Hi everybody! I've been hanging around this site for a while since I found it, but decided today that I might as well make a user account!

My name is Mary, I'm a 20 year old Web & Graphic Design student at the Axia College (University of Phoenix online school) and I've been struggling with weight for what seems like forever. I'm a mood-eater - I'm sad, I eat; I'm happy, I eat. It's a depressing cycle, lol. Over the last year and a half I went through some minor depression (which I didn't realize was depression until after I'd gotten out of it by myself) and I gained 20lbs. In Jr. High I was a dancer and throughout most of high school I was a healthy, slim(mer) size 10-12. After 2 years in college I'm now a size 16 (was an 18 there for a while with the depression).

I'm turning my life around for the better (and healthier); since May I've shed nearly 20lbs and almost 3 full points off my BMI, which I'm impressed with. It was hard work. I had hit a plateau for a while, but today I believe I broke through finally and started losing weight again.

My goal is to get back between 130 and 140, like I used to weigh, and eventually work my way back to a size 10 (maybe even a size 8!). I'm going back to Disney World in January (my best friend and I have started taking annual trips), and I want to see how close I can get to my goal before then.

ETA: I was so excited to de-lurk that I forgot about pictures! Jump to Post #5 to see my progress so far!

Hi Mary and welcome to 3FC!

Congrats on your success and good luck with your goals

Hugs
Michelle

welcome from another newbie!! best wishes.

Thanks everybody! I'm excited to de-lurk

Also, I attached some pictures since I forgot to post one, and because I'm a slight camera whore... :P

The first one is before a rafting trip in Talkeetna, Alaska (I just got back from an Alaskan Cruise) and the second one is the day before on a hiking trail. 212 lbs, Aug 2 & 3, 2009. The third picture is at a Phillies game with my step sister and her friend. 222 lb, May 2009.

The final picture is from Monday (Aug. 24, 2009) at 207 lb. I was taking a picture of my latest knit (the big ol' chunky thing around my neck) for my pile of Christmas gifts, haha! I can already see a difference in my face :3

Glad you posted! Congrats on your progress so far

Welcome! I wish you the best on your weight loss journey.

Cheers,

J

Thanks everyone! You're all so inspiring! Hopefully I'll achieve my September/October mini-goal soon so I can post it in the mini-goal forum!

Just wanted to say hi from another new member! Its great that you have already lost 20 pounds. I also want to get into your goal weight range or a few pounds over! But if you need a buddy to keep you motivated and to do the same for me just let me know! Keep up the great work!

HI and welcome, I am new as well. Congrats on losing so much already, way to go!

Thanks soonerbabe87! We can do it I'm down another 2 lbs!

Welcome to you also!!!

You caught my eye on a few things with your post...

1. you are trying to lose weight--me too! what a coincidence! ha!

2. Graphic design--love me some graphic design! I've done some freelance type work and have been a photoshop freak for about 13 years.

3. Knitting--okay, so I don't knit, but I enjoy crocheting along with lots of other crafty goodness!

Congrats on your progress so far and good luck with the future progress! Looking forward to reading about your progress!

And good for you for posting pics! I hate pics. Well, I LOVE pics, but don't love myself in them!