Mickey C~ We are here for you. This is a support system. I was here years ago and just came back this year. I need to lose weight, but I'm not doing it for anyone except me! I am tired of the aches and pains I have due to the excess weight I am carrying around. Remember baby steps, one step at a time. If there is anything I can do, Please let me know. You are Important!

I'm new to this site and I'm totally confused. I don't understand how to get around. I've been trying for a few days and i sign off being very lost. Dont want to give up - but could someone explain. Exactly what this site is all about and how you read the emails and reply to everyone. Thanks

There's some encouraging things here in the thread and I'd like to join in. I'm working on leaving behind me about 8 years of frustration over my failures to lose weight AND keep it off.

I started on my first diet when I was 13 or 14 and have been overweight to obese ever since. I think I just got so used to --almost comfortable-- being the "big girl" --comfortable because I was never the "biggest girl" -- that it didn't bother me for many years. Then I really lost control of my weight in my late 20's. Now I'm 34 years old, 5'7'' and 260 pounds! If I let myself sit and think "I need to lose at least 100 pounds..." it's almost too much. If I let myself think that I might fail again this time, I know I'd feel like quiting. All those depressing thoughts like, "When I look at my history"...blah, blah, blah... So I'm not allowing those thoughts any room in my mind!!!!! I must do this for me. Over the past 2 years I "feel" my weight. I'm tired of getting out of bed to sore feet first thing in the morning. I have 2 young children --oldest turned 2 last month and youngest is 9 months today-- and I need to do this for me first and also for them and DH. My long term goal weight is 160. Haven't seen that in years...only on the way up. 7 years ago I weighed 285 and in about 8 months got down to 172/size 10 (too fast, I know and I've learned)...been working my way back up ever since. Anyways, I've been quite upset and depressed that I've let myself go again. My youngest baby had severe colic and failure to thrive for her first 4 months and I really let go...quit working out and started comfort eating...and have gained 30 pounds SINCE she was born in April. I'm so glad I found this site to help me stay focused and positive.

P.S. Sweet16 - don't give up!! I hear you on feeling lost here. I think we jsut have to hang around long enough and try to get into or start groups where we feel we'll get the support we'll need; and then if we don't, try again. I thought about asking someone in a ready made group to pledge me!!!! I don't know about the emails. I didn't sign up for them on each thread I post on, so cannot help you there.

I think what would be good is if we buddy up. You know make a commitment to check in once a day or every other with your buddy to see if there is something you can help with. I am the type that I need a lot of encouragement. I have trouble staying focused by myself. I need someone to say did you exercise today, blah, blah blah!