Share your story of small successes.

Not that losing a few pounds is not self gratifying enough ...there have been a few events that has made my lifestyle change most memorable.

Reaching my first weight goal I had set in the beginning. (of course)

I wanted to put an old photo of my former self up on my refrigerator as a deterrent. I was searching through photos on my computer looking for the most hideous picture of my "fluffy" self.  My three year old walked up and asked me, "Daddy who is that?" I told him it was me and he said, "no it's not he has a big tummy like Miss Gr-----" (out of the mouth of babes)

I stood in the checkout line talking with a previous employer at the Mall and she did not even recognize me. (We had sat across from one another for years)

OK those are mine. Now take a second and share your succuss moments here to encourage us all.

James

Even though I have lost a lot of weight, I did not really feel different about my appearance. Then I was filling out some loan papers and they wanted my license, when I got that pic out and looked at it compared to how I look now, I was like whoa !

By the end of the month I will be under 200 pounds, that will be a big moment !

Cute what your kid said...

Congrats on your weight loss! 200 pounds was my first benchmark to. (I was 228 when In started) Never thought about checking my drivers license pic  ..on my way to look in my wallet now. Let me know when you reach your goal, good luck!

I started at 240, I'm 207 right now. so I'm sure before the end of the month  I will hit the 200 mark.

Hi,

5'8" SW: 175 Current Weight:155 (6months)

Plateaued april-may and june through present date, however, I have lost four inches around my body since June.  Have 15 more to go and will acheive it by December (hopfully sooner).

Plan: eating 1800 - 2000+, however burning lots of cals in various workouts 5 days a week the first 5 months, currently working out 3 days a week at higher intensity.

WOW! You've lost 33 lbs! I just looked at my driver license photo ...strangely odd picture. I guess sometimes the passing of time can be a good thing.

mperic81, you sound like you have a high percentage of muscle and little fat. I admire your exercise routines. I read your profile and I am impressed with the struggles you have overcome. Continued success in all your endeavors!

I added the license photo to my profile, its a big change, it makes it a lot easier to continue knowing its paying off so well...

my starting weight was 273 june something and i weigh 251 now!! i know its not much, and i am not at my goal weight yet but its a dang good start!! lol. i cannot wait till i am at 200!!

bmfan77,

I was surprised by your pic too. I posted my most hideous before pics on my profile (and my cupboard where the "kids" treats are kept). My pic from Christmas 2008 shows my round face and I look more like a constipated chipmunk than a joyful Dad. The other horrible pic is a pic of me playing with my kids and my belly hanging out. I blacked out the kids faces to protect the innocent. You are setting a high bench mark for us all.

J

Original Post by pulleyd82:

my starting weight was 273 june something and i weigh 251 now!! i know its not much, and i am not at my goal weight yet but its a dang good start!! lol. i cannot wait till i am at 200!!

 pulleyd82,

A whopping 22 pound weight loss is a HUGE accomplishment! For some people that is more than they hope to ever lose and you did it in month or month and half!! What a way to jump start your diet . I lost fast in the beginning but it has slowed down now each week. But since I weigh less and require fewer calories it only makes sense to slow down and get a bit harder the closer we are to our goals.  I love the little TICKER on my profile. I t shows my where I am on my journey in a funny way.

Allmost forgot to post my current weight...

Starting Weight: 228 pounds June 01, 2009

Today's Weight: 192 pounds August 05, 2008

36 pounds gone and 17 pounds to go!

btw my lab work for my annual physical shows my triglycerides at 80!!!  Within normal range for the first time in many years.

Please share your story of small successes!

I think that my biggest "small" success (if that makes sense) is that for the first time in my life I am able to make pretty good choices when I am out of my routine, and usually only exceed my calorie target when I have given myself "permission" to do so.  In the past, if I was "dieting" I would deny myself when I was at a party, and sometimes come home and go crazy eating because I felt so sorry for myself.  Now, I make a plan (e.g. allow myself one glass of wine, or 2 fattening appetizers, or dessert -- but not all at once) and get to feel "successful", and usually stay in my calorie/nutrtition guidelines for the day.  In fact, I welcome social events that allow me to "practice mainteance" and don't worry at all about these events slowing down my weight loss, because I have changed my whole mindset about eating rather than feeling like I am "on a diet".

dkenworthy.

That is Not a small success ...it's a VERY difficult job to maintain a sensible diet and attend social events. Here in the hub of the south, even a church pot luck luncheon can be a mine field. Syrupy sweet tea is commonly the only drink offered. Deep fried and battered in flour "insert favorite fatty animal part here" is often served up possibly even sugar coated. Usually comes with a side of french fries and mayo based potato salad. I once showed up with a vegetable tray and a bottle of water and was given a scrutinizing look from the congregation. Just kidding but you get the idea. Congrats for maintaining and balancing your lifestyle.

thanks, phat2lean, I hope I didn't give the impression that I am "at maintenance", only "practicing maintenance" at social events.  I still have waaay to much weight to "release" (someone here said that she didn't like to lose weight, because you are always looking for things you lost -- and she never wanted to find it again).  But, I refuse to become a hermit for the next year and a half so that I can reach goal a month earlier.

Re living in the south and fried food, I can only sympathize with the temptations offered on a routine basis.  I am lucky that I live in northern California, and there are always healthier options at parties.  My downfall is that I work in the wine business, so there is always way too much great wine available, and lots of really delicious food treats (think great cheese) at parties along with the healthier options.  So, I give myself permission to have a small taste of the high calorie treats and try to fill up on the lower calorie things.  And, if I have wine I don't have dessert (or vice-versa, depending on my mood).  My best way of keeping things under control are to park myself as far away from food as possible, and to try to cultivate a reputation of being an avid listener so that people gravitate to me with long stories that keep my mind off getting another glass of wine.  If I fail to completely control myself, I just return the next meal to something sensible and on-plan -- that is the thing I am most proud of, that I don't let small setbacks become big failures.

This week I reached a small goal....I fit into a size 8 jeans :)  That is my goal size..but I still have 24lbs to lose, so who knows???

From a size 14 to an 8...and not just any 8...low rise, straight fit Gap jeans :)

Even though I had lost 46lbs...it didn't seem so obvious until that moment in the dressing room!

Reaching your goal size must feel really rewarding ! I am a bit jealous, but, also very happy for you. and to be able to wear those skinny straight legged Gappers, wow.You have worked long and hard to lose so much weight you should be very proud. I too am a RN and know the constant buffet of treats we are tempted with... way to go!

I made my first friend on CC! (did not even know you could have a friend list). My success this week will be adding a friend. Weigh In for me is Wednesday and I've been pretty good this week, we'll see. Do you have any positive events to share? Please post them here to encourage others.

Attending my 20th class reunion and being told "You were hot in high school and your still hot now!" 

And having lost another 20 lbs since then...

Being told I was too bony...

Being under 120 lbs this morning!!!!!!!!!!!

OH MY! You have an AMAZING story of weight "release". I read your profile and your path to becoming a more healthy you i truly admirable. After kids and surgery and everything else in life you have made a successful comeback that any child star would be proud of. Congrats on all the hurdles you have bounced past. You should post some pics so we can all say HOTmama instead of Hollymama. I'm not a great mathematician but you are one-third of the person you once were, WOW, WOW, WOW!

Anyone else with a success story story to share?

They don't have to be big  - just important to you. A comment from a stranger or old friend, not requiring a seat belt extender... whatever.

Typing error!  I was under 140!  I can't imagine being under 120!  Anyway, I seem to be technologically incapable of posting pics, but I will try again.