WELCOME !!!

We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We often use a "Topic of the Day" for discussion.

Motivational Monday
Tuesday Tips
Wednesday Wish List .. and What you are doing to obtain it.
Thankful Thursday
FUN Friday ... don't wait until you lose your weight.
Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Share your Success Sunday

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We often find them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations.

We have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, and more. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have a bi-weekly 2x2 Challenge.
Our goal is to lose 2 lbs in 2 weeks.
We have a long term goal of losing 300+ lbs within our 300+ group in 2005.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group...
we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.

WELCOME!

I know you'll all agree that we are really thankful for the free services here at 3FC. The sisters offer all of this support and information with no charges to us. There are a couple of ways though that we can help out.

If you are thinking about buying anything at Amazon, why not help out 3FC at the same time? You can do this by clicking on the button for Amazon on any page in the forum, or by clicking on the button on the main 3FC page at www.3fatchicks.com . A portion of your purchase price will be given to 3FC by Amazon. It doesn't increase your price at all, but it does help out 3FC.

The South Beach Diet
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS.../3fatchionadie

(I'll insert some more links in here later that will go directly to some of the most popular books that we've been talking about) In the meantime, use any of the Amazon.com links that you see on the site in order to help contribute to the site.

Also, BTW, in case you didn't know it, you can view the message boards "ad free" for a minimal charge. I think it's like $15 for 6 months. A very small investment to be rid of the annoying ads and make your pages load quicker.

Hi Thin - The only thing I would say about merging new threads into this one is to be sure to PM the original writers and tell them where to look for replies - I would hate for them to think that their posts were deleted and nobody replied. -Ruby

HELLO to all the newcomers!!!! We are all glad to have you on this oh-so-crazy journey!

Hi gang--OP so far today, exercise done, feeling self-satisfied.

Elisha—I hope you come back and keep posting with us. This is a great, great group of women. We care about each other because we've all been where you are, or somewhere close to it. Of course you're worthy. If you're not, who is? What makes anyone more worthy than anyone else? You're the only You around here, and that makes you worthy. You love music, which for me is like loving people--music is this tremendous gift that talented people give us. You have talent, clearly, if you were studying opera, and you deserve to spend time developing that. You can make a wonderful life for yourself if you hang in there. Please come back here and talk with us. And, of course, dittos to what others have said--if you're thinking about extreme measures, you need to talk to someone now. We all need people to support us.

Sue, Gina—I definitely think that spicy food makes me feel full faster. I have several friends who cook Thai and Indian, and I always find myself unable to finish what they put on my plate, even though it’s delicious. Even if it doesn’t speed up metabolism, that seems like a great thing to me. I keep meaning to start cooking with chile more.

2cute—Hope you get some rest tonight. I’ve been making it a priority and I feel SOOO much more energized.

Gotta—That’s great news about the scale—it’ll be a good friend to you as the numbers drop.

Iwillbe—I’m a plain old calorie counter, too. It’s worked well for me in the past, and all the research seems to show that any diet that cuts calories will take the weight off, so I always figure, whatever works is what we should do.

Teflonmot—Welcome! I’ve found these women very supportive and I know you will too. Congratulations on making the decision to make a change.

PS: The student newspaper here had a front-page story on a staff member at my university who's lost 250 pounds over the last two years. Which, you know, is great, and good for him, but get this: The headline said, "Half the weight, twice the man." Hmpf!!!!!

Anyone watching American Idol? 9000 people showed up in New Orleans. Do Simon, Paula and Randy really go through auditions for all of those people? And who are these people that are so awful and think they are really good? Delusionis of grandeur? Wacko? Or just there for their chance to be seen singing really badly on TV? OMG! Just saw Leroy. He's done too many drugs or something.

This morning, I was up early for 60 minutes of pilates. Crappy day at work. DH is gone tonight for a trip so the dog and I had a nice walk. And I have to admit to having Pizza Hut low-fat pizza for dinner. I was too freaked out and tired when I left work to deal with going to the store or cooking.

DH spent most of the day at the hospital. The BIL was in some limbo land from the stroke yesterday and couldn't open his eyes. They've had to tie him to the bed to keep him from ripping out all the IVs and such and he's not been able to coherently communicate. He can hear but can't open his eyes. So no surgery today which means he's still at high risk for another stroke. And I had to be at work all day today and couldn't be there for DH and the MIL.

Sorry for not doing any replies.

Hi all! By hook or by crook, I AM going to catch up tonight. It may take me hours, because to do it properly I have to go back about 3 threads!

As I dropped in to say before, yesterday I went scouting for and booked a hotel for Spring Fling II. The accommodations are very nice, convenient to the airport, include a nice breakfast and are reasonably priced. Rooms are available that you can have your own room, or to help cut down on costs, you can room with someone else and still have your own bed. I'll be getting out more info in the mail soon. If I don't have your address and you'd like to be included in the mailings, please PM me your contact information.

I haven't worked much lately. I'll have to get moving if I want to pay my van payment this month. Just a couple of lunch jobs this week, but the restaurant jobs don't pay, they just reimburse, so I need to get crackin' and makin' some money. *sigh*

The snow is old news around here. We got about a foot. They were saying on the news that this is 3rd most snow of any January on record, something like 27" we've gotten this month.

Terri: I'm so sorry to hear about your BIL. That's awful that he is going through all this and there doesn't seem to be a good outcome in sight. My thoughts and prayers are with you and hubby. This is an awful time for you.

Angela: That's a wonderful accomplishment for that guy, but you're right, the headline is a bit out of whack! * Congrats on your 100% OP day!!! Good job.

Marcie: THREE OP days! WooHoo for you! Great job! * Good choices at Ruby Tuesday's. I was there for lunch with Honey yesterday and I saw that menu you mentioned. Really nice. Following WW I look to see if the nutrition facts have the fiber content because that's important in measuring for WW. Alot of times the fiber count is not included. Everyone being so hyped on low carb and as far as I know, low carbers don't count the fiber. I was glad to see this one had it all.

Ruby: The first thing I did was PM the new chickies to tell them what I did and direct them over here.

Serious: I'm glad you found a scale that would work for you. I invested in a Weight Watcher scale from Bed Bath and Beyond about 8 months ago. Also glad you're not having to pay shipping. That's always a plus. "I would like to wait until I get my scale before starting, but I don't think I can wait that long." How about taking your measurements. That's always a good starting point and might work until your scale gets here.

Gwhiz: Welcome aboard. Great to see you here.

Iwillbe: "This forum does seem to be a good place to visit. I have packed my bag and plan to move in here.... I have found more useful information on this website than on any other." What a nice compliment. I'm going to pass this along to the sisters. I'm sure they'll appreciate your kind words. * Sorry the SBD didn't work well for you. I'm glad you were able to easily slip back into your calorie counting plan.

SpecialK: Welcome to you as well. I'm glad you've decided to post here.

Teflon: Again, Welcome. We have a bunch of new folks in the last few days and it's great to be growing again.

Shanberg and KandiceA: Thanks for stopping in and helping out.

Barbg: Sorry your plan fell apart late last night, but I'm sure today turned out so much better. What is it about a get-together having to be about food? Funny, I suppose, but one of the first things I was looking for when shopping for a hotel was what kind of breakfast can we get. Then also in planning the agenda it's been where are we going to eat. What kind of snacks and stuff will I bring to the hotel, etc. Just can't get past it, I suppose. Every occasion seems to be surrounded by food of one sort or another.

2cute: Sounds like another funk coming on. Better shake it quick before it takes over. They are such a waste of good time.

Judy: Gosh, I'm sorry to hear you're not headed here for the Fling. It's only for a weekend. Any chance you can stop here first and then head on to NC?

SkinnyMemories: Glad to see you back. 6 pounds is a wonderful restart. Good for you!

BlueHairFawn: Glad to see you back as well. I bet Chicago is a HUGE difference than Oklahoma was. It sounds like you're doing great. I see your stats are down 34 pounds. That's GREAT!!

SueMarie: Thanks for the info on websites with answers to some of the questions that have been posed. * You're doing great. Glad you've joined us. * Congrats on the nice score bowling. Honey and I used to bowl when we were younger AND in better shape. Every other Saturday night. Gosh, I miss those days.

BarbPA: Hope you're doing well. How are the injections going? Still have those cute bulls-eyes?

Hilta: That was really nice of your neighbors to plow you out. But ya know, what goes around, comes around and it sounds like your hubby paid it forward for years, now it's your turn to let someone else do it for you.

Leanne: You did a great job at Sizzler. I wonder if they're the same Sizzlers that we have here in the US. Actually, we don't have them up here in Michigan, but we did down North Carolina way when we lived down there. * I'm sorry you're plagued with such hot weather. I actually prefer winter to hot hot summers. The way I look at it I can always put MORE clothes on, but once you're naked, you're naked!!!

Steph: Glad to see you checking in. I hope that's going to become a habit. * Are you dug out yet.

Michelle: You must be knee deep in catching up now that vacation is over. That happens. Hope you'll be back here real soon.

Amandamomof3: I don't think I said how sorry I was about you losing your baby. I can't imagine what that would be like. I know you're little angel is smiling down on you and with you all the time. [[[hugs]]]

Qadira: I'm glad you got your scale. You must be having quite a good time with it, I don't think you've posted since.

JazzGurl/Elisha: Glad you checked in with us, Welcome. Hope you'll be back real soon.

Ocean Girl: That is a horrible way to be treated by a co-worker, or anyone else for that matter. Unfortuneately, some people just have no class. I hope that you are able to move past the insident quickly and get back on track.

Mary: Don't beat yourself up over 12 minutes of exercise. That's a whole lot better than doing nothing! Come on, the negative talk isn't going to do you any good either. Do 13 minutes and then 14 and before you know it, you'll be up to where you want to be.

Tina and Sandy: In case you're reading, I hope things are going better for you. Check in and let us know how you're doing.

Jenhari: You haven't been around in a bit. Do I have to hunt you down again?

Memoe/MaryB: Where are you?

Ok, everyone, I have gone wwwwaaaayyyy back to get to replies. I do hope I've caught up with everyone. If, by some chance, I missed you, it was NOT on purpose. I hope you all have a good night. I'm going to turn in....early for me.... I've worked on this for 2 hours. I can't keep my eyes open any longer. Love ya bunches.

WOW !!! This place is crazy busy today.
I can hardly keep up with all that is going on. LOL

Thin... I have mixed feelings about moving peoples posts. It is an act of kindness if they really meant to post on this main thread.... BUT ... what if they meant to start a seperate thread. I would hate to move it if they intentionally meant to start their own. Maybe they felt theirs would just blend in and they wanted it to stand out. Does that make sense ?? Maybe write them and ask if they want it moved. I know if I am going to have a HUGE WHINEY post... I would probably start a seperate one to not bring down the main thread.

Gwhiz... I recognized your quote from Gone with the Wind... and I recognized the name Rhett... but I could not figure out that GWTW. DUH !!!! Thanks for explanation.

Angela... I am here BEFORE midnight so I can get to bed by midnight. I did feel pretty good today and hope for a good tomorrow.

Terri... I am an American Idol junkie. LOL I was so happy to see Clay doing so well. I have bought all of his CDs. I like the real competition better than these auditions. My daughter LOVES this part. I think only a handful of these BAD ones get to the main judges. I think they hand pick them because they are the worst of the bad and makes for good laughs.
I am so sorry about your BIL. Be sure to tell you husband we are all praying for him.

I know I owe tons of replies. These above were from this thread only.
I want to WELCOME any newcomers I have missed.
I want to tell the semi newcomers that I am very excited that you have stuck around and joined our group.
I want to tell the oldtimers that haven't posted recently.. PLEASE post again soon.
I want to tell BarbPA we are still praying for you and hubby too.

Okay.. I better get out of here so I can get to bed on time.

Hello everyone.. today was my looooooong day... ugg what a day! I'm glad it's over. I got no exercise today, well at least any extra exerise since I did a lot of walking across the univeristy campus... students get into the fitness center on campus for free... who woulda thunk it! I'll have to check it out when I get some time off. I did pretty good with my eating today, OH! and I checked this morning, that 1lb is still off... WHEW so... 3 days and still off, could this mean the end of my rollre coaster ride? I won't jinx it hehehe... so I'll hush.

I'll catch up with everyone tommorrow.

Take care and sleep well!

Elisha... HOW COOL !!!! I would love to read about your journey for AI and see your photos. I think a LOT of good singers don't make it. Last year Simon even apologized for not letting one guy in that he should have. I would love to know if he auditioned again this year. I know they invited him back.
I too have suffered from depression off and on. One thing I have learned over the years... I have to take ACTION to get out of them. Have you ever heard of Emotions Anonymous ?? It is free. They usally have the book at the librarys. It is a great book. Read it with an open mind and read it ALL. Don't make a judgement on it before you finish it.

SueMarie... congrats on keeping that pound off. Walking around campus can be a real workout. Some are larger than others... but all of them require a lot of walking.

Okay... I REALLY have to go now. I missed before midnight... but wanted to hit replys before they add up again on me. LOL

2cute - I agree, every little bit helps

heheh okie I am with you... time for bed heheh Ni Ni!

Elisha-
Post the link! I would LOVE to see how that whole thing works!

Good morning all, Just when I think I am about to learn enough names to start posting to everyone I go brain dead! I do read all of your post though.

I had another good OP day yesterday. The thing that is frustrating is that the darn scales are just sitting there mocking me now. I lost nine lbs, then zip. Yesterday I went in search of my old Weight Watcher booklet from the 80s. The choice, limited choice or no choice plan. I am going by that now and see if I can get that stubborn scale to move its dial I am sorely tempted to throw them out the door! One way or the other I plan to lose that other lb. for the 2x2 challenge. When I first saw that challenge, I said piece of cake, anybody can lose 2 lbs in two weeks! Don't be too sure!

I am off to use my weights this morning and do some toning exercise. Hope you are all happy, happy, happy this AM. Iwillbe