Michelle, Never to late to join in. You are more than welcome to participate. Did you know that carbs can cause the body to retain fluids? If you go to a high protein/low carb eating plan, I bet the 10 lbs will drop off quickly. Caffeine can increase your appetite and also irritate the tummy plus deplete much needed calcium from our systems. Sounds like you are doing well in cutting back on it. Good for you, that is great. Mary

Although I'm a bit tardy in replying, I'm really in need ot this! I'd really like to participate! Count me in! I went to my 2 year follow up appointment, and had gained 10 pounds since my 18 month appointment! THat really had me worried (and my doctor!), and I know I hadn't been exercising and really hadn't been watching, but I've got to get that under control! I've been working out at the gym 4-6 days a week and increasing the water, cutting caffeine (except for a partial cup of coffee at home and on the way to work each morning), and upping my protein majorly. I've tried to cut most of my carbs again, and really hadn't realized how much of them I had been 'picking at'. I really need this right now! Help!

I'm posting late Thursday night as I won't be on-line first thing in the morning. Today (Friday) is our commitment day to getting back on track. You can post your weight if you want (only if you want). It would be great if everyone would make a commitment for 1 thing to do for this week. Make your commitment something that is truly doable and realistic for you. For example: I commit to doing some form of exercise 4 days this week. OR I commit to drinking 64 oz of non-caffeine liquids 5 days this week OR I commit to eating lower carb this week. Don't make your commitments all or none ... that only sets you up for failure and NONE of us are failures. An all or none commitment would be: I will not eat any carbs at all this week. It just isn't realistic normally, so try to stay away from those type of commitments. We want to work at this slowly, changing bad habits if they exist into good habits that we can live with. Then during the following week, post along the way. Come here if you need support and encouragment or to share. Posting your thoughts will help others here too. WE CAN DO THIS!!!! Mary

fridays arent always the best days for me b/c I have clinical for school from 7-3 but I guess I can chime in at the end of the day when I get home!!! YIPPIE!! PS- so glad this board has stayed so active!! sarah

Joy, Post when you can. Also I think what I will do is make Friday the main check in day but any day you post is great. Each of our schedules vary and I realize how that can impact our computer usage. This will be sooooo flexible with no right or wrong ... just support and helping each other. I understand about moving. In CA, I had an awesome group meeting I went to once a month. I haven't made the connection here in AZ with a local group (my own fault as they meet weekly between 2 different locations). I went to 2 meetings, enjoyed them but .... The great part about moving here tho is that I mett 4 wonderful ladies thru the "Over Fifty Forum" here and 2 of them live close by. Since last summer we have been doing group get togethers with the 10 of us or at least 4 to 6 of us. All the significant others like each other and we all get along great. It has been a very positive experience and I've gained so wonderful friends in the process too. Have you check out the state board here on obesity help? It might be a great way to find individuls in your area and also to learn about support group meetings too. It is hard when you move to a new location. So many things to learn, see, do. We have no regrets we moved 1 1/2 years ago. Best thing we ever did for us. It has really worked out well for us. I hope your move will bring you the same type of rewards. Mary