[tinkin3]

Hello! I'm 51 and fat! Seriously, I'm 5'1" and weigh 170. I am starting to feel the effects of too much weight on my small frame and it's time to take action. I have an underactive thyroid (on meds) and I'm also going through menopause. Yikes!

I tried South Beach several years ago and was really successful. I never had a weight problem until I was in my 40's - in fact, I was always that super thin person who could eat whatever I wanted without any repercussions. Now, my life is drastically different. As I said, last time I went on South Beach, I lost just over 25 pounds. I looked and felt great and following the plan, kept the weight off for about two years. Fast forward five years and I've fallen into bad habits, My boyfriend is a junk food junkie, insists on meat and potatoes for every meal, and likes snacking late at night. All things that I know are big no-no's, but I did it anyway. Now, most of my clothes don't fit and I find myself buying things that are big and bulky to hide the fat. Who am I?

So, around the holidays, I knew it was time for a drastic change, but doing it over the holidays was not possible. Plus, we had a vacation planned for January 15, so I decided to "live it up" until after vacation and well, here I am.

I've been following Phase I of South Beach for almost a week. So far, so good. I intend to lose 35 pounds to get myself back to where I was. My boyfriend doesn't like that I'm not cooking the types of foods I usually do, but I told him he will just have to live with it. Since we don't live together, he can eat at home.

I've read some of the inspiring posts on this board, and I'm hoping to accomplish what others have. Please bear with me, as I know it's going to be tough, but I know I can do it!

[Judy Lynn]

This is an awesome place for support and information. We have a great South Beach forum, so check that out. Those people know what you are going through.

Good luck on your weight loss journey.

[leeway]

Hi Tinkin!
Hey, it happens to all of us, we lose only to gain it back - but it sounds like you're back on track with a good plan - the support you need is here - we'll all be here to cheer you on..

Glad to have you join us! There are lots & lots of different groups and forums - I'm sure you'll find some that will keep you motivated and inspired. Try the 50+ group and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Be sure to check out the South Beach forum to meet others on the same plan to share support and advice.

There are bunches of people here with more to lose and some with less - the bottom line is that we all have to do it a day at a time. The good thing is that we'll have lots of company along the way.

I've only been here since last fall, having NEVER been part of an online forum. What has been so eye-opening is how much it has helped me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or defeated, I just log on and read some of the success stories, complete with their before & after photos - or read about others still dealing day to day with their challenges - and before I know it, the time has flown by and so have all the thoughts of going off track or giving up. It has made all the difference in my success so far.

So welcome - you've found the right place - join in by inspiring us and being inspired!

All the best - good luck with your goals,
Lee