Officially introducing myself.
 

I read the maintainers forum a lot, and with my copy of Refuse to Regain shipping today, I thought it would be good for me to really get in the groove of a maintenance mindset - even though I have about 6 more pounds to lose to reach goal.

I guess I am a maintainer who is at the red line currently :D

I started this final journey to my goal weight in January of 2004 clocking in at 250 pounds. It has been a long slow journey, with a foray into Plateau land and then Bakeryville a couple years ago, where I stayed for a bit. :o

I think I finally 'get it' now, and have really focused on how my body responds to what foods I put into it and what exercise I do - and have been very surprised at what my body has given back to me in terms of fitness and confidence. I am in better shape at 40 than I have ever been.

So, here are my old and current photos. And I want to thank all of you maintainers for sharing your struggles and triumphs at this.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/javaqueen/250.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y28...8shapeover.jpg

Congrats Lori, you've done great and look great too, infact years younger! Nice pipes! Welcome to maintenance-ville! Is bakeryvILLE near wineville? Been there, done that! Welcome aboard!

Welcome and congratulations!

Oh Lori, what an inspiration you are!!! I really thought I would need surgery to remove the access skin on my arms - TELL ME THIS WAS NOT THE CASE FOR YOU...

YOU LOOK GREAT! CONGRATULATIONS!

Going now to read your blog

You look awesome!

Anne

Hi Lori!! Good to "officially" see you here!!!

You look amazing and I'm pretty certain you FEEL amazing. Great to have you on board.

Welcome, Lori! We delighted to have you "officially" join us, though you've really been one of us for quite a while now. :)

Your arms look awesome! Woohoo for weightlifting!

I love what you said about being in better shape than you ever have before. It's never too late to be who we've always dreamed of!! :carrot:

Welcome "officially" Lori! :bravo: You look fantastic! Congratulations :)

Just had to pop in here again. I wanted to mention something about your incredible before and afters.

I so clearly remember those days of wearing oversized T shirts, like the one you are sporting in the first picture. But not anymore......... the days of oversized T's are gone, like in pic 2. Love it!!!!

I must say that you are radiant in both photos. But I bet you feel about a gazillion times better in photo #2!

Your posts are a joy to read. Congrats!!!

Kitty

Thanks! I actually do have loose skin under my arms, you can see it in the pic, although when I flex it is much less noticeable. Too bad I can't walk around that way all the time.
I have loose skin in other places, but clothes hold it in well. :D

Welcome Lori!!! You look fantastic, and I'm already excited about your recipes for Pumpkin Cranberry & Chocolate Oat Bars. Mmm chocolate... Glad you're here! :)

Hi Lori! You look amazing! What an inspiration you are. :)

Wow Lori! You look fabulous! :)