2 weeks on MFP

Hi everyone
I've been on MFP for just 2 weeks but so far I think this is going to be an amazing experience for me. I am 41, have psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia, and have about 100 pounds to lose. This 100 pounds did not come on overnight, even though it sure feels like it. I was once a normal sized girl and at my healthiest was 128 pounds. Then in 2000/2001 I went through some traumatic experiences and started gaining weight like crazy. For the last 13 years I have been miserable and never knew exactly what was causing my weight gain but never delved into finding out what it was that I was doing to cause such horror (I THOUGHT I ate well). I have recently discovered that metabolic syndrome goes hand in hand with my condition (hence the weight gain), which means that I can never eat like a normal person without consequence, and if I want to be healthy I need to take it into my own hands and be diligent about counting calories and aware of the foods I am choosing. I have realized that because of my health challenges, I have to be more aware than someone that does not have these challenges. Denial is not the road I want to travel down. My pain management doctor has advised me to go on a gluten/wheat free/lactose free/low glycemic diet which I am more than thrilled to do if it means a healthier me.

I am happy to be here and hope to meet other people who may be in the same position as I am. I am in Washington state (Tacoma area) and hope to find others near me for support.

I wish you all success on your journeys