I've never tried to seriously lose weight before. I knew I always needed to, but I was actually okay with myself until I moved to a place where few women are over a size 10, never mind a size 14. I've been doing Weight Watchers since June of 2002, and I've lost 82 lbs since then. It might not be the fast way to do it, but it's healthy, and I feel like at this rate I'm likely to keep the weight off longer. I still have a L-O-N-G way to go, but I'm confident I'll finally get to my goal sometime in late 2003.
I've also become somewhat of a gym junkie. I do total body conditioning classes (think "The Firm") supplemented with free weights. I look a size or two smaller than my weight would indicate becuase the weights have helped trim my silhouette. So if you're looking to tone up and look "tight" in time for bikini season, hit the weights. You'll see an amazing difference in about a month or so.
AXOLiz - I understand what you mean about finding time to work out when you work so much. Here's one thing I do to try to get a little extra exercise in each day. Instead of taking the elevator, I take the stairs. I even take them two at a time, just to increase the burn a little bit. It's not the most ladylike thing in the world, but it's an easy way to firm the backs of your thighs and rear... if you need that sort of thing.
