Hi all,
I wanted to introduce myself as I have been lurking about gathering inspiration from all of you for a while now.

My name is Tracy and I am 38 (soon to be 39) and I am trying to lose some weight. I have always been, or at least I have always considered myself, overweight. Like many of you I wish I could go smack some sense into my younger self and say "you are not fat!" But since I don't have access to a time machine I guess I am stuck dealing with things now!

I have been trying to lose weight for a long time but only in earnest for about the last two years. I have been "successful" at different points of time in that I lost weight but did it in a crazy way that no one should ever do or repeat but then ultimately gaining all the weight and more back.

Two years ago I signed up with a personal trainer and lost about 15 pounds through working out. I always have eaten healthfully - I love fruits and veggies - but my portion sizes were always over the top huge. I couldn't seem to get past the twenty pound mark though even when I did try to watch my portions so I became very discouraged (and this after about a year of really consistent workouts!) and just sort of bailed. And the weight began to creep back on.

So I decided I need to get back on this but since portion is my main issue portion is what I will tackle first. So I joined Weight Watchers on July 5th and have been going consistently and following the points system and trying to keep it together. For exercise I ride my bike (the first week in my bike was stolen! I replaced it because I have committed and bike riding is good exercise for me because it is both mindless and exhausting - i.e. I get a good workout without having to think about it too much). So I started at 220 and now I am at 212 three weeks in. My first goal, other than the WW goals of 5 and 10 % lost is to get under 200 pounds. That's someplace I haven't been in about 12 years.

Thank you for sharing all of your inspirational stories. They really help to keep me motivated.

Welcome! This a great group of people. Glad you've joined.

Welcome to posting!

I'm really glad you decided to join and stop lurking ^_^ Congratulations on the changes you've made so far! I think it's excellent to want to get portion sizes under control and add in regular activity of any kind.

There's a WW section under Diet Central, and a 30-something's area... and well you've been lurking around so you know! Join in on any or all sections you'd like.

You can do this!

Welcome! I can't believe your bike was stolen! But power to you for replacing it out of sheer dedication. I LOVE Weight Watchers. I feel like it's a great way to learn how to actually eat correctly and gets great results. A few years back when I had my first go at weight loss, I did the old system of WW and lost over 30 pounds super easily... but then I lost motivation and alas, here I am again.. Anyway, good luck and welcome welcome!

Good job on committing to better your health! Sorry about your bike being stolen, that sucks! But yeah, that' awesome!

I've also gone down the weight watchers path, I started and lost 21 lbs then I too fell off the plan. When I stated fitting back into my old pants rather than my new ones I decided this was it now or never. So I keep my old pants on my wall for motivation. So far so good im sticking to the points and started going to the gym . Im hopeful for more great progress.

Welcome to you, too, Evilsugar! Best of wishes on your journey

Welcome! Great to have you!

Good luck with your efforts!!