I'm just another girl trying to lose weight... but I have a hard time staying motivated!! The one thing that never fails to motivate me is talking to people who have already DONE it. Please share your success stories with me!! How much weight did you all lose? How long did it take you? Did you reward yourself? What are some things that you are able to do now that the weight is gone? Do you have any homepages or pictures? I really look forward to reading your replies! And thanks in advance!

~Gracie

Gracie, congrats on your terrific loss so far! I know you will make it!

Thanks for asking. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's stories too.

Re: reaching lifetime, I got my little key last summer, and have been going back at least once every month since then for WI. My highest was 256, size 24+, and now I'm 154, size 10. It took several years, because I would go into a maintenance mode (not gaining, though) every so often, which I think was good for me and gave me time to adjust. I feel incredibly good now, both physically and psychologically. Things I can do now? Go snorkeling in the Gulf, fit in an airline seat comfortably, go kayaking, shop for clothes almost anywhere, climb stairs without sound effects from my knees! How? Completely changed my habits re: eating and exercising. (I walk/jog 2-3 miles daily, usually pre-dawn. Also do weights.) I enjoy fresh, healthful food now, and never skip breakfast. The most important thing of all, though, is never, ever giving up. It's SO worth it!!

Enjoy the journey!

Regards,
Jan

Hi Gracie and Jan.

I reached lifetime for the first time in 1992, but I obviously had not made lasting lifestyle changes. In July 1999, I re-committed and had lost about 25 lbs. by December. I have maintained, plus or minus a few pounds, since then.

The key to success this time has been regular exercise. I took up running at about the same time as I started back on WW, and I love it - the only exercise I truly enjoy. That makes all the difference - not dreading exercise but actually looking forward to it.

Rewards? While I was losing weight, it was enough reward to go to my meeting every week, to see the diminishing number on the scale, and to hear words of encouragement from the people I love. Afterwards, I'd have to say clothing, clothing, clothing. (Had to stop that - was going broke )

I'm not sure I do anything different now than before. But I do everything with more confidence, knowing that I tackled something head-on and succeeded. Perhaps I'm more apt to try new things - at least if I'm not successful, it's not because I'm fat!!

I hope this helps. My motivation came from within. I was really tired of weight being an issue, and I was starting to think about the fact that I was getting older. I want to enjoy life to the fullest, right up until my last day here, and my weight was preventing me from doing that. Your reasons may be different, but you have to have a reason why it's important for you, and keep that in mind all the time. Good luck!

Hi Gracie and Jan -

Challengettes, forgive this repeat but I don't have time right now to write something new...

My last straw was 5 years ago. I was dating a guy in Oct '97 who invited me to a Halloween Party. Since I had halfheartedly joined this Marathon training group two months prior I "thought" I was getting toned and losing weight and felt healthier. We went to the party and he took photos of me and us - I thought I looked 'hot' in this harem outfit… until he mailed the me the photos. When I saw what I really looked like, I was mortified. I looked fat, pasty, and 10 years older than I was.

It was about this time I stopped hearing from him. I'm a "closure" kind of gal so I called him and ended up hearing how he decided he wasn't attracted to me. I was devastated, crushed, and then I got angry. It was in its own way the best thing that could have happened. That following Monday, I joined Weight Watchers, and started the process of losing 30 lbs.

If not for this incident, and the amazing Weight Watcher group support, I probably would have quit the Marathon training. Instead, it strengthened my resolve to really prove I could do 26.2 miles (walking). Between the training and our WW leader's incredible WW motivation and support, I lost the first 20 lbs and became fit. One month after I finished my first Marathon in April '98, I met my husband-to-be, fell in love, reached goal that July, and got married in Nov '98.

It's been almost 3 ½ years since reaching goal (and 5 marathons)... after the last one I decided my body needed a more modified regimen, so I’ve “cut back” to an occasional Half Marathon, and some 10Ks, and 5Ks.

Now, I know we don’t talk too much about “lapses”, but I had one in Nov. 2000 lasting on and off until May ’01. I started missing meetings, not journaling, and definitely not tracking. I put on weight and gained 10 pounds over official goal. I finally woke up realizing I missed the “new” and real me, and went back to my home meeting. Our WW leader was just starting a Weight Watcher 12 Week Challenge, and this motivated me to get back with the program and lose the weight.

The key however was posting on this very thread and us starting the first 12 Week Online Challenge. It changed my focus... Iwasn't alone in this. I realize now, how important the group support is. Within 3 months I re-lost the weight.

I am currently at 127, having lost a few more pounds due to focused eating and exercise and am now in the best shape I have been in since my early twenties. Truly I have WW and all you Lifers out there to thank for that.

Yes, I threw out those pictures long ago, but I will never forget how I felt when I saw myself as others saw me. And while I’ve learned to no longer compare my insides to others outsides, I know I will never go back to that old, whimpy, former me. I won’t allow it. Thanks guys.

Janet Mae, Seasaw, and Patch30: Thank you so much! It is very motivating to read your posts. I really appreciate you putting the time into it.

Thanks again,
Gracie