Hi I just joined the site today. I've been fat since I hit puberty and though I've routinely exercised over the years the weight never seemed to come off. After awhile I lost hope and let myself go and my weight got progressively worse. Finally, after being rejected by a man yet again because of my weight I decided that it was time to get control of my weight and my life. I've been working out every day for the last two weeks and I've begun seriously counting my calories for the first time in my life. Seven pounds and hours of exercise later I seem to have hit a plateau. I'm hoping to stay motivated and keep up the hard work so that I can get to a level where I don't have to worry about my weight. Thought this board would be a great place for support since I've seen so many success stories floating around in here. Here's to a healthier life.