hi I am new to weight loss; veteran to weight gain.

have you tried curves, I go with a friend to keep me motivated and I have lost 14 lbs by doing the circut training and eating right. It is a lot better than going to a gym where you have to work out with men and someone is always around to help you with the machines. Good luck!

Hey! i am new to weight loss as well and have tried to diet in the past, but I have never been this motivated. I think what really got me motivated was just really saying to myself that I needed to change. I felt really crappy for the most part, and I used that to fuel the fire. I'ce got a co-worker in it with me (all though he doesnt have to lose as much weight as i do.) I am 222 and trying to lose 82 bounds to bring me to 140 as well. It;s a big challenge, but im sure you can do it!! feel free to friend me and say wahts up sometime.

Welcome to MFP, I too have struggled in the past and not staying motivated. I like MFP because by logging on every morning and seeng all the encouragement from others and reading about their success really keeps me motivated. I have not lost much weight but have been exercising daily and eating alot healthier and I do feel the difference. I have a lot more energy and feel more confident in myself.

Please don't be insecure about the gym, those are just people too. We all had to start somewhere. I have found some great, helpful, and motivational people at the gym. Don't get discouraged, if it's the people who are able to run 5000 miles or lift more than they weight, I can tell you they have been doing it for quite some time so don’t let them stop you, most of these people will be happy to help you. If it’s the equipment that scares you hire a certified personal trainer and if you can’t afford it just ask questions, buy magazines, go to the library, or ask the gym personnel or others in the gym for help. Don't lift heavy until you have been shown correct form, you don't want to hurt yourself. I hope this helps. I have lived in several states and have been to over a dozen different gyms and I can tell you I have never gone to any gym where people were not friendly, never. They are just like me, they want to be healthy, fit, motivated and most are seeking friendships. I am not a personal trainer and I'm am trying to lose 25 lbs since my back surgery, I work in a factory and I'm a wife and a mother, so I am also just like everyone else too, I'm looking for motivation, advise and friendships as well. You know what will be wonderful… If you go to the gym, start to see results, get hooked on working out (and you will get hooked) and remember how you feel right now about being insure and set out to be an inspiration to others who fell insure about starting at a gym and make it your goal to help them not be insecure, what a blessing you would be!!! Keep me updated please, let me know how you do at the gym.. You will love it!!!!

Hi Claire
I am 217.8 lbs and need to lose similar amount of weight (well more because i need to lose 96.8 lbs) to be able to get down to 121 lbs. Good luck!