100 pounds ago, Dec 1 99, I wore size 24. I weighed 292.6 lbs (though at the time, I wouldn't have had a clue just how much I weighed - I had my head firmly in the sand.) I had been gaining weight slowly but steadily throughout high school, university, then grad school. Steadily through meeting my boyfriend, who became my fiance, who became my husband. Clothes got too tight, I bought new ones or just wore the few items that fit. My feet ached at night after I went too bed. I was out of shape, way out of shape. I avoided physical activities. I dreaded small chairs.

Then something started me thinking. I don't know what it was, but I gradually started to contemplate life without all the extra "baggage." I spent a couple of weeks sort of toying with the idea of weight watchers. I'd done nutrisystem at one point in high school forced by my mother (who I've come to realize was doing what she thought was best for me). Sure, I'd lost weight but my hair got brittle, I was anemic, and I came to detest every bite of that prepackaged food I had to swallow. I never got to a proper goal weight for myself and gave up trying. Over years I became much, much heavier than I'd been before nutrisystem. That's why when I started to think about losing weight again it had to be in a way that felt healthy, sane, well-balanced, and gave me choice.

The "click" came when I had to go shopping for a new winter coat. I dreaded the thought of buying a 3X for about a zillion dollars from one of the few stores I could still shop in. I steeled my courage and went shopping. I found a gorgeous grey coat, on sale, in a 2X, that looked perfect. I snatched it up and loved it. But the decision to get my weight under control had be made. I had turned a corner.

I went to the next available local WW meeting. That was 16 months and 100 pounds ago. Now I work out regularly and enjoy it. I wear a size 14 in regular sizes. I can shop almost anywhere. I take the stairs at work (7 storeys up) at least once a day because I can. I eat wonderfully well. I feel great. I know I look great. I feel even younger than my 27 years. I know I'll live longer. I look forward to activities much more than I used to. I've never been shy, but I feel much more comfortable meeting strangers (esp. new clients) than I used too. I never check if I'm the fattest in the room anymore. It doesn't matter anymore. I LOVE getting compliments.

Losing weight doesn't make life perfect, of course, but having gotten this far on my journey I have a more confident outlook on every aspect of life. I still have about 25 pounds to go, but I know I'll get there. Sorry for the book, but I just reached the 100 pounds off mark at weigh in last night, and I felt the need to commemorate it somehow. I also want to thank all of you. Even when I don't post I get reinforcement from each of your successes and struggles.

Good luck to you all! (but we all know it's not really about luck, is it?) Thanks for letting me ramble,

Flib
292.6/191.8/165ish (5'9" tall)

Wow, can I ever relate to your story!
 

Congrats on losing 100 pounds - what an accomplishment! :)

I still remember the feeling of going into a mall and thinking "will I find something that fits?" (even in Lane Bryant). Size 3X is definitely not a fun size to wear - even though there are a lot more large-sized fashions available now than in 1989-90.

I love hearing people talk about the "click" - Oprah calls it "Making the Connection" - the moment when your resolve to 'just do it' finally turns on!

You've discovered the most valuable secret to weight loss - pretty much anyone can lose weight - but keeping it off requires some major lifestyle changes (but believe me, they really make the quality of your whole life much better!!)

Take care!

Thanks for the post- it's nice to hear from people whose stories I can identify with (the going to the mall and wishing I didn't *have* to shop at Lane Bryant.. noticing that yes indeed, I'm the fattest person in most rooms I walk into..etc.) who have successfully lost weight. Congratulations!

I had my "click" earlier this year, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, now that I've begun Weight Watchers, there is no turning back- and I haven't wanted to. After nearly four weeks, I'm still following the plan perfectly, and making good progress.

For any of you who haven't gotten that "click" yet, read Dr. Phil's book, "Life Strategies." Hearing him on Oprah really made a difference in my life, and started me on my way to losing weight.

Many, many cogratulations Flib on your accomplishment...you should be very proud! Your quality of life must be so much better now being 100 lbs lighter! It is people like you that inspire me to keep going and I want to thank you for that.

MrsJim- A big congratulations to you also. You should be very proud of your accomplishment and you are also so close to your goal!

Wcolleen - You are on your way to a healthier, slimmer you and it sounds like you are doing great! Keep up the good work.

As for me, I am down 84 lbs and still going. It's a long battle but I am extremely happy with my results this far. I am definitely going to post my 100 lb weight loss on this board when I reach it.

Congratulations everybody!

Lianna

Flib, STAND UP and TAKE a BOW!!! Congrats on your weightloss!!! You are an inspiration to us all and THANK YOU so much for sharing your story!!!!

It is so great to read of your successes. I started on Meridia today, took my first pill a couple of hours ago. I am also going to follow the WW program. All my friends are having gastric bypass surgery and I am hoping that will not be necessary. I know WW can get it done, but after a few weeks, I just run out of gas and go back to my old eating patterns.

If anyone else has used Meridia, I would love to hear about it.

Meridia thread on Diet Plans board
 

Dakota, check the Meridia thread on the Diet Plans board - I've been lurking there myself - even though I'm not on Meridia, I've been interested to see the results of those that are using it.

My doctor - for various reasons - would not prescribe Meridia to me (and actually I would have a hard time affording it anyway since my medical insurance doesn't cover it) when I asked for it about two years ago. The main reason he gave me was that he didn't feel it had been researched long enough. In addition, after the Phen/Fen debacle of the 90's, I get the impression that many MD's are reluctant to prescribe diet pills at all.

Take care!

Oh, Flib, I'm so excited and so proud of you! This is such a fantastic milestone to reach!

I, too, could usually only shop at Lane Bryant and fit into their 3Xs (because they were larger than the 3X size at "regular" stores). It's so wonderful to be able to shop almost anywhere--wish we could go shopping together!

Congratulations again,
Jane

Thank you so much, all of you! I'm leaving for my weigh in shortly. Tonight's the big night when I get my 100 lb certificate. I'm ridiculously excited about it!

Jane - I'd love to go shopping with you too! It would be so much fun to hit the mall with someone who appreciates the simple joy of being "normal."

Dakota - I hope the Meridia works well for you. Like any weight loss plan, you'll need the sheer determination and confidence to stick with your dreams (not short term rewards). There is no magic "pill," as I'm sure you know, but I hope Meridia offers you a tool along the way. I don't know anything about it myself.

Midgie - thanks for your kind words.

Lianna - I can't wait to read of your success on this board. Wow, you're doing very well!

Colleen - You (in my opinion) are past the hardest part, which is reaching the turning point - the click - and deciding to do something about it. I know there are struggles evry single freakin' day ;) but at least now you (and I) have a plan to deal with them.

Mrs. Jim - Thanks for all your posts on these boards. I really appreciate words of experience and wisdom from someone who's maintained such a weightloss accomplishment for several years. I certainly plan to follow in those footsteps!

Have a great week everyone. I've gotta go bask in some glory :D

Flib

Thank you Thank you Thank you! Thank you for sharing your story....sometimes it seems like we all have the same story..but you...100 LBS!! That is amazing and it sounds like you are glowing!!! Are you "treating" yourself to any kind of reward? You sure do deserve it!

I started my journey when I got the "click" January 1st, 2000. 15 months later, I've lost 62 lbs..a bit slow..but it's staying off forever. I have at least 30 lbs to go...but I will get there...and be so happy to know that you too have reached your goal!

Flib, I had to let you know---you did not ramble at all. I'm very glad that you took the time to share your story...You were eloquent. I love what you had to say.
Hitting that 100 mark is quite a feeling, isn't it?! You must be flying. It's amazing what that means but it is such an important mark in the journey. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! And now...onward.

Fib,

I read your post and had to take a minute and congratulate you on your success! It takes a monumental amount of strength and sheer will to do what you did. You should be so proud of your accomplishment!

My "click" came when I turned 29 years old in Feb. 2000. I had been overweight since I was a child and had been on various "diets" my whole life. I finally realized that what everyone was saying about needing to change your entire lifestyle was true. Diets don't work and there are no quick fixes. So, I completely changed my eating habits, sticking to whole grains, fruits, veggies and lean meats, and lots of exercise. Now, over a year later I am 59 pounds lighter and it feels great! However, this last 9 pounds is going soooooo slow! Anyone else have this problem? Fib? Mrs. Jim? They say the closer you get to your goal weight, the slower it goes but it gets frustrating at times because I am sooooooo close!

Anyway, congratulations again on your success Fib and to all of you who have fought this battle and are still fighting.

Lisa
188/129/120

Plateaus in weight loss - or those last few agonizing pounds!
 

Hey everyone -

Just got back from London last night and fighting a major case of jet lag, but couldn't resist checking the ol' boards this morning!

I am also attempting to get rid of those last few pounds - to me my perfect (realistically speaking) is between 140-145. Now, I know at 5'4" my 'ideal' weight is supposed to be in the 120s. But I know that ain't gonna happen!

One of the main keys to permanent weight loss IMHO is to take it slow and easy. We all want to get rid of the fat quickly...but believe me the most effective way is to take it easy and concentrate on permanent lifestyle changes. I promise you will be healthier and happier!

"[b]YES[/b]" to SLOW
 

Jenniffer and Mrs. Jim,
I just want to add my endorsement to "slow& easy." After years (decades, really) of losing and re-gaining plus more, by "getting it overwith quickly," I finally decided to do things differently this time. This time I made up my mind to go slow. So, forty years the fast way and never accomplishing what I set out to do---OR maybe 4 or so years of going slow and actually reaching a healthy weight...Which is fast and which is slow?

How slow is slow?
 

You may want to check out my previous posts, where I've quoted from Michael Fumento's fabulous book "Fat of The Land" about losing weight slowly.

Most medical weight-loss experts regard a safe, healthy rate of weight loss as anywhere from 1/2 pound to 2 pounds a week. While that seems very slow, think of it in terms of a year...an average weight loss of 1 pound a week for a year would be 52 pounds! For just about anyone, that would be a dramatic difference in their health and appearance.

I am also a preponent of the "10%" idea...where you set an interim goal to lose 10% of your current body weight, and then after losing that weight, maintain it for a few months or a year before you try to lose more - then shoot for another 10%. Here's an example:

Person A weighs 200 pounds - she sets her interim goal at 180 for a loss of 10% (or 20 pounds) of her starting weight. She makes the adjustments in her eating and exercise habits to achieve this loss. After getting to her first goal, she works at maintaining that weight for (let's say) 6 months. After staying at 180 for awhile, she's ready to lose 10% (or 18 more pounds). After getting to 162, stays there for awhile and sets her next goal at 16 pounds or 146 pounds.

To me this is an excellent way to lose weight, since between your weight-loss periods you will basically be eating and exercising the way you should to maintain weight loss...

Just my opinion!

Hi Mrs. Jim! Congratulations on your success by the way! I'm sort of new to these boards but you are a legend of sorts on here! Ha! Ha!

I agree with your post about losing weight slow. When I first started out I lost two pounds a week faithfully. Eventually it dropped to one pound a week and then for some strange reason it went to four pounds at the end of each month - which I guess still equivalents to one pound a week. Now, I have eight pounds to go to get to my goal weight and for the last couple of months I'm lucky if I can drop two pounds! I haven't changed my habits and I'm still exercising five to six times a week! I've also varied my exercises between the treadmill, swimming, Jazzercise classes and Tae Bo tapes!

I guess I'm just wondering if it is normal for weight to get slower and slower the closer you get to your goal weight?

I'm going to check out that book, also! Thanks for the suggestion!

Lisa
188/128/120

On the way!!
 

Dear Flib and fellow sojourners!
Thank-you for thinking up this forum. I joined WW Jan.-2001. When you have over 100 pounds to lose it seems like it will take FOREVER. Ah contraire. It has taken me about 42 years to put this 250 plus body together- so what's a year or two to get it healthy.!! I appreciate hearing positive stories from people who did what I want to do. We live in such a quick fix, immediate gratification society. Thank-you for letting the turtle move "slow and steady" to win the race. I'm looking forward to more insights along the way. Take care and keep on keeping on!!

Many Congratulations
 

What you've done is an exceptional achievement and must have taken so much courage and determination. We all know how hard it is to lose weight, especially when it's 100lbs+ (I had 120 to lose, and so far have lost 33 so I'm 25% of the way there). Reading stories like yours helps me think that I CAN do it, and when I'm feeling frustrated at how slow the process is, it's nice to be able to think that if other people can do it, then so can I. I know that losing all the weight won't make things perfect, but at least I know it will help me to start to get my life the way I want it to be.

Well done... I hope you're very proud of yourself - you should be! Hopefully I'll be able to come here and write a similar story sometime in the future. :)

You go girl!
 

Flib, you rock!

First of all Congratulations Flib, Mrs. Jim and everyone else who has lost weight or is on their way!

Devoted....It is very normal for weight loss to slow at the end because for one thing, you don't have nearly as much to lose. Also as stupid as this sounds those few pounds have been the ones your body has been with the longest....so shedding them will be tough. I lost 36 lbs. from August 1999 to April 2000. Those last few lbs are tough but it increases the dramatics of the whole thing because of the anticipation you have for them to get off!!

GOOD luck everyone!

katie

Wow...before I came into this discussion, I was fighting with myself over if I should walk after work today. It is a typical July day here in NY..humid and hot! but the thing is, it's only May 2nd. I am definatly going to the gym after work, so I was trying to get out of walking. I usually walk 2 miles a day at least 4 times a week plus the gym, 4-5 times a week. Anyways..before I began to read the latest posts here...I was unsure. Now, after reading everything..I am going! Nothing is stopping me now! So, thanks!

I have been on my journey for 16 months total now..January 1st, 2000. I have lost 62 lbs..that is an average of 3.8 lbs a month. Well..not really. First month, I lost 17 lbs...10 lbs..8 lbs..4 lbs..2 lbs..no lbs..a small gain here..life took over a few times, emotional eaitng, stress, sickness..all of these things come into play. When I first started out, I swore I would reach goal in 12 months. Well, I still have awhile to go. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will get there..but I will.
Is it normal to have the last lbs take forever to get off? I don't know what is normal..does anyone? Everyone loses differently. Each journey is it's own. I joined a gym in December, haven't lossed much weight since then, but did lose 9 inches. I am aiming to reach my goal by September. I hope I reach it, but if I don't, it's okay, because I will still be going in that direction. That is all that is important.

I applaude all of you who have reached goal, maintained and are still on their journey. This is the toughest personal battle most of us will ever face. And I am so happy that I have "met" so many wonderful people here at 3FC. If anything, my weight problems have taught me many things in the end.

Jennifer, our current weights and our goal weights are almost the same. I too hope to reach goal by September. I'll send strong thoughts your way if you do the same for me! Have a great day, Flib

Message to Jen (and everyone!)
 

Just read the story of your journey - 62 pounds off is wonderful - don't get yourself down! This same thing has happened to me - and I'm sure most of us on this board - SO many times - starting off strong, then you plateau for weeks - months --

After many years of this, I'm convinced that the best way is to lose weight SLOWLY. (I'm starting to sound like a broken record here). If you go to my previous posts, you'll find a couple where I quote Michael Fumento's "The Fat of The Land" in setting small (10% of your body weight at a time, then maintaining for awhile before setting out to lose another 10%) goals for yourself and taking the process step by step.

Face it, there's going to be times in your life that you WON'T want to count calories - when I was in London a few weeks back (can't wait to go again!) the food was so wonderful! If I hadn't eaten what I wanted, I would have really deprived myself of some British culture. Besides, I didn't go absolutely NUTS except at our last breakfast - which held me until 4:30 (when they served dinner on the plane). As I've said before, the portions were SIGNIFICANTLY smaller than we are accustomed to in the US. And since I was eating with a group of people (rather than just myself) most of the time, I was busy talking and I wouldn't have wanted to pig out in front of them anyway!

I digress - back to subject at hand. Right now I am into week 2 of the Body For Life challenge. I don't usually hop onto diet bandwagons, but this plan really makes sense - a great part of the diet is the 'free day' where you can eat whatever - WHATEVER - you want. It really helps to have that day to look forward to! There was a similar sounding article in Muscle & Fitness Hers...

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, it's probably good to give yourself an occasional "vacation" from your diet - just as long as you stay active and don't go absolutely nuts (well, maybe once in awhile...I'm not perfect...)

Whew! Anyway, great going - I'd say you've done great so far!

Flib: wow, that is so great about your loss! Be proud be happy and dance through the streets!!!!

Take Care!

Ali

Fumento Book
 

What a coincidence...I read this thread and found I had the Fumento book right in front of me. I checked it out of the library for some research I'm doing, and you mentioned it. It looks very interesting, so I'll have to delve further into in than just for my paper! Thanks!

Ps- great job to all of you! I'm not really one to talk..I've hardly lost 16 pounds, but at least I did start WW last week and am working on my first 10%...arrgh...20lbs...but that's just cake to you guys!

where is everyone
 

:wave:
how did you loose all that weight? i know about the water and exercise. i don't
much exercise because i commute 2 hours a day and to tired when i get to do much.

:)

see y'all liter
hefty

Hi, ladies! I was looking around for some inspiration today and I found it! Great job all of you. I ahve been aproaching a plateau and feeling like giving up. I even agined at last wiehg in for no apparent reason. I am on my way to my 100 pound goal. All of you made me feel so much better and I know I can do it!

I know what all of you mean when you talked about the click and you are just ready to lose!

Flib, the coat story hit a nerve with me! We used to live in Ct and I needed a new winter coat but couldn't find one to fit. My hubby's size xl fit fine and i borrowed it once. He was being nice so he bought me a new coat for my birthday. he thought since his fit me in a size xl he could buy me a ladies size xl and it would be fine. It fit somewhat but i could barely zip it up and couldn't sit down with it zipped. I wore it anyway and sort of sufferted in silence. I recently saw that coat in the closet. It is now too big! I was so embarased when the coat he bought didn't fit. They don't ahve mush of a coat selection for plus sizes do they?

Well, I better go now.

Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Karen

Plus sizes
 

If you look around, you can find some really great clothes in Plus sizes...check Mode Magazine...if BBW is still being published (haven't seen it in awhile), that's a good place too.

I know it's tough to spend a lot of $$ on clothes when you're fat - it's like saying that you're never going to lose weight. On the contrary - I believe that looking good is important to your self-esteem and, in turn, encourages you to keep up the good work!

When you shrink out of your 'fat clothes', if they're too nice to get rid of, get thee to a tailor ASAP! Otherwise, give them to charity - such as "Dress for Success".

While I believe that looking great (at whatever size) is important to feeling terrific, at the same time I also believe that it is crucial to get those too-big clothes OUT of your closet - keeping them is tantamount to saying you plan to grow back into them one day!

Oops, just thought of another thing - when I attended weight-loss camp in 1979, us campers used to have clothes "trading parties" where we would all put our too-big clothes in a pile - for those who were just getting small enough to fit in them, it was a treat - and for those of us who were too small for any of the clothes in the trading pile, it left us room in our suitcase for the big 'shopping spree' at the local mall the last week of camp! Great fun! (I fondly remember the pair of "must-have" Calvin Klein jeans that I purchased to wear home!)

Just some thoughts. Take care!

Flib: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! You have every right to be so proud of yourself. If I were you, I would be walking through the mall shouting "I lost 100 lbs." I too finally had the "click" about a month ago. I also found 3 FC around the same time. The click and the 3FC have been the best program I can have.

Mrs. Jim: I love how your picture shows a little of your tummy. I can't wait 'till I am proud to show mine. Great website, too.

Hefty: I understand the tired part. I work ten hour days, five days a week, drive 40-50 minutes each way and come home to a two year old and a seven month old. Fortunately, my husband stays home with the children, so I don't have to do some of the work others have to, but I always still felt tired. I would just sit around, watching TV, stuffing my face and feeling sorry for myself. I have no time to go to a gym. Three days ago, I finally tore the plastic off the exercise video I had and just did it. I forced my husband out the room and worked out for all I had. I'm sure I looked like a fool, going the wrong way, lifting the wrong leg, trying to keep up, etc. But I did it and I have done it every night since. That's only three nights, but once you do it, you will be so proud of yourself. You know how you feel after a day of eating and drinking the right things? And how you feel if you "cheated" all day? Well, work out once, and see how it feels. Pretty darn good. And don't worry if you can't get through the whole tape. If you add one minute everyday, you will be on your way. You can talk yourself into or out of just about anything. Or you don't have to do a tape, you can walk or do something else you enjoy. (Here's the disclaimer: Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.) Good luck to you! We are all on our way.

Hope everyone has a successful day!

What a wonderful story! I have been struggling lately and this is just what I needed to read tonight. Time for me to get organized and plan out my menus for the week. Thank you!! I feel hopeful once again!

Nettie - something you said had me nodding my head in a big way... "you can talk yourself into or out of almost anything" - that is SO true.

Weight loss (for me) is all about that... I spend months talking myself out of not starting a 'diet' - "I'm stressed", "I'm too busy", "I'm not all THAT fat" etc, until I finally talk myself into it - the famous 'click' happened in my head, when I told myself I'm going to do it no matter what because I "don't want to be fat forever" and I "have to lose weight for my health" and I "want to look good in the clothes I like" etc.

It's the same with food... for years I told myself that "one more won't hurt" and "well I'll cut back later" and "I need this to cheer me up", until finally I talked myself round and realised that "I have to start somewhere" and that "if I 'cheat' I'll be mad with myself".

Sometimes I DO talk to myself in my head like this... at the moment, Dr Slim is in action and working overtime, but Miss Fat is always lurking in the background waiting to pounce if Dr Slim goes AWOL!!

I'm still contemplating this 100lb loss anyway... I think it's brilliant!

Hope you're all having a great weekend.

Karen

i agree
 

I agree as i am having a beer but it doesn't help when you want to loose weight.
you have cut down some where. beer is my down fal.
:)
hefty