So where do I fall in the dieting spectrum...well...
I'm recently getting back into long term weight loss and am down to the last 30-40 lbs. I started out at 370 lbs and am down to around 185. This past August was actually my first birthday under 200 lbs in about 20 years (I've pretty much always been the "fat kid"...the "fat sister"...the "fat friend").
In the past I've gone through weight loss phases, but this is the first time it stuck. This biggest difference this time around was that when I started, I made gradual changes to diet and lifestyle...sort of a jedi mind trick so that I didn't feel like I was in diet mode. Hiking has been a big part of that and over the last 4 and a half years I've gone from barely being able to complete a 1 mile hike to hiking up in Juan de Fuca in Canada and Mt. Hood Forest trails.
What drew me to this forum is the section on post weight loss body image. Nearly 200 lbs later and I'm still waiting for my brain to catch up to the new body. There's been a few days I half expect Rod Sterling to pop up and begin his monologue. I still see old photos of me and it's a little trippy. Looking forward to conversing with people in a similar boat and if I can offering advice from my own adventures.
Well done on your slow and steady approach! Clearly you are totally doing it careful and right so that these changes become your norm. I think that is what we all hope for is that these changes become an effortless way of life.
WOW, SARAH ~ you have done fabulously well; and you look great there on that beach. You have a lovely face & smile (in both pics, btw). My DH says that sometimes I still think I am bigger than I am; I was always afraid I might break someone's chair, so would be hesitant to sit on one (sheesh). It does take time to adjust to the changes. Glad you found us here, and best wishes for the rest of the journey (which is for life, right ... right!)
Hello MOTO
WOW, SARAH ~ you have done fabulously well; and you look great there on that beach. You have a lovely face & smile (in both pics, btw). My DH says that sometimes I still think I am bigger than I am; I was always afraid I might break someone's chair, so would be hesitant to sit on one (sheesh). It does take time to adjust to the changes. Glad you found us here, and best wishes for the rest of the journey (which is for life, right ... right!) 
