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 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. You can 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.

There have been some concerns expressed by the powers that be about copyright infringement. So please, if you are directly quoting someone else or printing an article in whole or in part, please give credit where credit is due!!!!

Hi ladies. Can't stay - I should already be in bed. In addition to being very sick the last two weeks, I had my biopsy done today. I'm hurting and feeling pretty blah, but it's over with. I did, however, have a very significant victory today. The very first scale I weighed on when I started my journey happened to be the scale I weighed on today. I'm down to 302lbs. Yay!

Must crash. Best wishes for everyone. Congrats to the losers and movers, hello to the new people, and hopefully I will be back in the swing of things very soon.

2LosinIt - I know I welcomed you on the other thread, but I just wanted to say to the forum!! I know you will find it to be a huge source of inspiration! It definately has for me! That's great that your housemate is going to be doing Weight Watchers with you! Then, you won't have to see any tempting treats around the house! Before I came to this forum, I would have never told ANYONE (aside from my Mom and my boyfriend) how much I weigh. Especially since it was 350! But since I've lost 33 pounds, I'm pretty much okay with telling people...because yeah, I'm still at 317, but that's a lot better than what I was at! And they can't say I'm not trying, because I AM! You'll learn your way around here quickly! I've only been here two months, and this is like a second home to me! Everyone is so great, and there's just NO negativity in here, which I LOVE! 100 oz of water a day! That's quite a bit! I'd be running to the bathroom every hour! hehe...I'm still drinking diet pop, and I know I should cut out pop altogether. But once I'm at 299, I'm going to cut it down to one can a day. Right now the Diet Dr. Pepper tricks my body into thinking it's having sugar, so I don't have the cravings.

Julee - You must have felt on top of the world when they didn't even recognize you! That's so fantastic, and I can't WAIT for that day to come with me!!!

Honiangel - I hope that not having a kid around in the mornings helps you COMPLETELY go past the goal that you set for yourself! Then, you won't feel as bad when you can't do AS MUCH when she comes back. CARBS ARE BAD!!! BUT OH SO DELICIOUS!!!

Brandnewme - I'm glad you came through your procedure without a hitch, but I'm sorry you are feeling so lousy CONGRATS on your loss! You must be so ecstatic! Keep at it, girl!!!

Well, I hope you ladies all have a great night! I'm off to bed, as I have to be up in 6 hours for class. My friend's not going to be there tomorrow, as she got a subpoena to go to court in her friend's case...since she posted bond for her, for some reason she has to be there. She's going through a lot of stress, too. She's older than I am (29), and is married with two kids...so going to classes full time, and taking care of the house is just nuts. She also just got rid of ovarian cancer before it spread, so it's been a **** of a last 6 months for her. And her brother is now in the hospital, because his girlfriend attacked him with a knife. I swear, it never ends for her Well, I'm off to bed, as I said before my little ramble!! NIGHT!

Hi all! I can't even pretend to keep up with you chatterboxes. I think I'm 2 threads behind, but fading fast (getting a cold!). So, before I go to bed, I just want to encourage everyone to join us on the February Exercise Thread! We are trying to make exercise a habit, so we're setting individual goals (in MINUTES exercise) and tracking progress. It can be any exercise you like -- again, the goal is to make it a habit. I am doing cardio and now weights, and have decided to also count up to 30 min a week of my back exercises (my PT would be happy!)

We're also keeping track of the number of minutes we exercise as a group -- I think we are going to come close to 150 HOURS of exercise (9000 minutes) as a group this month.

I personally have found the accountability to really help me!!

Hope to see you there!

2LosinIt - A huge welcome! I get a little behind (wish I HAD a little behind) on my posts since I pop in and out when I'm traveling, but I'm home for a few days and always glad to see new friends on the thread!

Julee - On your cousin not recognizing you, WAY cool!! My relatives didn't say a word at Christmas, so I'm hoping SOMEone notices at Easter. Either way, *I* know I"m doing good, but jeepers - That just had to be a great moment for you!

BrandNewMe - FANTASTIC!! Down 54 pounds and just a snick away from breaking the "00"! You are SO on your way!!! Congratulations!!

Kayley - I haven't checked out your pics yet. I just think of you as looking like your avatar. That's the you I see. A very big Way!2!Go! on that 33 pounds down! Isn't your confidence level just totally different when you know that you're succeeding and doing something for yourself? I NEVER let my husband know my weight until I reached about the point you're at. I was afraid to be seen walking for exercise because I was so ashamed of myself. Now I don't care what people think because I'm so proud of the progress I've made and the progress I know I'm going to continue making. We are ON a ROLL!

Wyllenn - I'm with you on next months goal - Your so right - The accountability has pushed me to do more than I might have otherwise. I'm reaching a point where I just can't bear to NOT exercise for too long. This just keeps getting better. As of tonight I've started taking - now don't you laugh - kung fu lessons. We'll see how far it goes, but at least it's beneficial to physical, mental and spiritual health, so I'll give 'er a go!

Night-Night all!! Beauty rest is VItal in this house! <BG>

Wyllenn - Thanks for posting the February exercise thread! I hopped right on the bandwagon, so to speak!

Valerie - Well, I would look like my avatar pic if I weighed about 120! I have longish black hair, and I'm pretty pale (although not quite as pale as that girl!) It's crazy how much more confidence I've gotten over the last month. I was the same way...I didn't want to go out walking (at least not anywhere that anyone could see me), as I was so ashamed at how I looked. Now, I'm not caring as much (most days...heh), as I KNOW I'm making my life better, and I've changed as a person SO MUCH over the last two months! 18 more pounds until I see those 2's...that's going to be crazy! I haven't seen them since I was like in 8th grade as bad as that is! We're doing so great, and it SHOWS!

I know I said I was going to go to bed, but the threads SUCK ME IN!!! lol...I'm really going now! NIGHT CHICKIES!

Darn these threads! They multiply like dancing carrots!

I had a really good day today. It was the first day of my new job and things went well. This job will be *very* supportive of my diet. The break room is posh with more than enough fridges and microwaves so I won't have a problem bringing my food (although I'm trying a different fridge tomorrow because today's froze my salad

They don't have a problem with minor eating at my desk, so I don't have to waste half my break getting to the break room to eat a yogurt or some crackers.

I need to get a big plastic water cup with a straw. I tend to drink more when I have a straw versus a big water bottle. It will save money too if I drink water out of the fountain.

And the best news today? I had my first "wow I am really losing weight" experience. I can never judge weight loss in my belly and hips because it seems my underwear and pants constantly fluctuate from fitting to feeling loose. But today I wore a shirt I haven't worn in about a month and it FIT for the first time!

It's made out of a stretchy thick polyester spandex and it has been snug across the belly to the point of slightly stretching since I bought it. Well today it was LOOSE by at least an inch. Wow. I just did my measurements too and there's only about an inch down so I should see THAT much results. Maybe I measured wrong. *shrugs*

I enjoyed this moment all day and every time I looked in the mirror. I was mad at myself briefly because I was a little sad that I won't get to wear this shirt until it wears out (it would be too impractical to keep refitting it) because I love the fit and color. I have to keep telling myself that I don't want to be the size that gets to keep wearing that shirt! I want it to fit two of me inside! Maybe I can make 2 shirts out of it someday!

My one change this week will be 1 thirty minute exercise session outside of my daily 5,000 step pedometer goal, which I haven't achieved enough to move to 6,000 steps yet. My DDR game is now fixed (it was scratched) so I don't have that excuse anymore. I'm too wiped tonight and I probably will be all week because of the sleeping schedule adjustment, but I will fit 1 in. I can do at least that much.

My meeting/WI is tomorrow - send me your losing vibes!

I'm feeling a bit better, or less overwhelmed. For the last 4 years and 2 months getting my body back into shape was my full time job. Now I've got a husband and house to take care of too. I'm really lucky that he wants to only eat the healthy stuff I fix. If something doesn't look like it is low calorie, he actually double checks with me. He used to go all day without eating until dinner, and can't understand how you can lose weight while seeming to eat all day long. I wish things would settle down so that I could get into a routine of going to the gym again. I'm afraid I'm not getting enough exercise. We don't own a car, so I am walking so much more than I used to. Canada is not as handicap accessible as Florida was, so I take a lot more steps than I am used to. Just going down to the basement to do laundry is new. We didn't have many basements in Florida, they would have just been indoor swimming pools. I come in and collapse in bed before 8pm sometimes, but still don't feel like that is really getting exercise unless it is exhaustion from the gym. Tomorrow I'm going with a friend of my husband's to a case sale at a grocery store. We are going to pack the pantry. I know that if it turns much colder, that he won't let me walk the two blocks to our regular grocery store. He insists on holding my hand just going down the street because he is afraid I will slip on the ice. We probably look as silly as when big football players hold hands in the huddle. If I get stuck in the house, we do have a weight bench, huge exercise bike, and two karate dummies for me to get exercise on. Stepping out of my comfort zone has been so scary, but in the long run, it will be so good for me.

Hi Chickies,

It has been about a week since I last posted and wowie zowie the threads are flying by. I can't attempt to catch up now but just a couple of responses from this tread.

Brandnewme: Feel better soon. Congrats on your loss. I am so happy for you that you are only 2 lbs away from your first mini goal. Excellent.

Wylenn: Thank you so much for faithfully starting the exercise threads and sticking to it and coming in to remind us to join. I am so thankful for you. I will be joining in Feb and doing a better job then my Jan goal. I have been so darn sick this month but, I am feeling stronger daily now.

Valerie: Glad to see you made it back home safe and sound. Hope you rest well tonight.

2loosinit: Welcome. I think you will love this tread. I have been here since last April and everyone is so kind and supportive.

Jimoreta: Congrats on your new job and on your shirt fitting you better. I have sooooo many clothes that fit me well, fit on me but they don't fit. They look horible and I can't wait to fit into them again. That is awesome that you had that experience. Keep up the great work.

Catherine: My lovely friend. Please try not to get down. Marriage no matter how much you love your man is very hard. To give up all of the freedom and just the way that you had your routine is very hard. It takes time and I'm sure that your sweetie pie will be patient and allow you to slowly get into the grove. I am so happy for you that things are working out so well. I'm with your hubby, do be careful on the ice. It is so slippery. I know what you mean about the football players in a huddle. I am my huge size and my hubby is normal sized and when we take snow walks and he thinks he can hold my hand to help me in case I slip.... lol. I would crush him like a bug.

Well all, good night and have a great op day tomorrow.
Blessings,
Dogpal

WOW! so much is going on here! welcome to all the new people. hello to all the old people.

so this week was a little wierd. i was totally off point on friday, eating like double what i was supposed to. but i forgive myself, and im back OP now. im sure i will pay for it on wednesday when i weigh in. it will definately be a reality check.

theres too much to reply to all of you, but thanks for being a constant source of encouragement. your stories are all amazing.

night all!

Jjmoreta - So glad that your first day at your new job went well...that can be a very stressful thing, starting all over at a new place. Glad it's going to allow you to keep OP easier as well! CONGRATS on your non-scale victory!! That's fantastic news, as it's so hard to judge your own weight-loss, despite what the scale says...(in my opinion anyways!) And once you get down to where you want to be, so many more shirts will look GREAT on you, that you won't "mind" having to give up that ONE!

Catherine - It's very nice that you are able to WALK to the grocery store, and the likes. Now, if the weather will just WARM UP, so you can ENJOY IT! It has to be so tough moving from a climate like that of Florida, and BAM! CANADA!! lol. I think it's so sweet that your hubby is so concerned. He sounds like a FANTASTIC guy, and I'm so glad that you found someone to make you happy, and you sound like you are just loving being a wife!

Dogpal - So great to see you posting! Great enthusiasm! Even if you didn't make your January goal, at least you exercised, right?!?! And re-dedicating for even MORE minutes in February is GREAT!!

Luan - You are so great about hopping back OP when you stray! I tend to just give up! Luckily, I haven't gone OP yet...

So TIRED this morning! I only got about 4 hours of sleep in, as I was the insomniac for another night! I was going to work out this morning a little, but I have absolutey NO energy/motivation, or anything! But I WILL work out this evening when I get home. No excuses! Off to take my vitamins, cook me some breakfast, and hop in the shower, as classes start in about an hour and a half!

Kayley, Val and Dogpal -- I need to thank you guys (and everyone who posts on the exercise thread), because you all keep ME going too! I am starting to feel like this exercise stuff is becoming habit, but I have a tough week ahead.

Ammi -- I have been reading about your increased exercise and all your eating successes and you sound like your head is in the right place, if you know what I mean! It sounds like you are doing the things you need to AND feeling better

Catherine -- I hate hate hate transitions. It is so hard to get re-settled. Not only have you gotten married -- you've moved to a much colder area AND another country. It's all going to take some getting used to, and it IS stressful!

I enjoyed my conference in California. My hotel was about a 10 minute walk from the conference center, and that helped me keep on track, exercise wise. I did eat more than I normally do, but made better choices than I would have before. I ended up eating a number of oatmeal raisin cookies, however, which of course ended up being high in calories! Ah well. Still posted a loss this week. I have now lost just over 60 pounds and 20% of my starting weight!!!!!!

Hi Chickies!
Boy! You ladies keep this thread hoppin!

2LosinIt: These are a great bunch of ladies - full of inspiration! I'm doing WW on my own too. Last Feb. my DH and I just looked at each other one day (after having discovered we both gained weight, again!) and said, "This has to stop." That day I got out my old 1-2-3 Success stuff from the 90's and we started counting points. We've never been to a meeting, although I know some people swear by going. I think having him along for the ride and these ladies here have made all the difference.

Catherine! Sounds like you are getting there! Marrying later in life is certianly more disorienting, you get so set in your ways and it can be difficult to change your routine. I'm so very glad that your DH is supportive of your weight loss and working on his own! As for the hand-holding, my DH still holds my hand, almost 6 years of marriage later. I hope yours never stops!

Someone was talking low-carb/Atkins type diets on the last thread. I know they are supposed to work, but I really can't imagine living with them. WW tends to be pretty high carb and once, the longest I ever kept weight off, I was on a Dr supervised diet and the first thing I was told to do was TRIPLE my carb intake! I lost 40+ and kept it off for over a year, before I went back to junk food that time. Goes to show how different people are.

Well ladies, I really wanted to respond to more people, but you guys are too fast for me! If I missed any other newbies - Welcome! Congrats to the losers! You guys ROCK! And for those struggling - Hang in there!

Good Morning all my lovely losing friends! Can't stay on long as I'm at work. I wish I could post to each and everyone of you but I just don't have the time right now. Just remember that everyone is always on my mind and I think of you often. Hurrah for all those who lost!! Yippeee for those who are doing great with their exercises!!! A big hearty to those who have found their home here. You'll love it!

I made it through the weekend without doing too much damage. I always am worried once the weekend comes around. Skipped my workout yesterday because 1) I had an appointment with my shrink and 2) My dog had surgery yesterday and was hurting pretty bad last night, even with the Morphine they gave her. Poor baby! Left my lunch at home yesterday but luckily I had some food (good stuff too) stashed in my desk. Whew!

Have a great Tuesday everyone! I'll try to get online during my lunch break to do a more personal/one on one post.

Hugs,
Sarah

Wyllenn - Fantastic that it's starting to feel like a habit! I hope it becomes like that for me as well. What a great one to have! Congrats on your loss, and to showing a loss despite slipping a little OP! You're doing great!

Lilion - A low carb diet can be pretty rough to live with. I really like the South Beach approach, because in Phase 3, you are allowed to have a lot of freedom (for the most part). And you are able to maintain. Once I'm where I want to be, and maintain for a year, I'll probably just WATCH what I eat, and definately keep up with the exercise. I haven't decided as of yet, if I'll be on South Beach for the rest of my life...I'm only 19! lol

Sarah - Enjoy work....if that's possible! lol

I have about 2 1/2 hours until my Psychology class starts, so I'm just down here at the computer lab TRYING to pass the time. I left my book for Spreadsheets at home (it's self-taught), so I don't have that to help me out! I'll be lurking about! hehe