First name: Caitlin

Geographical location: Ireland, at the moment, but more frequently the DC Metropolitan Area.

Age: 25

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: I am not qualified to be responsible for another human life.

Occupation: Grad student (between degrees...)

Pets: Two canine siblings (Toby and Molly - I have a human sibling too).

Hobbies/Interests: opera, music, film, theatre, cooking/baking. I'm one of those people who has a different hobby every month - knitting, embroidery, drawing, sculpting, sewing, playing with my Sims...

Height: 5'9"

Eye/Hair Color: hazel/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: May 2, 2010

Starting Weight: 278 before I left for Ireland in September, but I was probably at... 265ish when I started? I have no scale!

Present Weight: No idea.

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I get derailed by making exceptions (for travel, parties, blah blah blah). Self-discipline.

Following any specific plan: 1500cal/day, food journal, gradually working exercise/resistance training in.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I went into this really understanding that I have to eat this way for the rest of my life.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I want to be an opera director! And I want to develop an acting methodology with an emphasis on physical performance specifically for opera singers. Jim Henson is my all-time favorite human being.

First name:Allie

Geographical location: Southern indiana
Age:20

Marital Status: in a relationship

Children/Ages:no kids

Occupation: student/ student worker

Pets: not yet

Hobbies/Interests:knitting, working out, cycling

Height:5'4''

Eye/Hair Color:brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:june 14th

Starting Weight:176

Present Weight:176

Goal Weight:120

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:eating the right food- and not eating out of boredum.
Following any specific plan: cutting sugars, eating when i'm hungry, working out, eating the right foods.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am doing it. and really trying.

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: PJ

Geographical location: Atlanta, GA

Age: 21

Marital Status: Single and loving it!

Children/Ages: None, thanks.

Occupation: College student

Pets: Sparky the goldfish and Black Bart the snail.

Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, camping, reading, knitting, video games, development of personal philosophies (political, spiritual, and otherwise)

Height:5'4.5"

Eye/Hair Color: GreenishGrayishBlueish/Blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: June 1st, 2010

Starting Weight: 179lbs

Present Weight: 175lbs

Goal Weight: 125ish lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I'm goal-oriented yet terribly contrary. I need goals, but I can't stand super-restrictive plans to get to them.

Following any specific plan: Intake-mindfulness and lots of exercise!

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am at a short period in my life where I don't have to concentrate on anything besides my weight-loss goals.

Anything else you would like to share with us: We can do it!! YEAH!

First name: Katie or Kate

Geographical location: Akron, Ohio (I'm in Ellet, if we want to be specific!)

Age: 28

Marital Status: Married since 10/18/08

Children/Ages: None! (We do plan to have one and adopt one... Sometime.)

Occupation: My title is Advanced Distribution Associate which is a fancy name for 'clerk at the electric company'

Pets: I have 2 cats, C.C and Scarlett. C.C. is in her golden years and Scarlett is just over a year old. C.C. black with spots and Scarlett is all gray. (go bucks!)

Hobbies/Interests: C25K, my husband, my family, the ocean, the color pink, stars, my car <3, going back to school.

Height: 5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: blue/gray and blonde with highlights of various shades.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 5/22

Starting Weight: 248

Present Weight: 240

Goal Weight: 175

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: None so far. I wish I could find some better running shoes! Darn my high arches.

Following any specific plan: C25K

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This is the first time I've ever made an effort to loose weight! Go me!

Anything else you would like to share with us: Nope.

First name: Sneh

Geographical location: Toronto (Canada)

Age: 25

Marital Status: Married (almost 10 months)

Children/Ages: Not just yet.

Occupation: Internal Communications

Pets: Nope

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Shopping, Puzzles, Young & the Restless (yes it's an obsession)

Height: 5'5

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 06/14/2010 (this time)

Starting Weight: 206.5

Present Weight: 200.8

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Gained almost 50 lbs since moving in with hubby's family. MIL does all the cooking because I'm always at work and it's not healthy and don't want to insult her by not eating it (not that I always like it anyway). Self-discipline is the other -- too many exceptions.

Following any specific plan: Did LAWL years ago, doing it again on my own.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: It's definitely harder, need to maintain my self-discipline for sure.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm ready to do this!

First name: Ivana

Geographical location: Las Vegas

Age: 25

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: no kids

Occupation: teacher

Pets: no, used to have a cat

Hobbies/Interests: reading, Harry Potter, Reality TV

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: Green/Blondish

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 06/4/2010

Starting Weight: 218

Present Weight: 215

Goal Weight: 130

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I've never met a sweet treat I didn't like. For the past few years I just got lazy, and didn't really care what and how much food I eat. I ate anything that was convinient and fast without any regard to what it is. I need to find time to prepare healthy and nutritious food again.

Following any specific plan: Nope more like a whole foods approach I guess.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: In the past I would just starve myself. This time I am also working out and trying to eat right. I'm hoping this is the last time

Anything else you would like to share with us:I can do it

First name: Colleen

Geographical location: Sacramento, CA

Age: 26

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: loan processor...but unemployed as of 2 days ago

Pets: a great dane and a crazy cat

Hobbies/Interests: snowboarding, reading, movies

Height: 5'6"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown and Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 6/14

Starting Weight: 152

Present Weight: 152

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: food and sticking to it

Following any specific plan: calorie counting and eating more natural/organic

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm making my health and confidence my priority, this time its about me and how I feel not what others think

First name: Abbie

Geographical location: Champaign, IL

Age: 25

Marital Status: Single. Sigh...

Children/Ages: Definitely not

Occupation: Veterinary student

Pets: 1 cat, thinking of adding a second

Hobbies/Interests: Food, animals, yoga, decorating my apartment, film, anything plaid

Height: 5'3"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/It varies... right now sort of reddish brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 01/21/2010

Starting Weight: 161.4

Present Weight: 140.0

Goal Weight: I think 128, but may revise depending on how I feel as I get closer

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I really love food, and hate to feel like I'm missing out on something delicious. Also, my school schedule makes it hard to find the time and energy to exercise.

Following any specific plan: Weight Watchers

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This is the first time I've tried to lose weight in the past 5 years. Right now I live alone and am the only one I have to worry about when planning meals, which makes things a LOT easier. It's also the first time I've tried Weight Watchers with the meetings, and find the accountability really motivating.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I now weigh less than I do on my drivers license! Woot!

First name (if you want to tell): Sarah

Geographical location: New Zealand

Age: 21

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Reporter

Pets: 0

Hobbies/Interests: Photography, reading, current affairs,

Height: 5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: red hair, blue eyes

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: When I was about 6 years old?

Starting Weight: Probably about 75kg - 165 pounds.
Present Weight: About that.

Goal Weight: Back down to 140 and then decide where to go from there.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Stress and eating crap. Getting into exercise.

Following any specific plan: Weight watchers - but I'm not going to meetings and doing it alone!

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the pasthis time, I'm hoping, I'll actually stick it. I'm going to hit it full steam and pray for the best.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I've been on and off here a few times.... but this time I'm sure it's for good!

First name: Kristina

Geographical location: Wisconsin, United States

Age: 20, almost 21

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Shea / 1 1/2 years old ... Temperance / 1 Month old

Occupation: Stay at home mommy and wife, and college student

Pets:2 Pugs : Daisy and Fizzy

Hobbies/Interests: taking my babies to the park, shopping, going for walks, 4-wheeling, mudding, anything outdoor and fun!! watching movies and cuddling on the couch with my hubby!

Height: 5' 1"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue eyes / Brown Hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 5/26/2010, The day my 2nd baby was born

Starting Weight:236

Present Weight:215

Goal Weight:150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Finding the time to excercise with two children under 2 years old.

Following any specific plan: Eating under 1720 calories a day and excercising

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I am not only losing weight for myself but being healthier for my family

Anything else you would like to share with us:

First name: Brittany

Geographical location: Wisconsin, USA.

Age: 20

Marital Status: In a relationship.

Children/Ages: No kids. Not now, not ever.

Occupation: College Student.

Pets: 2 dogs, 1 cat.

Hobbies/Interests: Drawing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, archery, airsoft, video games, reading, psychology, mythology, zoology, cryptozoology, anthropology, supernatural things, paranormal investigation, music, MMos, pen and paper RPs, ect.

Height: 5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: Brilliant blue/ dark brown.

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: April 12st, 2010

Starting Weight: 210

Present Weight: 199

Goal Weight: 160

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I become easily put off with exercise, if I don't see results fast enough. I usually just end up putting it off and getting nowhere in the end.

Following any specific plan: None, really.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: My doctor has me on Metformin to help with weight loss, because I have PCOS. So, this time I'm actually seeing weight loss when I diet and exercise, as opposed to not seeing any changes despite all my effort.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm a big artist and I'm actually going to college for Illustration.

First name: Jazmin

Geographical location: Pittsburgh PA

Age: 23

Marital Status: living with my wonderful boyfriend of 2 1/2 yrs

Children/Ages: hecks to the no

Occupation: secretary/student

Pets: 2 pitbull terriers that are the cutest dogs everrrr

Hobbies/Interests: music,singing,writing music,great movies..I am a humungo movie buff!..getting my walk closer to God,my boyfriend,being successful in the future

Height: 5'6

Eye/Hair Color: brown,black

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 6/14/10

Starting Weight: 271 lbs

Present Weight: 254

Goal Weight: 150

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight-loss: Doing it a second time. When I was 15 i was 240lbs & went from 240lbs-175lbs in bout 3 1/2 months following the LA Weight loss plan & kept it off till I was 20 & gained it all back & then some & its so much harder to lose it the 2nd time around. Well I'll tell ya I learned my lesson & will never gain this weight back once I lose it this time!!

Following any specific plan: the accu weight loss diet

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: That I won't get cocky & overly confident & think I can eat whatever I want once I get down in weight. That's what I did last time & it backfired so bad on me!! Once I lose the weight this time i WILL KEEP IT OFF!!

Anything else you would like to share with us:[/b] I really love this website & all these forums are really helpful. If ya want to follow me on my weight loss journey & watch my progress on my diet check out the link to my blog

NICE TO MEET EVERYONE! WE CAN WIN THIS BATTLE OF THE BULGE!

First name: Jaclyn

Geographical location: Texas

Age: 22

Marital Status: Kinda married lol

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: student/ substitue teacher

Pets: the cutest shi-tzu in the world

Hobbies/Interests: I LOVE MUSIC

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: blue/brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 6/22/10

Starting Weight:186

Present Weight:186

Goal Weight:120 or u.s size 3 jeans

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: i'm a horrible snaker, im one of those people thats opening the refrigerator 8 thousand times a day, and forcing my self to get on my treadmill everyday...did i mention im a chocoholic? lol

Following any specific plan: i've decided to start alli becuase i think it will motivate me to eat less fatning foods...i mean really wjo wants to s**t on themselves if they eat to much fat...not me. lol that sounds like a good motivator to me

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: i've hit rock bottom i have so many people tell me all the time that i USED to be so pretty and then they want to know what happened? i mean how depressing does that get

Anything else you would like to share with us: you guys are the greatest i've been lurking for a while and ya'll are an awesome group of people so i'm sure the support is the exttra boost ive been needing
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First name: Sarah

Geographical location: Mesa, AZ

Age: 23

Marital Status: not married (amazing boyfriend, so supportive)

Children/Ages: none

Occupation: Retail MRDS Pricer

Pets: none

Hobbies/Interests: Painting, making purses, singing, (is netflicks a hobby??) tennis

Height: 5'7"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/green - Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: (this time) June 20, 2010 ( when i discovered i weight about 284, may 2009)

Starting Weight: 275

Present Weight: 270

Goal Weight: 140

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Being prepared for my day with healthy food. I have a sad lil income, and no car, my days are long. Being ready for it, and not just giving up and eating at Burger King cuz its easier than carrying food with me. Its so much easier (especially in AZ) just to stop in somewhere.

Following any specific plan: South Beach, I will be switching to atkins, then back to South Beach, similarly as to how we all change our work outs. This will keep the weight coming off at the rate I'm hoping for.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I need this. Its no longer just a want.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm a open and honest person. I dont have a fabulous life, and I know I'm flawed. I'm working on my life and my flaws. I'm in school, I'm done with minimum wage jobs and not having a car. I'm ready to be the woman I know I can be, inside and out. ( t his serious post aside, I'm rather funny and light hearted)

First name: Kari

Geographical location: Iowa

Age: 27

Marital Status: Single, but living w/ the guy I'm gonna marry

Children/Ages: None - thank goodness - we can barely keep track of ourselves

Occupation: high school language arts teacher

Pets: none - but I look at the puppies at the local shelter weekly and want one so terribly bad! Ideally, I'd be able to snag a female lab/border collie mix with beautiful black and white coloring.

Hobbies/Interests: Biking, Reading, Films, checking out live music and new restaurants/bars

Height: 5'7

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brunette

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Officially - June 2010

Starting Weight: 171 actually

Present Weight: 166

Goal Weight: 145...although I'm pretty sure that even in high school when I was running XC, I don't think I ever even weighed that little. (Looking back on high school pictures, it's really unfortunate that I didn't realize that I had a slammin' body then! I never wore dresses; always loosefitting jeans and T-shirts or hoodies.) I think I'd even be happy if I was able to maintain weight at about 155.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: My eternal love of FOOD! (And the fact that heavy drinking is a by-product of my profession.)

Following any specific plan: Not really - just trying to make healthier choices and get moving. I had good luck on South Beach once, so I'm going to be limiting carbs.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm focusing on the long run right now instead of on losing all the weight as fast as I can.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Sounds strange, but a major reason for me wanting to whip my body into shape is because I want to be a good role model for my kids. Also, before I actually have kids, I'd like to be more fit so that my body bounces back quicker. Plus... Extra-curriculars in the bedroom tend to be more sizzlin' when I'm feelin' fab about my body.