Hey everyone, I am new here and I thought it would be nice to introduce myself!

I am 20 years old, and I am studying to be an English teacher. Recently, my best friend got engaged and she has asked me to be her Maid of Honor.

Que terrible thoughts of looking fat and stupid in a bridesmaid dress.

So I am on my first ever diet, with help from my Dad who has been on South Beach off and on for years.

The wedding isn't until December, so I have time to lose weight. I would love to wear a smaller dress size...it would be so incredible to get down to a 12 or 14. I am at an 18 now.

Hi tigerkt!
Boy, weddings are such great motivation for many of us, whether you're a bridesmaid or a bride - sounds like you're off to a great start with a good plan - 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. Try the 20 somethings and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Check out the South Beach forum for info, advice and recipes from others on the same plan.

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 since last fall, 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 - here's to you being the most fabulous bridesmaid ever,
Lee

Hi tiger and welcome.

I also went on a mission to lose weight for a wedding...my oldest son's wedding...at the end of August of this year. I started around the beginning of this past summer and have lost almost 55 lbs. since then and am down to around size 10-12 now, I'd say. I wear men's jeans and my 32" waist ones are now getting loose and I've not yet tried on any women's dresses, etc. to check my exact size now....but I was up to 40" waist jeans when I started and buying tops that were 2X, whatever size that translates to (not totally sure). I can fit into med/lg. tops now but I usually buy ex-lg. just because I don't like my tops tight and have a rather big bust (D)....though have gone from a 40D to a 36D now.
Now I can enjoy visions of all the great outfits I'm gonna be able to try on as mother of the groom......and it's great.

I had a good bit more weight to lose than you do and was able lose 55 lbs. of it in about 7 months....not to mention that I'm almost 58 so I'm sure your metabolism is a heck of a lot better than mine is at your young age. So you should have NO problem doing this by December....probably a good bit earlier, in fact.

South Beach falls in the category of a low glycemic index plan, right? I've lost all my weight on Atkins. I love low-carbing...it's the perfect diet for me. And the only exercise I've done is walking. I think you'll have great success.

deena

Thank you both for the kind and encouraging words! I have been reading around on these forums for a couple of days and I was so happy to see so many people encouraging each other. It is great that there is a place where people can discuss weight loss and issues without feeling embarrassed!