December Newbie?!? Let Us Know You're Here!!!

Just realized I posted in the November Noobie forum! Dur! Anywho! HI! Happy New Year! I'm new! Hoping to stick with my weight loss journey this time around! Ready for the journey of a lifetime! Hoping to lose 100+ lbs in however long it takes!

New here..and starting at 246.6, and hoping to get to around 145-150.

Hi there,
I'm pretty new on hear.. actually just found the site yesterday. I'm currently 250, but I'd like to be under 150. I'm a 21 year old nursing student and I'd like to be much healthier when I start my career in a year and a half.

Hi Team. My name is Jen and I am 26. This is my second time on Spark. I joined about 3 years ago after my son was born but I was unable to stay motivated and have gained about 60 pounds since then. So now I'm here again and sadly over 300 lbs. I really feel this is something I have to do-make time to give myself what I really need which is a whole new healthy lifestyle.

My first goal is to get down to 250 but ultimately I would like to be under 200.

Hi Team. My name is Jen and I am 26. This is my second time on Spark. I joined about 3 years ago after my son was born but I was unable to stay motivated and have gained about 60 pounds since then. So now I'm here again and sadly over 300 lbs. I really feel this is something I have to do-make time to give myself what I really need which is a whole new healthy lifestyle.

My first goal is to get down to 250 but ultimately I would like to be under 200.

Hi everyone. I've been trying since I can remember to actually lose weight. I always lose the same amount and top out, unable to lose more, sticking to things to the letter. Eventually, I fall off the bandwagon and gain it all back.

I'm trying not to do that this time. And this time, I have more to lose than ever before. I have 107 lbs to my current 'goal', but honestly I have more than that I probably need to lose. But I'm determined to be happy there at least.

Currently, I'm over 300lbs.

Hi Kara here. I'm a 28 yr old wife and mother of 3. I need to loose 108 pounds. I currently weight 253, my heaviest weight was 256. I haven't been under 200 pounds in over 5 years. I look forward to losing with you all.

Hi all, my name is Starr and I'm also new to the site. I made a profile in early 2010 but had a lot of personal stress issues this year that took me away from focusing on my ongoing weight issues before I could really get into this. I'm 21 and still live with relatives but I don't feel comfortable with discussing my weight problems or dieting with my family members. I'm glad to have found a few groups on this site as it would be great to have someplace to go for some support. Looking forward to getting to know some people around this site!

Hi I am Susan. I am 24. I live in Oregon. I have about 120lbs to lose.

Hello all im Amanda im 29 and just joined Spark for the second time. Didnt really use it much the first time. Im hoping to lose about 100lbs. I looking forward to talking with all of yall.

Hey I'm Brittaney, 21 from Ga.. I have around 115 lbs to lose so I joined for a little more support and tools to help :)

Hi!
Hope everyone had/is having a safe and happy holiday!
I first joined Spark in 2007, but didn't stick with it for more than a few months. I recently got some "warnings" from my doctor, so I'm back with more determination than ever. Looking forward to learning from other Spark members, especially those in this group.

I'm Kristy...so ready to finally lose all this baby weight. :)

My name is Stephanie, I'm 25. I'm new to this too! Would be great to find some support from people who are my age & around the same weight!

Edited by: STEPHANIEASIMS at: 12/30/2010 (02:36)

hi my name is rebecca. i'm 26 years old... 27 on jan 17. this is my first day on sp. my friend has been talking about this site. i need to be healthy. i probably have around 200 lbs to lose. not sure if i'll ever get there but i have to start somewhere. i'm here and i'm willing. i have to do this.

Hey everyone! Im Llora, 20 from Socal, just joined today. I am so excited to get started :-)



Edited by: CD8888285 at: 12/29/2010 (23:29)

I was once here before, tried to log back in but of course can't remember my username or password! But that is fine with me! New year, new start, so I guess I will go with new page. I am finally in a place where I know to focus on myself and not let anyone stand in the way. The time is now. I have about 125-135 pounds to lose to get into a healthy range and am determined to do so. My husband is a great supporter and also wants to lose weight. Please wish me luck as I am here to stay!

25 year old female... from Pittsburgh, PA :)

New year coming soon... time to put myself FIRST.
The last few years I've been putting everyone in front of me... taking care of my grandma who passed away in 2008 and my dad who recently passed away 6 months ago. Needless to say, it's been a REALLY HARD few years. I have always been overweight and now I am at my heaviest (which is very discouraging) at 296. I'm looking to use this website for support and encouragement. It's good to see a lot of people in my age group with the same goals. Thanks!

hello my name is Linda and just joined sparkspeople. I am 27 and have about 100 ibs to loose. I am also a mother of a 3 year old girl and a wife.

Hi everybody. My name is Ashley & I'm 27. I've been over weight since I can remember. Now I'm at my highest ever and I hate myself for it. Its time that I stand up and lose this weight for good. I've tried so many times before but I'm really hoping this time is differnt! My goal is to lose 106 lbs!

Edited by: LOSEING4ME1 at: 12/29/2010 (12:24)

Hey everyone. I'm Michelle. 20years old. This is my second time with spark, barely used it the first time. Hoping this time with actual use I can find friends and we can try and help each other achieve our goals =]

Total newbie here. 3 days until the new year and I'm so ready for a change.

About me. I'm Veronica and I'm 22 years old. Hope to meet a lot of cool people here.

Hello everyone, my name is Priya. I'm 29 and weigh 233 lb. I've always been heavy but managed to keep things under control health-wise until November, 2009. My dad was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma that month after he suffered for two years from mysterious illnesses(mostly infections.). I moved back home to help. Being the eldest child and all, I became the one to take of all my family and dealing with the countless doctors and hospital visits.
Sometime in the middle of that madness, I stopped working out and turned to food. Food became my way to deal with stress - my family, my new job, leaving at home.
My dad got a lot better but a month ago he began his second dose of chemotherapy. But this time I decided not to let that become my excuse to not do something about my weight.
I joined Sparkspeople and started on an Elliptical Trainer two weeks ago. Now I do about 50 minutes, six days a week with 30 minutes of strength training thrice a week.
Hopefully in a years time, my dad will have beaten his cancer and I will be rid of 100lb of excess fat.
P.S I love it here. It helps immensely to be among people who are on the same boat as me.

Hello everyone, my name is Stacy. I am 28 yrs old. I live in Logan, Ohio. I have been obese for about 11 yrs now. It all started with a very abusive spouse, and one thing after another in life happened, & now I weigh 298. The heaviest I have been is around 317lbs. Every year I say I am going to lose weight, I lose a little bit, but always gain it back. I need to be healthy for myself & my family. I have been very happily married for 5 yrs. In October we got custody of a beautiful, very happy 1 yr old baby girl named Quila. She completes our family. I graduated college in September with my bachelors in Psychology, but can NOT find a job... ;( So as of right now I am a stay at home mommy, desperately seeking employment! I haven't figured out yet how to exercise like I need to with a 1 yr old...I love to walk ,even in freezing cold weather, but I obviously can't take the baby out in it... My goal is to lose 100 lbs by the end of December 2011. I need to find a way to lose weight & keep it off, any great ideas, let me know;)

Hi everyone, My name is Ashlea, I'm 27 and have reached a turning point in my life. I am currently 5'7" and 304lbs. This is the heaviest I've been in 11yrs. My goal is to change my life, not just my year. I have at least 100lbs to lose. If I can lose more than that then so be it. I'm looking forward to being happy. I hope that this will be my helping hand. Lord knows I can't do it on my own. I've tried.

Hey! I'm Nikki and also a Nanowrimo vet. I'd love to be published one day. I think I have plenty of good ideas but I have some discipline issues. As evident in other aspects of my life as well. I know I will get there though. Sounds like you will get there too.

Anyway, I thought I'd pop in and say hi. Hello! And give you a little encouragement. You can do it! lol

Hello! My name is Nikki. I'm 27, 5'1", 289 and I have about 169 lbs. to lose. I was doing good over the summer. Got down to 275 from 300 but since the holidays I've been slowly watching that scale sneak back up. I can't be 300 again. I joined the site a few years ago but I didn't stick it out. I'm ready to give it another try because the longer I wait to lose it, the harder it is to lose and I'm done waiting for my life to start. 2011 will be my year.

Hi! I'm Tiffany! I'm 21...5'6 and 230 pounds. I've been through a lot lol. I was 256 got down to 180 ish then went all the way back up to 230, so I officially have started to lose my weight for the rest of my life ahhh and keep it down lol.

Hi! I'm Brooke! I just turned 20, so I'm pretty stoked about joining this group. Haha.

Anyway, I've been using sparkpeople since I was about 17, but I never stuck with anything. During the Spring I managed to lose 15lbs in 8 weeks while participating in my school's Biggest Weight Loser competition, but I've been gaining it all back. :(

I have a long and hard journey ahead of me, but I know I can do it with the support of some new friends. :)

Hey everyone:) My name is Kim and I have 2 babies under 3. I've been over weight my whole life and am trying my best to do something about it. I joined a gym back in August and started doing Zumba. It's alot of fun, but I need more than that to reach my goals:)

Hello folks. I'm back on SP, taking it one day at a time, and looking forward to being successful at my weight loss attempts.
I'm currently residing in Iowa and going to college. My main aspiration is to be a published novelist someday soon. I participate in National Novel Writing Month every November, and have churned out some stuff with real potential.
When I make it, you can all say you knew me back when :-)
Good luck everyone, I'm looking forward to getting my act together with you all :)

Hi, I'm Kerstin.. I actually joined Sparkpeople back in October, but being overly busy with school got in the way of keeping up with this site. I am a 20 year old college sophomore with about 110 lbs to lose.

I've always struggled with my weight, but since starting college last year it just got worse. I really look forward to getting to know everyone here! :)

Hi Jennifer ! I just want to tell you that you can have a very healthy pregnancy besides the weight. I was 275 when I got pregnant and had a wonderful pregnancy. I suggest you don't wait til you've reach the 160lbs goal before TTC. (But that is just my opinion !! Do what's best for you !!) Good luck girl !

Hi everyone, I'm Donna. I'm 28 years old. I am married with a 10 month old son. He brings me so much joy.

I started gaining weight in junior high. I was picked on for being quiet and new. I let my self-esteem get low and the weight gain continued for years. I recently gained even more weight with pregnancy. I want to lose 110 pounds. I know I can do it. I want to be a good example for my son.

Wow, I had my gallbladder removed on st. patrick's day of this year. I've also been overweight pretty much my entire life, but i goes between really noticeable and not so noticeable.

Emily-
My son is just about to turn 2. I had my gallbladder removed when he was about 3 mos old. While I do not have any diagnosed health problem, I can tell that I am not healthy. I am in pain all over, all the time from being so heavy. I feel more like an 80 year old woman than a 24 year old. We can do it! We have little kids we have to keep up with! Best of luck!

Edited by: SPARKLIFE86 at: 12/20/2010 (00:15)

Hi Everyone! My name is Ashley. I am a 24yr old, full time single momma and a full time student. I have been overweight as long as I can remember but recently it has got even more out of control. After having my son (he will be 2 on 12/22) and gallbladder surgery, I gained 100lbs in 2 years. 2 years!! I can not live like this. I need to be healthy and happy. I want my son to be proud of me, as he gets older. I am really grateful for sparkpeople and all the tools it has to offer..for FREE. I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Hi, I'm Emily. I just recently started being dedicated to my weight loss when I found out that I am pre-diabetic. I have a 2 year old daughter who I have to be around for, and that medical news was a wake up call.

Hi everyone! My name is Penny & I've been working on my weight loss since August when I started out at 297 and now I'm down to 263! :)

Hi Everyone! I'm Kate and new to SparkPeople. I started my weight loss last week and have lost 8lbs. I started out at 251 and plan to get down to 135-140lbs. I want to wish everyone good luck and stay motivated!

It's seems like a crazy time to start a new lifestyle, right? December - of all months?! The great food, good company, lots of get togethers with even more food. This is why I feel like now is the best time for me to start this.... this new life.

My name is Jennifer and I'm 25 from Pittsburgh, PA. I'm recently married (just celebrated our 1 year anniversary in September) and now we're onto our next big life step - starting a family. But at 340 pounds, that seems more like a dream than a reality. So here I am and I'm pretty excited to start this journey with so many supportive people around who understand the situation. My goal weight is 160 pounds - that's the highest weight my doctor suggested in order to have a healthy pregnancy.

Hi everyone! I'm a new member to the site. I have about 200lbs to lose and im tired of saying I am going to do something about it and then not. I've decided it's time to make a change in my life, not only for myself but for my daughter.

hey everyone!! i have decided this year not to let the winter blues get to me and continue to add on more lbs. i'm ready to take control of my own life and get rid of this excess baggage for good!! i have struggled off and on my whole life with weight and in school i was teased. i did really well for about a year and started suffering from depression and gained it all back. recently i've gone to the doctor and gotten blood work that showed no medical problems. my goal is to keep it that way the best that i can. there are too many hereditary diseases in my family and the last thing i want is to increase my risk any more. i'm at the biggest i've ever been and i feel like i've tried everything. i'm hoping and praying that i can keep committed and dedicated this time!!

Hi! I'm 25, I have about 125lbs to loose. I've been here before, but now I'm back. I have a new motivation. I would like to have baby #2. I was 275 whene I get pregnant with the first one. I would like to go at least back to that point before trying for #2. That would be 30lbs. I'll need your help people !

Hi, i'm Amber. I'm newer here. I've been here a few times and didn't stick around. Had alot going on in life (I know excuses excuses). I'm done with the excuses. I've got about 150 lbs to lose. It makes me sick just thinking about that. But I will do it because I have to do it.
I have a 6 year old son that I can hardly keep up with. I'm tired all of the time. This has got to change! I can't wait to get to know all of you! :)

Hey everyone! I'm new to the site. I have about 120lbs to lose. I've been heavy since I was little. And I'm finally saying enough is enough. I've tried many different weight loss programs since I was at least 11 years old. So I'm ready for the challenge of getting myself healthy and in shape. Also I wanna be hot!

I'm not really new I just kind of disappeared for a while. I really want to achieve my goals this time and you all are a great support

Welcome!!!

Hello!! :) I'm Stacey 25, with about 100 110lbs to lose.. I went and got a gym membership yesterday.. and going grocery shopping today. I've always been overweight. But recently I've had a few weight related deaths in my family Well diabetes. Also by baby brother is getting married and I'm in the wedding. I'd LOVE to make some friends on here... a support system going through the same things as me!!

Hi I'm Laura, I've been overweight for so long and none of my attempts to lose it have ever really got off the ground. I just want to be healthy and be in control of myself. (As well as looking good of course!) I hope we all reach our goals and support each other. I need all the help I can get!

Hey you can call me Deence, Im new to SP and so far I really like it. Im almost 23 and I have 120lbs to lose. Ive always been big but recently ive noticed how uncomfortable i am and a lot more people staring. Its weird to me, I still don't feel like this is my body. I feel like a size 8 (but don't worry, i don't dress like it). Ive never been a "normal size" and that is my goal now. Im shy enough with out 270lbs to hide in. Anyways, i hope this will be a positive aide in my long journey.

Hi, I'm Michele. I'm new here and I am really excited by this website! I can't wait to get to know you all better.

wow! keep up the good work.

Hi. I'm Cheley. I just cancelled a VSG and told my husband I would try the all natural way once again. My biggest fear is that I will get to 200lbs and be stuck there. Not meeting my goal and no longer qualifying for vsg. I have only once made it to 199lbs and that literally lasted one day!sigh. This seems like a good site with lots of support...so the journey begins.

Hello to everyone :) My name is Melissa, I'm a 22 year old college student, working at a fast food store to support myself. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, which has only been taken care of off and on unfortunately. Currently I weigh in at 265. This is about my highest weight, but I've been here before. I would definitely count myself as a yo-yo dieter. I got down to almost 200 about 2 years ago, but I give in to food at work and have gotten lazy, and so here I am back up at this weight here. My best weight in high school was 140 so that's where I'd ultimately like to get back to. I have a pair of jeans that I have from then that I keep as the first thing I see in my closet for motivation, and that is THE goal if anything else. I've been really dedicated to my new diet for only a week but I feel very optimistic about it and already feel so much better. Looking forward to talking with all of you!

Hi everyone! I have been a member for almost a month, but have finally decided to get serious. I have been heavy most of my life, but doubled my weight 10 years ago when I got to my highest weight of 310 pounds. Since then I have been on a roller coaster but have stayed over 250lbs ever since. My husband and I are trying to have a baby, and I am serious about getting healthy to make the fun of being a parent easier. My overall goal is to lose 150 lbs, and I am ready to get started. :)

Hi everyone, my name is Matt and I'm 28 and from central PA. I've been heavy most of my life and a year or two ago I hit my high weight of 515. I've been doing better since then, thankfully. I was around 490 back in June, and I weighed in on Sunday at 436. My eventual goal is 200, but I'm starting to make monthly goals. I'm trying to take off about 15-20 pounds per month. So the finish line is still far off, but at least I know I'm actually heading toward it now.

Hello everyone :) This is my second day on SP and so far it's made me put my best foot forward. I want to lose 175lbs. Today I weigh in at 323 and want to get down to around 150lbs. I need to do this for me, my husband, my family and our future children. I've only been married for a year and I am scared that if I don't change now then I will leave my husband alone in this life, when we deserve to have a long and happy life together. We also want to start a family eventually and if that is to happen, I need to lose this weight and have a healthy life style or I'll never make it through the pregnancy much less be able to get pregnant. So, good luck to all of you! I know it will be a hard road, but with the support of everyone on SP maybe this time it will be different, and we'll all succeed. :)

Well I am a newbie. I am trying to lose at least 45 pounds by May for my graduation. My husband and I just recently booked a cruise for our 4th anniversary we are going to the Western Caribbeans (Jamaica) and I know I am going to want to take pictures because this is something new for me traveling outside the U.S so I want to be sexy again..

Hello everyone, I'm Ash from Oklahoma. I am 21 and have been overweight since I was a kid. I am great at starting things but never stick with it. That has got to change- I have to do this for me, for my health, for my future. I joined sp today because I'm hoping to meet some friends to help me in this journey.

Edited by: ASHROBOT at: 12/7/2010 (23:11)

Hi!! I'm Kelli. I live in Memphis, and I just joined SP yesterday.

I'm a graphic designer, so my full-time job has me sitting 8 hours a day. My part-time job, my husband's crazy work schedule, and my 6-month old often keep me from getting the exercise (and sleep!) that I need so desperately.

I'm determined to make a start though, through modifying the amounts and types of foods I eat. I also want to start the Couch25K program, but I'm only walking until I can afford a nice pair of running shoes.

This community looks like a lot of fun, and I'd love to meetup with anyone in the region. I'd also love new friends, since I'm just getting started.

Hello Everyone! I'm Lia! I live in Canada in the fabulous greater Toronto area, and work a hectic office job that keeps me sitting for 8-10 hrs a day. I've always been heavy, but with school and previous jobs I was always able to keep my weight down around 200-250. I'm currently at 353lbs and not my heaviest (that was 400lbs at the end of highschool), but I definitely do not want to get that heavy again.

I've been toying with changing my eating and fitness patterns over the past 7 months since I graduated and started my career, but it seems the only thing I've progressed in is putting the weight on.

I'm 27, single and living with my sister and her in-laws, and working a late afternoon shift sometimes makes eating and/or eating healthy a challenge.

So here I am! I'm always a firm believer that if you keep your goals active in your mind and tell others that you're more likely to achieve them.

Hey everyone. My name is Jaime. I am 23 years old and weigh 220 pounds. I am only 5'1 so this is a huge weight on me. This is the biggest I have ever been. I have always been large but averaged 180 all through high school. I am ready to make a change for myself and for my future. I am hoping this group will help me to meet my goals and get to where I need to be to be healthy and feel good about myself.

Hey Everyone! I'm Shelly and I live in SoCal with my husband and wonderful 2 yr old. I weigh more now than I did when I had my 2 yr old. I'm done being this size. Good luck to everyone in your endeavors!

Hi my name is Queen, I'm 21 and living in Columbia, SC. My weight has always been up and down, but NEVER have I ever weighted this much. I woke up one day and told myself I'm tired of being so big, and decided it was PAST time for a CHANGE. I dont have much support at home, being that I'm the only one taking a leap of faith to live a healthy lifestyle. BUT I am determined to do it and I will! Good luck 2 all the other December newbies.

Hi, I'm Jessica I'm 24 and I have three rowdy little boys, who are the life and death of me! I have a husband who is currently serving in the Army, he is my life! I gained weight after I quit my 60hr a week job to be a stay at home mommy, (One of those added perks I never wanted)lol Anyway, there is a lot of reasons I chose to begin my new path, but the main reason is for my health, and honestly, my self esteem, I'm looking forward to sharing my journey, most of all I'm looking forward to the support!

Hello! I'm one of the December newbies! I am 28 and the mother of two fabulous children, 5 and 2. My weight is left over baby weight that was never dealt with. I just never really realized how much weight I had accumulated. Thanks for sharing my journey with me. :)

Hi everybody, i just started the other day.
My name is Selly, im 23 and i live in the UK.
Ive put on LOADS of weight these past 2 years...happened without me even knowing...just woke up and noticed 1 day haha..well i know its alot easier to gain then it is to lose, but so many other people have done it so i reckon we all can aswell.
Sooo....good luck to all the other december newbies...and the older members too of course :)

Oh..ps, that is sElly...with an E...lots of people think i just made a typo and that my name is Sally...its not :)

Edited by: SELLYENI at: 12/4/2010 (11:30)

Hello everyone. My name is Tristan and I'm 25 yrs old. Last time I weighed it was 279lbs. I had gotten down to 263lbs but then I fell off the wagon. So I'm back here at Spark, hoping I can find some encouragement in the blogs and forums. I changed job positions at work in August and I went from a very physical job that kept me moving 8 hrs a day to a job where I sit down or stand in one spot almost the whole time. It definitely took toll on my weight loss. I hope December will be a great month for us all! (it's also the my second 25th birthday month, lol)

Hi, My name is Natosha I am 21 years old and I am 6 foot 1 and i weight 302. I am happily married and have 2 wonderful children. I desperatly need to loose at least 100 pounds but I don't know how to change my ways to do this. My husband is a truck driver and I am a stay at home mom so I really don't have any type of support if you have any advice message me and let me know!!

Welcome December Newbies! We're so glad you're here!

Use this thread to introduce yourself to the team and ask any questions you may have!