Hey! I'm an almost 32 yr old mother of two boys. Until recently, I worked as an engineer, but my grandmother got very sick, so I quit to care for her. My husband is a pipeliner. I was a pageant winner, then after the birth of my first son at 21, I started gaining weight. In 11 yrs, I have gone from 140lbs to approx (I'm afraid to really weigh) 310lbs. I'm 5'8". I wear a size 24. Aside from have zero energy and feeling like a tub of lard, I sing with a band, and we're good. My bandmates are all good looking, trim men. I'm the fat girl out....lol. I'm tired of hearing compliments like," That big ole girl sure can sing!", and "You've got a really pretty face!" Ouch! I want to play football with my boys, and shake my butt on stage and not worry about it collapsing. I want my husband to be proud of me again. I want to be healthy. I have zero support at home, so I'm gonna really rely on y'all to help keep me focused! I hope this works!

Thanks!
Dessi

Hi Dessi and welcome to 3FC. You have come to one of the best sites for support and inspiration.

What kinda band are you in? I love music

Good luck with your goals.

Hugs
Michelle

Welcome, Dessi!

Folks here are very supportive - I'm sorry you don't get it at home, but you can lean on us. You may want to check out the 100lb Club and the 300+ Club. You'll find lots of folks who have faced and are facing similar challenges.

Hi Dessi - nice to have another Loosiana girl here!
Sounds like you've had your hands full -I've heard those comments (about "the fat lady sings") & the sting doesn't go away - and it's understandable to feel overwhlemed and frustrated, we know how that feels - just take it a step at a time, small changes can add up to great results - the support you need is here - you will not be going it alone - 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 get through the ups and downs. Try the Weight Loss Support forum, it's active and very helpful - also the Success Stories are a definite must for motivation!

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 - you will be the hot chick in the band,
Lee

wow, thanks so much! 30 mins and y'all are already cheering me on! I play with a 60's and 70's r&b band...aretha, patti labelle, blondie, joan jett...is what I sing...the guy singer does stuff like Wild Cherry, Rush, KC & Sunshine, Rolling Stones, etc. I'm excited to get started.

Question...I see these little charts at the bottom of some of your posts, showing what you've lost...where do I find that? That's a cool way to keep track of things!

Dessi

Dessi - The weight loss tickers can be added to your signature once you have been a member for 20 days and have 20 posts.

Oh and once you have 20 days and 20 posts under your belt, here is how to add the ticker

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/anno...signature.html

Welcome! This place rocks for sure! I hope it helps you just as much as its helped me and others!

So do you have a plan of attack, so to speak?

Yes, I do have a strategy. I'm going to drink water until I freakin' float! I'm going to cut waaaay down on red meat (not easy, we raise angus!), eat from saucers instead of plates, and if I'm bored, walk. I don't drink soda, so that's not a problem. My main issue is that I eat from boredom, depression, etc. And I eat too much at mealtime. I'm sure Mamaw meant well when she used to tell me to clean my plate, but it has led to bad habits. I will simply cut my caloric intake...hopefully in about half, and get by butt up off the couch. I'm going to log EVERYTHING I eat, and weigh myself daily. I'm a progress oriented person. With Weight Watchers, I found ways to binge and justify it by saying, I can skimp tomorrow and still weigh Monday. NOT THIS TIME! I'm not giving myself any room for cheating. I'm going to have one day a week that I can eat what I want, but only in small amounts. Gotta have my chocolate somtimes...lol. Hopefully,....no.....I know this will work!

thanks for the support!

Dessi

Welcome Dessi, I too eat from boredom. Mainly cheetos and chocolate, but in 2010 I will be THIN. For the past 5 days I have been on phase 1 of the Fat Smash Diet by Dr. Ian Smith. You might want to check it out. It starts with Phase1 Detox, where you only eat fruits and vegetables to rid your body of all of the toxins and sugar. It may be tough at first, but in 4 days I lost 3 pounds. Then you go through 3 more phases reintroducing foods back into your diet to live a healthier lifestyle. Good Luck with your weight loss journey!

How did you lose 49 lbs. That is wonderful!!!!