Holding My Head High
Gain weight, lose weight, repeat! This was the pattern that Furrybelly had experienced over the years. Then being faced with a medical procedure, and the dreaded reality of how much she weighed. She decided right then to stop the yo-yo dieting and gain control of her eating and exercise habits and successfully lost 50lbs.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
I had struggled with being overweight most of my adult life and had gone through 3 or 4 weight loss cycles over the previous 25 or so years (ie: control eating and increase exercise to lose weight, stop exercising and put on weight). Each time ending a little heavier. This time (the final time... yes, it will be), I had to go into hospital for an operation and knew I would have to be weighed for the anesthetic administration. I was totally terrified and ashamed at what my weight would be. I could keep my head in the sand and pretend I didn't notice my weight, but when you have an outsider evaluating you...well you can't dodge that, can you? I had to do something.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I never "dieted" as such. I always lost weight through cutting back portion sizes and making healthier choices. Also, I never crash dieted or did really low calories for an extended time so I am suppose I am lucky that I haven't stuffed up my metabolism too much. It was never really the eating that did me in, it was lack of exercise. When I added vigorous exercise into the mix with sensible eating, the weight came off easily. However, something ALWAYS happened (finished university, changed jobs, moving house, unsustainable exercise regimen) that put a stop to my exercise routine - and then I'd put the weight back on again.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
Initially, just before my operation (6 weeks) I cut out all alcohol (hubby and I used to share a bottle of wine every night - naughty!). This alone, with a Curves gym routine 3 times a week, let me lose 1-2lb a week. After my operation, I was so pleased with my progress (and feeling like a new woman due to the operation itself) that I was motivated to continue my weight loss efforts. I have done enough calorie watching (if not counting) over the years to know what and how much I should be eating, so I just applied the knowledge - smaller portions, healthier food, better food choices. AND I continued religiously at the Curves gym 3 times a week. I eventually "graduated" to a "real" gym with free weights and cardio machines, but have nothing but good words for the Curves gym for beginner gym bunnies!
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
I didn't discover Calorie Count until after I reached a weight I was happy with, but I currently find the Calorie Count tools and community invaluable for topping up my knowledge of the calorie content of foods and recipes as well as reading all of the fantastic advice offered in the articles and forums. I wish I did know about it while I was losing weight because I am convinced it is VITAL to have a good idea of what you are consuming in order to lose weight. The tools and database available on the site are phenomenal.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
Honestly? Making up my mind, no, seriously making up my mind and committing to myself to lose weight. It all flowed from there.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
Slow and steady... The first 10kg came off faster (1-2lbs a week) and to be honest, I really didn't feel different except the scales told me I was different. After that, loss was at 0.5 - 1lbs a week, sometimes less. I began to seriously notice at about 20lbs down when I had to purchase new clothes. And then at 40lbs down (new clothes again) and then at 50lbs (new clothes AGAIN). I love new clothes!
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
My weight hit about 126 lbs and stopped dropping. I have increased my food intake slightly but still eat and drink sensibly (mostly), but my weight hasn't really increased over the last 2.5 years (except for 1- 2 lbs when I started seriously working the weights at the gym. Definitely muscle growth occurring. I can see it, feel it. I do feel successful now. I am successful! I will continue to be successful!
8. How do you prevent relapse?
Constant vigilance. I don't tend to weigh myself as I find the minor ups and downs misleading. I do pay attention to how my clothes fit and try to respond appropriately if things are getting "snug". By appropriately I mean looking at my diet and reassessing what is going into my mouth. I also religiously attend my gym 3 times a week plus walk at lunchtime for half an hour on 3 other days.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
Confidence! I walk with my head high! And also, I KNOW it is fundamentally wrong and unfair, but people DO treat you differently when you are slimmer. Essentially, you can get away with more...
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Slow and steady loss for long term weight loss and have PATIENCE. I know no one wants to hear this, but it doesn't make it any less true.
- To lose weight, you have to regulate what goes in (ie food) as well as what goes out (ie exercise). As far as I am concerned, you can't do one without the other IN THE LONG TERM and achieve significant weight loss (and maintain it).
- Allow the occasional treat, food wise. It makes absolutely NO difference in the long run, so why deprive yourself.
- Stay away from the liquid calories. Just back away from the non-diet sodas, milk drinks and fruit juices (evil). Liquid calories don't have the satiety values that "chewable" food does. Therefore, you either still feel hungry or are hungry soon after. Why would you do it? And, sorry to all the smoothie lovers out there, but I think they fall into the same category - may fill you for a little while, but doesn't justify the calorie intake.
- Portion size. Your eyes are usually bigger than your stomach. Stop and think before you order/dish up your food. If you do have a cafe latte, get the small one. NO ONE needs 500mls (1 pint) of milky coffee unless you want to put on weight. Order the small size chips (fries). If you are still hungry, don't worry, there is NOT a world-wide chip shortage. You CAN order more if you really want/are still starving. But I can guarantee that if you do order the large, you WILL eat them all. Same with dishing up your food at home. Put 2/3 or even 1/2 of what you THINK you want on your plate. Go away, eat it. If you want more, fine, go back out to the kitchen and get more. But DON'T have it there in front of you. You will eat it all. I know.
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Comments
Hi,
Congratulations on ur success :) Its the same story for me.. when I was younger and stayed with mommy dearest, she kept me in check and I yo-yo ed between healthy and slighty chubby...
After marriage and living away from home, i really let go and now discover that I have 40+ lbs to loose! But I have started and now I plan to succeed..
Great going.. keep up the good work!
You look fantastic and all your advice is fabulous! The secret to maintenance is making changes you can live with. Radical changes lead to radical results, but they cannot be maintained- slow and steady really does win the race. Thank you for your inspiring story!
'Order the small size chips (fries). If you are still hungry, don't worry, there is NOT a world-wide chip shortage.'
LOVE IT!!! Thank you so much this comment could not have come at a better time for me :)
You are looking FAB btw
Thanks for sharing your story! You are an inspiration to those of us with similar stories, and with the New Year approaching, perhaps even more-so! Congratulations and keep up the good work!
Congrats with your success and efforts. I agree you look awesome!!
I'm at the point where I need to, like you, simply make the commitment to quit the yo yo thing. Your advice is right on ... I know it but it has been difficult in past for me to maintain it. I easily lose the first 10 lbs but then start eating a bit more than I should. I get away with it for a day or two then the weight starts coming back on. I give up thinking it is useless and I'll never succeed anyway ... before you know it I'm right back where I started and worse ...
I've simply got to make the commitment and know that for my health I need to make the changes permanent. I know I can do it ..!!!
Wow, you look great!!! I absolutely love the practical advice as well. Portion sizes are my largest struggle, so I'm copying your advise to re-read often so that it will pop into my head when I go to buy my lunch.
I don't drink, so can't give up a 1/2 bottle of wine every night. I don't drink sugared sodas or drinks, so can't give those up either. That comes down to starvation in order to lose a few pounds. I lost ten pounds by following Dr. Gott's diet of no sugar, no flour. However, over the holidays I'm slowly gaining it back.
Great job! 119 pounds for me so far this year! My blog link is in my profile. Love your tip "Stop and think before you order/dish up your food." Great advice!
Wow! You are a wonderful inspiration. I totally agree, a person HAS to get in the right mind set and the rest is just details. Those little details do add up, though. I think that for so many of us, having dieted for so long off and on, that we tend to forget that there isn't a world wide "fiil-in-the-blank" shortage and since no food is forbidden, we don't have to eat ALL of anything because we aren't supposed to have it and we may never again.
It helps me to remember that no food is wrong or bad and it will be there again shoud I want it. Permission , real permission is a valuable tool.
Ardapadella: How many calories do you burn in a day that you'd be forced to starving yourself in order to lose weight by eating regular foods? Restrictive diets have a way of sneaking up on you in a similar fashion to what you have alluded to. You can also opt for a smaller calorie defecit if you feel like you can't handle something like 1,400 per day.
congratulations you look fantastic. i also reached my goal and have been mantaining sofar 2months. lost 66lbs in 8 months but excersies every day 31.5 inches 15inc both upper thighs, 15inc waist and 7.5in hips. i have su7fftoerd fron eating disorder since 17years old. slim fat slim fat. my binges max lasted 3months. in one year 2 too 4 eating 4too 5 dieting then undecided. ive cxome now to the point from pAST MISTAKES I WILL WIN THIS TIME and the never see 60kg agian=132. i feel great slim and fit mataining too 58kg. im 1m70 5`7 and its great
AWW shucks......thanx so much for the positive and supporting comments. It really is great to know that my thoughts, experiences and successes can encourage someone else. And resonate with so many others. This is the first time I have ever put my story "out there" and I must admit that part of my motivation it is to help "keep me honest" ie if I am "bragging" about my success to all these people then I'd better maintain it! HAHA! But also, I do honestly believe that in over 45 years of living, I have learnt a few things that may be able to help others.
So, take the advice. If it is useful to you, keep it and use it as you wish. If you don't like, chuck it.....no worries........but beware - I have lots more where that came from. You can't escape hehe!
Ardapadella, I am so sorry you are struggling. However, I have to agree with Kimbahley's comments ie overly restrictive diets will end up biting you in the a*se eventually as they are just not sustainable. 'Slow and steady' may mean for you cutting back "just a bit" in all areas (portion size, calorie rich foods) and accepting that weight loss will be slower than you may like, but it WILL be sustainable. I also stand by my words that exercise is key. Any exercise is better than none and vigorous exercise is better! And tho I didnt really say this above (I was rabbiting on too much anyway....as I do) but I believe that building muscle makes a huge difference to your ability to lose weight and maintaining the loss. And it just make you look better. Attack the weights!
Best of luck with your endevours
Original Post by: illingcongratulations you look fantastic. i also reached my goal and have been mantaining sofar 2months. lost 66lbs in 8 months but excersies every day 31.5 inches 15inc both upper thighs, 15inc waist and 7.5in hips. i have su7fftoerd fron eating disorder since 17years old. slim fat slim fat. my binges max lasted 3months. in one year 2 too 4 eating 4too 5 dieting then undecided. ive cxome now to the point from pAST MISTAKES I WILL WIN THIS TIME and the never see 60kg agian=132. i feel great slim and fit mataining too 58kg. im 1m70 5`7 and its great
Thanks illing for your comments. Congratatulations on your progress. I know how difficult it is to control my weight without an eating disorder. I take my hat off to people like you who have had a history of eating disorders who do it so much harder. You are right - we do need to learn from past mistakes.
BTW looked at your gallery pics - cats and owls - my 2 favourite creatures! And you're looking great too!!
Congratulation on your weight lose! I feel so motivated after reading your post. I had my son about two years ago and it has been so hard to lose these 20 pounds of baby weight. I keep relapsing on my dieting. I feel as though food is a drug for me, especially sweets. I want this time to be my last time and finally commit to it.
Again thank you for your post, it is so inspiring to read your success story.
Hi furrybelly,
You look fabulous. I saw all your pictures on your gallery and iam really happy that you could change your appearance by your hard work. Good luck on your weight loss achievement.
This has to be the best success story I have read! So important to have discipline (gym 3 x week) and mental control (portion sizes, etc).
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Great advice, I especially agree with the dual controls, eating and working out.
I can not control my eating if I am not exercising. Don't know why, it just works that way.
The potion control comments are right on as well.
Congratulations on your success and thanks for sharing your pointers