Hi from Southern IL

I'm trying this "get healthy" thing again...hoping talking about it will help me stay positive!
I'm Jess and I am 31 years young, and the proud single mommy of my teenage daughter. I've been suffering from Fibromyalgia and a handful of other chronic illnesses for quite some time now, and wondering if I'll ever feel decent again.

I have been trying to lose weight for over a decade now, and it's been a rollercoaster. Sixty pounds lost at one point in time, mostly from cleaning up my diet and stopping the soda drinking. I've gained a total of about 100 lbs from various medications for Bipolar and Fibromyalgia. The chronic pain from the fibro makes vigorous exercise out of the question - but I am able to do a little bit here and there. I've been through Physical therapy a few times - it seems I'll always need to go back.

My boyfriend told me he didn't want me to get weight loss surgery because of the risks involved (and because he loves me the way I am....aWWwwww), so I'm doing the calorie counting approach again. I've lost 4 lbs in 2 weeks, and that's more success than I've seen in many years, so I'm hopeful!

I'm including lots of fresh fruits and veggies in my new diet plan - and less meat. I don't want to go vegan or anything, but I think less is better.