[starbrite]

Well, I spent 14 months losing 145 lbs. I won't pretend it was easy, but I did it. I spent the next 14 months maintaining. However, like the majority of people who have lost a lot of weight, I was left with a body I disliked. I thought alot about surgery, but at 45 felt this was not a goer. So I joined a gym, worked my a** off, and am happy to report some of my problem areas are improving.
During the losing period not a day would go by without someone commenting on my weight loss. I found it motivating and exhilarating to receive so many compliments. Then when I hit goal they stopped.
Yesterday a friend said I was looking very trim- it was awesome to hear someone notice. Today DH said I'd done amazingly (he has rarely commented during this process- he loved me fat, and he loves me thin ) He also said I looked really toned.
Such good feelings, I just wanted to share. I know it has been a long road, but to have maintained, and started to improve my shape, means as much as losing. I have done this before, but never kept it off. I know now- this is for life!

[elvislover324]

Congrats on your weightloss (and maintaining too!), it's people like you that inspire me to keep going.

I know the good feeling you have, there is nothing like it to hear from someone that you look good.

I saw the "Never stop being obsessive" in your ticker; that's going to be true in my life too. Gaining 10 leads to 20 leads to 50, etc. and I don't even want to do this again in my life.

I hope you have a super day and I am glad your husband and your friend gave you such great feelings.

[starbrite]

Oh I wish this site had a like button Thank you Elvis - what a lovely comment

[susiefleshner]

Congrats on your weight loss. You are so inspiring to me more than you will ever know. Just this morning I was telling my DH that when I get to my goal I'd like to join the gym to tone up too. I just love getting out of the blue compliments on my weight loss. Anyways i'm so happy for you.

Maybe you can share some pictures.

[penmage]

Congrats on your weight loss and maintenance!

[pinkflakes]

congrats!

[Misti in Seattle]

[Vex]

I am curious to know, what are some of the exercises you were doing that made a difference in your "problem areas"?

[betsy2013]

WOW! Weight loss. Maintenance. Toning. You deserve every compliment that you get. And I hope that you are giving yourself ones. Truly, stories like yours help keep me going!

[starbrite]

Thank you all for the positivity !!
The exercises vary. I do around 30 mins cardio,30 mins free weights, weight machines and then 20 minutes core exercises. I feel stronger and look leaner. I gave up the scale when I started exercising as I was thrown by weight changes that were directly attributable to exercising. I fit perfectly into my size 8's and see a distinct decrease in belly fat. Yay !

[Mozzy]

Congrats!!!

[MonicaKolesnik]

This is so great!! thankyou for sharing your experience This is my exact plan once my weight loss phase is done. Losing weight is great but as we do things sag even more lol. Maintenance is where the hard work is going to start for me toning and maintaining. It is great for me to be allowed to share in the experiences of others who prove to me it is possible. Thank you for the motivation.