There is just so much. Where do I start? How do I decide what group is for me? Help me! How do I get started on here?

I know what you mean!
This site and forum are wonderful and so full of information!

*hugs*

I know just what you mean! I lurked for about a month before I got brave and posted my first message! Welcome to 3FC and jump right in. There's so many people that you're bound to find a group to chat with.

Well, you can start by finding something that interests you. What kind of exercise are you doing? If you go in the exercise section of the forum-there is the workout video section if you do those, the weight lifting section if you enjoy that, and the general exercise section for conversations on walking, running, and just about every other exercise there is!
How old are you? There are sections for teens, 20 Somethings, 30 Somethings, and so on.
Do you have a large amount to lose? There is a specific section for those with 100+ pounds to lose, the 100 Club.
Do you have any health issues? There is a section on dieting with obstacles, that includes many ailments such as diabetes, PCOS, and more.
There are sections based on a certain diet plan if you are following a certain plan.
There is the Buddy Up! section if you want to find a diet buddy or two, and join forces with them and support one another.
Sit back and think about what your individual needs are, and then you will find the sections here at 3FC for you!

Hi welcome, just play around until you make friends!!! It won't take you long!!! Try the 100lb club to (we'll let you join even though you only have 90lb to lose!!!!!)

Everyone is really friendly. Just explore and have fun!!!

And, you don't have to "join" any particular group! You are free to read and post anywhere you like. I learn a lot from participating in boards that might not necessarily fit my situation, like Maintainers, etc. Just bump around and read until you get a feel for things.

I have about half the sections of the board minimized entirely, honestly. I'm not doing south beach or WW or any other specific plan, so I minimized the sections that just don't apply to me. It makes the site a little less intimidating . If you see a group you'd like to join, just jump in!

How do you minimize a certain section?

When you are looking at the main forum index, there is a heading for each different section (Like WW or Atkins etc) If you look to the right of the name, at the far end, you'll see the word "Collapse" with an arrow. Click that, and it will collapse that group.

Hope that helped!

~Liz

Thank you. That did make it less intimidating.

Oh!!! That's a good tip Liz!!! I didn't know that either!!!

It helps a lot, doesn't it .

I totally know what you mean. 3FC is so good I feel like I'm standing in line at a Buffet.