Hi Guys! I've been lurking around here for the past couple weeks and you all have impressed and inspired me to the point where I'd like to share my weight loss story.

Between the spring of 1998 and fall of 1999 I went from 196 pounds to somewhere in the range of 120 to 125. Since then (with some ups and downs) I've been able to maintain around the 125 to 135 range. I'm honestly happiest around in the 120s since my clothes fit better and I feel more in shape. I'm going on vacation in two months and I've set a mini goal for myself to lose about 9 pounds. More importantly, I'm trying to get to the gym daily and tone up so I feel comfortable while I'm away.

In my teens I was always around 160 pounds (I'm 5'7", BTW). I never considered myself overweight and I was decently active. I grew up in a big city so I walked everywhere. I went away to college and gained 35 pounds in 9 months. I was a mess. My clothes didn't fit, I was depressed, and looked like a whole different person. I had always had a gym membership and since I wasn't working or in school, I started going over there in the afternoon. I started watching a noon step aerobics class and they looked like they were having a great time. It was a group of ladies who were there daily and it was a great instructor with fun music. I had done step on in the past. I'd also done a lot of dancing, as a kid so picking up steps is easy for me. I gave the class a shot and absolutely loved it! I've been addicted to step ever since.

I lost that 35 pounds weight gain over the summer and then maintained around 160 for a couple months. I went on vacation and somehow lost 10 pounds in March of 1999. I got home and realized I didn't always have to be 160 pounds. I was looking better, clothes were fitting me well, and I was happy. From there the pounds shed through diet and exercise.

When people ask me for advice I always say to find something you love to do. There is something out there for all of us. I'm not a runner. Never will be but some people love to be in that running zone. For me, group classes kick my butt.

I have my down days when my couch and a bag of chips look so appealing. However, in the three weeks I've been reading this board, I haven't had a day where I haven't eaten healthy and done something active. Again, you all a great bunch. I love hearing your stories.

That's a very inspirational story, Rubia. Similarily, I've just reached my goal weight in October-November. But I've gained back about 10lbs because I've been so depressed.
What motivates you to stay on the ball? I know it's how good you'll look and feel afterward, but that doesn't stop me from having late night binges. I just had one yesterday night, after promising myself I wouldn't do it anymore.
These 10lbs are in a sense the "last 10lbs" which people say are the hardest to lose. I hope this isn't true...because they sure have been easy to gain. HOw long did it take you to lose your last 10lbs?
As for you diet, do you eliminate any food groups?
Sorry about all the questions...I'm just looking for some motivation.
Thanks!
Oh, and congratulations!!!

Hey Missy,

First congrats to you meeting your goal! You'd be pressed to find people trying to maintain that haven't had weight gains, especially those first few months after meeting a goal. First, be proud that you're trying to take control of this. Many would see that gain and give up.

I have a couple things I do for motivation. I keep a good pic of myself at my ideal weight on my fridge. I know a lot like to keep their peak weight pics. I look at those from time to time as well but they tend to get me down. Seeing what I'm capable of rather than where I've been motivates me.

I also got rid of all my clothes I wore when I heavy. I kept one sweater to show people (plus it was kinda comfy) and got rid of everything else. I refuse to buy clothes over a certain size. I just flat out refuse to do it. If my clothes are getting tight, I know that means it's time to watch my food and exercise more.

I hear you on the late night food binges. I was binger as well and I do have lapses from time to time. I've done what I heard one day on Oprah. She refuses to eat past a certain time of night. No snacking, no nothing. For me, I don't eat past 8:30. I'm either working late or at the gym after work so I rarely have dinner until 8. After that, no more food. I don't know if this plan would work for everyone, but it's helped me a lot.

Best of luck and keep going!