Hey! My name is Mel. I was 250 pounds at one point in my life, and over several years I got down to 125 or so.

Now I'm here at 176 pounds, with a goal weight of 145 pounds.

It's a bit discouraging to start over, but my motivation is my mom. I'll be a living kidney donor for her in the coming months so I need to be as healthy as possible.

Also, I am 4 years vegan so I'm hoping there are other vegans here as well!

Thanks and good luck to everybody

Here's some photos of me from when I was 250 lbs, and now.


I'm the pink haired one.


And now!

Hi Mel,

What an amazing and moving story! And really inspiring I'm not a vegan but I am veggie.

You already look great and I would never have believed that you would were 176 pounds (I even had to double check the number).

But keep it up you are doing great with a brilliant goal!

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!

Congrats on your accomplishments so far and good luck with the surgery to both you and your mom!

Wow, big change! You should be proud of your weight loss. And I agree, you don't look like you weigh 176. We ALL get discouraged. Everyone has ups and downs, even pros. Eating properly, cardio and weight lifting will help you lose weight. Get in the "habit" of doing the above. You wouldn't dream of not going to work, right? Then do the same with your fitness. And, remember, the tortoise wins the race!