First name: Sian

Geographical location: Australia

Age: 21

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Full time student

Pets: Dogs and cat (but they don't live with me!)

Hobbies/Interests: Shopping, socialising with friends, going to the beach

Height: 167cm/5"6'

Eye/Hair Color: Brown and brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 2013

Starting Weight: 265lbs or 120kgs

Present Weight: 265lbs or 120kgs

Goal Weight: 135lbs or 60kgs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Laziness and lack of commitment. I find it easier to get fast food or a bag of potato chips than to cook a healthy meal. I also find exercise boring and tiresome.

Following any specific plan: Calorie counting- 1500/day!

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I really want this. I'm sick of half attempts, I want to succeed in this. I don't want to be unhealthy and morbidly obese anymore.

First name: Brittney

Geographical location: Columbus, Ohio

Age: 28

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: 1 beautiful son, Skyler, 6

Occupation: NICU parent advisor

Pets: Cat- Buddy, Dog- Jasper

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family and friends, Knitting, Traveling

Height: 5 ft. 6 in.

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: I started Weight Watchers in January 2012 and followed the program for 6 months and lost 30 pounds. I stopped following the program but continued to lost- lost an additional 15. Then I gained back 20...

Starting Weight: 2012: 301.4, 2013: 278.0

Present Weight: 278.0

Goal Weight: 1/1/14 199...Ultimate goal 160

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Finding the time for myself to workout and recovering after special events/vacation,etc.

Following any specific plan: I'm giving myself 3 week on the My Fitness Pal app and if I can't stick to it it's back to WW for me!

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I have reasonable goals... 1.5 lbs a week, Starting out with the gym 3x/week while my son is at school.

First name: Stacey

Geographical location: Louisiana

Age: 28

Marital Status: single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Nursing student graduating May 2013

Pets: None

Hobbies/Interests: getting in shape, makeup, shopping, reading

Height:5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Black

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Jan 1, 2013

Starting Weight: 200lbs

Present Weight: 197lbs

Goal Weight: 150lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: FOOD! I love to eat

Following any specific plan: lower carbs, daily exercise

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm at my largest weight and I no longer feel comfortable in my clothes. I used to be able to suck most of my tummy in!


__________________

First name: Megan

Geographical location: Houston

Age: 21.3 (ok, really, 24)

Marital Status: Engaged

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Law Student, graduating May 2013!!

Pets: Holley, a teacup poodle, 12; Belle, a beagle, 4.5

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, shopping, napping, cooking, football, shows on HBO, Shotime, and BBC.

Height:5'4"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue and Blonde (not naturally-- auburn natural)

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 05/2011

Starting Weight: 173

Present Weight: 148

Goal Weight: Anywhere from 125-135... I'd like to be down to at least 135 by the time I get married in April.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: My sweet FH loves to eat junk, never works out, and looks AWESOME! Well, who can say no to a milkshake?! I also need help motivating myself to workout in the mornings before school and work.

Following any specific plan: Not really... I did the HCG drops originally and got down to 138, but then I gained 10 lbs back because it is a quick fix. I am trying to cut out carbs (breads, pastas, etc.) and sugars. Cutting out diet coke is HARD. I have been running and I want to try to do the 30 Day Shred and Insanity.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I realize there is no quick fix and that my metabolism is completely gone. I realize that if I don't get to where I want to be now by eating healthy and getting into a good routine, that I will blow up once I have children and fast food becomes easy. I don't want that. Preventative measures is key

First name: Amber

Geographical location: Ohio

Age: 28

Marital Status: Married for almost 10 years

Children/Ages: Two boys - Evan, 6 and Levi, 4

Occupation: Administrative/IT Assistant for a software company

Pets: 5 kittens (4 too many!!)

Hobbies/Interests: Family, friends, Ohio State football, boating, riding horses

Height: 5'4

Eye/Hair Color: Green eyes, brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 1/02/2013

Starting Weight: 206.6lbs

Present Weight: 206.6lbs

Goal Weight: 145-150lbs

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Keeping other people from influencing my decisions regarding food, alcohol, exercise, etc. My husband tends to be the one who influences my decisions the most - which makes it hard considering I live with him!

Following any specific plan: Counting calories & plan to slowly start implementing a workout routine.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I was an active 3FC member about 3 years ago and successfully lost about 40lbs. Even though I didn't hit my actual goal number, I was comfortable at about 145-150lbs and didn't feel the need to lose much more. Unfortunately that comfort, along with some stressful personal ordeals, and the fact that I started working a desk job (therefore get VERY little physical activity) led me to gain all of the weight back, plus more. I already know what I need to do to lose the weight - I've done it before! This time around I plan to work harder at maintaining the loss once I've achieved it.

Anything else you would like to share with us: Although I wish I was coming back under better circumstances, I'm happy to be back & interacting with everyone again! 3FC was a HUGE part of my weight-loss journey the last time around. I look forward to talking to and getting to know all of new people who have joined since I've been gone!

First name: Jessica (Jess)

Geographical location: Northern/Central California

Age: 22

Marital Status: Lazily Engaged (we plan to marry, but don't know or care when)

Children/Ages: No children, hope to have many someday.

Occupation: Medication Technician

Pets: "Crook" - a 2 year old French Mastiff/Pit Bull rescue dog

Hobbies/Interests: Watching lots of movies/tv shows, reading celebrity gossip (guilty pleasure!), spending time with the elderly in my community, learning about pregnancy and birth, playing with babies and kids, and making lists.

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Blue/Red. Natural!

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 2nd, 2013.

Starting Weight: 234 lbs.

Present Weight: 234 lbs.

Goal Weight: 150lbs.

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weight loss: Holding myself accountable and not giving in so easily. I have a wicked sweet tooth and am not the greatest cook. So I choose easy things.

Following any specific plan: Signing up for Weight Watchers Online in the morning.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm paying money to be a part of a program, hoping that it will encourage me NOT to waste it.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I just hope to find the support I need and want!

First name: Rebecca

Geographical location: Texas, USA

Age: 24

Marital Status: Single

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Receptionist/Student

Pets: Two adorable kittens - ok they're actually 2 yr old cats but I still call them kittens. THey were abandoned in a cardboard box when they were 4-5 weeks old. Their names are Jacques and Violet.

Hobbies/Interests: I love martial arts, reading pretty much anything I can get my hands on, yoga, movies of all genres, and trying food from all over the world.

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Hazel/Dark Brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Um..when I was 12? Lol I've yoyo'ed most of my life. But we'll say 1/1/13.

Starting Weight: 190 was my highest

Present Weight: 182

Goal Weight: 135

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: not giving into buying really unhealthy lunches with coworkers.

Following any specific plan: No, just portion control and working out on a regular basis. I want a lifestyle change, not a temporary diet plan.

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I just graduated from college, and I am turning 25 in August. I want to LOOK 25 and FEEL 25. I want to go into my professional career feeling confident and happy. I'm more motivated now than I have been in a very long time.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I really enjoy life, but I want to enjoy it with more energy and better clothes I'm ready to be the woman I was meant to be from the beginning.

First name: Jennifer

Geographical location: Texas

Age: 28

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: 0

Occupation: Environmental Scientist

Pets: Dog (Dixie) 2 Guinea Pigs (Nigiri and Wasabi)

Hobbies/Interests: Making clay charms, shopping, playing clarinet, cooking

Height: 5'5"

Eye/Hair Color: Dark Brown

(RE) Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: 1/1/2013

Starting Weight: 317

Present Weight: 295

Goal Weight: 180

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Dealing with friends who want to eat out.

Following any specific plan: Calorie Counting

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I lost 60 lbs last year by counting calories but fell off the wagon and gained back all but 15lbs. This time around I'm keeping a food diary, joining this forum for support and motivation. Taking my own lunch every day to work is a big help.

Anything else you would like to share with us: My weakness/trigger food is PIZZA!!!!

First name: Kelcie

Geographical location: Ohio

Age: 22

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: One darling daughter, 4

Occupation: CPP Specialist for Macy's

Pets: Milo the obnoxious Belgian Shepherd

Hobbies/Interests: Shopping, spending time with my daughter

Height: 5'8

Eye/Hair Color: Blue eyes, brown hair

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 1st, 2013

Starting Weight: 265 BLEH

Present Weight: (updating after the first week)

Goal Weight: 180

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: Cutting out sugar and staying active with a desk job

Following any specific plan: Atkins

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: This is the heaviest I've ever been. I was only 240 at 9 months pregnant and that really bothers me.

Anything else you would like to share with us: I'm so ready to get this weight off!

First name: Antoinette, prefer 'D'

Geographical location: Northwest Florida

Age: 24

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: no

Occupation: Journalist

Pets: no

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, writing, crafts (sewing, buliding)

Height: 5"5

Eye/Hair Color: brown, brown

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: Jan. 2, 2013

Starting Weight: 216.5

Present Weight: 216.5

Goal Weight: 166lb to 140lb

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: sugar, starch, anxiety

Following any specific plan: no; just attempting to exercise and break a sweat for at least 35min daily

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: I'm determined; I plan to push myself. I have a different outlook on fat. 2 years ago, I was 40-45lbs lighter. I was a vegetarian and walked a lot more because I lived in Los Angeles. But now, the south, and eating meat and rice and beans and stuff made me gain so much weight in such a short period of time. I just realized I was fat. So, with this outlook--I plan to cut out a lot of meat and completely cut out sugary sweets and starchy stuff.

Anything else you would like to share with us:
My main issue is not having any support. Locally, people are fat and love to eat barbeque and stuff. There aren't any really good health food stores. Walking is nearly unheard of, unless you're a senior citizen at the park. Other than that, everything is so far and spread out that you have to have a car. So, the environment is not really health-conducive, but I will not bare to be this fat forever. Need your support.

OK. So, after reviewing some of the 20-somethings file, you and I relate the most (to me). We weigh about the same and looking to meet about the same goal; journalists; think kids are scary; like traveling and reading and I could go on forever.

Though I am not seeking my physician's help really; I am wanting to become more adult about the whole healthy lifestyle thing.

I was a vegetarian since 16, but I moved to the south two years ago and gained about 45lbs. Its crazy for me, but I am ready to be healthy, fit and careless (about all those things that make you worry in regards to being fat).

I don't know how we're going to support each other, but I think you're awesome and understand where I wanna go with weight loss. So, I will be reading your posts (as you said you like to type).

thx

First name: Sarah

Geographical location: Southern California

Age: 23

Marital Status: Not married

Children/Ages: 3 cats, ages 4, 2, and 2 months

Occupation: desk jockey

Pets: see Children/Ages

Hobbies/Interests: i don't do anything, but I am interested in crafting, sewing, space, Tumblr, reading, gardening, and food.

Height: 5'11"

Eye/Hair Color: brownish green/dyed black

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey: January 1st, 2013

Starting Weight: 165

Present Weight: 161

Goal Weight: 125

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: HATE exercising/healthy foods

Following any specific plan: calorie counting, Couch to 5K

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: i am being held accountable, and I am at least trying to exercise instead of relying on calorie restriction alone.

Anything else you would like to share with us: i wish I knew how to cook.

First name: Teanne

Geographical location:Northern California

Age:20

Marital Status:single

Children/Ages:none

Occupation:Home Care Worker

Pets: Cat named moose

Hobbies/Interests: Doctor Who Reading Watching T.V sewing knitting crocheting

Height:5'

Eye/Hair Color:brown/blonde

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:1/5/13

Starting Weight:170

Present Weight:170

Goal Weight:125

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss:Myself, good for you food being expensive, hate exercising

Following any specific plan:not really

What is different this time in your weight loss efforts than in the past: i have a goal

Anything else you would like to share with us: if anyone is similar to me at all i'd love a workout/weight loss buddy

First name: Lurker.

Geographical location:North Carolina.

Age:24

Marital Status: Single.

Children/Ages: None

Occupation: Military.

Pets: None.

Hobbies/Interests: Video games. Drinking. Shenanigans of all kinds.

Height: 6'3

Eye/Hair Color: Brown/Black

Starting Date of Weightloss Journey:I guess that would be today.

Starting Weight: ~200

Present Weight: ~200

Goal Weight: 175-185

Biggest hurdle to overcome in weightloss: I can't think of one. I was actually in the best shape of my life before joining the military. Interestingly, I have fallen off the wagon after. I was at roughly 165 at a low point. I have put on more muscle so I would just like to lose some of that fat I have left and consolidate my gains!

Following any specific plan: Running, lifting again, nothing specific. Unless you count "buy what the girl at GNC suggests" as a plan!