[ilovepoptarts]

Hi, I have been reading some posts for the last few days and am ready to join in the forums! Everyone seems so nice and supportive and I think thats what I really need. I'm not sure what to right about myself yet, so I'll have to think about it. I'm still trying to figure out what forum I need to go to.

My name is Melanie, I am a divorced, single Mom with two Elementary aged children. I'm 35.5 yrs old and live in South Florida. I like sewing, quilting, reading, the beach, camping and my kids most of all! I take evening classes at the local college towards my degree (currently in American Sign Language). I am an Office Administrator for a medium sized church.

I became overweight taking fertility drugs to get pregnant with my first child and 9 years later I still cannot shake the extra pounds, although I haven't really put forth an honest or sincere effort. A very stressful separation (when my son was born), an even more stressful long, drawn out divorce, and the most evil ***** in the world new wife have taken up my time over the last seven years. My children are 19 mos apart, so I didn't even bother about losing weight in between. I have been with a great therapist for the last year to help my self esteem, and anxiety and cope with abusive ex and his tenacious, pathalogical wife.

So, with my self worth on the front burner and my coping skills finely tuned, I have faced my fat rolls AND here's the scoop:

I am 36 (next Tues), 5' 3" tall, Medium build, I weigh 167 lbs. currently. (I know a dream weight for some) I have neck & back problems from the extra weight on my frame, and have insomnia & anxiety. My highest weight was 180 lbs. when I got pregnant for my daughter (9). My lowest in the last 9 years has been around 145 lbs. My most comfortable weight has been about 122-126, so that is my goal.

I have been on the South Beach Diet Since August 18, 2008. My start weight was 178 lbs. I am still in Phase One, I am not quite ready to introduce carbs yet, but will soon. I do no exercise at all, but have been gathering necessary equipment to begin, just got walking shoes and hand weights, jump rope, and got bike fixed up. I need a little help getting a good exercise routine planned. But think I'm ready to start this week. I shop weekly for the proper food for the plan and follow it strictly with no cheating whatsoever.

So, if there is any one out there that is interested in a buddy, I am here! Sorry this is so long, but felt a proper intro was called for, especially since I've been reading so much about everyone this past week. My hats off to you all and I am so greatful that I have found this website!

[Shy Moment]

ilove
WELCOME to the club. You are most welcome on any thread you would like to chat in. I hate in quite a few of them. Exercise. I happen to do walk/aerobic videos at home. They are cheap, they require nothing more than a good pair of shoes, you can use dumbbells or stretchy cords if you like. You can do them anytime day or night and you never have to leave the house. Heck you can do them in nice loose Jammie's if you want lol. Leslie Sansone and I are personal video buddies lol. Hope you enjoy the site and please read and post. You will find people here are really friendly around here.

[vixjean]

Hi and welcome!
There is a forum for 30's something, and also a South Beach forum as well. You don't have to stick to any specific forum though, you can just chime in when there is a thread that interests you. Sounds so painful with the x husband, glad you are focusing on yourself now.
Welcome and GOOD LUCK!

[Dumplin]

Good to have you around!!! Sounds like you live a busy life. You will get alot of support here at 3fc!!!!

[junebug07]

Hi there,

I am fairly new to 3FC and am just finishing up Phase 1 on Sought Beach. I am a little bit scared transitioning to Phase2 since I have had a lot of success so far.

Good Luck to you~

[ilovepoptarts]

Thanks for the immediate support.

I am still on phase one because I, too, am having nervousness about phase two, this is the only diet I have EVER stuck with!

Where do you post at usually? The South Beach Forum?

Melanie