This is a group for all WDC members wanting to and/or trying to lose weight or helping and supporting someone else in their weight loss efforts.

         Does it matter what weight loss plan I'm using?

No.  Whether you're using Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, South Beach Diet, or any other weight loss regime, this group is here so you can ask questions, share recipes, post your successes, get encouragement when you're feeling down, etc. 

         Does it matter how much I have to lose?

Certainly not!  If you want to lose five pounds to get into that sexy dress for a special occasion or you're starting on a journey to lose 25, 50, 100 lbs or even more, you are welcome here.  No goal is too small or too large to be encouraged.

         What if I don't feel I have anything to offer?

That's okay.  Introduce yourself and be encouraged.  Eventually someone else may say something or ask a question that you'll have the answer to.  Losing weight isn't easy and we all carry plenty of negative thoughts around in our heads already.  This forum is for encouragement.  Even if you only say, "You're doing a great job.  Keep it up!" You could make someone's day.



         I'm glad you stopped by to visit the weight loss forum. I'm Deborah and I'd like to tell you a little about myself.

         I'm 41, the mother of three:  Heather, 22; Fallon, 18; and Nathaniel, 15.  During my pregnancy with my last child I had complications that kept me in bed for seven months.  I gained a lot of weight, my metabolism changed; I lost muscle and bone mass, and never really regained my strength and energy levels.  If you'd like to read more about my pregnancy, visit:  "He's A Miracle to Me" .

         Three years ago I weighed almost 300 lbs.  I was always tired, didn't feel like going anywhere, and was worried about my health.  Before I began any diet, I was determined to increase my activity.  I received a flyer in the mail and joined a women's gym.  I lost almost thirty pounds before my oldest daughter's wedding in October, 2006.  By that time my energy level had doubled, my allergies and migraines were diminishing, and the panic attacks that plagued my nights were virtually nonexistent.  I was feeling good. 

         In March, 2007 I decided to join Weight Watchers.  I'd used the WW program to lose weight after each of my daughters was born and it worked well for me.  My mother and others I knew were using the program and having great success so I joined.

         Since then, I've lost almost 100 lbs.  I joined a different gym when the women's gym closed and I try to work out daily; sometime in the morning and in the evening both.  Exercising while losing the weight has helped me rebuild muscle and bone mass, toned muscle groups, and kept me from getting those flabby folds of skin weight loss can leave behind.

         Because exercise increases muscle mass, it slows the weight loss numbers.  I've had to retrain myself not to think of weight loss according to the number on the scale.  I'm not a number, and neither are you.  Success in whatever program you use can be measured in many different ways.  For instance:

Did you drink the recommended glasses of water?
Did you reach your exercise goal?
Do you feel better about yourself?
Do your clothes fit better?
Have your friends and family members noticed your efforts?

         When I began my weight loss journey, I wore a women's size 30/32.  Now I'm in a 14/16.  I still have a ways to go before I reach my goal, but I'm determined that, even if I never get completely there, I'm never going back to where I started!



         This is what I look like now.  I'm still swollen and bruised from my recent auto accident, but this is the most recent photo I have.  It was taken at my best friend's parents' 50th wedding anniversary party on October 11, 2008.  Don't laugh too hard.    I'm with my husband, who has also lost a good amount of weight since I began Weight Watchers.



         If you're trying to lose weight, I hope you'll post in this forum to encourage others and receive encouragement yourself.  If there is a good response to this group, I'll sort and compile posted recipes, tips, hints, ideas, and encouraging quotes and create group files so these are easily found.

         Please let me know you were here by posting in the forum below.  Spread the word about the group.  I hope everyone who visits will be encouraged toward success in their own weight loss goals.  To that end, I'm thinking up some special events and contests to make the group more fun and encouraging.

         Thanks for visiting!  Have a great day.

The Weight Loss Forum Archives

         The files below contain recipes, hints, tips that have been posted, as well as articles written in response to some of the questions and situations posed by visitors to the forum.  I've compiled these items, cataloging them by topic to make them easy to find without searching through all of the forum posts.

ID: 1478312   (Rated: E) WLF Articles  Articles about weight loss, exercise, recipe conversion, etc. for the WLF by justme

ID: 1478287   (Rated: E) WLF Cookbook  Categorized recipes that have been posted at the WLF by justme

Would you like to chart your weight loss progress online?  WhoMe??? shared this excellent website:  http://www.tickerfactory.com

More to come...