Heh Everybody! I just joined and don't even know how to do this. I've never been on a website like this before and I'm not very computer literate either. I was just searching the web for a place to find a diet buddy to help me stay motivated. I've been overweight for 20 years and it just keeps getting worse. Every time I think I've got it under control and start to actually see some results something always happens and I end up gaining it all back plus more and I am at 230lbs now. I am desperate and even thinking of going for lapband surgery but I am scared and want to try one more time to do it without surgery. But I've tried so many things over the years and the ones that I did get results from made me feel like a prisoner to the program. Does anyone else ever feel like that? Help!

OWW i hear you!!!.. FElt like that so many times..I used programs before t o loose the weight..and it did work..for as long as i stayed in the program..after i tried on my own i would gain it all back..I came here hoping for a place where i wouldnt feel like i was restricted, or just following orders, but actually learning how to do it myself, and get some support..Im hoping it will help me..and get the support. Good luck..Im sure everything will work out for the best. Just one day at the time. I know its frustrating..believe me..but it will happen...Hugs,... I

hello, and welcome!!
i started out my weight loss journey the same weight as you, and i dont think you would qualify for surgery. But the best thing now is that your on the right path and with a little determination and motivation only the sky is the limit!

gURd luck x x x x

I’ve found that the best place to start is at the beginning. First things first: what’s your plan? Have you thought about any specific type of “dieting”? I put dieting in quotations because I don’t think of this as a diet, more of a life change. Personally, I’m doing the whole “counting calories”. It has really opened my eyes as to what I was eating and exactly how much I was taking in. Another thing I’d say would be to break your weight loss into small manageable goals. I need to lose over 100lbs, but it I were to break it down into 10lb goals well then that doesn’t seem to bad Probably the best thing I did was to realize that this wasn’t going to be an overnight change. I didn’t get this way overnight, and I certainly wasn’t going to be able to fix the problem in a weekend. Be realistic with yourself – the only way to lose 30lbs over night would be to cut your legs off, and we certainly don’t want you doing that.

You’re going to find that people here are very supportive and sincerely care about your success. Good luck to you, I know you can do it!

Welcome to the site!!! Here's some friendly advice that I posted in Sunshine's diary but I think it's worth repeating.

*Set goals--lots of them. Monthly goal, Mid-way goal, Ultimate goal, calorie goals, exercise goals, etc...

*Join some challenges here at the forum---it's always easier to get motivated when others are going along with you.

*Do not kill yourself over a 'bad day'. It's going to happen, so just let it be and try harder the next day.

*I know some people buy an outfit in their goal size and hang it out so that they see it every day. I personally buy new clothes (not a whole new wardrobe, just some new items so that I'm not swimming in all my old fat clothes) when I go down a size or two. It's lots of fun!

*The more time I spend here, the more motivated I am. There's something about seeing other people dropping the weight that makes me feel more comfortable.

I started out at 203.5 pounds---and my husband started out at 494, so don't feel like your facing an impossible task---you can do this. If you put your mind to it and make it the very center of your attention you'll find that those 100 pounds will be gone in no time!

Good luck!

Hey Ralynn, and welcome to the forums.

I've been there. I tried the "6 week body makeover" a couple years back, and I felt like I was starving... let's just say it didn't last very long... and that's what we need... a long lasting, life changing food plan. It's not going on a "diet" that works, it's changing your diet.

You can do this!