Well I'm not sure I have the 'right' to post in this section just yet, as my achievement is not so great as some of yours have been. Having read your stories I'm amazed and delighted for those of you who have had success, and long may it continue!

I achieved a THIRD of my goal today, so I feel it's some kind of milestone to me. I know I've the longest, hardest part to come, but I do feel that I'm getting somewhere now. I've lost 40 pounds and have 80 left to shift (or there abouts) until I reach my final goal.

I wanted to say thanks to those of you here who have helped me get this far - I know it's come from me, but sometimes we all need a bit of help to bring out the best in us. Thanks everyone, my thoughts are with you. Here's hoping I'll be back to post here in the future, having got even closer to where I want to be.

Karen
260.5/220.5/140

Well done Karen

40 pounds is a tremendous amount to lose, you should feel very happy and proud.

I think you most certainly do have the 'right' to shout about your success! 40 pounds is great! And a third of the way is fantastic.... you are well on your way to achieving your goals.

Keep up the good work!

Don't have the right to post here? 40 pounds is a GREAT loss! I felt successful after losing my first 10! Congratualtions! I've lost about 23, and it has made all of the difference in the world (even on an initially 263 pound body!), so I know you must be thrilled to have lost 40 already. Way to go!

Way to go Karen! I personally note every milestone along the way, and one-third is a big one. Congratulations! I look forward to reading more of your successes in the future.

Flib

Thanks, I knew you'd understand. I'm dreading my 'plateau' though, and not sure I'll be able to cope with it when the time comes. Does anyone have any tips?

Karen

Don't be silly Karen! Of course you have a right to post here...we all do and with a 40 lb loss...well, you better post it and yell it from the roof tops! Your hard work has definatly paid off. I bet you look and feel fantastic!!

Karen: don't trouble yourself worrying about your looming plateau. A plateau is inevitable, if you continue to do the exact same thing. When I have a two-week leveling off period, I do something to shake up my routine (switch to another form of exercise to shock my muscles, etc.), and that usually helps out a little. If you keep all elements of your weight loss efforts the same, your body will naturally adjust, and stop shedding the pounds as quickly. And also, please keep this in mind: To have reached a plateau means that up to that point, you were achieving great weight loss success. (and anyhow, I'd rather reach a plateau than GAIN weight, which was my pattern in the past...)! Good luck with your efforts, Karen. You should be proud!