Works for Me

Hi everyone, I'm finally going public after using MFP for about a month now. First I have to say that I've been on at least 15-20 "diets" in my lifetime. I've probably gained & lost 20, 30 & once even 60 lbs. It's kind of depressing to realize hat I've spent most of my life dieting, unsuccessfully. I've been sometimes at a healhy weigh, someimes slim, and sometimes overweight. So I'm approaching MFP not as a diet, but as a learning program to teach me how to manage my weight for the rest of my life.
At first the 30 lbs I have to lose seemed almost insurmontable. I've been trying since Sept. 2010 without success. I have arthritis in both knees & I find it just about impossible to lose weight unless i exercise. The arthritis made it painful to even walk. But I've taken everything in baby steps.... First I got a ski machine for my house & that puts no strain on my knees. Eventually I got myself back to the gym & where I do what I can. I've had 4 knee surgeries so I have specific exercises that I have to do for my knees.
Without MFP's tools I wold never have been able to accomplish what I have so far. I weigh & measure all my food & enter every day into the food diary on MFP. I also enter my exercise.
As a result of all these efforts (and it is time consuming) I've lost almost 10 lbs so far.
I'm not bragging, what I'm trying to say is, even if you have a lot to lose, take it in small steps, one day at a time, one week a a time , & do what you can do. Even if it's only entering your food & going for a quick walk. If yor not staying withing your caloric limits (& I didn't always) don't give up! Eventally you will learn what to cut back on.
Anyone that wants to be a friend on MFP, I would love to have your support & give you some as well!