Hi all. I've been battling with my weight for years now. My weight starting getting out of control in my early 30's. I turned 40 a month ago and feel very sad about how I have let my body go.

My husband is on board with changing our eating habits as well as working out together, so I have some support, but I've tried before and failed. I'm not sure he thinks I can really stick to a healthier lifestyle.

I guess I'm looking for others in the same boat that I am in as I start again to set my life and heath in a better direction.

I'm 40. I've been married 17 years. No kids. 2 cats

Starting this time at 298 (which is not my heaviest TG). The differnce now is that I feel horrible. I always have heart burn. I now have high blood preasure. I am also borderline prediabetic. I really want to change and have a heathier and happier lifestyle.

Hi Lori Ann!
How smart to choose to change for a healthier you, not just about weight loss - so many of us have also lost only to gain it back and more - no looking back, no beating yourself up, just moving forward -the support you need is here - we'll all be here to cheer you on.

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired - you'll be a wonderful addition to any of them. There's also info and first hand advice on different eating plans and exercise to help choose the right ones for you and get through the ups and downs.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here a few months myself, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you 've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee

Hi LoriAnn -
Well, first off, you are NOT ALONE! You have support here. It is really terrific that your husband supports you at home. That is a real blessing. It sounds like you're really on the right track with being motivated. Just keep those thoughts at the forefront of your mind, because they will be your driving force that gets you through the tough times. Remember that you are worth having good health! You deserve a healthy body and a happy heart!!! You can do it!!! Take small steps, one day at a time. Give yourself a big hug for getting started and remember to give yourself praise for getting through every day!!

Many of us have made many, many attempts, but many of us are now successful this go round....and you can be too. What's behind you is the past....let's start today with a fresh idea, a clean and happy positive attitude and the belief that you can do this...which you can.

Hi Lori Ann and welcome! I'm definitely in the same boat, and started with 100 lbs to lose, but 20 are already gone. I'm already feeling a lot better physically and I'm sure you will too, which is a great incentive to keep to your plan. And this place is gets - so much support and inspiration from the stories of people who faced the same challenges and succeeded.

Thanks everyone! I think this will really help me kep my goals and stick with it.

Welcome, Lori Ann. I'm so happy you've found 3FC. Boy are you in the right place.

I've also struggled for years. The reality of the health effects of being morbidly obese is shocking, at least it was for me. I don't see myself that way, but I also avoid mirrors. Hm.

I remember a time in my 20s when I was talking to a friend about a coworker who was really unhappy, frumpy, fat. I said just give me a shovel and I'll start digging if I ever sound like that. And now...I am that coworker. What a drag. I'm just not going to settle for it anymore. If anything's going to change, I have to change it myself. That's what 2010 is all about, finding and fueling the resolve to turn my life around.

You can do it.

Welcome Lori Ann (that's my name too!)! I know what you mean. I really started having severe weight issues about 5 years ago and I am now 41 3/4 yo. I too have the heartburn and basically the 'ugh' feeling. Support is SO important, so having it both at home and here is great. I look forward to cheering each other on!

Welcome!

Like you, I too and trying to make a permanent change in the way I view food.

The heartburn was a real issue...and I also noticed getting these weird abdominal cramps...nothing internal, but more like a band of muscle right around my rib cage area. Would have to stand up to get in to "release."

Now that I have lost about 20 pounds, I don't notice it as much. Always looking for the "rewards" to keep me focused on a healthier lifestyle.

I too am in the same boat. I use to come to this website, but didn't really participate and now I am going to stay motivated with these inspirational people. I don't like how I feel or look anymore. I went shopping with my mom yesterday and tried on a couple of button up blouses in XL and they didn't fit. I felt so terrible and that's when I came home and jumped on this website. I went shopping for different food today and now I've walked my 30 minutes on the treadmill. I need to succeed and I will succeed. We will succeed!