I was too discouraged to post this when it had actually been a year but here goes:
 

So, I've been at this for just over a year. I started watching in oct of 2008. then in Nov 2008 I found out that my bio dad whom I had never known, and therefore didn't know anything about his family medical history, died due to complications from diabetes. He was only in his late 40's. Worse than that though, is how he died -- in pieces. He lost both legs and went blind before his kidneys finally failed.

I was borderline diabetic, weighing in a 299 lbs. I was terrified. I hate to say that it took something so extreme to wake me up but it really recommitted me in my weight loss in a way nothing else ever had.

In the first 5 months I lost 40 lbs. Then....my 14 year anniversary happened. BOY DID THAT THROW ME OFF.

Then it was Spring, and as I"ve mentioned I"m bipolar, so I got my usual springtime mania followed by adding a new anti-psychotic that is a major weight gainer. I though, I'll try really hard to just maintain. But in 3 months I gained 10 lbs. It could have been worse.

Then after I was off it I had trouble getting back on the horse so to speak, but I was still TRYING. On July 15th I recommitted myself and also became vegetarian. I've managed to stick with it and have lost another 17 lbs since then. To date I have officially lost 46 lbs. Over 1/3 of the way there and almost to a 50 lb loss.

I have NEVER gone this long, even with setbacks, I have never been this committed. That is what I am this time, I am committed. Even through the rough patches I kept my eye on the prize, and never thought to myself, augh, I'm giving up, this med makes me so hungry or this anniversary blew my diet so I'm quitting. Like so many others on here have said and I will say again it is not about motivation it is about commitment, and as we all say here it's persistance not perfection and damn if I haven't been persistent. First through a 3 week no loss period then a 4 month stall.....and finally I had my whoosh, I was almost in tears this morning.

I think this time it's for good.

Sorry so long.

:hug: Lottie. 46 lbs?? That is Excellent Work. And you're.just going to keep on going, I just know it.

:cp: Excellent post!
Congrats on the woosh - you deserve it :D

Thanks so much for sharing! You took charge of your life and you've come so far! I know we'll be seeing you post about reaching your goal in no time. :hug:

Thanks for sharing. I think you are doing great! I am glad you were able to get past your discouragement!

Lottie, I was feeling depressed all day due to some stuff going on at home. But your post is so full of positive energy, and the fact that you've lost 46 lbs, I had to smile. My mood just had to brighten.

It's posts like yours that make me believe that with a little hard work and determination, anything is possible. Anything. Thank you. And congratulations on your almost 50 lbs lost. AND sending more good vibes your way for the remainder that you want to lose which, I'm sure, you'll breeze through as well in no time.

Yay Lottie! I love this post. To me, sticking with it through all life's ups and downs is the most important thing. Congratulations you beautiful young lady. You are well on your way to a life of slimness and health. :hug:

Congratulations! Congrats on the weight loss but more importantly, congratulations on keeping on going. Everyone has setbacks -- it's the difference in how we deal with them that determines failure or success!

It is your fortitude and commitment, especially in the face of some tough circumstances, that will carry you through to your goal.

Congratulations Lottie, you should be absoltely thrilled with yourself, you have
kept weight off where many others have not!

That is great that you are keeping your commitment -- keep up the good work!

Congratulations on taking charge of your health . 46 pounds lost is great !

Thank you for helping me today. I wanted to eat today but I fought it off and went on the computer to read posts on 3FC; that always helps. And there was your post. I'm starting to think that even at almost 300lbs that 1500 calories is almost maintenance for me as I'm only losing about .5 lb a week and many days go by with nothing since my initial weight loss (mostly water I'm sure). The thought of having to cut back to 1200 is not good. I don't know if I can do it. I guess I'm going to have to do the impossible and just do it.

Lottie, I look up to you. For being so strong and sticking with it.. 46 pounds is awesome!! Congrats & keep your head up!!

I'm so sorry about your dad. That must have been difficult to hear and have to deal with.

Congratulations on committing "to do this". Because now that you have, you ARE. And you're making changes to your life. You're transforming right before your very own eyes. I applaud you and look forward to hearing of more of your persistence and success!