I turn 40 in 2010. I want to celebrate by lying on the beach, soaking up a ton of sunshine (because I miss it so), curling my toes in soft white sand, and taking a dip in blue waters, should I choose to cool down.

I can't do that at 357 lbs.

I can do it at 180 lbs.

I will lose 177 lbs. between now and the summer of '10.

I've already implemented a healthy eating and exercise program.

Since the start of June I've lost 24.8 lbs.

I am now 332.2 (yep, down to the ounce).

I am soooooooooooo glad I stumbled across this website. The stories are incredibly inspiring.

At 300+ lbs. it's as if I'd given up my "human race" card and become something else. I am ready to sign up for membership again and rejoin life.

I am getting my 40th birthday party started early. Pop the cork and shower me in confetti... baby, I'm back!

Yay! I can appreciate that sentiment!

So glad you found the Fat Chicks. It's been very helpful for me, thus far, and there's so much I haven't discovered yet.

Congratulations on all your hard work! I'll be 35 next May, and my goal is to lose 100 lbs by then (or as close as humanly possible). I'll be popping corks too.

Welcome!!

All the best on how far you've come already. And good for you just on starting the weight loss journey. I do want to say one thing though, go lay on the beach now. Don't wait to start doing things you enjoy until you're at your goal. I'm still pretty self conscious of my bodyweight however I've put on a swimsuit in public, lay by a pool in Mexico many a times. And you know something, it's still pretty nice even when you've got a lot of extra weight.

OC Chic, I am also so glad you found this website. I know it has been a huge inspiration of mine and anytime I start to feel weak I come here. The more you get involved in this community and post, the better you will feel.

It sounds like you are already well on your way to your goal. Congrats to you for making a realistic plan and working hard to achieve it!

Keep us all posted on your progress, I can just see you in that bikini now...laying on the beach. Work it!

Congratulations on such a great start!

Awesome! You will be 35 and fabulous (not that you aren't already) and 100 lbs. lighter! Keep up you good work. Thanks for the words of encouragement.