[Keya]

I feel like I belong here already. I believe this is the only site that has a maintenance group. I belonged to 4 other sites while losing weight. Super groups of ladies but they don't understand what I'm going through now that I have reached my goal.

I have recently reached my weight loss goal. Skinny as a child and adult until I reached 35. I'm now 53. Up and down the scale about 4 times with many periods of not caring about my weight. I reached my goal on Feb 10/2006 A loss of 71 lbs.

I am satisfied with my goal weight and even though I feel big some days I know I'm at a good weight for my height.

Since I have lost the weight I am a happier person. I hated how I felt about my body and how uncomfortable I felt. I never want to feel that way again

Except when I injure myself, I exercise every day. I love walking. I love running even more but I haven't figured out a way to do it with out injuring my knees. I lift weights, aerobics, exercise bike, swim. Sometimes I do a class at the Rec Centre. I like to vary my exercise.

I am worried about gaining my weight back. I did have one gain of 9 lbs but I have lost it again. Hopefully more confidence will come the longer I maintain.

[Meg]

Welcome Keya and congratulations on your fabulous loss!

I think we all worry about gaining the weight back, and that's probably a good thing because it keeps us on our toes. When we get complacent and slip back into our old bad habits is when we run into problems. I may be crazy, but I never want to lose that fear!

I'm just about your age (51) and have found that exercise is the key to keeping the weight off. So I'm really impressed with your exercise program! I hear you on the running and knees - I had to give it up completely, but it sure was fun.

We're glad you've joined us here and look forward to hearing lots more from you.

[Keya]

Meg, thanks for the welcome

I found exercise really helped me with my weight loss. I'm in better shape now and stronger than I was years ago. Exercise also makes me feel super.

I never want to lose that fear either. There is no way I want to have to lose this weight again. I lost weight slower this time and developed a solid exercise routine so hopefully I will keep it up for the rest of my life.