Hi all, I hope this is an appropriate place to introduce myself to the forum! I'm Nicole, 31 years old, and I have been obese my entire adult life, with little periods of not being obese that lasted a year or two at most. I decided to join TOPS because it seems like a very effective support group for people. The program is so inspirational, and I have made a decision that the lifestyle change has to be permanent AND sustainable. I always find that my old habits come back very slowly and gradually. It's never like I go from my typical side dish at dinner being a big bunch of steamed or raw veggies to a big bowl of mac and cheese overnight. :-P It starts small and seemingly harmless and it builds up until finally I'm eating enough to feed a big body builder rather that little ole' 5' 0" me. :-P So I figure support is the way to go, having people doing what I'm doing to talk to and keep me accountable, and for me to help them do the same.