[autumn_owl]

I have decided to give this weight loss journey another try. I'm attempting a completely fresh start and am hoping and planning for this to be the final and complete journey to where I would like to be. I am in my late(ish) 20s and 330+ (I exceed the weight limit for my scale). It appears that I am at my heaviest, which doesn't surprise me since I've been in a bit of a crappy mental place and use food to cope. I have social anxiety and PCOS (with insulin resistance) and am hoping weight loss will help with both of these. I was/am a nursing student, but had to take the summer semester off due to a panic attack. Going to use the next three months to help myself get into a healthier state.

I do have MFP: autumn_owl

Since I do have social anxiety, it can be a little difficult for me to socialize - I may lurk more than I post. Looking forward to (hopefully) getting to know some of you.

[luckymommy]

I hope you will find this place as wonderful as I have! I would wish you good luck, but I don't think luck has all that much to do with it. I also have struggles (chronic daily migraines, child with special needs, etc.) and have used them as a valid excuse (not that you are doing that), but at the end of the day, I'm still going to have all the same problems in my life so I'm better equipped to handle them when I"m feeling better about myself and comfortable in my own skin. I hope I see your posts around. Take care.

[Fawks]

Welcome

I too have severe social anxiety so I can relate :S I started out at 355 lbs, and have lost 20 so far via the Optifast diet plan with my local hospital... I went through some bad times prior to Optifast and went from about 165 to 355 in the span of about 4 years... my health has suffered as well as my social anxiety spiking to insane proportions.

On the plus side, even a 20 lb drop has seen a GREAT improvement in my healht and I am sure it will be the same for you
Way to go on taking the first steps!!!

[TheSatinPumpkin]

Welcome to the forum and best wishes on your WOE.

[FleurDeLis]

Welcome! You will find great support here.

[autumn_owl]

Thank you all for the warm welcomes I really do appreciate it.

luckymommy - You have a lot on your plate, but I am glad to see that you are doing so well on your journey. I do sometimes let the things in my life be excuses to ignore the hard work that I have to put in. Going to have to look for things other than food to help comfort myself.

Fawks - I am sorry to hear that you have to deal with the social anxiety. That said, it is comforting to know that there is someone else on this ship with me. Congrats on the current weight loss!

[luckymommy]

autumn owl, thanks for your empathy. I appreciate you! You have a lot on your plate too...many of us do....and like you said, we need to use something else as comfort, other than food because food is only offers short term relief but causes long term painful effects.

Hugs to you!