Berryblondeboys- I havent had that sort of a test done. I think I am big boned- I have never been tiny.. The more weight I lose, the more I can see my hip bones/collar bones. I DO have a decent size chest (34C), and I have a pretty big bum and thighs.

The more I go at this weight loss thing, I am starting to realize that I might not ever be where I am "supposed" to be. I would be happy with losing 10 pounds, and maintaining at 160lbs. I just want to get rid of the fat!!

Where would I get a fat caliper test done? Is that the same as the thingymajig you hold out in front of you? I did one of those at the gym *before* I really started working out/counting calories and carbs (I had been doing Zumba 3-4 times a week, but still bad diet, and not really 100% into it!) and it said I was 25.6%- I would only guess that it would be better now?

I think I just need to stop overthinking every little thing, and just keep on with my new lifestyle. I knew my weight would be hard to lose due to my hypothyroidism as well as the fact that I have always been a "bigger" girl (never petite or dainty)

This happened to me- I was working out hard and staying with my calories but I wasn't seeing a difference on the scale for about 4-5 weeks and then one week I dropped like 6 pounds... I thought perhaps my body went through some changes and then dropped the weight. Stick it out... it sounds like you are working really hard with a lot of support.

WendeeLou-you really look terrific, vibrant, healthy and full of life! I am the same height as you, and I remember when I got to around the weight you are right now, I wondered if I should just quit and maintain. I decided to keep going and now I am about 25 lbs. less. These last 25 lbs. have made a HUGE difference. I don't have your curves, anymore, I envy your curves. I have lost my boobs and butt, they are gone. I now have a ruler figure. Pretty much straight up and down. Only you can decide where you want to land and what looks good to you. I am not saying that you can't have built some muscle, you probably have. I know I have, but honestly, I think I can see the muscle I already had, buried under the fat so much better than I could before, and that makes the biggest difference in the way I look. The loss of the extra fat.

Regardless of what you do, you're beautiful, and you will be whether you stay where you are, or continue on to 140.

thanks for all the support! I knew I could count on you guys!

So I decided to take the advice that so many of you suggested and kinda lay low on the exercise and diet- so I am going to allow myself 1800-2000 calories a day and work out only once. I have only been to the gym once each day this week (due to other obligations) AND I ate a cheesburger (with only half the bun) at TGIFriday... Got on the scale this morning and 168.2. So I am at the low of my stinkin plateau, so lets hope this helps get me out!! I decided that I would be happy with a goal of 155-160. I will keep ya'll updated on what works!

Thanks again for all of your support, suggestions, and help!!

Although it is not the most accurate method for determining BF% they are accurate in the right hands and even in the wrong hands they are good for measuring progress over time. I'm referring to skin calipers.

I've tried a couple models and found this one is the best by far for the money. Professional grade are more accurate but cost $$$

I think you're doing the right thing by taking a little bit of a break and congrats you're looking fantastic.

Building muscle takes a net caloric surplus which means you cannot build muscle and lose fat at the same time unless you're new to working out/lifting (or taking steroids.) That is why I asked if she was new to working out, or not.

Thanks, JohnP!