[Sushi Penguin]

Hello,

I just found this board today, after a long search for an on-line weight loss support community & discussion forum! So glad!
Just worried I might not belong... I'm not from the UK, and I'm not entirely sure I qualify... as I have *relatively* few pounds to make go... hmm...

If you wish to "listen" to my tale, here it is...
I've never been really fat or obese, but always somewhat heavy (shortness and thick bones don't help!). The least I weighted in my adult life, at about 19, was probably a bit less than 50 kgs (110 lbs) - that was accomplished during a very stressful year of my life and after having gone up to 59 kgs the summer before. I kept most that off for a few years, averaging between 115 and 124 lbs.
The trouble seems to have started about 2 years ago, when I started taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication. About a year ago, I moved in with my boyfriend, who has always been lean and doesn't seem to gain weight no matter what and how much he eats. Before, I've never cooked regulary and have always eaten very lightly, so perhaps cooking for him and eating together has to do with my weight gain as well.

Spring 2003 - 115 lbs (clothes on)
May 2004 - 130 lbs
September 2004 - 132 lbs (after 3 weeks-long overseas trip, with walking for several hours each day and eating less because of limited cooking and storage facilities)
*started a diet, on which my friend lost 11 lbs (she's kept it off till today); diet worked, down to 123 lbs, but disappointed about having lost so "little"; found comfort in food...*
December 2004 - 137 lbs
*3-4 months of severe depression, with weight and body image being one of the causes/issues; overeating (good and bad food), oversleeping, no exercise*
June 2005 - 148 lbs...

3 weeks ago I started a weight loss & fitness plan - just couldn't take feeling so awful any more, not having anything to wear, clothes bursting in seams etc. In September I'll be moving to another country for some time, and I've decided that I'm not going to go like this, no way.
There is more to the story, but I have some concerns, so I'll post that in another thread.

[kykaree]

Hi Sushi Penguin. You are welcome here, on 3 Fat Chicks there are lots of different groups, including one for people dieting with stress/anxiety/depression issues
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=76
I have a lot of weight to lose, but it doesn't matter what much extra weight your carrying, if it is a problem for you, then we're here to help. That's the cool thing about these boards, there are people like me with 100 pounds to lose, and people with 10.
Keeping your weight in check with depression is very hard. I have had two difficult episodes of anxiety and depression, each lasting over a year. I had a relapse of depression after moving to England three years ago, I tend to medicate my feelings with food.
Now I am emotionally a lot stronger and happier, it's a lot easier to face up to the amount of weight I have to lose, and so far so good.
All the best with your weight loss, and your not alone.

[miranoron]

I'm not from the UK either, Sushi, yet here I am.

Welcome aboard!