The main thing was sticking to a program and not giving up, no matter what -- even when the number on the scale wouldn't budge, or I felt like I might never make progress. I stayed the course with watching what I ate and getting PLENTY of exercise (whether that was running, going for a walk, or dancing around the house -- whatever you enjoy doing!)
I completely agree with this fivestone! That would be my advice as well. Never give up. Keep going even through the tough times, no matter what the scale says.
For perspective, here are my first couple months weight loss. I started on the 15th of the month, so I do a monthly weigh to see trends-
first month-lost 15 lbs.
second month-lost 14 lbs.
third month-lost 14 lbs.
fourth month-lost 8.2 lbs.
fifth month-lost 6 lbs.
so far this month (weigh in day is Dec. 15th)-I have already lost 12 lbs.
Go figure? I haven't done anything differently. Not even in the fifth month when I only lost 6 lbs. I could have lost motivation and quit, but no way! That's when the tough get going. As long as I see a loss, that's all I care about, no kidding, even an ounce.
Best wishes to you! I know you can do it!!