Hi there,

I've been reading this site/forum ever since it was just three diaries by Suzanne and her two sisters... wow, probably closer to ten years ago than not. In all that time, I wished to make a change on my own, but never did, suffering in silence and with many phobias and hangups, and a healthy dose of lazy.

And well, now, it's time to make a change.

Believe it or not, I've never been on a diet. When I've lost weight before, it's been unintentional or by virtue of a change of environment. Don't get me wrong, I'm probably more educated about diet, nutrition and exercise than ten people put together, lol. But knowing doesn't equal doing, right? I'm the Queen of Planning, and an abysmal failure at executing.

I'm looking to change that. I'm 43 and 325.8 pounds. I can't change the former, but the latter is within my control.

I won't make this intro any longer, but I'm hoping that you can make a little room for me as I start this journey. I can't and don't want to do it alone. Being accountable to friends who understand sounds like a wonderful concept.

By the way, where did MrsJim go? She did yeoman's work, I hope she's well, wherever she is.

Hello Phoenician... so glad you decided to come out of lurksville. No time like the present to get started!

You are already very familiar with the forum so I hope you feel free to just join right in wherever you feel would be helpful.

If you are on myfitnesspal.com you can add me there as a friend-- same user name (chubbygirl253) I prefer this site when it comes to support, chat, and useful information. But I love the food and exercise tracking on the other site. Together I'm having a lot of success. Best of luck to you on this journey.

If you have never been on a diet before I would say staying motivated and not giving up is key! And incorporating exercise into your plan will help a lot. But you said you know all you need to know so I won't treat you like a newbie. But we're all here for ya when u need us.

Haha, yeah, I remember the first exercise program I put myself on -- I was in the fourth grade and it was a torn-out set of exercises from Good Housekeeping or something. I did it faithfully for three weeks. Was sort of put out that it didn't do much. But then, I was only vaguely chubby then so I probably didn't need it in the first place. Would have been better off sticking with my metal roller skates and my bike!

Didn't stop me from reading everything I could get my hands on though, from teenagehood onward. Susan Powter was a particular influence, back in the day.

Thanks for the welcome!

Welcome! I've found getting into the challenges on the forum to be a good motivator... I'm like you... I love to plan plan plan but my execution is usually pretty horrible, but with the challenges I've been able to plan and be accountable! Good luck!

Welcome! Make it stick this time!

My name's Beth and I'm new to here, too. I broke down for the first time this year and picked a diet I thought I could stick with. South Beach was the winner. I had some initial success in January but have gotten lazy since. I had deluded myself to think that my body was different from everyone else's and "diets" wouldn't work. In reality I was too afraid to try and maybe fail. Menopause has not been kind to my body but I'm determined, like you! We can do it!

Welcome, Beth! And congrats on your 12 pound loss