Hey BamieGurl!
I'm a newbie, too, and I think great minds must think alike! I, too, have about 50 pounds to lose- but I have a hard time thinking in terms of pounds, it is all about sizes (knowing full well there's no consistency in actual clothing sizes!). I had to come to the frightening realization that I have truly become a 16
!
And I feel your pain on being kinda alone- that's what makes this place so great
. I've only been coming here a few days, but it has really helped so much. I've got my sis here in the city (size 2 little wench), and my friends are either thin or, worse, my roommate,
who is bigger than I am and really trying to derail my SB efforts!!
So, take the plunge! I think you can totally get started before your trip and stay relatively true to phase 1 on your trip. I figure as long as I make BETTER choices than I was, I'm moving in the right direction.
Good luck, keep us posted!