Hi, everybody.
I have been lurking around here for a few weeks, and since I've found that reading about everyone else's story has helped me to stay motivated, I figured that joining in on the conversations might be even better.
Abridged biography: I'm 25, female, and I live in the bustling metropolis of Chicago. I enjoy movies (particularly Martin Scorsese films), music (everything from Peter Cetera to Queen to gothy-industrial), reading (big Clive Barker fan), playing Endless Ocean, travel, rainy/dreary weather, boating, hand-written letters, Family Guy, sleeping, bowling, good beer and, of course, eating.
I have been fat ever since I was about 8 years old, and I will always opt for the words "fat" or "chubby," mostly because I have never thought of either of those words as being particularly insulting. I'm apple-shaped; I gain and lose weight in a very "male-pattern" way - belly and face first! I spent most of my teen years at exactly 164 pounds, size 12. This is where my body "liked" to be. At 18, I took up running and spent a very brief time at around 145 pounds, size 8-10. That was nice, and I looked genuinely slender, but it was tough to maintain. At age 20, I went from around 164 all the way up to 190 in less than a year - got lots of stretch marks as souvenirs from that sad little adventure. By 2008, I was at my highest - 206. In 2009, I got down to 178 by calorie-counting and moderate exercise, but I didn't hang onto that either, and now I'm back at 198, size 14-16. My weight fluctuates around 6 pounds every day, so I'm never quite sure what the real number is.
I'm not even sure which forum(s) to start with, since I belong in several! I have PCOS, depression, I'm a compulsive overeater, an "alternachick" and a 20-something. I'm sure I'll make the rounds eventually.
And I think that's enough to start with!
Long-time fatty, first-time poster!
It sucks saying it! I just joined these forums as well as a way to help with the "mental" part of changing my life. I wish you luck on your journey to weight loss and a healthier you, if you ever want to chat send me a message and ill get back to you, take care! 
