Hope to see this thread filled with LOTS of posts in the near future!

Have you managed to lose weight and keep it off? Have you been able to stick to your goals, and live a healthier lifestyle? If so, then please post your story here.....we need your motivation!

I was able to loose 37 pounds in 6 months following a low protein,low fat,high carb diet! I felt wonderful and looked pretty darn good too :) This may not be a true success story as unfortunatly after awhile I have put back on 15 of those pounds but I'm still less then what I once was and I am ready to start doing it again come Sept 1

I lost 185lbs the day my divorce was final!! :yay: :wave: Ha! That was so funny. Seriously, after my divorce I was in such a new good mood that I lost about 30lbs in 6 months. That was last year and I kind of got stuck so I am trying to get back into the swing. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!

It IS a success story, Cali...absolutely :thumbsup:

Over a year ago now, I woke up one morning and I just knew that I had to do something about how I carried myself. I was laying on my side and I hated how my stomach looked, I was determined. I started doing tae bo daily and running when it felt safe in my neighbourhood. I ate a low carb diet, and although I missed eating all my familys authentic food ( Italian ) I was enjoying the options in food that I did have. And hey, you'll spend 5 dollars on a little thing of "Ben & Jerry's" so why not spend 5 dollars on a little thing of rasberries and a yogurt too? I made my eating plan exciting, change it up a little! I loved it, my clothes were fitting better, and then eventually not fitting at all!!!! I believe it is all about a change of heart, ( I AM worth this!!!! ) and a lifestyle change, ( HEALTHY!!!!! ) Throughout my journey, I have inspired a lot of people, people want to borrow my tapes, run with me, they want me to teach them how to cook, etc. I even got a job as a weight loss counsellor! My "fit" friends are learning from me now! My closet is funny, and it appears as though I must have a "sister" or something that shares my space with me because I have clothes that I use to wear that are a size 11/12 ( which now do NOT fit! ) and clothes that I do wear now that are a size 4/5!!!! :yay: YAY!!!!!! And I feel great!! I have recently packed away some of those size 11/12 clothes that I think will really look cute during PREGNANCY!!! And the rest, I gave away! How liberating! Now, I do eat carbs, I love cereal. It is all in moderation! I put things into my body that are healthy, and I watch calories now. I still love food, but I have a different outlook altogether now. It is a never ending journey, and every minute of it is worth it! Because I know I am worth it. What else can I say? I love what I have done for myself, and my hard work pays off every day! I have lost between 22-25 lbs, and I am 5"3. I now weigh 125.

If you ever want to talk, please pm me. :wave:

Anything is possible!
:love: Oscar

as most of you know, i have am battling with an eating disorder at the moment. actually i have had an eating disorder all of my life. as a teenager, i was thin, but to me i could never be thin enough. i was literally dying to be thin. i slipped down to 87 pounds at the age of 16. i almost died. after a tremendous amount of therapy and treatment, i started gaining weight. 2 and 1/2 years later, i had reached 110 lbs. i got pregnant with my daughter and put on 60 pounds but i had lost 40 after that. so here i was 130lbs. i was finally ok with it. actually too ok because in the next 2 years after that i went up to 140. it was a good weight for me considering i was a double d in bra size and i am 5'5. i maintained that weight until i got pregnant with my son. i was depressed and i was bed written. three weeks before i gave birth to my son, i stepped on the scale at my doctors office and i was a whopping 289lbs!! many couldnt imagine gaining all that weight in 9 months, but i am living proof that it is possible. i think that i ate everything while i was pregnant, that i had deprived myself of when i was a kid. as a child i wouldnt eat mcdonalds or doritos or anything. i lived off of lettuce and water on a good day. so i had nicholas, and afterwards i remained heavy. but the sickest thing was, i had no idea how big i wad. nicholas was about a year and a half and i had gotten back new years eve pictures from a party at my house and there was one pic of me and my friend. oh my god, i took up the whole picture. i was huge i couldnt believe it. the next day i joined weight watchers. i had lost some weight in the year and a half since i had nicholas because when i went to weight watchers i weighed 258lbs. 6 months later i lost 60 pounds and then i was loosing like 8lbs a month. i now way 144 pounds, but i will never be happy. but you know what the craziest thing was??? when i was so skinny that i looked like a skeleton, i thought i was fat, but when i was almost 300lbs, i didnt know how fat i really was. i will always have a distorted view of my body. till this day, i look into the mirror and i dont know if thats how i really look.

i have before and after pictures that i am thinking about posting here but my before pic is so bad, i dont want all you ladies laughing at me!

I encourage you to post your before and after pictures jeffsprincess! I would too, except I don't have a scanner. Sometimes seeing helps believing!

ok i am considering it!!! but the 289 pick is so bad!!! and its such an offguard pic. and i just had my son he was only 2 days old!!!

Susan, Hey thanks for this great thread!

I am tall (5'10) and was thin/normal during high school and the year after. When I was 20, I gained 25# in two months and a bunch of other medical problems soon followed. Only to finally find out that I had a low thyroid. Well, the weight wouldn't go away, I put some more on and then went through a normal pregnany and gained 25 more pounds.

Three summers ago, one of my neighbors came over. She had been heavy the last time I saw her and this time she was skinny. She told me about a weight plan her chiropractor/nutritionalist put her on. It wasn't necessarily "Atkins", but telling her to up her protein and only eat 2 carbs a day. I thought, "I could do that!".

I also saw Dr. Phil on Oprah that week (before he had his own show). I remember him discussing weight with a woman and he basically said, "You have to get tired of the way you are and do something about it." I had had enough! Plus ladies, I thought to myself, "I used to be a Marine for goodness sake. What's wrong with you girl? If you can get through the toughest bootcamp in the military, get a grip and lose this weight."

So...to make a long story short. I do the 2 carbs a day thing. If I can get away with NO carbs then I do. I also see my doctor once a year to check my progress (cholesteral, thyroid levels, etc.). He has been very pleased.

First summer I lost - 20# and maintained
Second summer I lost - 17# and maintained
(Note: I thought that surely after losing almost 40# that my bra size would go down from a 38 DD - NOT! I had a breast reduction surgery and am at a comfortable 38 C)
This summer I have lost - 13# for a whopping total of 50#! I still need to lose 10 more pounds to get to my goal.

I know that I will never be my high school weight. We need to be realistic about our womanly bodies. I just want to stay comfortable in my own "skin" and clothes for that matter. I am also working on toning up my arms with push ups and hand weights. Then, I will work on my stomach area.

The thing I have found with the low carb/high protein meals is that I have more energy. Now, if I eat a bunch of carbs, I feel so, so sluggish and even get heachaces. It is a terrible feeling. Since carbs skyrocket your energy for a little bit, turn into sugar, which then turns into fat and then it bottoms you out, it is like putting me into a coma!

So, now if we go to Pizza Hut, instead of just eating a ton of pizza and bread sticks, like I used to, I will get the salad bar and load up on that (A LOT) before the pizza even comes out. Then eat one or two slices. It's not hard.

Thanksgiving and holidays? I will be really choosy about which carbs I will eat. Biscuits and corn? No thanks! I can have that any old time. Homemade mashed potatoes? Yes, but a smaller portion. Turkey? All I can eat. I even took an 1/8 sliver of each kind of pie and ate that.

I also drink A LOT of water! Good luck and best wishes to all of you! Think of me on my last 10 pounds and I will think of you and encourage you!

Jeffsprincess: I will go through and find my before and after pictures. I'll post mine if you post yours! Deal? :)

I have a pic of myself at right around 300 lbs., jeffsprincess....and have no qualms about posting it. I know it's still in my garage in a box, but I know which box, LOL!

And I have a batch of pics taken a little over a month ago, so that will be the "After". Believe it or not, I only took a few pics when I got down to 141 lbs., and those have been missing forever :(

How about a separate thread, ladies? Before and After?

Please use this thread as a place to post your Before and After pics.

The "After" doesn't necessarily have to be recent; any two photos showing a progression of weight loss would be fine! Also, I ask that you only post your photos if you are completely comfortable....this is our home, but it's still a very "public" one.

As soon as I dig my "Befores" out of the garage, they'll be front and center...I'm always in the mood for a good laugh! LOL!

i tried to post my pics, but i have to make them smaller it didnt work. ill try again later. sorry.

Ok here we go!

First is what I weighed after my diet last year (195 size 14/16)
Second me now (215 size 18)
Third my heaviest ever(237 size 20) NO ONE has ever seen this pic before by the way except the person who took it!
Fourth my lowest ever (165 size 9!!) Oh lordy if only....lol

I'd be happy to get back to what I weighed last year as I don't know if I will ever reach my skinniest again,that was quite a few years ago!

Sounds good to me.:)

ok ladies, be nice. the first pic is not only me at my heaviest, well im not even at my heaviest cause i already had had my son, but i am unshowered and in my pjs and the pic is so offguard.. ughhh i cant believe im putting this on the internet!!! lol!!

the second one is me last year with jeff. i was like 155lbs in that pic and i weigh 145 now.

cali - you so dont even look like you weigh that much!!!!! you look great!!! you carry your weight so well. i have so many pics of me now at 144lbs, but unfortunately they are half naked and for jeffs eyes only!!! lol!

California sunshine - You look great! Just go for the goal that you feel healthiest at.

Jeffsprincess - DON'T YOU DARE TAKE THESE PICTURES DOWN! They are an inspiration and I think Susan should give you an award for having the guts to post them. You go girl! You look great! No wonder Jeff's hugging you so tight!

I promise I will post mine. I need to dig out my overweight picture and scan it.

I'll do it tomorrow. :)

thanks ohiogirl!!! hey, you all know everything else about me, why not see how huge i was??? next time i go to new york, i will grab an anorexic pic from my moms house. now that is scary. i look like im dead and ill post that.

Thanks ladies

Jeffs you look awesome now girl! You have done a great job and should be proud of yourself! Do NOT be embaresed or ashamed about the before pic,you are an inspiration:) and yah girl thank god for my height! I could cry when I think I weigh 215 still but at least being so tall you wouldnt guess I weight that my guy said 180 and I said yah something like that LOL

You are both beautiful ladies, at any size. I am scanning my photos now, but can't get to the real "heavy" shots until morning (can't see in the garage). However, in the pics I'm about to post, you can definitely see the pounds coming on over the years.

It's good we can share these images...and I applaud you ladies for being secure enough to post them. I haven't looked at my older pics in years. I think some of the least favorites are going on the fridge, so I can hear myself say, "Oh, no....not ever going to let myself go like that again!" LOL!

Some good laugh material, coming up.....

And here we go......

1. Still a chunky high school sophomore...but I managed to play softball anyway. Winter 1982.

2. A high school senior, at my thinnest weight, 126 lbs. March 1984.

3. Yes, those are my real nails :D I remember this was when I started gaining a few pounds. June 1984.

4. Fall of 1984. On my own in our first apartment, and beginning to "puff up", somewhere around 140 lbs.

5. June 1989, my daughter's baptism (1st hubby to the left, my Dad behind him). That blue dress hid a lot of weight, which is why I bought it. Around 180 lbs.

6. June 1996....I had been dieting for a year by then, and the weight was mostly off. This photo was at about 160 lbs.

7. Fall 1996. 1st hubby and I had split...now I'm at 145, and feeling gooooood ;)

8. Spring 1997, my daughter's First Communion, and my second husband (to be) is on the scene. Starting to regain here, at 165 lbs. or so.

9. Mexico, August 1999. It was a very happy time, for both of us. Honeymoon dinner, mariachi serenade, moonlight walk on the beach...the works. At 170 lbs.

10. Boston, Spring 2000. As you can see, I am packing the weight on again. He loved going out to eat, and so did I. Guess which one of us gained every time? About 190 here.

More to follow....only 10 allowed per post, LOL!

IM SO JEALOUS, CAUSE ALL YOU LADIES CARRIED YOUR WEIGHT SO WELL!! SUSAN I WOULD HAVE NEVER GUESSED THAT HIGH ON YOUR WEIGHT! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE OTHERS!!

pic #4.... LOL.... 80's girl to the max!!!

It's funny....I've always been very muscular, even when I was completely out of shape. So when I do weight training, I have to be very careful, or I'll bulk right up. It took almost 18 months (from Summer 1995 to the Fall of 1996) to lose 181 pounds.

The heavier (1990-1995, 2001-2003) photos will be posted in the morning; I actually can't wait to see them again, LOL!

I'm really enjoying this thread, and look forward to our other sisters posting some pics ;)

J, I'm sure you meant #3...
LMAO--Isn't it too much???

Death by AquaNet!!!

You all look good and are an inspiration to me.. Sorry I don't have a scanner or a camera to post pics.

J, I'm sure you meant #3...
LMAO--Isn't it too much???

Death by AquaNet!!!
Yep. I meant #3

Give me AquaNet or Give me a bandana!!! (I always wanted to be a hippie!!)

1) Me at 180 lbs.

2) The most I've ever weighed, 192 lbs, that is a XXL outfit I have on.

3) I had lost a few lbs. last March and felt good, so here is a bathing suit flick

4) Same as #3

5) Me in a size 13/14, but weighing like 176. So, that is about what i was before my diet starting 8/14/04, so hopefully soon I'll have some pics of me back in a 7/8. That's like me weighing 137-140 lbs (my goal)

Wow, Woody's girl....great pics! Your smile really lights up that first one! And a bathing suit shot....girl, you go!! Even at my slimmest, I never felt good enough to wear a two-piece, because of the surgical scars on my stomach and abs.

Your goal is a good one, just remember to do it slow and steady...too fast, too soon is not healthy ;)

All right, here's the next batch.....I tried to attach them "in order", but it wouldn't work :(

1. My sister and I in NYC in the Fall of 1996...this is one of the few "after weight loss" photos I have....around 145 pounds. Like me, my sister has struggled all her life with the pounds. We are the "Yo-Yo Sisterhood"! LOL! (Oh, and yes, I am aware of the serious case of "camel toe", thanks...:rolleyes: )

2. June 1996. Around 160 or so....still losing ;)

3. July 1984. The New Wave Girl of the 80's is now out of high school, and eating all day long.....135 pounds or so. JJT, dig that pale violet lip and nail color :D

4. The first "after baby" photo, July 1989....about 185 pounds. Again with the "big hair", LOL!

5. With second husband at this point, Summer of 1997....so in love, and still trying to keep the weight under control. Had lost a little, this shot is probably 155-160 pounds.

6. A high school junior, tanning at her friend's house....LOL. Friend thought it would be amusing to sneak a pic. Can you guess what I said to her right after she snapped this? About 140 lbs.

7. April 1984, ill-advised "preppie" phase. Living on Diet Coke and saltines....skin and hair really bad, nails breaking. Not the healthiest (or smartest) way to lose weight. About 125 lbs. here.

8. Age 3, 1969. Not sure of the weight, but man....was I a skinny kid!

9. I loved that pool! Age 4, still thin as a rail.

10. Puberty hits, here come the pounds. 7th grade, have no idea of the weight.

But wait, there's more.....*hangs head*

1. Mexico, July 2001. Oh my God....my girlfriends and I literally ate our way through the country. I can't even believe how big I looked. Probably 240 pounds or so.

2. Halloween 2000, around 195 pounds (with my Mom the Pumpkin, LOL).

3. Mexico, April 2001. Another trip with my girlfriends, and we really cut loose. Not quite as heavy as the July trip, but still in the 220 range.

4. Mexico, September 1998 (can you tell I love going there? LOL). Felt good on this trip, despite the fact that my extra 30 lbs. kept my breath short on the jungle hikes we took. About 170 lbs.

5. August 1999, Honeymoon....still one of my favorite photos, even if the happiness didn't last.

6. The ruins of El Castillo, March 2000. Closing in on the 200 pound mark.

7. June 2000, Newport Beach. Probably 210-215 lbs.

8. February, 1998. This photo should have been motivation for me to stop opening the fridge so much. About 180.

9. NYC, Winter 1997. Still in good shape, but yoyo-ing big time. About 160 pounds.

Now for the *big* photos.

1. August 2001, second hubby and I just about to split up. All I wanted to do was eat and sleep. 250 pounds.

2. Halloween, 2001. Laughing on the outside, crying on the inside. 260 pounds.

3. Mexico, September 2001. My daughter and I took this trip to have some peace after my chaotic breakup with my husband. All I can remember is not wanting any pictures taken of me in a bathing suit.

4. From the same trip as the previous photo....I felt like I was so big, everyone was staring. They weren't, but you know how that goes. I was up to 275 by this point. All that work and progress from five years before, down the drain.

5. NYC, Christmas 2002. This was a good stretch in between all the crashes....I had gone on a diet kick, the right way, and dropped 60 pounds. Around 210 here. This is just before the storm started brewing.

6. The is the "Before" of three very close gals....L-R is my sister (she is 5 years younger than I am), my cousin, and I. Taken in spring 1975.

7. The "After" of the same three chicks, at our cousin's wedding in Fall, 2000. Guess which one of us did NOT have a weight problem for those 25 years?

8. February, 2003. Shawn had attempted suicide about 8 weeks earlier, and I was eating everything I could get my hands on. From December to this photo, I ballooned up to 240 again. This is pretty much the weight I would stay at for another year, until I decided to make some changes...again.

I saved these pictures for last, because I can really see the vast differences in weight during these periods in my life. All the yoyo-ing has probably done more damage than the extra pounds.

This time around, the results HAVE to be permanent....because I can't put my body through this anymore.

1. Age 17, 125 pounds.

2. Age 22, 185 pounds.

3. Age 29, 310 pounds (the heaviest picture I have)

4. Age 31, 145 pounds (the healthiest point of my life)

5. Age 34, 275 pounds

6. Age 37, 191 pounds (July 2004)


Although I am still overweight, I am in the best mindset of my life. I am happy, at peace, and determined to reach my goals. I have a beautiful daughter, a man who loves me for who I am, and so much to look forward to.

I'm very glad we have opened this Forum, and feel that with support and friendship, there's nothing we can't achieve.

In strength and serenity,
Susan

Susan, Thank you so much for sharing! You look AMAZING!

I'm STILL trying to post my pictures, but the system is acting up - I have a post open for "technical". As soon as I get it figured out, I too will post my photos (I have an 80's one too!) :)

Ooooh, I wanna see the 80's pics from all us 30-somethings ;)

Ohio, let me know if you still can't post by tonight, and I'll have one of the Admins. look into your User CP.

PS--thanks for the compliment!

In my opinion, you all look great, before or after, cause you all have a big heart. :)

Phil

Thanks Phil that was so sweet :)

Irish, girl you have come so far! You look great now :)

Isn't Phil da bomb??? LOL!

Thanks, Cali...now if only I could get some of your height! I don't mind being short, but just ONCE, I'd like to get a box of cereal off the top shelf at the grocery store, without asking some kid half my age for help! LOL!

(((hugs)))

Susan

All i can say is WOW!!!!!! Susan you have really come a long way and you look absolutely amazing girl!

Woody's Girl, you are freakin' drop dead GORGEOUS!!!

Jeff's Princess.. all i can say is WOW!! You look absolutely amazing too!!

California.. I totally agree, you hold your weight well! You look amazing as well!!

Good job ladies.. I feel truely inspired..

Jess

I can't resist....It's theraputic to post my "fat" ones and more recent (better but not there yet) ones...Makes me realize I need to get my behind in gear!

First one : My heaviest
Second : me now

#1 - This was my heaviest - I look "swollen". 230# (2001)

#2 - 220# (1999) - WAY before my breast reduction! DD - Blah!:eek:

#3 - 200# (2003) - Ladies, florals ALWAYS make you look fat no matter what your size! I gave that dress away as soon as I saw that picture. I should have burned it! LOL

#4 - 187# (May 2004) - 9 months after the breast reduction (they took 3# off total!) "Boy do I feel light!":D

#5 - 180# (August 2004) - My most current picture.

#6 - 135# (1985 - high school) - My thinnest. I think too thin.

I have 10 more pounds to go. I have to remember that my goal weight of 170# sounds like a lot, but it isn't when you are 5'10" like I am. I just want to be healthy and no more yo-yo-ing! I want to maintain...

Thanks! Patty

I agree with Phil you girls all look wonderful either way. You girls are all sweet and seeing these pictures doesnt make me think any different.

Ohio, I love your beautiful hair....it reminds me of the sunset :)

LOL, and yes, strong patterns make us look HEAVIER! Sometimes I go into Fashion Bug and want to scream!!! WHAT are their corporate buyers thinking???

Love that 80's pic--those shoes!!! LOL!!! Aaaah, it was the best of times, wasn't it???

See what a difference a little height makes (you too, Cali)? Ohio, in pics 4 and 5, I NEVER would have guessed 180 lbs....you really carry it well!

These are wonderful pics....thanks for sharing them with us!

ohio girl, you look wonderful!!!! you go girl!!! i didnt know you had breast reduction??? i am also a DD. i am going to try to get a pic up of what i look like now. but i have some but way to sexy for here!!!! lol! for jeffs eyes only!

Susan and Joy,

Thanks for the compliments. The reduction was $7,600 and I didn't pay a dime! Insurance paid for the whole thing. It was wonderful. A long time coming that's for sure!

The good old 80's! Ha!

Ok this is not my BEFORE or AFTER, it's my in between. I still have everything packed but I had this one on my computer that I sent my hunny so that he can show it off. This was on my B-Day 2 years ago at 140. I'm onlt 5'3" so ot shows when i stand up. My lightest was 104 ( 124 at 9 months pregnant) and 160 at the present time. So that's alot for me. But I just wanted to join in too with the rest of you. It's nice to see a face to the name. Especially when I come on daily and read everyones post. EVERY LOOKS GOOD.

Cubana girl you look smoking hot :)

Ohio Girl you look great! You have come a long way baby :)

woodysgirl-you also look so good. you go girl!!!!

im gonna post a pic of what i looked like before i started goin to the gym and eating right and then in a month I will add a new one that way i can see if theres any changes in muscle tone and in my tummy

Thanks Susan for your kind compliments and You too look lovely, you can do the bathing suit flicks-
And ohiogirl- you look good, you wear that 191 very well.

Thank you so much Starduk and JeffsPrincess and JP, How did you do it girl? I don't have that much more to drop before my goal, but I would love to know your success story truly.
Kesha

All i can say is WOW!!!!!! Susan you have really come a long way and you look absolutely amazing girl!

Woody's Girl, you are freakin' drop dead GORGEOUS!!!

Jeff's Princess.. all i can say is WOW!! You look absolutely amazing too!!

California.. I totally agree, you hold your weight well! You look amazing as well!!

Good job ladies.. I feel truely inspired..

Jess

Woody's girl: Thank you! You look great too. Keep it up! I want to get that last 10# off and some toning going on!

Here are some before/after for me! WW worked great for me while I was really into it... now if I could get BACK into it!! Where is my motivation?

:) shannon

1. Before I started gaining weight. This was in June of 2000, right after I married Freakazoid (now out of the picture!).
2. The heaviest I've ever been. It was disgusting. This was taken in 2002.
3. In the middle of the diet... fall of 2003.
4. This is my most recent photo, taken about 2 months ago. I'm starting to recognize myself again.

I still have a lot to lose. My goal is to get back into my size 12 pants!

WoodysGirl and Shannon you both look GREAT :)

Shannon, you have the most beautiful smile...I'm jealous!!!
If I may say so, you are even more beautiful now than the first pic...you look happier :)

Of course she's happier! She :heart:s her inmate! :)

Ok you ladies have given me enough courage to do this. :D

I am not to sure on pounds, but the first photo was January 2003, just after Christmas. I had been depressed, and was eating way to much (christmas spirit?) nah, just depression, and i ended up weighing about 74 kilos, I am not sure what that is in pounds. My 2 daughters Emily and Kirstin are in this photo with me :)

The second photo, was taken July this year, I started running and eating properly, I am now down to 64 kilos (dont know pounds girls sorry, Im Aussie :( ) and my goal weight for my height and body is between 58 - 60 kilos. I have had three kids, so I doubt I will get on the lower scale.... So Im off dieting with you all. :)
Susan, this is a great idea... thanks :)

Kyla, you mean chasing three kids all day won't burn off all the pounds you want??? LOL! Welcome to the Forum, sweetie (and you look GREAT!)

Hugs,
Susan

Yes Kyla you do look great :)

I went on my hols to Spain & looking at the photos afterwards I was horrified.I knew I had to do something about it,also I had/have a problen with my chest,I wanted a breast reduction but couldnt afford one,so I thought if I diet & exercise they would become smaller....I was a 40DD.I cut out all the fast food,walked instead of taking the bus & got myself a full time job....I was only working about 16 hrs at the time,the rest of my days were spent lying down watching daytime tv.I didnt really follow a plan like weight watchers or anything like that.I decided I knew what was best for me.I was 170lbs,didnt have a target just kept going.I went down to 126lbs & thought I looked great but everyone kept telling me how ill I looked.I realised I had to stop when I fainted a couple of times at work,on one occasion I was taken to hospitial.I was eating next to nothing & though I wouldnt admit it at the time I was feeling pretty bad.So I took a different approach....I started to over eat & took laxatives,lots of them....believe me this is not the way to go,Inow suffer from stomach cramps,shooting pains in my legs & back & my monthly cycle is totally screwed up.Ive been bulimic for a couple of years now but im getting there slowly.no laxatives for 5 days...no throwing up for 8.As you can see its early days.I now weigh 138lbs & I will never go over 140.If I keep to this i'll be ok with myself...oh & the breast issue,well I am now a 34DD so 6 inches is ok but it was the DD I wanted to loose.

Kyla, I love your recent pictures. You look healthy and pretty. :)

Here are my weight loss pics. I lost all my weight with the Atkins diet. I havent gained any back, but I am also really sick right now with AIH.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/biggamir/couch.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/biggamir/workout.jpg

Flygirlaa - MY GOODNESS, GIRL! YOU LOOK GREAT! Muscles and all! You are my inspiration to keep going with my push ups and weights. I lost 50# on an Atkins based diet and need to lose 10 more pounds, but am trying to tone up my arms. It's hard!

I'm up to 23 pushups (girl one's, but my form is really good) and only (sniff-sniff):( 5 guy pushups. I'm working on it!

Thanks for posting!

1. Baby Keiko
2. 1986 - 8th grade 125# - size 10
3 1995 - heaviest weight 250# - size 20 (combination of Heavy psych meds & Depresion)
4. 2002 - 9 months post baby - 165# size 14
5. 3/2004 - aprox 155# - size 12
6. 7/2004 - aprox 145# - size 10

Would love to get back to "post baby Tony weight" of 145, eventually back to 125#...my poor knees & ankles would appriciate that :p

Keiko!!!! All the pics!! How cute!!!! Love them... just wondering why ya never psoted them before!!!!!!!!!!

Ur very pretty Flygirl. If you dont mind me asking how much weight did you lose? and in how long?

Flygirl you look great.

Keiko, you look great to. Your little one is so adorable :D

Keiko!!!! All the pics!! How cute!!!! Love them... just wondering why ya never psoted them before!!!!!!!!!!

thanx...just never thought about it ;)

Flygirl you look great.

Keiko, you look great to. Your little one is so adorable :D

Thaks Kyla :)

This one isn't mine but I thought it was worth sharing as seeing what little steps she has taken and seeing the results are freaking amazing! My Aunt has always been overweight about 6 1/2 months ago she started walking on her treadmill 4 -5 times a week for 30 minutes each time and eating oatmeal and friut for breakfast,salads and plain sandwiches for lunch and normal dinners just smaller portions.She has lost almost 65 pounds and looks great! She is now handing down her clothes to me that she can no longer fit when she used to be at least 4 sizes larger then me!!!!

All of you ladies are so beautiful and so awesome. California Sunshine you definately look hot as a brunette. I think it brings out your features. Blonde?

Here are my weight loss pics. I lost all my weight with the Atkins diet. I havent gained any back, but I am also really sick right now with AIH.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/biggamir/couch.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/biggamir/workout.jpg
WOWWW :eek: You have great definition going on there!! :)

All of you look wonderful!!

darn my cat just erased my screen. I fluctuated between 145 and 170 most of my life from age 15 to about 41. I would diet a little a few months of the year and lose anything I had gained. I'm 5/5. I'll have to look for skinny pictures of me. Both of the fathers of my kids told me I was fat at 145. when I was 41 I was fed up with men and dating and absolutely couldn't get myself to watch what I ate. I went up to 240 within a year or two. I didn't even try to do anthing about it. About 5 years ago I took off twenty, but put it on again this last year with an ankle injury and a whole lot of stress in my life. I joined WW and have lost just 8 pounds. My eating habits were so bad I had to focus on drinking more water, planning meals, more fruits and veggies. I feel more on track now. E says he likes me the way I am but he is concerned about my health. I am 242!! I'd post big pics if I had "after " ones to show you guys! Susan I can't believe how much weight you lost total. I am surprised that many of you have been really high, like me, and have really taken it off. I am wondering, if you lose weight slowly by dieting and excercise do you still have a lot of excess skin? I have seen photos of people after bariatric surgery before plastic surgery and they had sheets of skin!

I am surprised that many of you have been really high, like me, and have really taken it off. I am wondering, if you lose weight slowly by dieting and excercise do you still have a lot of excess skin?

A slow, steady weight loss is the best chance you have for avoiding all that extra skin. I consider myself lucky...despite gaining and losing literally hundreds of pounds in the last 20 years, I have pretty good tone overall. Since buying my treadmill in July, I have now reclaimed the legs I had ten years ago, woohooo! It was amazing to watch the muscles start growing again :D I lift weights to tone up my arms, and can already see a big difference there, too. My only rough spot is my stomach....and that's got just as much to do with the surgeries I've had as it does with the yo-yo dieting. To really push the envelope and see some change, I combine 45 minutes of cardio with an ab workout, 5 days a week...with any luck, I can at least flatten it out and get some definition back. It's not easy when most of the muscles and nerves have been compromised through those surgeries. Even if I do eventually get to where I'm satisfied with the results, I will still have some pretty big stretch marks....but that's okay. I've earned them ;)

So good to see you here, CET---I know you can get healthy again!

I've lost about 50 pounds now , but my old habits are coming back.I'm truning towards food for love.Cause thats waht i'm missing.However,i'm trying to get back on track now. I do not want to gain it all back.Its great knowing that theres even support for that on this site.I feel like i'm alwas battling this alone.I've been over weight sinece my parents got divorsed that was at the age of 7, i'm 24 now. All win the war.

I just figured out how to add the photos, so here I am. Over the past 18 months I have lost 107 pounds!:D I lost the weight through a combination of Weight Watchers and lots of exercise. I still have about 30 pounds to lose to reach my weight, so the struggle continues. I keep forging ahead no matter what.

The first pix is me at my heaviest 327 pounds, the next is me at 30 pounds lost, the next one is me at the 50 pounds lost and the last one is me and my daughters at the 80 pounds lost mark. I am waiting until I finally reach goal to have my big reveal and take new pictures.

Each day is a new beginning...

Nuro'swife...WOW...what a difference!!! You look great!!! Keep it up...you can get to your goal!!! Hugs:p
-Jackie

Woohooo, thanks so much for posting your pics---and you look GREAT!!! The progress really shows, and I can't wait to see the next round of photos!

I am so proud of the beautiful women in this Forum; I think you should all give yourselves a round of applause ;)

Looking Good Nuros :) That is a wonderful accomplishment!!!!

Here's a new "after" photo of me.....taken this week, 180 lbs.

Only 30 more to go, woohooo!

I would love to join you ladies in this picture stuff...but I have no scanner etc. Is there anyone out there that would be willing to pm me their address so I can mail you the pics and have you post them? I am at my heaviest right now and want to really work hard at getting back into the shape I used to be in. Let me know if you would be willing to do this for me....and thanks in advance!!

I need motivation ladies and you have given it to me!!!!!:thumbsup: Thanks for that!!

Cheryl

Cheryl, I just PMed you...I'd be happy to help out with the pics!

Irish you look awesome! Man oh man what I'd give to be 180 LOL

Thanks all for the kudos!!! Irish you look great. My next target is 180 pounds, so I forge on... I am glad that I spent some time and looked at all of the befores & afters---they are so motivating!!!

Sending them out on Monday...and thanks!:thumbsup:

Cheryl

i know how u guys feel about a yr and a half ago i was at 245 lbs and i started dieting i thought i did great i lost 70 lbs in 6 months then i broke up with my ex and then my grandmother pasts away and then i meet my husband and then gain alot of weight but i got pregnant and lost the baby and im back on my diet again so hopefullt it wont take me long to lose what i gained when i got pregnant i was at 165 lbs before the pregnancy so if i can do it anyone can i started dieting like 3 yrs ago but i just wasnt happy with myself or my relationship so i called it quits with him but i think im doing good now

I've always been bigger then the average. I look at my pictures now and compare them to before and all the suddon I find myself think I would be happy weighing what I once weighed.


The first 4 are from 1991-1995. I had lost some of my highschool weight and even being pregnat in two of those pics I was in the best health ever. Even since the birth of my 2nd child I've never been the same since. In the first 4 I am guessing I was around 175. Give or take a few pounds.

We wont even talk about the last two pics that are more recent. This last one was taken Nov. 2004

After looking at these I really miss being younger

YOU GO GIRL:thumbsup:
You dont even look like the same person, how di you do it?






ok ladies, be nice. the first pic is not only me at my heaviest, well im not even at my heaviest cause i already had had my son, but i am unshowered and in my pjs and the pic is so offguard.. ughhh i cant believe im putting this on the internet!!! lol!!

the second one is me last year with jeff. i was like 155lbs in that pic and i weigh 145 now.

Three and a half years ago I started losing 75 lbs. by cutting way back on my food intake. I had just gotten divorced and was feeling good about myself. Once I made up my mind and stuck with it the weight literally melted off. I really believe part of it was psychological. I had also met my new hubby during this period and I think that helped give me some incentive too because even at 37 he had a beautiful totally fit, toned, slim, but muscular body (still does). And it comes naturally to him. :blah: Some people speculated that I did it with "drugs" or had stomach stapling surgery. It seems like even if someone does something good for themselves some people always have to try and tear them down. So anyway..... I lost all the weight by April 2002. I've kept it off more or less since then. I went up ten pounds here and there, but knocked it right back off. In general I have a smaller appetite now and tend to eat much healthier. Fast forward to Sept. 2004 and all hell was breaking lose in my life with my hubby getting ready to go to prison and dealing with his drug addiction. I fell back into old habits like eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. I allowed myself to do this with the understanding that I knew it was only temporary. I felt I needed it at the time. My hubby got locked up on Oct. 15. I still kept overeating until Thanksgiving Day. I packed on a whopping 15 lbs. during this time. Two things happened to me that day. The first was I revealed to some family members where my hubby was (oh I love the look of shock that brings :p) and I decided THAT'S IT WITH THE FOOD. The day after Thanksgiving I put the brakes on myself, cut way back, have been eating yogurt or an apple for breakfast, a lean cuisine for lunch, and a lean cuisine or big salad for dinner. Friday morning I weighted myself and I have officially lost 20 lbs!!! I want to keep going this time and lose the last 20. Then I'll be happy with my weight. In the mean time I want to join Curves and start getting in shape too. I'm not always perfect and I allow myself a weekly splurge like going out to dinner with a friend and eating whatever I like (and having a drink or two). I drink only my morning coffee (gotta have that) and bottled water now. I take a multi-vitamin and am keeping a Diet Diary to track what I eat and approximate calories. I used to be a Snapple peach iced tea addict, but I've had to give it up. So I guess I'll keep trucking along and see how long it takes to reach my goal. Wish me luck!

ok ladies, be nice. the first pic is not only me at my heaviest, well im not even at my heaviest cause i already had had my son, but i am unshowered and in my pjs and the pic is so offguard.. ughhh i cant believe im putting this on the internet!!! lol!!

the second one is me last year with jeff. i was like 155lbs in that pic and i weigh 145 now.
Big difference! Wow! Good job!

Ohio Girl and Irish, nice afters! Irish I really like your hair now too. It looks pretty.

You guys look sooo great! I'll have have to pull mine out.

JP, I can't believe that's you!

Ok, first of all I haveto give you girls MEGA PROPS!!! WOW!!And 2nd thing is... WHATS YOUR SECRET?!?!?! LoL... I am desperately seeking to loose 2 lbs! Let me in on this! hehe ;-)

haha oops, that was suppose to be *20* lbs. Not 2. =-p

haha oops, that was suppose to be *20* lbs. Not 2. =-p
I was gonna say. :p

I could post before/after pics except that I have hated how I look so much that I generally do not allow people to take pictures of me.

I have to say I am really impressed by all the weight loss. In all these pictures, the weight loss is really visible and gives me hopes that I too can look thin again. I propose that we make another sticky in the thread to tally up the total amount lost by everyone who is dieting.

Here's a major steppingstone for me: I lost 10 pounds in about 6-8 weeks by eating more healthier (the majority of the time) and exercising (this one is a real biggie...) And I haven't had a ciggie in about 16 days. No cravings because I'm on Wellbutrin AND am exercising. I love being able to breathe without wheezing! I want to continue on this good trend, one day at a time.

1st Photo: August 2005, when I was back up to 250 pounds. Notice that I was smoking too, but am almost 3 weeks smoke free now!!!

2nd Photo: Girl's Night Out, when I realized that it couldn't get any worse at 256 pounds...

3rd Photo: Trying to trim down at 244 pounds...

...and God willing, one day at a time, I will continue to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle.

My turn!
The first pic is me in 2002 at 382 lbs :shake:

The 2nd pic is of me late last year...197 lbs

Total Weight Loss---185 lbs lost!!

Wow!!!!!!!! Thats's wonderful!!! You look simply marvelous!!!!! You gooooooooooooooooooooo girl!

Shavonne~

WOW!! You look wonderful, keep up the good work!!!

ONE

(PS--may I ask how you did this, I find it hard to lookse 10-15 pounds?)

Thank you ladies. :)

I have gained back about 15 lbs...so I gotta get back on the ball again. Its so hard to get back on track once you have gotten off track.

I was under the guidance of a nutritionist and dietician. Basically like a modified atkins. LOTS of protein. Watched my portions, lots of exercise and water, NO sugar.

are you still dieting/loosing?

I stopped dieting for the most part. Like I said, I got off track, and need to get back on. But once I do, the weight starts to come right off. The first few days are hard to get use to, but once I get back on the ball, I am fine. Just getting to that ball is the challenge..lol.

You are truely an inspiration PowandVonne...I have lost 20 lbs over the past 4 months and it is TOUGH.

Vonne!!! Girl...^5!!! You are my hero...look at you!!!! That is a fantastic job!! And my daughter says you look good with that guy...LOL...

Thank you Heather! :p And tell your daugther I said thank you as well....LOLOL. :D

Vonne!!! Girl...^5!!! You are my hero...look at you!!!! That is a fantastic job!! And my daughter says you look good with that guy...LOL...

Ok, I'm not sure that I know how to put pictures on here, but I'm going to give it a try.

The first two pictures are of me with my man (and one with my man's brother too) at the end of 2001. Not sure of my weight, but I got bigger than that. Ultimately I got up to 328.

The third picture is me with one of my favorite country music artists, Gary Allan, last month. I am now down to 281 (I was a few pounds heavier in the picture, but you get the point.)

I don't know how much of a difference you'll be able to see, but this is the best I could do at the moment.

36039 36040 36041

You look great Angie!! 47 lbs. is alot!! What are you doing to take the weight off?

ok ladies, be nice. the first pic is not only me at my heaviest, well im not even at my heaviest cause i already had had my son, but i am unshowered and in my pjs and the pic is so offguard.. ughhh i cant believe im putting this on the internet!!! lol!!

the second one is me last year with jeff. i was like 155lbs in that pic and i weigh 145 now.

WOW, You look great!

okay ladies damn..... you all look so good i am so jealous but i only have a before pic yuck but anyways you all look wonderful any tips i hit my top at 307 last month so i made a doctors appt for help she ran some test and found out i was pre metabolic i guess almost diabetic so that lite a fire under my a** so know i have been on a diet for bout a week now yeah i just started and they put me on a 1200 caloriesdiet (far cry from what i was eating) and man i feel so diffrent i'm sure i haven't lost tons of weight(maybe an ounce or two lol) but i have more enery and want to do things beside make another dip in my couch lol but in all for reals any tips or ideas suggestion i exercise and am more active can't join a gym no money but i am gonna make this happen cause i want it so bad i want to look good for once in my life and feel as good as i look so i will let you guys no how i do

p.s. i so hungry right now!!!!!!

does that every go away wanting to eat all the time help!!!!!!

oh yeah and i quit smoking 30 days ago and didn't gain one pound so i am so happy bout that and still am smoke free but not fat free!!!!!!!

I don't know if it ever goes away. Try taking this journey one day at a time.


p.s. i so hungry right now!!!!!!

does that every go away wanting to eat all the time help!!!!!!

oh yeah and i quit smoking 30 days ago and didn't gain one pound so i am so happy bout that and still am smoke free but not fat free!!!!!!!

Wow... I'm telling you, you're all my HERO'S!!

Such inspiration!!

Thank you... thank you so very much!

:heart: Tia

I just wanted to say that I think everyone of you looks wonderful!!!!
I want to try and lose weight it is very hard for me I have always been overwieght but when I do finally lose wieght I will post pics. I was wondering how everyone is still doing with there wieght loss?

Welcome!!!

You can check out these threads to find out more about the various programs that we are all doing. I am on Weight Watchers and a few of the other ladies are also. I think a few are doing MediFast.

Check them out!
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133752
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201351
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191065



I just wanted to say that I think everyone of you looks wonderful!!!!
I want to try and lose weight it is very hard for me I have always been overwieght but when I do finally lose wieght I will post pics. I was wondering how everyone is still doing with there wieght loss?

So what is the best diet anyone can ever go on i weigh 235 lbs and im trying to go down to at least 180 hopefully i mean that should be good enough or at least lose my stomach and put on a flat one, lets see what happens besides the gym i work out daily from crunches to leg excercises.

Vonne-You look phenominal!!!!

I was 255lbs, now im about 215lbs. I got off track with my dieting, but im going to get back ontrak. I must lose my tummy asap!

Well, I'm not happy with myself lately..We're getting married next year, so I have plenty of time, but having to look at my 6'2, 140 lb fiance isnt helping me at all..That man can eat WHATEVER he wants, and not gain a pound..I on the other hand can NOT do that!!! We made a "deal" for our new year's resolutions that if he quit smoking cold turkey(which he did), then I'd work out, eat right and get into shape....however 6 months later, i have yet to satisfy him..... Right now I weigh 179, and I am 5'7.... I should be about 30 lbs lighter according to my height. I was down to 167 in March, then slowly it came right back. I just need some back up and motivation from you lady's. I just don't think the men realize it isn't that easy to shed the pounds....
By the way, Those of you who have posted your pics..GREAT JOB, you look Awesome!!!!

So where is everyone?