Long time user, first time intro! :)

TroublesomeTribble

Hey guys! My name is Alyssa, I'm turning 27 next week, and I live in Brooklyn, NY. I've been a member of MFP for a long time, but I haven't really utilized the forums or the community base as of yet (upon coming back). I feel I'd be much more motivated to be consistent on here if I had more people to converse and interact with, so I figured I'd give an intro a shot!

A little about my background; I have always struggled with my weight, starting when I was very young, having developed severe depression and social anxiety, and worsening when I was about 11, after developing Osgood Schlatters disease, which caused me excruciating pain in both knees for many years, making it painful to even walk. I had also developed hypothyroidism and PCOS, which I'm sure hasn't helped lol, but the biggest contributor to my weight gain was my binging disorder, which only got worse as I got older.

Over the past five years or so, I've taken a lot of steps toward getting my eating disorder under control, learning how to create good habits, and slowly but successfully breaking bad ones. It's been a long time, but this past year I've hit a point where I feel as though I've gotten it under control for the most part. I'm not saying it's "beat," but I definitely feel good about where I am now, and how far I've come.

Now the weight loss part! I've been working to constantly improve my lifestyle, and create new good habits as I go a long. I've finally become fairly consistent with exercise, and am happy with the results I'm seeing, slow as they may be. My diet isn't great, but it's consistently getting better, and easier. I still fall into funks sometimes though, and could still really use motivation. One thing I've learned, keeping it to myself doesn't help. Which is why I hope to meet new people here, so we can motivate one another! Feel free to add me.

Brandi92809

Welcome to the message boards! We are the same age, cool. Like you I have struggled with my weight for most of my life, unlike ypu my health issues only started about a year ago and all of them can be fixed when I lose weight and have a healthy lifestyle. I commend you for being strong through your pain! I am glad you havent given up and I do believe you got this! Remember one step in the right direction can go miles.

melp2k

Hey Alyssa; welcome aboard! (although like you I'm quite a newbie to the community too, despite having been a MFP'er for a few years) Thought I'd just say hello. I was really touched to read your very honest post. Despite all the challenges you've faced you've clearly got bags of positivity and that will be a great asset. I'd love to add you & share motivation and good vibes with you xxx wishing you the very best. Mel (UK).

LaurenNotLaura

Hey! Im new here too and love the concept of connecting for support! I'm from Staten Island, tho I now live in FL, I was done with the winters lol. Add me if youd like!

TroublesomeTribble

Thanks guys! I appreciate your responses!