I was just browsing through threads, and looking at tickers...how do u ladies do it, losing 40,50 or even more pounds...i looked into my old weight watchers journal, from 2002, i only had 17 pounds to lose...that seems like a dream right now...if u stick to the plan, and eat the points...is it really possible to lose all that weight???

I've only lost like 15 lbs so far (on Weight Watchers) with ~ 50 to go (though I lost 50+ lbs in college, down to a really low weight, and kept if off for a while). I see people at the Center I go to all the time who are Lifetime Maintainers (or whatever they're called), tiny little things who the woman at the desk will occasionally mention have lost 50, 80, whatever pounds, and kept it off for X years. Just enormous amounts of weight. This gives me hope.

I really think the thrill/sense of accomplishment in losing (hopefully) each week -- even tiny movements of the scale -- or nsv improvements is what keeps people going at first (hence the difficulty some have in maintaining when they get down to goal). Also don't forget that even minor losses can result in visible progress that's seriously motivating. Like after even 15 lbs I can fit into tons of old clothes I couldn't a few weeks ago, I have more energy, and I can walk or jog without a slab of fat I used to have slapping against my back.

So in short, I think just keeping your chin up and taking it day by day is the key

Women?
*ahem*

Well, I have kept 25lb off since February, even when I would take a 'month' or so off of WW.

I think it's realistic.

It's possible Just like with any other plan or calorie counting.

I lost 60+ pounds 7 yrs ago. Gained after children but am back. It's very possible!!

LOL... you guys are funny.

Aggie - I know what you mean. When I first started, I lost the first whoosh of weight, I thought wow... how cool is this? I looked at other's tickers and noticed, 80llbs, 100 lbs, etc and was amazed! I was so happy to see that because I had 100 + lbs to lose. So far I have lost 42 lbs since April 8, 2008 by sticking to plan with occasional straying (which I don't beat myself up for). I have 70 more lbs to go and I will keep up until I reach my goal. I am looking at losing 2 lbs a week, which is slow but steady - and that is what I am doing. Along the way, I am learning how to eat healthy and know that this is a way of life for me not just a temporary fix. It is going to take me a little over a year to reach my goal this way, but I am ok with that. I just think to myself that had I not let myself get to this point, 42 lbs would have been great to stop at, but since that isn't the case I keep going on.

IMO if people think of this as a way of life instead of a temporary fix, the weight loss would be easier to maintain.

You can do this and keep it off with that attitude I believe! Patience, learning how to eat healthy along the way and not beating yourself up if you do have that pizza or ice cream is the key. Keep up a good attitude and you can do it too!

You just get into a routine and a focus and it is like my leader said "tunnel vision" where you will do anything to stick to your plan and move forward. Suddenly it clicks and there you go!

Something I learned long ago - time goes by no matter what - where do you want to be in a year etc? It is just too short to waste!

xdominic89~ my sincere appologies, to rephrase, how do u peeps do it

i kno my thread sounds almost naive. but ive been juggling the same 20 pds my whole life, before i really shot up on the scale...i guess put more easily, you get to a point where you're comfortable with the way you look, everyone tells u, u look beautiful, and you do, but its still not your goal...thats where i fail...i stop dieting, and never reach my goal of 40, 50 pds loss...im jus amazed at ur motivation and stamina almost to dieting...

chey~ i agree, its a way of life. why i like ww, 1st time i found a diet i truely like...i love food! dont want to eat boiled chicken and veggies all the time...

aaahhh, the struggle goes on!