This is a long story and I explain it better in my blog but basically my mother, whom I haven't seen in over 2 years, is coming to visit for her high school reunion (40th).The last time I saw my mother I had gained close to 50 lbs and that was heart breaking to see the disgust in her face but since then I have gained another 50 lbs. Her reuinion is at the end of October and she wants to spend a couple a days with me. I know that losing 40 lbs won't make much of a difference in comparison to the way she saw me last time but at least it is something.

Anyway, I know it isn't necessarily the healthiest thing to do although 40 lbs in 4 months is my plan. I'm sure there are several people who would object but I'm wondering if there are others out there who have done the same thing or know of good tips.

Thanks.

Ive lost 40 pounds in 3 months, but i don't think it was done in the best manner. I've straightened up a bit this past month and a half, eating about 1,300 cal but before i would eat around 300. That being said, i don't know if it can be done at a healthy pace, but i'm sure if you try really hard you can lose a lot in 4 months.

Starting at 280, 40 in 4 months isn't crazy at all. You will need to be On Plan, but don't starve yourself: I'd start at 2000 calories.

-My doctor has had me on a plan for 1500 calories a day although another thing that hinders me is PCOS. I am going to the doctor tomorrow to get back on Metformin which will hopefully assist in losing weight as well.

I think you should give it a shot, as long as you're eating healthy, but don't be upset if you lose 30 or even 20. Anything is better than nothing, right? I am sure you can lose a significant amount in 4 months

Actually averaged out 40 lbs in 4 months is only 2 lbs a week. That isn't unreasonable. I currently have been working on losing weight and have lost 14 lbs. in five weeks.

Lyn and Mixb-Thanks. It is very nice to know that I have support in this. I was a little concerned about what other dieters would think and whether I would be shunned for wanting to attempt 40 lbs in 4 months. It's golliath!

How much exercise a day do you think I should be doing in order to make sure to lose an average of 2 lbs a week?

I don't see how 2 lbs a week is equal to 10 lbs a month....

Anyways, this is not a crazy unrealistic goal. I myself am striving for the same weight loss.. Good luck!

Sorry i should have been clearer. I counted weeks and actually it is closer to five months. She said end of October? I count 20 weeks.

But I digress, I have been doing an average of 20 - 25 min exercise every other day or five time a week.

But your results will differ.

Ahh okay. I see now. That is about right if it's 20 weeks rather than bluntly 4 months.

Thanks for clarifying!

I started my new way of eating at the end of March and have since lost 41 pounds (WI on Wednesdays). I don't think that 40 pounds in four months is too fast or unhealthy. I'm a pcos gal as well and am low carbing it.

jennylou- what is your new way of eating. Since you are PCOS as well you know the dificulty with this. I am doing a quick one day fast-as soon as it arrives in the mail- that is designated to rid me of a my cravings for carbs. I'm hoping it will help but I set a goal of starting my hard card exercise as of Saturday and still haven't done it. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow morning and am seriosuly considering asking him to put me on Phentermine-which he has refused to in the past. I'm THAT desperate. Please share with me some of your tricks and new ways! Please?

If you eat right and exercise is totally doable..........

I think success would come from being spot on with your plan and not veering off it.

Shelly - You say that you are going to the doc tomorrow to get back on metformin. I have PCOS too and let me suggest that you ask the doc about a medicine called Januvia. That is what they put me on and I love it. It works and it doesn't have the side effects of metformin. I had a very mild headache for the first day or 2 I was on it and then no side effects at all since then. Almost all of my PCOS symptoms are gone these days. I have been on it about a year. It is a diabetes medication, like metformin, but they are starting to give it to PCOS patients as well.

Also, I don't think that 40 pounds by the end of October sounds crazy at all and I wish you luck.