My New Lifestyle
Dingyblond has lost an astounding 97 pounds. She used to weigh over 250 and now weighs about 153. She started her determined weight loss journey in January 2010. It's been a lot of exercise and a big change in eating habits, all of which have produced incredible results.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What prompted you to begin this weight loss journey? Did you have an "Aha!" moment?
In September of 2009 I blew out my knee just walking into work. My doctor sent to physical therapy and they told me if I didn't lose the weight I would really start to have big problems with my bones and knees and everything. It was a big wake up call. It took me a few months to get the state of mind needed and January 8, 2010 I joined the YMCA. I started to go everyday on January 10, 2010. I started with Water Aerobics since I was so heavy and that is so much easier on your joints.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I have tried all kinds before. But that is what was wrong with that. Is that they were diets. Not a life style change.
3. Please describe how you reached your weight loss goal. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude? Did you implement any other strategies besides Calorie Count? What was the most important change?
I started to go to the gym daily and started to really watch what I ate. Before I could sit down and eat a whole bag of Reese's Peanut Butter cups and feel sick after. I would also go to the coffee shop at work and get a caramel roll and then have a bottle of Mountain Dew and a candy bar after that. Then I would go to fast food for lunch. I was consuming about 5000 calories before I changed my ways. Now I have not had a candy bar in over a year and a half. I very rarely eat any kind of sweets. Eating out has become very limited as well. I want to prepare my food. I eat turkey burger instead of hamburger and lots of fruits and veggies. I also only drink water.
4. Please describe how Calorie Count was instrumental to your weight loss.
Calorie count was my life saver. It made me responsible for what I put into my mouth. I could not have done it without you. Thank you so much.
5. What difficulties did you experience losing weight?
Some people being not supportive and trying to get me to eat the sweets. I just continue to do my thing and realize that I have to do this for me.
6. How long did it take you to see results? When did you realize that you were a success?
I saw results pretty fast. The first 80 pounds or so came off pretty fast, within the first year. Now I have to fight for every pound the closer I get to my goal. I know I can do it, if I continue with my new life style. I will get there. I realized that I could do this when I can continue to eat healthy. I don't need to have those things I used to eat. I find myself continuously looking for the healthy foods.
7. How do you prevent relapse?
Someone told me at the Y, "Nothing Tastes as good as thin feels". When I want to eat something not so good for me, I think of that and how I would feel if I stepped on the scale and it was up a pound or two because I ate something bad, or if I didn't eat it and the scale was down.
8. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I feel much better. I'm much more active. I love to go the gym. I have also started to teach water aerobics. I love to go shopping now. To be able to go into any store in the mall and find clothes is such a wonderful feeling. I love it.
9. How long have you maintained your current weight?
I'm still working on it. I will be able to do this. I feel so great. I never want to go back to the way I was.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Do this for you. Nobody else.
- Continue to go to the gym, even when the scale is not moving.
- Surround yourself with a supportive group. They will help you stay on track.
- "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels".
- Weight training and mix up the cardio. Keep it fun and you will continue to do it. I'm a gym rat now. Addicted.
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
You are so awesome!! I also think it's wonderful that you now teach water aerobics--what an inspiration you must be to so many people! Congrats on starting a "new life!"
Great job Dingyblond. It took me a while to discover that diets don't work; it is a lifestyle change. I know your a great inspiration to everyone around you. By the way, isn't it a lot of fun being able to buy clothes off of the rack anywhere? I love not going to the big and tall store for men.
Great statement, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels". I needed that. After losing 40 pounds, I went on auto pilot for the summer and need to get back into my good habits. Candy bars in the afternoon have become a temptation. I'm sticking this statement on my computer screen!
I love the statement, 'nothing tastes as good as thing feels.' You are a real inspiration
Thanks for sharing your story!
I loved what you said Continue to go to the gym even when the scale is not moving. I really needed to read that. I am feeling so discouraged lately.
Thanks
I wish you continued success and good health.
Congrats on the amazing accomplishment. You definitely said it best when you stated that it had to be a life style change, not just a diet. You are an inspiration! Keep up the incredible work!
That is so wonderful! You are an inspiration. My husband and I are starting back on track today and your story helped get my mindset in a good place.
Thank you so much everyone. I really appreciate the encouragement since the weight loss has slowed down so much. I'm losing inches still. I will continue to eat healthy and go to the Y. I need to remember I did not get that way overnight and it is going to take alot of work to get my body back in shape. With all of you, I know I can do it.
Thanks again.
Congratulations & GREAT job! Your body may smaller,, but your smile seems so much bigger! Keep up that great new lifestyle!
congrats - continue when the scale doesn't move! smart tip!
Chris
(link to my blog and success story on my profile)
Thank you for sharing your inspiration. I need to lose 100 pounds and I thought it would take me two years but your story has told me that it is possible and maybe won't take that long. You've been very successful, congratulations.
You have inspired me ! once again, I'm going to do this, your right nothing taste as good as being thin and healthy.Congrats keep up the great new lifestyle.
Congratulations. I know what a rough road you are on and applaud you for sticking with it. Good job!!
tHESE STORIES ARE ALL FINE AND DANDY, BUT. Reality, when you have "hard fat" the type that forms around your belly, is Hard, from sugar, pepsi , ect and has stretched out the skin to where it drops between your legs when you sit. Where does it go when you start to exercise, eat better, cut out everything BAD? hOW ABOUT THAT?
Congratulations Dingyblond. You are absolutely correct that nothing tastes as good as thin feels!
Thank you for sharing your story! 
That is wonderful! You look so pretty and happy. I love how you didn't let others get you down and kept "doing your thing". That's something everyone needs to hear, including me. :) And, I too am a "gym rat" now; I love it! Isn't it fun? Good luck to you!
Good for you. It must feel so nice to be able to be so active. So many of us have a terror of getting into the gym if we're not in great shape at the start - I'm really impressed that you didn't let it stop you!
Also love this comment "Do this for you. Nobody else." So true.
I was trying to say that for me, my medical problems won't let me consider repeated surgeries to correct that problem I now am having, bit would my insurance pay. All I can do is take care of my skin, wear clothing to camouflage it, and be glad I am still here. Sone people will be able to have surgery when they face that issue. For them, it might be best for them.
Original Post by: tdav489132252tHESE STORIES ARE ALL FINE AND DANDY, BUT. Reality, when you have "hard fat" the type that forms around your belly, is Hard, from sugar, pepsi , ect and has stretched out the skin to where it drops between your legs when you sit. Where does it go when you start to exercise, eat better, cut out everything BAD? hOW ABOUT THAT?
If saggy skin is a real issue for you, then a weight loss lifestyle change may not be worth it. Keep eating, maintain that smooth, stretched out skin and enjoy yourself. For the rest of us, a little extra skin is better than all those extra pounds. There is always plastic surgery if it becomes unbearable.
BTW, Dingy, you look WONDERFUL! Keep up the good work, sweetie. It's a great testament to your fortitude and determination that you have lost all that weight, and it's an inspiration to those of us who get discouraged on our journey. Congratulations!
Your journey is very inspiring. You look great and I know you feel better on the inside too! Thanks for sharing your story.
Original Post by: tdav489132252tHESE STORIES ARE ALL FINE AND DANDY, BUT. Reality, when you have "hard fat" the type that forms around your belly, is Hard, from sugar, pepsi , ect and has stretched out the skin to where it drops between your legs when you sit. Where does it go when you start to exercise, eat better, cut out everything BAD? hOW ABOUT THAT?
Hi
With eating right and exercising, I really don't have a whole lot of extra skin. I do have alittle bit on my tummy, but it is not to bad. That is where I am losing the inches tho right now, so it is coming off. It takes determination and alot of hard work in the gym. But we all can do it. We just have to have the want. I'm not going to do any kind of surgery at least for a few years to see what happens the natural way. But that is an option.
Again thank you everyone for all the positive feedback. I really appreciate it. A new lifestyle is hard. But we can do it.
Thanks again.
Congratulations...you have done a wonderful job. The hard work is yet to come to keep it off...I know ...I lost all of mine, got to goal and now have it to lose over again. Not all of it but enough to make me sad most of the time. I sent you all the strength I can spare and hope that it helps with your success to keep it off. YOU WILL DO IT!!!
While I objectively understand that "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is very inspirational, it is a statement you will see on a lot of pro-ana/mia websites, and therefore has a negative connotation (to me at least). I can't help but feel a little disturbed to see it here, in a success story no less.
Original Post by: superchellyWhile I objectively understand that "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is very inspirational, it is a statement you will see on a lot of pro-ana/mia websites, and therefore has a negative connotation (to me at least). I can't help but feel a little disturbed to see it here, in a success story no less.
Hi
I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I have never seen it anywhere else before. Someone just told me that at the Y when I first started my journey. I'm so sorry again.
Great story . . . and you look great too! Inspiring!
I wrote in my journal today . . . Fat now, but next year I'll be Fabulous.
Well, that probably won't be the exact truth, but I will at least look like a normal size person. I am 4 weeks into my new eating style and really not having too hard a time--so far. My goal is 100 lbs. Family reunions and eating out will be the biggest food challenges for me and exercise is the all-time biggest challenge of anything. I don't have the luxury of a gym but have found home exercising to do--I just need to stay motivated.
Word of caution though, I did this once before and lost 112 lbs. and did well keeping it off (for about a year or so) as long as I kept walking and exercising. THEN, I got a really bad cold, then lost my walking partner, then it was the holidays, and then I just plain got lazy as far as exercise goes. I gained ALL my weight back in 6 months--less time than it took me to lose it. Don't let that happen to you! This time I know what can happen and how fast all that work can be undone and am gearing my mind for the AFTER I hit my goal days. I never want to have to do this again!!!! Neither do you! (It isn't good for your health either.) Good Luck!!!!
This is such a moving story. PLEASE, keep up information I would love to know how much mroe weight you lose. I love going to the gym. I go to the one at my college and its a lot of fun.
This is such a moving story. PLEASE, keep up information I would love to know how much mroe weight you lose. I love going to the gym. I go to the one at my college and its a lot of fun.
I have heard this quote a lot being used in a derogative manner via eating disorders actually. But I wasn't offended by any means. If it helped you, then it helped and that is wonderful.
Original Post by: me2loseThat is so wonderful! You are an inspiration. My husband and I are starting back on track today and your story helped get my mindset in a good place.
This is for both you (me2lose) and Dingyblonde.... CONGRATS!!!! You guys are an inspiration. I am currently down about 31 pounds at 4 weeks in, and have about 200 more to go. It helps knowing that others were in similar shoes and have found success. Keep it up you guys! 
The new you doesn't match your screen name any more. You have a completely different look. You look fantasssticcccc and your spirit shows! I've fallen off the wagon for the past three weeks which is a first in over 2 1/2 years. I've feel like I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders. Thank you so much. I needed your story!!
"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels"
A quote from Kate Moss, I believe.
Not exactly a health role model, but if a saying like that motivates you to eat healthy and exercise, why not use it?
I think that while thoughts like that support some disorders, they don't create them. It's like chocolate - all depends on how you use it.
Original Post by: shelleyann_The new you doesn't match your screen name any more. You have a completely different look. You look fantasssticcccc and your spirit shows! I've fallen off the wagon for the past three weeks which is a first in over 2 1/2 years. I've feel like I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders. Thank you so much. I needed your story!!
I read your story a few days ago! Your story was also very inspiring. I have admired your stick to it-ness. I KNOW you will get back on track!!! All that work should not be in vain! Don't let life's problems be the cause of a reason to pig out---(I did that once and don't want to see it happen to you.) Find SOMETHING that will get you back in the groove of things. You have worked so hard and look so nice.
Tomorrow is a new day and a new beginning!
I am rooting for you, Shelleyann!!!!!
Original Post by: dingyblondOriginal Post by: superchellyWhile I objectively understand that "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is very inspirational, it is a statement you will see on a lot of pro-ana/mia websites, and therefore has a negative connotation (to me at least). I can't help but feel a little disturbed to see it here, in a success story no less.
Hi
I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I have never seen it anywhere else before. Someone just told me that at the Y when I first started my journey. I'm so sorry again.
You were inspired by someone who shared a catch phrase, there is no apology necessary. Celebrate your success and don't let anyone denegrate that. I used the phrase "Eyes on the Prize" to inspire me. I'm sure there are people who would criticize me for thinking of "thin" as a reward for losing 60 lbs, but it worked for me.
Original Post by: hobbbsOriginal Post by: dingyblondOriginal Post by: superchellyWhile I objectively understand that "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is very inspirational, it is a statement you will see on a lot of pro-ana/mia websites, and therefore has a negative connotation (to me at least). I can't help but feel a little disturbed to see it here, in a success story no less.
Hi
I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I have never seen it anywhere else before. Someone just told me that at the Y when I first started my journey. I'm so sorry again.
You were inspired by someone who shared a catch phrase, there is no apology necessary. Celebrate your success and don't let anyone denegrate that. I used the phrase "Eyes on the Prize" to inspire me. I'm sure there are people who would criticize me for thinking of "thin" as a reward for losing 60 lbs, but it worked for me.
Thank you so much hobbbs. I appreciate that. Congrats on your success as well. That is so awesome. I'm so proud of you. This is a very tough journey we are on and we can do it.
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Good Job!!! You are a true inspiration..