Hello there! My name is Melody and I have been obese for as long as I can remember. Even in high school I never wore less than a size 16 (which I would actually kill to be able to fit into now...).

Over the years I have become bigger and bigger. When I crossed the 300 pound threshold I realized something had to be done.

One day it just popped into my head that, according to America's standards, I am actually not one, but TWO fat people. To confirm my suspicion I went to one of those little calculators online that you put in your height and weight and it tells you if you are overweight. Basically a BMI calculator. But at 5'3, instead of putting in my actual weight of a little over 315, I put in 157 (half of me) and it said, "slightly overweight". So I am two "slightly overweight" people. Talk about a reality check. I need to lose half of myself in order to just be "slightly overweight".

I let it get me down for a while. I stopped snacking as much as I could. And lost 5 pounds without even trying. Now I'm going to lose the rest.

We started a "Biggest Loser" contest at working and so far I have lost 11 pounds, down to 299, according to the scale at work (although mine at home says 303...bummer). I am doing a low carb diet for immediate results, in an effort to get a jump start on what I want to do when I finish the contest (and hopefully win it!) which is Weight Watchers. I know I can't stay on a low carb diet long term because my favorite vegetable is the potato, so I decided to try Weight Watchers, which has worked for several women that I know.

For the first time in my life I am actually more than a little excited about losing weight. I think the teamwork at my job because of the contest sparked that. And lately I have actually been thinking that when I get where I need to be, it would actually be safer for me to start thinking about having a baby (having two ADORABLE nephews born in the last two years will do that to you).

I do not exercise, really. Other than an occasional walk (which I won't be able to do much of since Winter is almost here) and I sometimes ride my stationary bike. I think getting into an exercise routine, even a mild one, is going to be my biggest hurdle. I don't have much problem watching what I eat but getting my butt off the couch is proving to be cumbersome.

Anyway, that's why I'm here! I'm really enjoying reading about people who started where I am and who are having success in whatever method they have chosen. Which is why though technically I'm not still 300 + pounds (depending on the scale) I'm going to try and be in that forum a lot.

But I plan on being a featherweight soon!!!

Nice to meet you Melody!!!!
I think you have an amazing plan in place that will give you great support in your journey (plus the girls around here are awesome for that extra support too!)
All the best!!!
I know you can do it!

I'm near omaha in lincoln. hope you are sucessfull. It takes perserverance --and staying away from nebraska food. I suggest vegetarian food (strict vegetarian, not ovo/lacto). Look into dean ornish's diet if you want. it is a heavy duity change, but can be done and may save your life. There are a lot of nice walking/bike trails around omaha.

Hi Melody and welcome to 3FC.

Good luck with your goals

Hugs
Michelle

Hey Melody..Welcome Aboard!!! You'll find 3FC to be an awesome site!

Great job on losing the first 11 lbs!! I did WW on my own (had the point system and finder from years ago) and it works REALLY well. To be honest, I joined a gym almost a year after starting my journey..I just walked a LOT..and that seemed to do just fine. Are there any walking tracks nearby?? Are there any pools to do Water Aerobics? This is a great low impact exercise and there are ALL sizes and ages in my pool.

Good luck to you!!!


P.S. I wish I had diet minded coworkers..I had suggested a 'Biggest Loser' competition to them when I began losing weight..but none of them were really interested :-(.

Thanks for all the welcomes!

@giselley - heh, vegetarian is not an option. I have been a picky eater all my life and only recently have been able to add things like peppers and broccoli to my food. Most vegetables make me squirm like a 5 year old. Yuck.

@angelanicole23 - I have a treadmill downstairs but I hate walking on it. I actually don't mind walking a track but I can't find one locally that is indoors and doesn't require a full gym membership. I'm still working on figuring out what to do in the winter...I'm guess I'll just have to suck it up and use that treadmill

Hi Melody nice to meet you

I've managed to get into a good exercise routine despite badly breaking my ankle 12 months ago (still hurts but is safe to exercise on) - I started off slowly at first then built up to a 50 min dvd 5 or 6 times per week. Took a lot of motivation to get started but is well worth it as my ankle has got strogner and I've built some muscle which helps with fat loss and lost weight more quickly than I would of without exercise I also don't like many vegtables I always eat the same ones all the time Whatever obsticles you have to losing weight it's still possible with determination and the support you will get here.

All the best with your weight loss journey and well done on losing so much weight already

hello melody!
ahh i too remember being a size 16 how i wish i could be that again.

congrats!! down 11 pounds!

your meal plan sounds like a great plan good luck! you can do it!

as for exercise! start slowly even if it means parking a little further away at the grocery store instead of finding a closer spot. anything helps 15 mins a day will help and then you will be able to bring it up more and more

oh the coveted size 16... if only... I would certainly not complain about it as much as I did back then.

Hi Mel! Good luck and stay positive!

Good on you girl! It's so great to hear that you're excited about weight loss for the first time

I can totally relate; the whole journey seems so much easier when it's built on positivity and the prospect of a better life, rather than guilt and penitence.

EXCELLENT Melody!!!

Welcome, Melody! You've come to the right place.

Good luck on reaching your weight loss goals.