Hello, I'm ysabella.

I have a hypothyroid, PCOS , and exertive asthma. You can imagine what a picnic it is for me to manage my weight.

I think exercise is the biggest key for me, and I find the gym kind of dull so I have to have a goal. I did the Danskin Women's Triathlon in 1999, so I'm going to do it again this year. (I've been living in Europe the last 3 years, and couldn't find any similar events there.) That gives me a real reason to work out.

My dad now has diabetes, in his 60s. I'm worried that I could get it much earlier in life if I don't look out. That's why I'm doing Atkins - if I don't do it now, I'll just have to later on. I started with the New Year.

I'm not sure I've really lost anything, but knowing me, I have to hang on for about six weeks or so, and then some will come off when I've given up and I'm not looking. In any case, my appetite is way down (I've read that we should keep calories up but I'm finding it difficult) and also my sweet tooth is pretty much gone. Plus, the ketostix are dark purple every time. So, that's progress as far as I'm concerned!

What else? I'm newly married; my husband is Dutch and I brought him back with me. We have five pet ferrets, we both do theatre as a hobby, and I do a lot of musical and artistic things when I get a chance.

Greetings to you all! Any other gals planning to take on this year's triathlon?

Cheers,