I know we don't actually know each other (irl) but I am just so thankful for you guys......I have been looking at another site for a few days and everything there is so totally do or die serious and there can't be anything light hearted or funny about the situation we are all in or else it is shut down immediately and labelled as hurtful or not encouraging....the result is, there are a ton of posts over there from people who are literally suicidal about their situation.Truth is, I want to be able to laugh AND cry with everyone who is in the same boat as I am...and you all help by being able to encourage and sympathize through the hard time....and laugh when it just seem TOO absurd to believe. Im so grateful the administration here lets us be who we are....big {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}} to all of you.

Marie that was SO sweet. This place IS the best isn't it? The admin did a great job setting this place up and making it a spot where people can come for encouragement (or in my case a butt kicking) and information. You are a great addition to this group!!!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and help you've given ME all these months. I truly couldn't have gotten this far w/out you all

You said it Marie !!

I can't stress enough to all of you that you need to talk about the bad days as well as the good days. Support is not one sided, it just can't be for when we are all OP. I believe this site is more than support, its friends who become just like family. We are here not only to give support but to receive it as well.

I also don't believe anyone has to follow atkins to be in here We all struggle with the same thing, no matter what plan your following.

I've gone thru so much in the past few years and the ladies at this site have supported, hugged and loved me so much. I am so greatful, and I so enjoy being a Moderator and helping others.

Just remember, one kind word can go a long way.

Hmmmmmm !! I think I'll make that a sticky..... to envite everyone to this site no matter what plan they are on.

Thanks Marie !!!

That is a great thread you did Leenie. And it's so true! This site IS SO great for encouragement and butt kicking. I can testify that you don't have to be OP to be here. I think if I didn't come here and acknowledge my non-LC days I'd NEVER get back on track. You all keep my accountable.

**HUGE HUG TO YOU ALL!!**

Exactly Brenda, look at Meg over in the Maintenance threads, she will tell you that she has done 1000 diets and then one day POOF! one stuck and now she's a size 4.

BTW, I met her and Mel and Jiffypop and LBH last weekend

But my point is..... she said that she would post and read and post and read every day, no matter how high her weight got. You know....it worked !!!

I'll never be a size 4. But I'll be happy with my size 10---happier with a size 8 Someday it WILL happen.


YOU ALL ARE GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

Size in this case isn't the issue (haaaaaa ) its becoming healthy that is.

We need to STOP becoming obsessed with size. As we age, our body shape is different. We will never be what we were at 18.

For instance... Remember John Travolta in Welcome Back Kotter and Saturday Night Fever, HOW SKINNY he was... Okay.. now look at him today. Would you call him fat???? I wouldn't. He has aged. His body shape is very different. Does he look bad???????? HECK NO!!!!!! He is just as hot now, if not hotter than he was in his youth.

Do you see what I'm saying.

We can look GOOD!! no matter how old or our size. My dear, you look GREAT! just the way you are.

I would love to weigh 150 lbs, but I'll settle for 180 at this age. and I know I'll look wonderful

Oh heck. I'm back to where I started from in "seeing" things. I swore I wouldn't care what the scale said as long as I was happy with what I seen in the mirror (because I actually LOOK in the mirror now whereas before I wouldn't).

*Cheers* Here's to a new outlook on life!!!!

Thadda Girl !! Life is to short to be obsessed with a few pounds. Make each day count and live life its fullest.