[WindyCityChick]

Hi everyone - I have been lurking here for a while, but decided to finally join so that I can participate in the great community here. So, here goes, this is officially my second post.

A little about myself and how I got here...about a month ago, a good friend threw me a surprise birthday party for my 40th birthday, and one of the surprises was found in a wonderful photo album from my mother of pictures from the day I was born until the present. Since adolescence, I've always thought of myself as someone who was overweight, but what I realized in looking at the pictures is that I had gone from someone with a mild weight issue, but who was generally healthy, to someone who had really become dangerously overweight. I've let this problem creep up over time and have not been willing to face reality, until now.

So, as of 9/20, I decided it was time to change my life and to reclaim the person who was staring back at me from those old photos. I think the most important step that I've taken is to start tracking every morsel of food that goes into my mouth each day, and that act alone has really led me to do a better job of evaluating my food choices.

I have also started to take exercise more seriously - I started walking for at least an hour 4-5 times a week, and have been doing strengthening/weightlifting DVDs at home 4-5 times a week as well. And although I never thought I could be a runner, after deciding I wanted a bit more cardio effect than walking brings, this week, I've started the C25K program, and am looking forward to progressing to being a "real" runner.

In the five weeks since I made these changes, I've already lost 19 pounds. I know this is just the beginning of a long journey, but for the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm moving in a positive direction. I stumbled upon this site during some random web search, and have found inspiration in many of the stories I've read here from people who have already made the journey, or are just starting it like me.

So, I am now a full fledged member of the 3FC community, and am looking forward to giving and receiving the support of this group into the future. Thanks!

[Losingme]

19 pounds to five weeks is a great accomplishment! Keep up the good work! I was looking at a photo album the other day and saw my prom picture. In my mind this was the last time in my memory that I didn't feel fat, even though my dress was a size 18. It's funny how photos can bring these types of emotions streaming back.

I wish you continued success. Keep posting to let us know how you are doing!

[gordie]

Hi Windy! Welcome to the forums!

19lbs in 5 weeks.. wow... now that's great.. congratulations!

I'm thinking since we aren't the far apart in the weighing scale.. would you like to be diet/exercise buddies?

I've started the diet exercise routine around last week.. which is also similar to yours. Walking 4-5 times a week and some weight training. I dont think I'm getting as good result as yours though hahaha.

Keep it going! Hopefully.. maybe within a year we can also post our own success stories and help inspire people ... just like what the successful losers and the tryers here have done!

[WindyCityChick]

Hi Gordie, I would be happy to be your buddy. It will be great to have someone who is going through the same experiences at the same time.

I'm sure you will see excellent results soon too...and eating well and getting the muscles going really has made me feel better about myself even before the outward changes begin to show.

What are you doing diet-wise? Me, I'm basically approaching the diet issue by counting calories, and upping the percentage of my diet that comes from fruits and veggies (as opposed to salty snacks and ice cream). I am too much of a carb-oholic to do the low carb plans. I can't imagine life without at least the occasional bagel!