I am so happy for you!
Thanks for sharing. It is very inspirational!

You're the kick in the tush I needed to keep going. You look amazing. That must have been a lot of hard work and diligence.

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement, you look fantastic!

You look incredible!!! Such an inspiration. :)

Fantastic work! It's stories like yours that help keep me motivated and to remember that real change is possible :-)

You look INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing!!!! Way to go!!!!

I hope I can achieve what you did! I also started out here, lost 20 lbs but have since gained it all back so I am back on the wagon trying to get to my goal! I really hope this time around I can make it happen like you! Amazing success! Congrats, you look incredible!

I just took some "before" selfies (tho after a 21-lb loss already so kind of "after before" hee ).

I can't wait to take GOALLLLLLL selfies. It'll be awhile, tho.

Holy cow! You are amazing, girl!!! Look how many people here you've inspired, myself included. Congratulations on all your hard work. http://www.soulcysters.net/images/smilies/congrats.gif

As for any loose skin, keep in mind that while maintaining your weight it can take your skin up to a year, sometimes longer, to tighten up a bit more after a big weight loss. To help the process along naturally, start skin brushing. It will tighten up your skin from head to toe, diminish any cellulite if that's a problem and make your skin baby soft. Once you get the hang of it (there are lots of instructional videos on youtube, but always remember to brush all areas towards the heart), it only takes a few minutes each morning before your shower. It's also rather addicting, too...in a great way!

You look amazing! And great inspiration!

What type of exercise did you do?

thanks all :D
Sandcar: I've never heard of that before, I'm going to watch a video on it and then try it. Thanks!

watchoutforthatcar: Thank you! When I first started, I was doing cardio (elliptical) for about 45 minutes, may be around 2-4 times a week (if I was good).
As I lost weight, I really got into working out. I've added running, hiking, weights, and gym. I probably was exercising 5-7 times a once I hit about 200 pounds earlier this year--lthough I had a back injury so I haven't exercised in about 7 weeks.
I had summer off from work, and that's when I was able to put in the 5-7 times, versus when I started work again it went down to about 4-5 times a week (and I switched it up to having like two gym days, a hike day, and a run day). It got easier when I made it a routine. I definitely don't think exercise is the way to lose weight, but it' s helpful. Even without exercise I lost weight, but it was just harder and I feel healthier when I incorporate it into my schedule. Hope that helps!

This is one of the weirdest things I have ever heard (and one thing I will never tell people IRL that I do). I've been doing it, tho, and I hope it works. At any rate, actually doing it isn't that weird and does feel good. It just feels like the REASON I'm doing it is whacky, ya know?

I'm also using a homemade scrub I made out of coconut oil, olive oil, Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap, and raw sugar which is great as an exfoliator. I figure that at least it won't hurt in esp. on my stretch marks hydrating my skin.

Congrats! That is so amazing and I bet you feel like a million bucks :) You look fantastic!

Um, this is amazing. I have a somewhat similar story to yours but without the final goal achievement. Thank you so much for showing me it can be done! You look AMAZING and are incredibly inspiring. :)

Congratulations!!! Your story is truly an inspiring one. :)

Well done you! Thanks for sharing!