Exactly! You have to be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment by thinking you *should be* losing a certain amount each week. It's not unusual to lose fairly quickly at first then slow way down the closer you get to goal. I lost my first 30 lbs in just a few months but now might go weeks before there is a noticable drop (yes, sometimes it still gets frustrating but I'm getting much better at just dealing with it and moving on :D ). Maybe your friend from work took 2 years to lose 60 lbs but I bet it came off in "streaks" rather than exactly 2.5 lbs a month ;) Quite honestly won't surprise me a bit if it takes me another year to get to goal but I already feel so much better now than when I started that if I have to have the occasional "maintenance rehearsal" it's O.K. with me.

That puts such an amazing perspective on things!!! :)

Seriously, if I gave up now - at 165 - and called myself a failure for not hitting 135 in 15 months, wouldn't that be ridiculous?

What a great perspective, Nessa.

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Gosh....each and every person is so different - I don't think there actually is an average. Most folks have said it well. Find the plan that you can live with - there are no quick fixes that last in weight loss.

For me - I lost alot weekly at first first. (five, three, then two pounds each week for months) However, the last four months I have lost 10 pounds, total. The 'old me' would have given up because the weight loss slowed down so much. However, I am in this for the long haul - and keep plugging away. I changed the way I am counting calories to include calories, protein, fats and carbs, too. It has helped me get back to focus again.

I say this frequently - and I'll say it again....yes, I do want the scale to move each week. But, what I really want is long term sanity with food.

You are doing GREAT.. Keep up the good work, make life long changes and it will happen.

I do set goals for myself but many times have not met them. I dont let it bother me..I know i have lost and feel so much better!! I have noticed when my weight loss slows down that i will usually see my inches drop. Be sure and take your measurements!! I have been dieting for 26 weeks and have lost 62lbs so far. My 1st week I lost 10lbs. week before last I only lost .06. I do notice that i may stay the same one week and then see a bigger drop the next week.
Do what works for you!! Try setting goals and if you dont make it then look at what you have done!! Like someone said ......if I wasnt doing this i would still be over 300lbs. Now im closer to 200 than i am to 300. I still have a long way to go....but thats ok...i didnt gain this weight overnight and i cant expect to lose it overnight. I feel great now and cant wait to see how i feel when i finally get to my goal.
Also for me a calorie isnt a calorie...if i eat bad carbs then i dont lose even if im at my calorie target.
keep us posted on how your doing