My name is Maria and I have been battling with my weight almost my entire life. When I was 8 years old, I weighed over 100 lbs. I joined a weight loss group with my grandma at that time and lost about 15 lbs. Thats not bad for an 8 yr old. Going forward, although I would lose a few lbs here and there, I could never maintain a healthy weight. I was an overweight child, teenager, and now I am an overweight adult. About 2 years ago, I began the Weight Watchers plan with a friend, and as an incentive to stick to it, we planned a summertime vacation on the beach 4 months from our starting date. We had it in our heads that we had 4 months to get into shape so that we could show off our new bodies on the beach! We were both successful by the time of our trip, both losing over 20 lbs each. I never could have done it without the constant support of my friend. I would always joke that she was my "food sponsor" and whenever I had a craving or was about to eat something I shouldn't, I would call her and she would help talk me out of it. Lets just say, there were definitely a lot of phone calls made to her!! Unfortunately shortly after my weight loss, I began gaining everything I had lost back, and then some. It has been 2 years and I have gained over 40 lbs. My friend and I have begun to follow Weight Watchers together again. Having the motivation and support of a friend or family member doing the plan with you I feel is key. I don't think I would be able to do it alone. So here starts phase II of my voyage to be thin/healthy and look as good as I do in my picture.