Hoping this is the time.

Hi everyone --

I'm new here. I'm a twenty-something female hoping that this is the time my weight loss efforts will work. I've tried more times than I can count, but I've never managed to get beyond 6 or 7 pounds, and I usually gain them back. I'm finally starting to be honest with myself about how out of control I've let my lifestyle get, and how it is impacting my health (migraines, pain, PCOS, etc.). I took before pictures today and just fell apart. But I know that I have to love the body I have now, not just the one I want to have -- that is a hard thing for me and I've had a lot of eating issues in the past. I am embarrassed to be posting this but I know it's an important step for me.

I'm 5'5". My highest weight was 233, and over several months (maybe almost a year), I'm now at 205. But that all happened sort of on its own. I've always been overweight (and most members of my family are as well.) I am now exercising and eating right, but never for sustained periods of time. So yesterday I just decided it was the day. I weighed in at 205 and I never want to look back. I plan to try to exercise 5x/week (as long as my body will allow) and eat healthy and nourishing foods. I'm lucky to belong to a beautiful gym. I'm moving across the country in about a month and I know this is the time to make the change. I'd like to stay below 1400 cal/daily -- does this sound too high? I am also being smart about my carbs (not avoiding carbs, just trying to eat closer to nature -- fruit instead of flour).

I am going to weigh myself weekly, so next Saturday I'll see how far I've come. I've been lurking around here and there are so many inspiring and informative posts. I hope someday I can be an "after" like all of you -- but to be honest, just becoming a "during" is a big step for me. So I'll start with that.

So, again, I'm 5'5" and my current weight is 205. My UGW is about 140. But I plan to attack small and achievable goals or else I will fall off track again, just like always. So my first goal is to get under 200 (for the first time since high school). My goal after that is 185. I'm ready to work for it. I know that deep down, I am so much stronger than this.

Just wanted to say hello and I hope this time it "clicks." I have so many reasons to do this for myself. I need to revamp my entire perspective and attitude and I don't want to stop until the weight is gone. Thanks for reading!