Hey everyone, I'm back..... Back up to 180 (down from 187 at least). I'm trying really hard to stay positive but I'm pretty ticked with myself because I swore I wouldn't let this wouldn't happen to me. But yep, here I am, with the big trip coming up (I wanted nice momento pictures!!!) struggling to lose this gross fat.

So just a bit about me, I'm 38 and a step mom (and an aunt obviously). I'm into dog agility and tropical fish keeping. I'm trying to get back into running but I have a collasped disc in my back which is causing neurlogical havoc in my legs (nerves are compressed) and a whole lot of pain. I'm also bi-polar and have an anxiety disorder (a bit OCD too) but I've come to terms with the both of them and am in a really good mental place for probably the first time in my life. My husband is my rock there... he's never judged me, laughed at me a few times but never judged.

I'm having a really hard time finding the same motivation as I had the first time I lost the weight... so if you see topics started by me saying "PLEASE MOTIVATE ME!" don't be surprised. I've also decided that the weigh I reached before (145) probably isn't sustainable for me or my body type. I'm aiming for 160 right now because it's the weight I *might* be able to reach before the trip (May 7th).

And that's me in a small nut shell... Nice to see you again.

I hear ya, motivation is probably the hardest part..especially getting started. Do you have a game plan? A weight loss program you want to follow? What can you do for exercise with your disc issues?

My plan is basically the same as last time.... eat better, less and lots of veggies combined with lots of exercise. Although I am much more restricted there. I haven't come up with a lot of things to do, right now I'm concentrating on doing my physio exercises (which is core stuff mostly) and lots of walking so far hoping that I can get back into running short distances. I'm also doing some stretching yoga which usually helps to make my back feel better too.

Having 2 hyper dogs helps to motivate me to walk. What gets you going?

Wb~ I am back today also!! We can do this!

from your ticker you only have 20 lbs to go! You can do it Winter is always tough

Hi welcome back. Don't be angry at yourself just look forward and take this one day at a time. This time what has made stick to my plan is using a watch that shows how many calories I loose. I see how hard it is to loose 500 lbs and therefore when I want a bread I think about it and make better choices.

Well 1, lack of excuses...especially after the holidays. 2. get dressed for success...aka put your workout gear on asap when you get home (or before work). Surround yourself with good food choices. Start a thread for your own accountability! Take "before" photos, and measurements. Show yourself you are serious! Mind over matter!

Ooo good one judge dread!!! I found taking before pictures super motivating, I thought I was the only one!!!

Don't be discouraged aunty Jam I still find you and others who think they've fallen off as great inspiration I hope thatbinnall circumstances in my life, if Ibfall from mu goal I can be like you and puck up again.

Ah, you guys are good for my soul. I'm glad I came back here. Unfortunately I've just had another bad meal (don't ask) but I found the little spikey things for the bottom of my shoes so I can go out and walk my dogs without worrying about falling on my tushy. i live in Canada and it's been super icy up here.

My ticker is what I hoped to lose before the trip... Unfortunately I countrd today and it's only 13 weeks away. I hope to end up about 150 but I'm not sure that's possible. I have a small bone structure but I'm very broad across the shoulders and hips. I know, that's what measurements are for right? Measurements and before pictures scare me! LoL

Can anyone remind me of the correct places to take measurements? If I'm going to freak myself out I want to do it right.

Ok I'm using my phone and uploading on this thing really sucks

One more. I took a few with my shirt up but I've lost the nerve to post those.

Baby steps! So now you have "before" pictures!

Start tomorrow. Then if you have a bad meal, don't stop or start over just move on. If you are like me you can count calories if that will keep you more accountable. If not, try eating smaller portions...I find small plates and bowls really help to make you feel like you are eating more!

Yes for the ice be careful! I remember icy sidewalks (from MN originally). Walking the dogs will definitely be a good start!

Log your daily activities and intake either on this forum or in a notebook! That will also keep you accountable and track!

I'm new here...but welcome! We all need motivation!

As I had typed earlier ~I am back as of Today also~ Woot I will get back to My goal again~ Not sure why I thought once I reached it I could just quit exercising........ GOOD LUCK TO US ALL!!!!!!! WE CAN DO THIS! So Proud of your picture. That's a major start!

Took the pups on a longer walk than usual last night and it was a better work out. One of the tendons in my knee protested but it seems ok this morning. Unfortunately my spikey things are made for running shoes, not big winter boots. Almost ended up on my butt again