Many of y'all already know each other very well----but some of us are totally out of the loop----here's a way we can all become better acquainted---

I'm 46 live in Central Alabama in a small college town, I have 1 son who lives in Connecticutt he's 24, I also have a little pomeraina named Bear, I live next door to my parents and my sis lives behind us----all on the land where we as well as my mom grew up, I have 1 sis and 2 brothers, I am divorced x2---last one ended when I lost the weight, I started my weight loss journey at 375 lbs on a 5'2" frame I'm now down to 154 and hope to return to somewhere near 135---I follow a higher fat carb restricted eating plan---I used to think it was more Atkins but after reading all of Barry Groves---maybe it is closer to that---I term it my WLS/brain health power eating plan---I'm a RN for 20+ years---I work in the mental health field ----I also have a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder---(my main reason for the high fat eating)---I'm an avid crafter---crocheting being my main thing---I read alot and love the internet---research is my passion also---I'm into yoga and not really into organized exercise per se---it has to be fun which is why I like all the dance exercise videos---I like football and love camping---my ultimate dream is to travel around full time in a RV

so share somethings about yourself

One thing we have in common. We are short. Glad you started this thread, you are a really great success story and will be an inspiration to a lot of our members. Thanks!

YAY for the short women!! LOL ok,, here's mine!!

My Name is Teresa,, I *earned* the nickname Reesie from an internet friend I made years ago and it stuck!! I live in WV.. i'm a 42 year old redneck!! I've been divorced twice,, but i'm with the 2nd ex still,, we've been together for the most part of 13 years! I have a 14 yr old daughter, she's in her 1st year of high school. She's got her 1st boyfriend and she's breaking her mama's heart!!

I've met quite a few wonderful people from the *other* site,, thank goodness they're here too,,, i'm looking forward to meeting alot more!! Good thread idea Bama!!

HI
My name is Sandi,
Have 3 boys, 2 at home. The 2 at home are 16 and 14. The other is 26.
Been widowed for 13 years. He was my soul mate.
My 16 year old is starting to notice girls now lol
But I dont think he is ready to start dating yet.
The 13 year old will before the 16 year old.
I just bought them suits for the first time, oooh gosh did I realaize how grown up they are then. WHen I get the suits back from being altered, Ill take pictures.
sandi

Boys are wonderful aren't they Sandi---the only problem----when they meet girls we are no longer the "woman" in their life---can't wait to see the pics

Reese---my parents love WV---they travel quite a bit over the years---We will be traveling that way before the end of the year going to CT to see my son

Hi my name is Renee. I am 33 and single. I live in northeast Georgia. I have 2 beautiful persian cats named Maggie and Gracie. I have 2 older brothers who between the 2 of them have 8 kids. I just became an aunt for the 8th time last Thursday when my neice Ashby Caroline was born. I am a kindergarten teacher. I have also taught Pre-K. I love to read. My obsession right now is the "Death" series by J.D. Robb. I also am addicted to TV. Some of my favorites are: Grey's Anatomy, American Idol, The Biggest Loser & Survivor.

I live within 15 miles of my parents and both brothers. I love NASCAR. Go Junior!!! I also like to watch college football sometimes. I am a daddy's girl and I love talking politics, sports and just about anything else with him.

I love animals. Since losing 75 lbs I have also become addicted to shopping.

Well enough about me right now. Looking forward to learning more about everyone else.

Renee---my hat goes off to you---working with kids---anyone that can do that is AOK in my book

I love working with little kids, In the next life I will be a pre K teacher,
lol
I love reading too, We don't have a TV, so we all read or use the computer.
Well, we do have one very little TV for emergeny, On 9//11 a friend in Calif. had to call me and tell me what was happening, I had no clue.
You could have seen the Twin Towers from my area.
But we still dont watch it, just the news Occ.
sandi

Hi!! My name is Jodi. I am 36 years old. I live in Southern Wisconsin. I am happily married to my soul mate. We will celebrate our 6th anniversay on 10/6/07. We have however, been together for 13 years. We don't not have any children....except our furry kids. We have 4 cats, Cushie(11), Nala(11), Kash(1) and Max(1). We also have a retired racing greyhound named Shadow.

I graduated in May of 2006 from Radiography school. I currently work part-time as and X-ray Tech in a small clinic. I love my job!!! Previously, I worked as a Infant/Toddler day care teacher for 12 years. I also loved that job but, I got burned out and decided to go back to school.

I am currently a Kimkin refugee. Kimkin's was my first low carb experience, so I'm trying to adjust to another low carb plan. My biggest accomplishment through this whole experience is I am trying to find another plan and I didn't just give up.

I am looking forward to meeting lots of new friends.

Hi! My name is Carol. I live in Marietta, GA. which is a suburb of Atlanta. I just turned 54. Have been married to my guy for coming on 34 years in December. I am an R.N. but have not worked for years. I have 3 kids son-22, son-17, and daughter-14. My sons are both adopted and my daughter was a "how in the heck did that happen?" LOL! Actually she was an answer to prayer and I love her dearly, she just surprised us!

My 17 year old son is deaf and severely learning disabled. He is the main reason I quit working which was great because I got to be everyone's Room Mother several times over! All are still at home. The 22 y.o. is in college.

Because of my involvement in my special needs son's education I was ask to serve on the State Advisory Panel for Special Education. It has been educational and I feel like I am helping all of our special ed. kids in the state. Other than that I'm active in my church and I just went on a medical mission trip Jan./Feb. this year to Liberia, West Africa. I love to read, mostly mysteries, fantasy novels, historical biographies...I know, an eclectic mix!

I also have fibromyalgia which the low carb diet helps, as does exercise. I love crochet but had to give it up because I have a lot of trouble with my hands. I am a kimkins survivor and I am very happy to be here and to get to know all you lovely ladies.

Carol

Hi! My name is Sue and I am 47 (although my heart is still 18). I have been married for the past 18 years to a clown (he really is too! Buzzy is his name.) We have no kids (2 miscarriages both in my 12th week made me not want to go through it any more) so we have 3 cats (we had 6, but, 3 'em are gone now ) Maxi 16, Bootsie 15, Little One 8.

I am a janitorial supervisor and also I work part time at a gas station/convenience store.

I have had a weight problem my whole life. My mom says I was literally born sucking my 2 fingers so I guess food was an issue right off the bat! My highest weight was 450 back in 1983 I got down to 270 in a year and had a mild stroke. So, I gained back up to 365 when I met my husband in 1988. (his first words to me was a crack about my weight and I married him anyways.....after he paid for the crack of course ) Then with all my southern cookin' I gained myself up to 432 pounds. My hubby was 225 when I started the KK diet and only 170 when we met.

Now I am 70 pounds lighter and he is 40 pounds lighter and we don't eat southern cookin' any more. Well, only at Thanksgiving and Christams when we get together with family as no one will let me NOT make my cornbread dressing....... )

I am looking forward to continuing this journey here with my old friends and meeting the new ones that come along!

Sue

Hi - My name is Mary, I am 46 and I live in California with 3 of my 4 children. I am single again and lookin for someone special. The kids at home are my only son (who I am soooo ready to assist in leaving the nest), my 19 year old autistic daughter and my 17 year old (going on 30) daughter.

I also have 3 kitties - all siblings. Peanut Butter (male named for the color of his paws) and Rosie ( a cream and brown cat) are brother and sister from the same litter and were 2 years old in July. Ozzie is a black cat from the same mother and was 1 year old in July.

I love to crochet too. I make baby blankets (seems like I always know someone expecting a baby), and I crochet thread doileys in between making blankets (cause I need a little diversity). When I am stressed, I crochet to relax.I work for a Radio Network. I am in collections and am responsible for bringing in millions of dollars on time, so there are times when I REALLY need to relax.

I think that alot of my weight gain was stress related so anything I can do to relieve that stress can only help.

Hello, my name is Robin! So many things we have in common! Yet more confirmation that this is a special group!

I am also a Kimkins refugee who discovered low carb living from this experience. After joining I really did lots more research and basically jumped ship early in the controversy--my gift of discernment was ringing loudly about the unethical issues looming.

My weight issues began after having all three of my children by c-section--not by choice--each story was different, but I never regained my stomach muscles--also, high stress and lots of life changes for me and my family. I was high corporate banker for almost 25 years but had to leave due to my middle daughter dx with pediatric onset bipolar disorder, plus ADHD! Her issues were too much to handle with my high stress, demanding job. So, my hubby took on another job and I left the bank to open an art store and took my jewelry design to full time. After two successful years, we had to close the store due to my daughter suffering even more to the point that I would have to homeschool her--however, after a long battle with the county, we finally got her IEP in place and I was left to work out of the home while continuing my shows full-time. So, God opened doors for me to go back to school full-time and finish my teaching degree (which many of my inner circle will say I should have done this years ago!)--that is what I do now--I'm finishing my last set of classes, and student teach in January. Since leaving the bank, our income dwindled to nothing as we tried to handle the medical bills for Lauren--so, we continue to struggle with our financial issues, but have hope--SSA is coming through (Finally!) and by this time next year, I should be employed full-time--but I'll keep my jewelry business going part-time--that has been a great blessing--another story!

But, during these last five years when life changed so much, I never took care of myself--managing Lauren is full time work each day! Bipolar in adolescence is very different than in adults. However, we know that by managing her care she will one day be able to help others--I just know it! I also have a 19 year old daughter, a 13 year old son, a big dog named BEAR! and my devoted hubby (high-school sweetheart) of 23 years--we live in the great town of Athens, GA--are youth group leaders for our church (yes, we are still only 18 years old!) and help lead praise and worship. My father-in-law passed away two years ago and I still struggle with that--he was my dad more than ever! So, life stress meant no taking care of me.

But, this year, that changed--I am taking care of me now and I'm focused on getting in better health and happiness. My life is so full and demanding but I know that I can't do it without God and without taking care of my physical issues.

Sorry for the long post--I'm a writer (for a hobby!) so, it becomes my therapy and outlet! Thanks for reading and I can't wait to learn more about everyone.

Love
Robin

PICS OF THE FAM:

I guess I should introduce myself since you Guys do not know me I always had weight issues but it never stopped me from living Life and I was always active until 11 years ago when I developed Lower Leg Lymphedema. I will try to give a brief explanation of the condition basically My Calves are huge, larger then most peoples thighs. The Lymph fluid is suppose to flow back up from My Legs but instead in my case it gets trapped. This throws my balance totally off and causes a lot of infections and there is no cure only treatment that guess what Insurance will not pay for.

I became a recluse for a few years only leaving My Bedroom to drive but I never went inside anywhere and even though I barely ate I gained and gained. I will never know for sure my top weight I had put 2 scales together a couple of months before I started Atkins and I got 570 before one of the scales stuck in place LOL

I had stopped seeing myself and until I saw a Picture that My Sister took of me sitting in My Car in Dec of 2001 I was in complete denial but that picture scared me and since I had tried CAD and knew it did not work because with only eating 1 meal a day all I had was the reward meal I decided to try Atkins not even thinking it would work. I started on 1/20/02 and of course could not weigh but I did measure and between then and Sept. when I finally got under 500 pounds I loss 20 inches just on my waist.

I loss fast eating just straight Atkins with only a SF treat occasionally and I joined a Gym in Oct when I was 459 and that was the best thing I ever did I started out in the Pool and eventually went to the Machines. I went from not being able to walk more then a few feet to the next year going to an Amusement Park on Vacation in TN.

I got down to the low 200's by 2004 and stayed there for a couple of years I was in a size 12 but with all the weight in My Legs I never could seem to get to onderville. Then last year I totally lost my mind in a 2 week period My Pap'pa died our House burned down My 2 dogs died and My Mother fell at work breaking her Hip. I just stopped caring about myself and tried to deal with all the stress of the household income being less than half/ My Mothers surgery/ rehab and even though I knew deep inside I was messing up I just did not have any motivation any longer.

I had always dealt with the I have loss all this weight but My Legs will never get better thing and had prayed so much about it. The funny thing is I never went hog wild with carbs I still mostly stuck to lower carbs but I stopped going to the Gym and the cheats I did have never let me get back in Ketosis. I was in such denial I could not weigh on my scale any longer so never had to really see it. I finally 2 months ago weighed and saw that I had gained 140 pounds and knew I only had myself to blame because I know how to LC and I am the one that ate the food etc.

So I am back on plan losing again and fighting to get back to my old exercise routine I have plantar Facitis right now and it hurts to walk. I actually have another Drs appointment in the morning hoping something helps with the pain.

I will say one thing I did lose almost 200 pounds in a year on Atkins so I know it can be done and I am hoping I can do it again and if not? Well then it just takes a little longer LOL

Anyway you have my story and a little about me I am 42 for 4 more days, Single, no Kids, I am a Medical Assistant but on Disability now for the Lymphedema. I have 2 Chihuahuas Angel and Toby, a 15 year old Lhasa Apso Cody that survived last year and 2 Cats Loki and Binky. I live in Largo, FL and share a House with My Mother and right now a Friend that I met on another LC board and her 2 DD's that were in a bad situation. I love to read, listen to music, go to concerts and Amusement Parks I am going to Busch Gardens this week.

I am looking forward to getting to know everyone.

Sheesh I feel like I'm last in line.

My name is Tanya, I'm 41 years old, and I'm divorced. I live in sunny and very HOT Arizona! I have no kids well except for my cute dog Bailey. He is a lab/pit bull mix and thinks that everyone is his friend.

I'm currently working as a substitute teacher because I haven't had any luck finding a teaching job. Last year was my first year teaching and I taught kindergarten. It was a challenge but I loved those little guys, and I still get to talk to some of them on the phone as I became friends with their family. Prior to becoming a teacher I answered 911 for one of our local police departments. I'm currently trying to get back on with the police dept. but in another position. I don't want to do shift work anymore.

I gained most of my weight when I was married and under a lot of stress with the relationship (he was a drug addict I didn't realize how bad until after I was married and opened my eyes). I was 184 when I met my husband (about 40 lbs overweight) and 2 years later when I got married I weighed in at 225. In 1996 I was diagnosed w/a form of cancer and had to have a hysterectomy, I ballooned up right after that. Two years later I left my husband, you would think I would lose weight but it just kept right on coming. Maybe I can't lose it for the fact if I keep it on I know I'll never be hurt again. But at the same time I do want to find a relationship that is positive and share my life w/someone special.

So here I am - this is me!

Hi, my name is Susan (formerly Qzisue @ Kimkins). I live in Oregon, but have plans to move to Texas by the end of the year. My husband and I are both low carbing and have lost over 70 pounds on a modified Kimkins. I credit a big part of the losses due to the 200+ support I received and hope to continue this journey with my friends!

*Waves* Hello Everyone!

I'm ChrisTina! I'm originally from KK(was 'xf89' over there for those not in the know), but followed the plan loosely. Still lost almost 30 lbs doing it. Right now I'm at a standstill as I'm transitioning to Atkin's OWL. Okay, okay, I had a few cheats this past weekend.

Anyway, I'm 36, married to a wonderful man named Steve for 16 mos. Our wedding song was, "Heaven Sent Me You," by John Michael Montgomery. I truly believe that he was a gift to me from God. We don't plan on having any children, but we do have three cats and a dog.

I used to work in automotive manufacturing until I came down with degenerative knee joints. I have little to no cartiledge in my left knee. I also suffer from severe depression and anxiety with psychotic episodes(I used to self-injure myself). I was hospitalized five times for my depression 'til they finally found a medication combination that worked for me. I am currently on disability due to these health problems.

I've always been overweight and have been yo-yo dieting since I was eight years old. Yes, my pediatrician had me on a diet at that age! I think if I was left to my own, I wouldn't be as big as I am now. The lightest I remember being in my adult years is 235#. Then at 24, my then fiance' and I lived together and I got up to 300#. I maintained that weight for quite a while until I came down with the degenerative knee joints. My highest weight was 420# right before I met my husband. I lost 20# on my own before our wedding and was recommended KK by a friend a few mos. ago(BTW, I'm glad she's here with us).

So that's a little bit about me. Long enough? Heh!

I guess it is my turn. My name is Christine. I am happily married to my best friend.
We just celebrated our 25th in June. We have three beautiful children, they are 23, 21 and 19. The oldest are boys and the youngest our baby girl. She doesn't like us calling her that but o'well.

I have always been big. I think one of the reasons I was able to stay some what thin during high school was because I was a dancer, however while all the rest of the girls were size 8 and 10 I was more like 14/16. I did manage at one point to get down to size 12 right after I graduated from high school, but my dad thought I wasn't eating and threatened to force feed me if I didn't put on some weight. By the way I am 5'9".

I have a hypothyroidism that went untreated until I was almost 40. I gained a lot of weight with my first child and never lost it. Just kept putting it on with each of the other children. All of them were c-section. Along with my hypothyroidism going untreated, I developed PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome.) along with insulin resistance, which I didn't find out I had until 3 years ago. So losing weight became a no win battle.

My DH was in the military for 13 years. After my second son was born we found out that he had mild CP, along with developmental delays. After many years of testing we found out he also has sensory intergration disorder and after 19 years found out that he has mild autism/ asperger's syndrome. So I found myself eating out of stress and guilt for thinking I wasn't a good mother. My DH has been very supportive of me and helped whenever he could. However being far from family I was left to do most of it myself. I also never received any support from grandparents with either my weight or my children.

I have in the last 4 years totally changed the way my whole family ate. We are very much into whole natural foods. I mill all my own wheat and make whole wheat muffins, bread, pancakes, etc. We drink raw milk.
I buy grass feed beef, free range chicken and eggs. I get as much as possible organic fruits and veggies. My DH and all my children do not have any weight issues. I found that I was not being totally honest in my eating because I had become such an emotional eater. While my family was eating better I wasn't because I was cheating. Once I found the low carb way of eating I discovered all kinds of things about myself and why I got to be so heavy. While I am still working on shedding these pounds I know that I am getting healthy and discovering who I am truly am.

Sorry that this is so long. I hope everyone is having a great day.

Christine

I am soooo Glad to meet everyone here!!!!
You know we can do this!!!!
How is everyone doing today?
sandi

Wow, I just have to say before I start I am so touched by each of your lives. God bless you all for being here, and for being such brave, strong, beautiful women.

My name is AnneMarie. I'll be 27 in two months...I live in Virginia, in a little town on the outskirts of Richmond. I have 2 dogs, a pit bull/lab mix named Copper and a chow/shepperd/who knows what else mix named Binx. I also have a cat named MJ who I share a deep love hate relationship with...she's my husband's cat!! My husband and I have been married for 7 years but have been together for almost 11, we were high school sweethearts. We have a baby boy that just hit 10 months old *I can't believe it!!*. I am a sahm and I run a very small preschool for a few children to supplement hubbie's income. I'm starting my own business outside of that as well-I create custom children's name art out of scrapbooking materials and frame it, to put it briefly. My website should be up in a couple of weeks, so I'm excited about that.

My history of being overweight: I was always taller than my peers in elementary school, etc. and b/c of this my family constantly said I was fat. I see pictures now and all that's there is a healthy tall kid...sometimes I really feel it's what we tell our children that dictates their lives at least to some degree. So by the fifth grade I WAS getting fat, I weighed 165. My dad and stepmom put me on a diet full of rice, pasta, and who knows what other grains and fruit. Didn't work, big suprise. By 7th grade when we all had to go be weighed by the school nurse and have our body fat "pinched" I was up to 191. By February of my senior year, I weighed 257. A dear lady at church was doing Protein Power and her weight loss was just astonishing. So she got me the book and I followed the plan to the letter, losing 60 pounds b/t mid Feb. and mid May for prom and graduation. I felt fantastic, and as an 18 year old to be able to go into a store and buy just an xl or even a large some places was more than I could almost emotionally handle after getting up to a tight 24. Anyway, I went off to a bible college in Iowa for a year and with Cherry Coke on tap and a bunch of fantastic things to eat all the time, I ballooned back up to the 260's within a matter of weeks it seemed. When I got home in May, I tried to get back on PP but we were planning getting married, going out to eat a lot, and when we got married I think I only managed to lose down to like 248 or something. Within the first year we were married I became pregnant at 296 and miscarried at 10 weeks. After that I was in a black hole for what seemed like forever, during which time I passed 300 by a long shot. My highest weight was at 346. We did all these fertility treatments, but deep down I knew I wasn't getting pregnant til I lost weight, after all, I had lost my periods after passing 300.

So, the fall before last I'd had all I could take and lost down to 295 on Atkins. Almost as soon as that weight crossed the scale I was pregnant. Thanks to the Lord, everything turned out ok but I went through G/D and when our son was born he was taken straight to the NICU b/c I was a FOOL and ate carbs the last couple days before he came, so when he was born his sugar dived...unbelievably to my doc, I kept my sugar normal almost the entire time just by low carbing. I guess I got a little too comfy...so the first few days of my son's life, I was a wreck. I promised myself I would be at least down to 200 by his first birthday---and here I am, still over 300! I started Kimkins June 10th, and lost 21 pounds in 21 days. After feeling completely horrible, I went back to eating anything...I didn't know what to think, all I knew was I had low carbed before, understood the science perfectly, but Kimkins made me feel dead on my feet whereas PP and Atkins always made me feel fantastic...so it took me several weeks to wake up and realize I needed to get back on the right page, that I knew what to do and had to do it. I needed fat! I needed calories! And stick to it, whether I did PP or Atkins! I want more babies so much, our son has blessed our lives more than I ever thought possible. You know children are miracles, but then you have one and it's just like the whole wide world stops for every smile...

So, here I am. I'm so glad I found all of you. What always derails me is myself. The lc woe always works wonderfully for me, it never fails me but I do, and that's why I need all the support I can get. I'm so glad to get to know all of you! I apologize for being long winded! Thanks for letting me share.

Oh my---it is so nice to learn so much about each of you----thank you all for taking the time to introduce yourself---

Robin---totally understand about the bipolar child---my son is bipolar---like his mom---you know a high fat ketogenic diet does wonders for bipolar disorder---I've been able to decrease my meds greatly this past year since I upped my fat intake to >70%---i've got alot of info about it on my blog

I'll have to check that out--one of her main issues is carb cravings and portion control--it is a constant battle at mealtime with her. Always looking for ways to solve our food issues with her!

Thanks! Not many people truly understand the "walking on eggshells" kind of life it is with a child who is bipolar!

Robin

May I ask a question of you two ladies?
What are the symptoms of this disorder?
My niece was diagnosed as having ADHD....but sometimes her behavior is just downright frightening and the mood swings are incredible, mercurial. She's 10 years old. I do know a great deal about ADD & ADHD and my little brother and husband have it, but I don't know as much about Bipolarity in children. Even as much research into ADHD as I've done, I've never come across anything like what she displays. Please feel free to send me a pm, I'm really interested in this. And, God bless you for taking time to deal with your precious children, instead of turning your backs on a difficult situation. That takes a great deal of strength and fortitude... If only more American parents today took time to deal with children who are just unruly, you know? Kudos to you, warmly and sincerely.

Hi! My name is Kellee. I'm 42 years old, single & reside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.... Go Steelers!!!

Although I have no children of my own, I do have two nephews & a niece who are the joy of my life. I'm very actve in their lives & think of them as my own kids! I've also adopted my brother's 2 yr old, short-haired, tabby cat, Samantha. She is my baby! I'm very close with my family & friends & enjoy many activities...music (big Van Morrison fan...love blues, jazz, rock & country), art, reading, psychology, entertaining, traveling, boating, shopping & sports. I love being around positive, uplifting people. I love to laugh....music & laughter get me through life!

My current profession is in Human Resources. I've also worked as a Clinical Social Worker in the past. This year has been very quiet for me....I've spent alot of time reflecting back on my life (the positives & the negatives) & focusing on my recovery program. It's taken me 42 years to decide I want to lead a healthy life & to finally take the steps to make it happen. I've been overweight all of my life. I'm the only person in my family with a weight problem. My family & friends are very supportive of my recovery. I was considering weight loss surgery....I've had a few friends who have had the surgery....some with positive outcomes & a few with complications. I decided to give myself one more honest attempt at addressing my weight before I went through with the surgery. So here I am today....This past month has been hard for me...I'm morning my old eating pattern...comfort eating. I'm trying to accept that losing weight isn't about doing it perfectly...it's about nourishing my body a day at a time. I know sometimes I will resort back to my old pattern but its my choice if I want to stay there or not. Today I'm choosing to move forward & care for my body, mind & spirit.

Meeting all of you has been a true blessing in my life...without your support I would not have stayed focused. I'm looking forward to meeting & learning more about new members here as well. I believe through sharing/supporting one another we will find healing. I thank all of you for your support!

Hey Kellee, we are blessed to have met you, too!

Thanks, Jimmy!

Thanks for your comments Diane. I'm inspired by your weightloss journey.... You have such a healthy, positive attitude! BTW....I enjoyed reading your blog...I was a clinincal social worker in my past life...LOL & I share your passion for the mental health profession.

Kellee---did you see the news---the MH parity bill passed the senate ----not a single vote against----let's see what the house does with it now

I've been typing my fingers off this afternoon---sending out letters not only to my rep but all of the ones here in my state---I'm tired of paying 10x as much to see my pdoc and therapist as I do my PCP

Diane,

I'm following/supporting the MH Parity Bill, too. I agree with you 100%. I'm excited to see the outcome....this will be a big WIN in healthcare if we can get past the House. I think we will!

Have a good evening & rest your fingers....you worked hard today!

Hi all,
So nice to get to meet the people that I didn't already. Great Idea Bamgal, but then that's why you are the moderator.

Also a short girl here...I am 42, Very happily married for a little over 21 years. I have two sons a 17year old and a 3 year old. yes I said 3 year old. I have mostly been overweight my entire life. I took a brief break from it in high school where I was down to 115-120. Met my future husband swam etc. then reverted back to the fat girl. Like most of you I was on all different diets I lost 80 on WW a LOOOONG time ago, well actually 18 years ago. got pregnant, kept it off then after the abby was born and I didn't sleep for over a year gained it all back. Did try low carbing once before lost 100 about 4 years ago, got pregnant kept it off until after the aby was born. didn't sleep for almost 2 years gained it all plus some back. HMMMM is there a pattern here
Basically I spend my time
working - I work as an office manager, I was two student teaching and two credentialling classes away from my teaching credential oh about 3 years ago sometimes things come up - or out in the middle of a semester, but woudln't trade my little guy for anything,
playing-with the kids or at curves or reading
volunteering - little league PTA and now high school football.

Like Renee, when I lose this weight I would like to spend my time shopping for the things I never could wear before due to my size.

Also former KK person where I met a whole mess of SUPER , WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC people, oh wait, thats you. So glad to meet even more over here, Jimmy, Bamgal, carol (I never saw you there) Charles and the people on the other forums here as well.
Thanks for all the support
Tria

I was there for a few months too Tria, but I'm so glad you are HERE now.

It has been such a pleasure reading all this info about everyone. Surprisingly we all share many of the same traits.

I'm looking forward to following along with each of you on this journey. Hoping to share your triumps. We are whole people---not just our weight loss part.

It is my wish and I'm sure Jimmy's too---that everyone feel comfortable enough to share all of life's day to day ups and downs that present themselves.

here's to each of you incredible ladies!!

ABSOLUTELY, Diane! Thank you for your leadership among this group. Ya'll are AWESOME!

Greetings Health Crusaders,

I too am a nurse. I am working as a hospice case manager. I have just completed my first year with hospice, I love this job and hope to work it until I retire in a few more years. i have done everything from ICU, CCu, neuro, rehab,long term care, teaching management, adminstration and a short stint in insurance. I loved all of that along the way...maybe not insurance but I certainly learned from all of the specialties. Hospice while it can be overwhelming it also allows me to give one person or family at a time my undivided attention. Anyone with any experience in health care, either as a receiver or provider, knows that providing uninterrupted attention is unheard of today. Whoops tripped up on the soap box!!

I have never married...(perhaps to my job). I have no children. I spoil an 11 year old Red Heeler mix that I rescued from the Humane Society this spring. She serves as mymental health release and stress reducer. If she learns to speak English, I may have to leave the area. The area is North East Wisconsin. Actually I live about 36 miles west of Green Bay as in THE PACKERS. Actually, I am only a fair weather fan.

I have been over weight all my life. Love to eat. Be came too sededentary after high school. Never learned to identify/face feelings. Did learn to self medicate with the serotonin release from overeating. Lost more than 100 pounds several times over the years. But always went off and gained it back plus. Bad period several years ago and ate my self to the highest weight ever.

KK was my first attempt at LC WOE. My starting weight was 450(actually 450 plus...450 was the highest the clinic scale would register, on june 26, 2007. And of course the KK support group was/is the best thing that ever happened to me. Here we are now moving forward.

I love you all and thank God for the opportunity to meet and know you!

Karen is great to learn more about you. Hospice is a wonderful area to be in. There are many nurses in this forum---myself included.

Following a LC WOE has been a blessing to me ----I look forward to sharing your journey with you.