So excited to see the boards up finally!

[Chandra Moore]

I am not sure if anyone else is here yet, but I sure hope there will be others joining me here soon! I live in Oklahoma and have tried to find a group close to where I live, but haven't been successful yet. A friend from church has been my accountability partner. I ordered my kit off ebay and have started reading and started doing "life under control" I am still trying to figure the whole program out, but so far am liking what I see... Just wish I had a group. Anyays looking forward to seeing others come to the boards and share in this new lifestyle, a more balanced lifestyle, with Christ in FIRST PLACE! :-)
Chandra

[Dana]

Sounds familiar, Chandra. I, also, haven't found a group in my area, and am looking forward to meeting new friends and members on this board! I need to find an accountability partner, though, I think that will help me keep up the good work. Blessings to you!
Dana

[Mimi]

Glad to see everything is up and running again too! While there is a group near my area, that I have been to, I am not currently attending. I hope to go back soon! Chandra, thats great that you have an accountability partner!!!

How has it been for you guys, without a group, figuring out exchanges. This is one thing I really struggle with. I know if you eat simple, basic foods, its easy- but some foods are really tough to figure out!!!

[Chandra Moore]

Mimi,
I am finding the same thing that it is kind of tough to find out what some things are as far as exchanges go. Plus I am nursing my baby and trying to find a good balance as far as how many extra to eat for that. I have been trying to find an exchange list book but haven't had any luck yet.
Dana,
I would be willing to be your accountability person till you find a group, or a friend there. My friend that I am accountable to she isn't on the program, but she is doing many of the same things I am (prayer, bible reading, water). She thinks the program sounds a bit strict, but I am loving it so far.
How long have you all been on the program? I just started it on April 1st. I bought my kit off ebay, but it didn't come with the member guide.. I have been bidding on one, but think I have been outbid! :-( Do you all have the book? Or the actual members guide?
Thanks for writing and letting me know I am not alone here!
Chandra

[Mimi]

I went to the First Place group here in Sept but have not been back since the first 13 wk session ended (winter was a bit crazy with weather and sick kids). I have not been faithful in following the commitments though~ esp with the LIVE IT b/c of not knowing what to count everything as (and maybe part of that is just an excuse~ I am sure I could have tried harder than I did!). I'd like to go back and really committ to sticking with things to the best of my ability, and not be thinking I need to do things perfectly!!! This is where I need to improve- I get frustrated if I am not following things "perfectly" and then don't follow at all, which I know is ridiculous- no one can ever do it perfectly and I know God doesn't expect us too. Anyway...... hope everyone is having a good day! :)

[cafair]

Have any of you ladies heard of Outlook Ministry? It is an on-line First Place group. It was started by a sweet lady named Karen Rhodus five years ago. We have groups just like in the land classes. We have a board to post encouragement on. If we have a question about exchanges, we can post on the board and you will get plenty of help. We send our CR's into our leaders thru the mail. They hold us accountable If this is something you think you might be interested in then visit

www.outlookministry.net

Thanks,
Cheryl

[Shekinah]

Hi!

My name is Amanda. I also dont have a meeting anywhere close, so online is all I have ;)

I did first place about 3 years ago and I lost a significant amount of weight. I got pregnant in the middle of losing the weight and the 'you cant diet while pregnant' registered in my brain as 'you have to stop and eat like you used to'. I didnt just up my caloric intake and eat healthy.

That was seriously the biggest mistake I ever made.

Since then, the 'zone' has been harder to get into. Im hoping to get back there soon!! Accountability is something nobody I know can actually follow thru with.

I know that sounds a little harsh, but its true. I have asked so many people to help me be accountable and nobody lasts longer than 2 days. I even had a couple attempt to destroy my efforts by offering me things I couldnt have and belittled me for not doing the 'one bite isnt going to hurt anything'

One bite isnt going to hurt them. But for me, one bite of something I shouldnt have wont be enough. A cycle I plan on breaking with God's help.

Im so jazzed to see these boards back up--- I have been checking back in for weeks to see if they were working yet-- Im so glad!!

Anyway-- I saw this earlier:

Mimi,
I am finding the same thing that it is kind of tough to find out what some things are as far as exchanges go. Plus I am nursing my baby and trying to find a good balance as far as how many extra to eat for that. I have been trying to find an exchange list book but haven't had any luck yet.

I have a book called "Convenience food facts"

It has all the exchanges for common foods you would find in the supermarket. Its great!

Anyway, I look forward to getting to know you all and I pray that God blesses all of us in our quest to lose weight and change our lives forever!

Blessings,

Amanda <><

[Jenny/MO]

I am also glad to see the boards up. This was where I found out about First Place, and also found out about the Outlook Groups. I am so glad that I have my online group to hold me accountable - Karen has really made it a blessing for those of us that are unable to attend the local meetings.

I hope that you all are having a wonderful day.

If you need help with exchanges or anything, just post on the board & I'm sure that somebody can help you out.

Jenny/MO

[skeetybo]

Hi! This is my first posting to this website. It's nice to see that there are others in the same boat as myself. I look forward to reading your messages.

Katrina

[BOrnToBead]

I have just finished my first 12 week session. There was a lot going on in my life and I was not very successful with any aspect of the commitments or program. This week is a week off and then returning for a new session and with a new focus on the program next week. I have a lovely group I am involved with and even though I was not very successful with weight loss, etc. I do feel that we have formed some friendships and bonds that will help me get ready to do it right this year. I hope to be an inspiration and help to someone here. Glad to see the forums up and will be checking in here regularly. Nice to meet ya all!
Lisa :)

[ChristinaF]

Hi Chandra. I too did FP while pregnant and nursing. My doctor told me to eat at least 1800 calories, so that's what I did for the whole time.
Also, I found a simple exchange list at www.stopgettingsick.com/template.cfm-1623
I know that this isn't all-inclusive, but I hope it will help.
Christina

[froggieb]

Hi, I have just joined the boards. I love the First Place bible studies. I have lost about 20lbs.

I look forward to seeing how the boards run and if there is anything I can do to help someone just send me a note.

Bev in Illinois (not Chicago)

[crazybakr]

Wow, Bev. 20lbs is awesome. This sure is the way to do it. The Lord blesses each day in a new way, and I am thankful for that. Keep up the great work, and we are here for you.

Blesses to you, Cheryl