side since I was a little kid, and weight has always been an issue…but I am so, so ready to not have it be an issue in my life anymore! The past four years have been an immense struggle for me-so many family and personal issues that I really don’t feel like going into detail about right now…
Unfortunately, they’ve all been kicked up a notch or two within the past year, and I have put on about 20 pounds due to binge eating. I have so many emotions that go along with this because a year ago, I had actually lost quite a bit of weight and was just beginning to feel comfortable in my own skin…now I feel horrible, ashamed, embarrassed, ridiculous, and hopeless.
I feel like I won’t be able to feel good about anything again until I break this cycle and lose the weight, and it’s so very hard for me to believe that it can be done…that’s where I hope you all will help J
My goal is to lose about 30 pounds by January 1st, 2009. That is about 5 ˝ months from now. For my own personal beliefs, I have chosen to become a vegan, which means that my diet will be changed significantly. I am also going to be walking on a treadmill for one hour a day, seven days a week-and doing some core strengthening and toning.

Can it be done? Can I reach this goal? Why can’t I just believe?

Belief is the key to it all. I could lose as much weight as I want to if I could just forgive myself for how badly I have treated myself (and my loved ones…because when you don’t take the very best care of yourself, you cause your loved ones heartache too…this has made me feel so ashamed)…I need to forgive myself, put the past away, and keep moving forward…and BELIEVE…
I would sincerely appreciate any positive comments any of you ladies could provide. I am struggling so much with forgiving myself…I feel so much pain at what I have done to myself…and I’m so very sad to be turning 21 years old with this weight, and experience, imprinted on my memories…
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope to hear from some of you.

BELIEVE! and love,
Jackie

Dear Jackie,

I am Katerina and I am 22 years old.

In 2003 I was 140 kg (308 lbs) and today I am 109 kg (239 lbs). Even though I am still quite far from my final goal, which is 66 kg (145 lbs), I have one thing to say. My personal belief is 1 kg at a time. This is not a sprint race but a marathon with his ups and downs.

It is good you have a set goal date and if you need a support buddy don't hesitate to Private Message me! Welcome to our little community.

Hey Jackie, welcome to 3FC!!! Everyone here is awesome, I'm sure you'll find the support you need!!! 30 lbs over 5.5 months seems pretty reasonable, you just have to lose at a steady 1-2lbs per week which is actually doable. As far as it being done, you'll have to work hard and push yourself, but if you believe in yourself and, most importantly, are losing weight for yourself-then you'll definitely succeed!!! Best of luck to you on your journey, if you ever need anything, feel free to PM me.

Jackie, welcome and good luck! It is great that you are making this change at a young age, believe me it only gets harder as you get older.You CAN do it!!

Jackie! Welcome! My name is Taylor and I am 22

You have found the best online weight-loss support group there is! I am sure you can make your goal. Like Griff said 1-2lbs a week is just wonderful!

Believe in yourself is the first step - but not loosing that faith during the hard times is the key.

You can do this! Welcome, again and feel free to PM me if you have any questions! We are all here for you!

Jackie,
This is a very welcoming, supportive place. I'm glad you found us. I know how it feels to not believe, I'm over half way to my goal and I still have days where I don't believe I can lose weight! Please don't hesitate to send a PM if you ever need an ear.

hi Jackie!

I know it may be hard to start.. but believe me -- it's worth it. If you had told me a year ago when I was 23 that I'd weigh \what i do now I wouldnt have believed ya. Turn the determination you've got now to being healthy and you're set.

Dear EVERYONE!!,
Thank you so, so much for the amazing support to the kick-off of my weight loss. It feels so good to have found a real place where women of all different shapes and sizes can support one another through their own individual goals. I think I might be starting a journal, just someplace to check in on a daily basis.
Again, I want to thank you all for your support and well wishes! If I stick to it, I should be looking at a whole new me come the new year!!! I'll keep you all updated, and just as you offered...if you all ever need any support, I'm a great listener!

Thank you ALL again!!
Love,
Jackie