[TheKid]

Where to begin... Okay, my name is Liz and I am married to a wonderful man named AJ. We've been married for a year and a half, but dating for almost 8 years. We have one beautiful daughter named Grace who is almost two. And I have a long introduction, so if you make it to the end, bless you, hahah.

I started having weight problems when I was 11-years-old. I never thought that I was fat. I was happy with myself! I had a lot of friends and I thought I was pretty. And then I went to the doctor for a physical and he drew in a sharp breath and looked at me over the top of his glasses and said, "You know, you are extremely overweight for your height. You need to drop about 20 to 30 pounds to be in the normal range." The abrupt and insensitive manner in which he announced it to me was like a dagger to my heart. 'Overweight? Like fat?' I remember thinking.

When we got home, I sat in my bedroom and cried for hours. I spiraled down into a painful battle with anorexia. I dropped 40 pounds in one month. My mother made me step on the scale and I wasn't severely underweight, just suddenly so much thinner, she was shocked. I knew that she knew what was going on, but she was afraid to confront it. I lost about 15 more pounds, much slower, it took about 4 or 5 months for that to come off, and I was only eating about 500-800 calories a day. Less if I could!

I remember coming out of my room in new pajamas on Christmas and my mother said "Did you lose more weight?" I told her that I hadn't, and she never questioned it.

I stayed around that weight until I was 17. I moved out at 17 to live with my boyfriend at the time - who would become my husband years later - and he made me feel so good about myself and so comfortable, that I put on some weight. I was about 135-140 pounds for the bulk of our relationship and he loved how I looked, so I maintained that weight. I thought that I looked horrible and chubby and gross, but I maintained that weight because AJ thought I was so beautiful and I wanted to be beautiful for him. I think that I recovered in a lot of ways during this period, though I don't think anyone really completely 'recovers' from an eating disorder. Not to sound negative, but I think it's always lurking, and there's always the possibility of it coming back.

And then when I was 21, I got pregnant. And everything went nuts from there. I overate wildly and ended up weighing 210 pounds when I went into labor. I ended up at 180 after the birth. 40 pounds over the weight that I had maintained for so many years, and I was heartbroken and I was disgusted with myself.

I feel horrible about myself and I am having so much trouble losing this weight; I can't understand why I am having so much trouble. My daughter is 20 months old and I am still at 180...I have been trying so hard to make healthy choices...to not eat too much or too little...to eat only when I am hungry.

I do not want to fall back into the anorexia trap and I feel myself slipping back into old ways too often for my liking. I know that I could lose a ton of weight quickly in an unhealthy way...but I don't want to do that again. I don't want my daughter to see that. I don't want her to see me struggling with being overweight, either.

So I guess I am here for support, to be healthy, and to lose the stubborn baby weight that I accumulated. I figured that this would be a good start for me - joining a weight loss forum so that I have others to talk to. I just need a support system! And I am happy to be here. I look forward to getting to know other members!

x Liz

[stargzr]

Welcome Liz! I'm sure you will find the support you need here. There are so many wonderful ladies (and gentlemen) around that it's crazy. Best of luck to you on your journey!

Also, feel free to come over to the 20-somethings threads!

[jenne1017]

That is a really touching story. I wish I had some sound advice other than to look at the site and try a plan to see if it works for you. There is WW, South Beach (which I am on and LOVE), Atkins, Fat Smash, Calorie Counting...

You should find something that works for you. For example...WW doesn't work for me. If I have 30 points I am all like, "Ok bag of chips and a Snickers for me then" and misue my points. Fat Smash was ok but not something I stuck to. I wouldn't try Atkins because, IMHO, it omits too many good carbs. I've done South Beach for a while (on and off, ) and it works for me. I like to cook and plan ahead. But if you don't, it might not work for you.

to 3FC and I hope you find what it is you are looking for and do it in the healthiest way possible!

[TheKid]

Thank you so much for the warm welcome, guys. I am excited about this site because I poked around a bit and it seemed like such a great and supportive place. I felt really comfortable!

I tried WW and I did the same thing, Jenne!!! Hahahah, I would waste my points on such junk, and then end up feeling hungry later and then having to eat something and going over my points... I am having a really hard time finding a diet that fits with my lifestyle, and that I can commit to and stick with. But there are countless diets out there and I am still searching. I have also tried the Atkin's diet, which I lost a few pounds on, but I couldn't maintain the diet. Trial and error, I guess.

I really look forward to my time here, and I hope we all reach our goals.

x Liz

[leeway]

Hi Liz!
Many here can understand your feelings of frustration and being overwhelmed but take it a step at a time, setting minigoals of 5 or 10 pounds that are attainable in a reasonable amount of time to keep you motivated and moving forward - you have the greatest motivation to succeed, a healthier you and a lovely family - the support you need is here to get through the ups and downs - 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 20 somethings and the weight loss support forums, they're active and very helpful - also the Success stories are a definite must for motivation. Check out the Diet Central section to help choose what will be right for you. Chicks in Control might be of interest to keep from slipping back into those old habits, too.

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