[SkinnyGina]

Ok guys...It has taken me almost two years but I am entering the last part of my weight loss journey (hopefully!!) I am currently around 163 and my goal is to be around 140ish. 23 pounds!!! I started at about 230 and am just amazed at how far I have come.

I am nervous though, and this sounds silly, but part of me sort of forgot what it was like to be average sized. I still sort of think of myself as the size 18 instead of the size 13 that I am. Does that make sense? I am also anxious about maintenance. I have a history of yo-yoing. Will I stay with my exercise? Will I stay a 10/11? I know you chickies will give me lots of support but still I haven't been this way in a while and it feels like its not really permanent.

Either way...sorry for ranting about a good thing I am really excited and look forward to my birthday this year. I hope to reach the 140 mark by May. I am going to Alaska for my Bday and look forward to being in shape and enjoying my vacation.

Hope everyone has a great day!

[MotoMichelle]

First - Congrats on the awesome progress you've made!

I think a lot of it depends on how you lost the weight. Are you on a really restrictive diet or have you made gradual lifestyle changes?

If you've been changing your overall outlook on how food and exercise relate to your life, you'll be fine. I'm in the same boat as you in that I started at 250ish and am now 175ish with 30 more lbs I want to lose. It took me about 8 months to lose all that weight and I've been maintaining that lose for over a year now because I've changed my lifestyle.

Granted for over a year I haven't lost the last 30 lbs I want to, but I know why and it's just that I haven't focused on weight loss and kept to maintaining for now.

So don't worry, you can do it and you'll be fine. You've had great success so far. There's no reason that shouldn't continue.

[SkinnyGina]

Thanks Its just nerve racking knowing that I may be there soon and I am hoping I keep my motivation up even though the numbers will not drop.

That is my story as well. I maintained for about 5 months then got the motivation to drop the rest. I have done it through lifestyle changes so I feel more in control of myself around food, I don't particuraly follow a diet except for I am allergic to some foods so I avoid those. Other than that lots of fruits, veggis and spin class! Which is tonight and my thighs are hating me for it

You went from 250 to 170 in 8 months congrats! What is your secret?

[MotoMichelle]

Thanks. As you know, no secret. Consistent exercise and counting my calories. Honestly, I was a bit of a **** about my calories during those 8 months (not too much, not too little) so it came off quite easily.

I've kept up the running/exercising but I haven't the calorie counting as consistently. Thus, the maintaining instead of losing. It's amazing the difference eating 200-300 more calories a day makes. hehe

Sounds like you are doing just fine. You'll be at goal before you know it.