I'm new to this site which I just stumbled upon but not new to on-line support groups. I started SB on January 3, 2006 and it's been my life saver. I needed to lose almost 200lbs to get to a healthy weight and I had tried all kinds of diets from pills to fads since I was a teenager (before anyone realized that diet pills were really just uppers). I briefy toyed with the idea of getting gastric bypass but was too afraid to undergo major surgery. I knew I would have to give up some of my favorite foods (OK I could still fall into a pot of creamy mashed idahos and call it heaven) but I was determined...a recent diagnoses of Type II diabetes and a scare with chest pain was my secondary motivation. My primary one was when my doctor told me if I didn't lose weight I wouldn't live to see my then beloved 2 y.o. grandson graduate from HS. (He's now a beautiful 5 1/2 y.o.) I haven't looked back. I finally reached my goal weight 721 days later.
I had some short term goals along the way, nothing really concrete, although I do see now that they are a great motivator. One was to be able to buy something in a "regular" store by the following Christmas. That summer I was able to buy a size XL skirt at a little boutique in Maine...OK it was a very stretchy jersy knit but it wasn't bought in a woman's "specialty store or department". That Christmas I was scouring the mall for my first pair or "regular" jeans...size 18! I still have them and will never part with them, they are very special to me.
It's been almost two years now and I am continuing to maintain my weight having reached my desired weight. I've developed a love of veggies and really spicy food and joined a real gym. Before I walked for exercise. Now is the reall struggle for me...it seemed losing the weight was the easy part...keeping it off is the real challange.
I hope that I can be of help to anyone who still has that journey to finish. I have been there and I know very well the bumps in the road but also the satisfaction at the end of the trip!!
187lbs gone and maintaining!!!!