I have been pleasantly surprised by some things that are different since losing weight and I'm getting very close to my second mini goal of weighing less than 300lbs & I'm very excited, So, I will share them with you!
I can comfortably paint my own toes now...lol!
I have dropped a full pants size with wiggle room
There is actually some "slack" in the seat belt now...
When I pass by the mirror, I can almost stand to look at that woman in there and not want to cry!
The more I change, the more I want to change!

uniquely me I had that feeling too. I can tie up my walking boots without twisting and turning and going blue in the face!
I don't make my computer chair creek any more either!
And I can get in to my swimming costume without wrestling even if I am hot and sweaty!
All small but important changes!!

wow, your mini goals are the same as mine 1) weigh less than hubby and 2) get under 300! that is cool!

Heh. When I first bought my car (and this was years ago), I could not fasten the seat belt at first until I slid the adjustable level down the side of the car to its lowest point. That gave me enough slack to fasten. That was the first time I lost weight. I gained almost all of it back (but never quite enough to have trouble with the belt at any level, thank goodness). Now, I have 7-8" of slack. That is fun.

So is the pant size. I replaced some work pants this weekend. Astonishingly, with pains that were three sizes smaller than the ones I had before. I know I had been wearing those until they were falling off me, but nevertheless - a happy moment.

Some of my changes are not splendiforous. I have some loose skin (already!) on my thighs. However, I think about how much happier I am to have it loose than un-loose and weighing me down, and get over it. Or take a small amount of perverse pride in it.

You are doing brilliantly! Cheers - keep it up!

Thank You all SO much for sharing your experiences about this with me and your thoughts as well!
It seems like I am constantly tweaking my plan a bit to stimulate continued weight loss as I get stuck for a week or so w/ little to no loss....then a pound or two will come off, I was wondering if you all have dealt w/ that too or if you have just had steady, continual weight loss???? And what kind of diet plans / workouts are you all following????
Thx again and may we all have continued success toward our goals!!!

I definitely have plateaus; my weight loss is not a consistent pound a week. Body weight fluctuates for so many reasons, and I always gain a few (or plateau) at a certain point in my cycle. And sometimes I just plateau, then the weight comes off in a rush. This weight loss for me has been off and on over the past year. Basically, I eat healthy - focus on fruits and veggies, whole grains and protein - with a mental target of calories per day. I limit 'empty' calories, but still eat them.

I am trying to eat in a way that is reasonable for me for the long-term. I allow myself 1-2 alcoholic drinks per week (usually a couple of glasses of wine at Sunday dinner) and one 'off-plan' dessert per week. I don't use 100 calorie packs, granola bars, or the like much, and try to make healthy meals that I find delicious. Sometimes I peek at the folks on the super-controlled meal plans and their losses and get envious, but I don't think that that would work for me in the long-term. For me, planning is absolutely key. And yes, I tweak often, too.

I am gradually attacking my 'problem areas.' Places where I am getting too many hidden calories. Recently: salad add-ins. Next up: coffee creamer.

wahoo great job! keep up the good work!

uniquelyme I am sort of calorie counting and was doing slimfast 1 or 2 days a week. I cook as much as I can from scratch which helps...no hidden suprises!
I am working to increase my exercise level within the limits of my arthritic knees and the biting insects that so love me when I walk!
I walk a minimum of 2 miles per day at a pace to make me breathless and beetroot red in the face!! I swim once or twice a week.
I would add that my income is very limited at the moment so in addition to no takeaway or alchohol I enjoy smaller portions which helps the food I buy go further. I can't slimfast at the moment due to a shortage of funds but I think it really helped knock the numbers down in the beginning which motivated me. Nmosyne is right though very structured eating doesn't seem like good practice for the real world to me but I guess we are all different!
Good luck

It just keeps getting better--from the first time you don't put your back out trying to wipe the bumm correctly to the time when you realize that you just went up the stairs without huffing and puffing. Those are wonderful non-scale victories which are what actually keep you MORE motivated because you feel so good about yourself. I cannot wait to be there again and I am so happy for you!

Lostbutstilltrying....that is neat! Us sharing the same goals!!
So, where are you at with them?
Hope you are doing well

congrats to you on your weightloss! Im excited for you! I cant wait to be in the same boat! But I was just wondering how you are losing?? What are you doing? My current weight is 333 so Im close to your beginning weight, it will be awesome to be under 300 eventualy! But I kinda need some tips! Anything is appreciated!

Hello there and Thanks for the encouragement!
I have been constantly changing things up, when I see the scale not budging for more than a few days...I just work harder...more cardio, sometimes more calories, just depends on what I think my body is needing.
I have taken a little bit from what works for everyone else and mix it up w/ my routine and usually it works for me.
I don't think any one diet or plan has been successful for me, So I just pay attention to what everyone else is doing and I read alot about it and I try a little of everything.
Mainly though, I just really watch whatever I choose to nourish my body with..I do not fobid anything, I just keep everything in moderation and healthy as possible and I KEEP MOVING from the minute I get up till I go to bed!!
I stay well hydrated but don't drown myself in water such as some suggest...I just listen to my body and try to be aware of it's needs.
I have been mixing up my cardio each day as well...I might walk/run one day an ride my bike the next and I have added just dance as a routine each day as well as 20 sit ups...then I do things like, yard work (love it), shopping (love it), wash the cars (fun) housework (hate it...but have to anyways..lol)!
Staggering my calories each day to try to confuse my body, so It dosn't recognize any pattern and slow my metabolism down, that seems to help me.
I eat often to, keeps my metabolism revved up!
Well, hope this has helped...you will find something that will work for you...just keep trying and don't ever get give up!
If you need a buddy to help you through this...Im here for ya as well as many others on here!
Wishing you much success on your journey...I will check back w/ you again soon...adding you to my buddy list

Hi. Im in this club too :/
Like most, my goal is get below 300 (again lol)

Welcome! Yep....we're in it together.... we can do this!

thanks so much for your input. im going to try your suggestions...weightloss is not easy but im so glad to have your support! ill keep you updated on my successes!