I just want to say that you all are such an inspiration for me. I came onto this site thinking I might find some support, but I didn't expect to find so many incredible success stories.

Being right at 300 pounds, I really couldn't envision myself ever looking beautiful or even "normal." 130 pounds to lose seemed like an impossible feat, and it still does in the back of my mind. But seeing all of you who have lost 50, 100, 150 pounds (and most of you without surgery!) has really given me the strength I need to go at this full force.

Had I not seen all your amazing "after" photos, I probably would have lost faith in myself and given up like I always have in the past. But this time, it really feels different, and it's because I've seen what you can do. I think I can do this.

Congratulations to all of you who have become who I hope to be some time in the not-so-distant future!

When I first started my journey, I saw this process as being an uphill battle. I did not know what I was capable of achieving, and did not initially celebrate my progress as only saw how far I had to go, but it was through seeing others' photos and reading about others' stories that made me start to see that this is really possible. I did not get discouraged and kept going, only to see results for myself. I cannot even describe in words how different life has become for me, and it is a very powerful thing to realize that we do have the control to change our lives in this way. So I wish you all the best for your journey. This is not at all an impossible feat. Keep going, and results will follow. And celebrate your progress along the way. You can do this!

It really IS possible!! You have to be able to make sustainable changes. You have to be able to pick yourself up when you fail (it's life, you will from time to time) and you have to learn that the scale is and just needs to be ignored sometimes!!

Welcome!!