[flutist4christ]

Hi, everyone. I just found this forum tonight and y'all seem so encouraging, I thought I'd join.

I'm 38 years old and my weight is creeping up on me again. My highest weight was 180 about 3 or 4 years ago, and I lost 35 pounds at that point by going on the South Beach Diet, taking the stairs at work, and stopping a medication that was putting the weight on me. Unfortunately, I reached a point where I was "comfortable" and started eating again. I gained a few pounds back and got up to 145 where I stayed for a long time.

A few months ago, I went through a depression and gained 15 pounds in a short amount of time, and now my clothes don't fit. On top of this, I got sick again. I always get a bad case of bronchitis every winter (except for the year when I was losing weight), and I know that part of it is from eating all the wrong foods.

I love food, especially fried foods. I grew up on southern food: fried chicken, sweet tea... they were staples in my home. About 10 years ago, dad had his first heart attack and mom had to modify his diet. He's doing great now, but he's still the skinniest person in the family (and he's never had an ounce of fat on him).

My goal is to lose as much weight as possible by Memorial Day, the official beginning of Summer here in Florida. If I work hard enough, I think I can meet my intermediate goal of 130 by losing 1-2 pounds per week. My 130 pound reward is a whole new Summer wardrobe, including a bathing suit. I love the beach, though I don't go as often as I'd like. These days, I just go for a stroll in walking clothes because I don't like to wear a bathing suit. But I hope to be in bathing-suit shape by this Summer.

I'm really encouraged by some of the stories on here. So many of you have lost way more than I need to lose, and your stories are very inspiring. I hope to have my own story to share soon. I've been careful about my diet for almost two weeks now and am just starting to see some weight come off. But I'm going to need some encouragement to do this. School starts back in a couple of weeks (I'm taking online classes) and know that I will be less active and more stressed at that point. Last semester is when I was putting the most weight on.

I'm glad I found this place!

[Jennifer 3FC]

It's so nice to have you here! Even though a lot of the stories here are for weight loss more than yours, I am betting it is just as hard for you to put that fork down. It looks like you have a very reasonable goal. Good luck to you!

[flutist4christ]

Thanks!! Yes, it is just as difficult. And my doctor will be pretty happy with my weight loss, too. At one point, I was borderline Insulin Resistant, but I have been able to fix that with diet. There are several non-weight loss reasons that I need to modify my diet, so I'm just trying to be proactive and DO IT! And THAT'S the tough part. :-)

[BellaLucia]

Hi flutist4Christ. You are right about the suppoer you'll get here. Wish you luck on all your goals.