[Coconut]

... But definitely not new to weight loss and the struggles of dieting. I'm currently 24 years old. When I was 18 I was obese at around 230 to 240 lbs. When I started college I lost a lot of weight and got down to 160 in about 9 months. Ever since then I've lost and gained the same weight 3 or 4 times. My lowest was last year at this time. I weighed in at 137 lbs which was very hard for me to maintain. I was over restricting, exercising extremely hard, and was tired all the time. After that I was just HUNGRY. So I started eating again and I am now back up to around 180 lbs. I've used food as a coping mechanism and many other things.

I am here to find support, make new friends, and find a lifestyle that is healthy and that I can maintain without eating only chicken breasts, broccoli and PB. I know that I am not alone! I'm excited to meet all of you!

[luckymommy]

I am sure you'll love it here as much as I do! You'll be amazed at the amount of support and info this site can provide. I hope to hear of all your progress throughout this journey!

[roustabout]

It's great that you understand that you were "over" doing it...many people don't realize what they are doing with their bodies when they get to "that place"! I look forward to following you in the forums...you have done a great job and I know I will benefit from your knowledge!

[Lovely]

Welcome =) Have a good look around, you'll see people going through similar times.

You'll find what works for you! Keep at it ^^

[Coconut]

Thank you guys! It really looks like there is a lot of good information around here and great people. I'm really ready for a change. I am ready to lose weight and learn how to keep it off, I do not want to yo-yo anymore. I know how to lose weight, I've unfortunately done it several times. When the weight loss phase is over I am lost.

[Dog Rescue Mama]

This place is great and for the first time I'm not just dieting, I'm changing my lifestyle so that I can maintain once I've lost my weight. I'm still new here and I've found the support and the chatting in general to be a huge coping device for when I feel like giving in. The biggest thing I've taken from here that might help is to find the root reason behind your weight gain in the first place. Why are you having trouble with your weight, the physical AND emotional reasons to tackle. Watching other people's struggles in posts helps me realize they are a mirror to my issues and even if it isn't me they are giving advice to I can take it just the same. HUGE help and the first time I've successfully done anything diet wise!