Hi:

My name is Tara and I jusr faced the scale after basically not caring about anything since August, '05. If there was a bag of chips to eat, I ate it. Late night binging on Arby's, White Castle, been there, done that! Things really got out of control when I caught myself driving from gas station to gas station looking for Dolly Madison chocolate snack pies (500 calories each) If I found them, I bought all they had - sometimes 1 or 2, sometimes 6. Then trying to figure out what the schedule would be for the route driver stocking the shelves after the Thanksgiving holiday...he should have stocked the shelves by the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, right? That was a real low point. Not to mention the embarrassment of paying the cashier for nothing but chocolate pies.

Back in August, I quit my pt job as a caretaker at a luxury apt complex. Seemed like a great idea at the time. (Weight was 201). I moved out after living there for 5 years. It was like leaving my family behind. But I wanted to have more time for myself (and new boyfriend). My FT job is a Customer Service Supervisor for Northwest Airlines. I just figured I could work more hours at the airport and have more flexibility with my schedule. Well, 2 weeks later, our mechanics went out on strike. Started eating. I moved into a new townhome I am renting the end of Sept. Less than a month later, the airline filed for bankruptcy. I started eating more. I also started to look for a new FT job. Lots of interviews, but no luck yet. After the interviews, I ate some more. Waiting for the callbacks, well, you get the idea! The week before Thanksgiving, I took a 20% cut in pay (right before the holidays) which equals abour $1050 less a month. New boyfriend quit calling on 11/22 and things have been spiraling out of control since then. I finally stepped on the scale two days ago and I was 231. I knew it was bad, bur didn't realize how bad! Also have lost a couple of close co-workers to cancer recently.

I am heading back to Weight Watchers today. Cannot put it off another day. I have stayed in my house since I stepped on the scale two days ago -- I have to go back to work....have to regain control of my life and weight. Sorry for writing so much...really could use some support. Feeling lost. I desperately need 2006 to be a better year!!

Tara,

I wish I could send you more than a hug icon. You have faced a great deal of challenges. Let me welcome you to our little home here at 3fc! You will find wonderful support and caring people here! WW is a great program and works so well for me when I am doing it (which I am not right now ). I am an emotional eater so I try to couple WW eating and the tools they offer with Dr. Phil's 7 keys. I am doing a challenge on the Dr. Phil forum with a geat group of woman and plan to focus on one key a month. I recommend that book if you haven't read it. I like WW program for eatinga nd thier tools cover many of the same principles, but Dr. Phil offers a different perspective.

So anyway These ladies keep me going each day! Please feel free to jump in our weekly thread or start a topic of your own. We also have an intro thread.

Thanks for the hug. I have Dr. Phil's book and it is collecting dust on a shelf righr now! Plan on reading it though and incorporating the 7 steps as well. I know once I get started, I will be ok. In the meantime, just called into work again. Can't seem to bring myself to face anyone. I will be going to weight watchers tonight and going to the grocery store tomorrow. I have followed Dr. Phil's advice and have cleaned out my home of all trigger foods. Thanks for the support.

Tara, I hope you enjoy your meeting. I have a fabulous leader and my meetings always make me feel better even when I didn't feel like going. Once I get there I feel so much better.

I'm pretty new to this site, but I wanted to give you a anyway.

I have been doing WW for 11 weeks now and have lost 29 lbs. It really can work if you want it to. It is time to pick yourself up and dust yourself off. You are the only one that can make it happen. Do it for YOU!!! You deserve it.

Thanks for the encouraging words....means an awful lot!

Welcome, Tara!

I'm Stephanie. I'm 27 years old, and I joined WW in July. Did you go to the meeting tonight? How did it go?

Hi, Steph - I made it to the meeting. I was going to put it off like I always do, but somehow the support that I found here today made all the difference. Of course I was thinking about where I would stop on the way home for a snack -- pizza, burger, etc. But I managed to make my way to the grocery store instead. Picked up a frozen WW entree, yogurt, carrots, grapefruit and apples. And of course diet soda. I felt a sense of calm come over me -- I know it sounds stupid, but it's true. I made it home without stopping for junk food! Major accomplishment. I have decided to go back to work tomorrow after being off 4 days with major depression over my weight. Anyway, thanks all for the words of encouragement. It was exactly what I needed!

Tara I am so proud of you! Those a great first steps to regaining your self. You are worth this effort and deserve to treat yourself to healthyfoods and positive outlook. I can't begin to fully wrap my head around everything that you are going through, I think you are a very strong and good person to be handleing all of it at once.

Enjoy your first day onplan, I always love starting a shiney new tracker, a whole day of potential you know. Ok so I am dork lol. But it keeps me motivated And with WW no matter the choices you make the next day you get brand new page.

have a great day!!!

Good for you Tara! I agree, it's exhilerating getting new, healthy groceries! Did you like the leader at your meeting? I hope work went well today!

Welcome Tara. I've been posting on this particular board just a little while (maybe a month)--it's the nicest, most supportive one I've found at 3FC! I'm a big advocate of using WW plus whatever works--whether it's Dr. Phil, etc. I hired a personal trainer at my local YMCA--he gave me a great strength program and I'm going to check in with him once a month until next summer (gasp--could it be I'll even wear a 2-piece by then? Hasn't happened since I hit puberty!).

We all wish you the best in this journey. You made great choices at the grocery store! I now use fat free sf chocolate pudding (mixed w/ff plain yogurt) to beat my chocolate craving. I use just a little pudding--maybe 1/4 cup (already prepped), with mostly yogurt. THat way it's not too sweet but I still taste the chocolate.

Good for you in taking charge of your situation!

Well girls, I am proud to report that my first day went pretty well! I was at the airport today from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. mostly due to the weather. I packed my breakfast/lunch/dinner accordingly. And although there were many temptations throughout the day....(I walked to the DQ in the airport and thought for sure I could come up with a really good excuse for onion rings) I managed to resist!! Found my way to the breakroom where my lean cuisine was waiting in the refrigerator. I have to admit that my working environment is difficult with all the eating places every where you look!! My dog, Chloe, used to look forward to my homecoming every night (for our evening snack fest!) I think she was a bit disappointed tonight! Told her we are both on diets! Anyway, Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2006 for us all!

Great Job Tara!!!!!!!

SOrry I can't post more the kids are sick and I've had about 4 hours sleep in two days Have a happy new year everyone!!!

Hope the kids feel better and you get some sleep! Also, thanks for the recipe tip, Elana.

have you tried fitday, nutriplanner, or nutritiondata? Those are 3 websites that can help you journal your journey. WW probably has other software or books to help with the same goal.