Welcome, Dutchy and Sick of this!
I never hit the 300 mark, but I got darned close, at 284. I just want to say that yes, it is a long road before you, but you've each ABSOLUTELY got it in you to accomplish anything to which you set your minds. You can do this......don't get overwhelmed by the length of the road, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll see progress all along the way. I have really been motivated and inspired by that Chinese proverb which says, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step." And there are some amazing folks here at the 100 lb Club with whom to share that journey! I've received so much support and caring here -- it's really been critical to my success. As for relating to the folks who don't have as much to lose as we, I just kind of think it's all relative. I'm going to use my good friend Gretchen as an example (hope you don't mind, Gretchengirl!
) Gretchen started at 225 just after I started at 287. My loss is just behind hers. We've shared support, struggles, information and laughter every step of the way, and have really helped one another in countless ways. I'm excited that she's about to achieve her goal of losing 85 pounds, and I'm really proud of her -- and I also know that I still have another 80 to go before I reach my goal of 140. So I look at it like this: she and I shared the same path for 85 pounds, and now she'll learn all kinds of stuff about Phase II: Maintenance......so I'll get to benefit from her experience with that when I hit my own maintenance phase! I REALLY can understand needing to find other "big losers" to relate to, though -- it's hard to compare the struggle of 150 pounds to the struggle of 30, even if that 30 is going to be a huge accomplishment for that person. Similar, kind of -- but not the same.
It's great to have you both, and I offer my support to each of you; if you ever need anyone to talk to or have a question, please feel free to PM me anytime! You're going to find this group just so supportive and so helpful -- and again, WELCOME!