Thanks for sharing your background, Michelle!  I'm 35 years old and a June starter too.  Don't have any kids of my own, but a stepson from my husband's previous marriage.  Stepson is in flight school, my husband's a professional chef (which one would think should be *great* for my Alli and weightloss goals, except that he's a "show you my love through food" kind of guy!!), and I'm a computer engineer.  You are amazingly brave to do everything you do for your family, and to want to do this not only for yourself but also to have a longer life for your husband and kids.  We are blessed to have you here as a buddy.  :)

You've come a long way already. I began an exercise routine two weeks ago and tried day 1 of the low fat diet Monday. Notice the word "tried." It didn't go well by the end of the day.

To make sure the rest of the week improves, I went to the grocery store again (three days in a row) and bought more foods that are in line with the lifestyle that I must embrace forever.

Bw:209 cw: no change, since I blew day 1 of diet and haven't started the pills yet.

angelshelper:

My name is Michelle I am 35 years old.  I am a wife of twelve years this month, (don't know where all the years went) We have three children my daughter 16 came to the marriage with me but you would never know it she has nothing to do with her father and everything to do with my hubby! We have two boys.  one 11 and one 10 they were born 1/98 and 12/98.  Both have disabilities.  My life has revolved around struggling to get them the care they need and schooling and functioning in normal society. I work night shifts so that  we don't have to put them into daycare. Now that they are getting older, and doing great I have noticed somewhere along the line of doing all this I forgot to take care of me.  I have gained 12 lbs shy of my delivery pregnancy weight.  I am tired of getting asked how far along I am.  Tired of being apologized too after I tell them I am not pregnant.  I want to lose weight.  I want to do this for me mostly but also to be there for my husband and kids as long as I can.  I am here to obtain a healthier body to have a longer happier life to overcome the self destruction of over eating and feel better about myself.  I am here to make friends that understand the struggles and that are here for mutual encouragment.  and that kick in the right place when needed.  This seems to be the place to find that you all seem real supportive.  want to buddy up!!!????

 Michelle,

You seem like a very strong, caring woman. Your family is very lucky to have you. But it is good that you have decided to take care of yourself now. It will only make life better for you and your family.

I know to well what it is like to have someone think you are pregnant when you are not.

I too am looking for encouragment... and definitley a kick now and then.  I am single, and live away from all my family (another state) and I have no one here that understands what I am dealing with, no one to just be there for me to share in the ups and downs. I look forward to doing this along with you.

Good Luck!

Kelly

 This is my first attempt as well.  I'm 187 (sometimes heavier) now and I want to lose about 25 pounds.  My first goal is 15 pounds though.  I ordered my Alli online and rec'd it yesterday.  I started trying to eat better yesterday.  I had raisin bran and a banana for breakfast and a chicken salad sandwich and baked lays for lunch. But, I ruined it all last night.  I took my Dad out for a late Father's Day dinner at a local buffet.  Big mistake!  So, today I've started all over again.  We'll see how it goes.  I'm really nervous about starting Alli b/c I've heard so much about the "treatment effects."  I don't want to get caught in an embarassing situation and I'm worried I won't want to continue taking it if something bad happens.  I'm going to try to walk after work today.  I have to take my little girl with me (she's 3) so it's a little harder to get real exercise.

How is it going for you?

ckb274 - Just think of all the calories you saved for lunch and dinner. Start afresh. I know what you mean with exercising wtih a young one.  Your walk is not the same.  i do exercise tapes and sometimes mine joins in with me.  There is no telling how many times that I say "when i get done exercising." though.  The treatment affects are not as scary as they make them out to be.  Just stay close to a bathroom for a few days to see how your body adjust. 

About the heat, I live in Arkansas so it was awful without an airconditioner for a day, but that is all better now.  Just needed freeon.  Sucks cause we just put it in 2 months ago. 

I go to the grocery store alot too.  I read posts on here and think maybe I should be eating that also, so I go and buy it. 

Anyway, keep up the good work everyone - shannon

 I am interested starting my first pill today!!!

Ok I entered my daughter and I in the Wasatch Woman's 5K run in August.  I told her (and myself) that it is all paid for so there is no backing out.  So that means training (excersize) Yesterday we walked around the block and took the old canal road there are little families of ducks and there babies in there it is a pretty walk.  So I went home and asked my hubby to go drive it with me to see how far it is,  2 miles so that is my walking route from now on.  Till Winter I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and my pretty canl road will be ice come winter. 

What I do for a living.  I Work in a Nursing Home taking care of the elderly I  am a Certified Nursing Assistant.  I have done that for 16 years now.  It is a very rewarding job, It is hard work and sometimes dirty but I get to Know some of the most amazing people. I have taken care of one of my favorite authors.  One of the Oompa Loompas off of Charlie and the chocolate factory and one of the actresses from Gone with the Wind.  I am also an activist for Autism That is what my youngest has.  And I am a teacher for NAMI on mental health.  I havent taught a class in a while though no time.

 Officially started in early June...

Its been 3 weeks as of Wednesday and I've lost 10lbs. I like that! I believe that I will have more progress as I increase my exercise activity. I am going to do the "Tracy Anderson Method" videos in the morning before work. I get home late (work two jobs) and cant get to the gym every day so this is my best option. On the days I go to the gym I'll do weight lifting. Some days (when its not so hot) I'll walk my neighborhood.... So excited to share with all of you my progress and look forward to getting updates on yours!!!

Angelshelper - good for you and good luck on that 5K. I also work with the elderly.  It amazes me the interesting lives that they have led.  What is sad so many people don't take the time to get to know them. 

I'm also interested in the Tracy Anderson videos. What exactly are they?  Never heard of her.

 I started on 6/21/09. Keep you posted, I check in on Saturday.  I have a wedding that night.

 I start tomorrow.......EEEKKSSS....kinda scared of the side effects!

 I would be interested in joining!  I started Alli on June 16 and lost 5 pounds so far!  I am very pleased!

jskdean76:

Angelshelper - good for you and good luck on that 5K. I also work with the elderly.  It amazes me the interesting lives that they have led.  What is sad so many people don't take the time to get to know them. 

I'm also interested in the Tracy Anderson videos. What exactly are they?  Never heard of her.

 I heard about her from a friend that loves exercise videos. She said that her techniques are very innovative and she saw results in just a week. She is a trainer for Madonna and Gwen Paltrow. She has a website with more info. My friend uses the "Mat" and "Post-Pregnancy" videos (although she's never been pregnant) and it has done wonders. She is looks great and has better tone and definition. She's been doing if for about 3 months and I can really see the difference. I looked a pictures of her from December and she looks great. I hope its all its cracked up to be! I'll keep you posted.

I started 6-13 go june group!!!

SW 219 - CW 215 - GW 150

angelshelper:

Ok I entered my daughter and I in the Wasatch Woman's 5K run in August.  I told her (and myself) that it is all paid for so there is no backing out.  So that means training (excersize) Yesterday we walked around the block and took the old canal road there are little families of ducks and there babies in there it is a pretty walk.  So I went home and asked my hubby to go drive it with me to see how far it is,  2 miles so that is my walking route from now on.  Till Winter I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and my pretty canl road will be ice come winter. 

What I do for a living.  I Work in a Nursing Home taking care of the elderly I  am a Certified Nursing Assistant.  I have done that for 16 years now.  It is a very rewarding job, It is hard work and sometimes dirty but I get to Know some of the most amazing people. I have taken care of one of my favorite authors.  One of the Oompa Loompas off of Charlie and the chocolate factory and one of the actresses from Gone with the Wind.  I am also an activist for Autism That is what my youngest has.  And I am a teacher for NAMI on mental health.  I havent taught a class in a while though no time.

 That is awesome that you are commiting yourself to the run! I think that will be a great motivator for you! I would love to sign up for a walk or something for the Cancer Society, but not much going on right now in Arizona! :-)