[Vex]

After coming around here for quite some time it never occurred to me to post a goal photo. I always shot for 140, but 159 is close enough from a high of 281. For those size enthusiasts, that's a 24 to a 12.

Now, the caveat is that the goal photo is from a few years back. I've gained quite a bit back. The reason I post it now is not only for my motivation that yes, I really can and will do this again, as well as for others to see that it can be done. I always enjoyed looking at pictures here and it really motivates me.

It's actually much easier to lose weight than I ever thought. Keeping it off, now there's a whole other monster.

If you're curious as to the method of the my 122lb weight loss it was pretty darn simple:

• Calorie counting between 1200 and 1500 a day, no specific counting of carbs or anything like that.
• Some walking, maybe around a mile or so a day.
• No food after 7pm.

That's really it. It took about a year for the first hundred and another six months for the rest.

Now, is that sustainable over the long term? I maintained it for about 2 years or so before I really lost control again. You simply can't have a lot of pizza and cookies every single day and maintain a healthy weight. No matter. What's done is done and it's a new day today. When I hit that weight again, I'll post a new pic.

[Nicholsfamily1987]

WTG You look great!

[Rosinante]

Great pics! And you're right, keeping it off is the hard thing. I'm currently on my 3rd lifetime major weight loss drive. Hope it's the charm!

Good luck!

[Plainsgirl]

Oh Vex!! My heart goes out to you so big!! You are so brave in that 1) you did what you had to do to do what you did...and 2) you are able to pull yourself up from your boot straps, put your big girl panties on....and DO IT AGAIN!!

You did before what countless others just sit around and WISH they could do. That my friend is no small feat!! Yes...the keeping it off is TOUGH! I know because I too lost a bit of weight a few years ago and have gained 5 pounds shy of half of it back...no where near to what you accomplished though!!
But you know what?! We WILL do it again. And get to our goals. And use the knowledge that we gained from this experience and ROCK IT this time around!!

I'm looking forward to reading your story this time NEXT YEAR.

[jeminijad]

You made it to 5lbs lighter than I am right now. That was a big accomplishment.

Do you have a new plan of attack for keeping it off this time? Sharpening fullness signals, dumping fat clothes, etc? I'm thinking about these things now.

[IanG]

Nice work. Imo exercise is the secret to keeping it off. It also helps you lose weight faster and gives you more wiggle room with what you eat. And it really makes you look and feel great.

I lost most of my weight with diet alone but have come to appreciate that both diet and exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

[dhathaway739]

Those before and after pictures are incredible. Amazing progress!

[Vex]

Glad people like the pictures. I hope it motivates someone. I, on the other hand, feel like a big faker as I pack all my 10's and 12's away and pull out the 22's. It just blows me away how fast weight comes back on, even WITH exercise - I fence 3 days a week.
I guess I'm just always going to have to run a tight ship forever.

[horoscopa]

I love looking at before and after pictures. Really inspiring and they motivate me so much! I've never been able to lose more than 20 pounds in my lifetime, hope this time I reach my goals, the future is looking good!

[Candidcamster]

This is a great post, and I appreciate your candor because I find myself dealing with regain issues, darnit the struggle is real! lol Don't let it get you down, just keep moving toward your goals.