I am just curious if there are many folks on here that had the extra weight since childhood like I did or has most everyone known at one time what it was like to be thinner? I know people will gain weight for different reasons whether it is illness, having kids, just not taking care of themselves, whatever. As my story tells, I am facing my 30th birthday in a few months and I have had weight issues for at least 2/3 of my life. I have no idea what I might look like without the round face or rolls of fat I try to hide with baggy clothes. To be honest, I am almost terrified to meet her. I may not have always liked my looks while being big but by this age I have at least made peace with what looks I was dealt. Not only that but everyone in my life knows me like this and loves me despite how I am. How will they react to the new person they will be seeing once I start taking off the weight? Has anyone else had to wonder this? How did you deal with it?

I have been overweight my entire life. Sometimes only 20-30 lbs. Sometimes 100+. I was bulimic in high school & college & really whacked out my metabolism. Then stopped purging & binged only & gave up. Lost 100+ twice & gained it back. Last time kept it off for 5 years. Had surgery 9/7/11 & so happy & grateful every day! Down 85 & want to lose at least 25-50 more. In my size 12 jeans now. Ready for the 10's & want to be under double digits in clothes. however, feeling more "normal" now.

Things I have experienced in past weight loss: no longer "invisible." some friends are uncomfortable with me around their husbands (no reason to worry!). Some male friends more interested (didn't want them before -- don't now.). I have never been "perfect" and won't be nw. At 51, things are lower than they used to be & I'm cool with that. No longer feel pressure to be "perfect.". Too many great results so far to mention.

Best of luck to everyone. It's not effort free but worth all the effort.

So. i too have been overweight my whole life. i don't really have too much memory of my childhood since it was an abusive one but i do know that my mom noticed me being overweight and not as active when i went into junior high which lead to my depression problems. its not a moving around problem for me but then again it is. i like to be outside doing outdoorsy things but i can't do those things because i feel like if i was to do those things it would be disgusting and no one would want me around because im the "fat friend". i try to picture what i will look like when im "thinner". i know that i will have that hourglass figure but other then that idk. I do know that Imma rock this weightloss and imma bring that inner skinny girl out and embrace life while im still young! (20 years old)