I started FS in 2010 and have used the site intermittently over the last few years. I was a skinny kid but slowly started putting on the lbs after my kids were born in my mid 30's. Then in my early 50's, I began to really notice my weight creep up. I was studying and the next four years were wicked with a lot of sitting and face time with my computer. I did have intermittent success with weight loss. The most helpful to me was regular exercise combined with FS. Recording everything I ate was unbelievably helpful. It made me aware of everything I put into my mouth. I also joined a Curves Gym close to my home. Together with recording everything I ate on the FS site and exercising 3 to 4 a week at Curves, I achieved my goal of 155 lbs by age 55 on my "magic birthday" of 11/11. Maintaining this weight was hard though. The gym closed and gradually my weight crept up while the course pressures and computer time increased. I graduated in 2013 with my Masters but by New Years, I was at my highest weight I'd ever been at. So knowing what had worked before, I determined to resume the program and get on with it again.


I have a very fit and supportive family. I've joined another gym nearby. I work in health care and am very aware of the need for proper nutrition and exercise. I belong to a dragon boat team and do a lot of paddling during summer for exercise. I realize that accountability is an important component of any program. Hopefully accountability on this site and the tools it provides will improve my compliance.

July 2016 update: After some time away, I plan to use this site again and all the wonderful support here to get down to the 150 lb or less mark. I don't know if my previous goal of 140lbs is realistic...the last time I was that weight was over 25 years ago before my first a kid, so for now I'll stick with a 150 lb goal for now. That's about a 10 to 12 % loss of weight. I invite buddies who like to offer positive encouragement.