I'm new to this forum, so I apologize in advance if this question has been asked before. For those individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight, did you use a standard program or plan (like a specific diet or "weight watchers") or did you do it on your own?

I know that lots of people have had tremendous success following a specific diet or program, but i don't think it is right for me. I've made changes to what i eat and I am eating low fat, high carb foods with plenty of exercise.

I have LOTS of weight to lose. Since i don't have a scale, its hard to really know. I would say I am around 400 pounds (maybe someone could help with am estimate, i'm 6'4 and have about a 52/54 inch waist).

In the past 2 months i've lost 4 inches in my waist and am wearing pants i haven't worn in years. I feel so much better! I'm just hoping that there are success stories of being who "did it alone".

Thanks!

Matt

Matt-that's great progress. I too have a lot of weight to lose. I started out July 29 at 275 lbs. I am now at 270 and hopefully even less than that since tomorrow is weigh in. I just try to eat lots of fruits and veggies,whole grains and lean meats. I also drink alot of water and exercise 6 days a week.You'll find lots of support and many inspiring stories here. Welcome.
Steph

Lost 4 lbs this week. That puts me at 266. Yea!

Hey Matt you are doing great and will continue to do so.

Weight Watchers really helped me because I find the structure
necessary to stay focused. The Point System was/is easy to
follow and best of all takes no special food or preparation, you
can eat everything. Learning to portion control or measure the
foods you eat comes with the territory and is not as difficult as
measuring the high protein diets,etc.

What I liked best was the support and encouragement from
everyone, especially the Lifetime members who have lost and
remained at that weight for months/years. It has been a really
good motivator for me and has helped me reach my goals.

Increasing my water, learning exercise and following the Program has not been difficult or like a diet because it really is
a lifestyle change I can and will live with.

You might like to go online www.weightwatchers.com to see if
it's something you would like to try and where the meetings in
your area are located. I went to one meeting and knew it would
be something I could stick with. Whatever you decide, I wish
you much success and the life you deserve.

Check out this guy -- www.onephatman.com -- he made an amazing transformation doing it on his own.

Good luck to you! Sounds like you're doing great!

I have lost 25 pounds by just eating between 1,200-1,600 calories a day and eating between 20-30 fat grams per day depending on how hungry I am or what is going on around me that day. I also keep a food journel to keep track of what I am eating and how much it all adds up to. I try to get the majority of my calories from fruits and veggies and allow myself some other type of low fat snack like cookies, icecream per day. I also keep a list of things I can have and as I find new things I can have I write it down so that next time I go shopping I just look on my list. I try to exercise at least 2-3 times a day by walking 1-2 miles, but be sure not to over due it because I want to make it a habit and not get tired of it. Anyone wanting to talk about dieting can message me or email me anytime.

Ive lost 84 pounds doing 1400 calories and 30 fat grams daily. Unfortunately monotany set in, I recently changed to ww and it helped kick start things for me again. I could tell I was starting to slack off a bit. It took me about a year to lose the 84 pounds, I still have a 100lbs to go but hopefully in the next year, Ill be much closer to my goal

Congrats on your success so far!

My downfall is my sweets, I have to get a couple in a day I always work around my calories or points to fit in at least one. I have never done well on restrictive diets like atkins, I want those foods so much more when im told I cant have them; with my way of eating I always can incorporate it.

I have noticed alot more flexibility with ww and doing it on my own. I never signed up for any program, I do it on my own from info on the internet, I was never into meetings and didnt think it was for me. But calorie counting worked great too

Water has helped me a ton and drinking crystal lite, Once in a while I have a cup of hot cocoa (fat free) or bouillon. It helps fill my stomach. When I feel cravings coming on I usually read or crochet to get my mind on something else.

It is very possible to do it on your own just fine, just keep plugging away at it and take it one day at a time.

"My downfall is my sweets, I have to get a couple in a day I always work around my calories or points to fit in at least one."

Mine, too! I will let you in on a little secret, though...well, this works for me. Cut out the sweets for a week...you'll find you won't crave them as bad.

I've lost 45 pounds by eating healthy (veggies, fruit, chicken, tuna, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc...) and exercising A LOT. Some days I might do Taebo (50 minutes) and weight train (about an hour. If I don't Taebo...I jog/walk for about 3-4 miles.

how is it going matt? i' ve lost 14 lbs on weight watchers.

I've lost 50+ pounds doing it all on my own. Check out my website for the full story, before and after pics, current progess, and links to other sites:

http://www.angelfire.com/rnb/jessie1/index.html

It's good to see that a lot of people are having success. Keep up the good work everyone

Definately my own thing. I Have lost 50lbs since Jan 2003. By exericising, watching portions and drinking lots of water. Nothing is forbidden just done in moderation! Good luck to all!!

Beth

mocha74, I just read your post and your website.... that is truly amazing. It def. gives me such hope!!! Im about the size you were when you first started and am close in age to you.... and I can only hope to be where you are now!! Im amazed at the transformation, you look really great!!!

What else did you do besides dancing and working out? Did you also limit ur calorie intake to a specific number as well? Just curious.. thanks for sharing your story!!

I just went to the www.onefatman.com website and I don't believe it - that guys workout isn't that intense and there is no way that I could eat that and lose...plus, I am sure that eating 10,000 calories a day has got to be awful for you....

Its been a while and I thought I would check back in. I've been at the weight loss journey for well over a year and have some successes and setbacks. In general, things have been going well. I've got a scale now and my last official weigh in was slightly above 291. I'm down to a 44 inch waist pants from the 52/54 i had when I posted this originally.

YOU CAN DO IT ALONE (of course i'm not totally alone, 3FCs has been great!)

Matt - You've made wonderful progress! Congratulations! I just read your post to my husband hoping to inspire him a little! I've really been working at it since February and have been trying to nicely encourage him to work with me on this weightloss journey. He's sloooowwwly coming around!!! He currently has the waist size you started with and I think he's now sitting there imagining a 44" waist!
Keep up the good work!
Barb