Hi,
I used this website to lose 40 pounds in the year 1999.
Unfortunately, I ate very little and exercised a lot to lose the weight and I couldn't maintain that lifestyle and gained it all back when I became pregnant.

My baby was born three years ago, and I put on 60 pounds during the pregnancy. I naturally lost half that weight, but was never able to lose the
other thirty pounds. Its a lot harder to diet and excercise with a three year old running around the house.

I am 5"6, and 150 pounds. I'd like to be 130 Lbs, which is five pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. Actually the number is unimportant.

I recently decided to do this and take this seriously. I saved up for a long time and bought a used treadmill with a TV/DVD player attached and since April 5, have gotten on every day except two for an hour at a vigorous pace, just short of jogging.

I eat 1000 calories a day which I log, plan for and count. But between meals I allow myself to graze when I am hungry eating unlimited amounts of mini tangerines (cuties), apples, celery, snap peas, broccoli, etc. Basically, fruits and vegetables with plenty of fiber. This probably means I consume around 1200-1400 calories a day. I am not at all hungry. One day a week, I eat whatever I want, although within limits - since we usually eat out once a week. The only thing I miss is Coca-cola.

Even though it's only been a week, I know I can maintain this lifestyle. I am always full and hydrated, and never tired and lethargic, and don't understand why I didn't do this long ago.

I weigh myself first thing in the morning. I lost five pounds the first 10 days. Is this unhealthy? Is this normal? I don't want to lose the weight unhealthily. Should I increase my calorie count?

Sorry this is a novel. Any experiences would really help.

sounds like you are doing it the smart way to me, congrats on the loss.... 5lbs is a lot to be proud of keep up the good work and you will be at your goal weight before you know it, maybe even lower....

I wouldn't be too concerned unless you keep losing that much per week for a month or so. My first couple of weeks I lost like 10 lbs but I figure a lot of that was my body cleansing and water weight loss (I kicked a major soda habit).

I've always found that the weight comes off a lot more easily the first couple of weeks so I wouldn't change anything as long as you feel OK, until you see what the effect is longer term.

I was down 5.6 pounds in one week, but I'm sure next week will be a much more sustainable loss.

Thanks for the support folks. I just want to make sure I do this the right way this time.

My first week on a diet program or a change in the way I had been eating I lost 7 pounds so that's normal as your body releases water and adjusts to your new eating habits. I'd say if you feel good and are not hungry then stick with what you've been doing...

I agree with the others. Your loss was probably only so large because it was the first week and most of it was probably water weight. After your body gets settled after a couple of weeks, I'd think it would probably taper off to a more normal rate.

Do not go below 1200 cqlories a day or you will rob your body of needed nutrients, count every bite to be sure. I don't know how tall you are but that will have a bearing on how many calories you need. I am short and lost on 1200 to 1400 calories a day. The taller you are, the more calories you can have to lose or maintain. You have made a good start.

According to my scale and my roommate's scale I have lost 10 lbs in approx 2 weeks. That seems like too much! However I wouldn't be shocked if a large portion of that was water or something.

I know how you feel its quite a shock to lost that quickly.

Everyone says its best to lose approx 2 lbs per week. Thats my goal but I will stay at 1500-1700 until I go to the doctor next week.

It is quite normal to lose a lot the first week or two. that will slow down. A pound and a half to two pounds a week is about average, but the closer you get to goal the slower it will be, The important thing is do not give up, it is normal; to have fluctuations even a plateau. Keep on doing the best you can, you will lose.

@bargoo

I am impressed with your weight loss. Congrats!!!

Did it just like everybody else, one pound at a time.