Hi Norma, I've been watching your progress, along with a lot of other 8/30 losers. I also changed my life as of 8/30, starting out at 250 at my highest. I'm down to 162 after having a very slow plateau for the past couple months. But I must admit that I cut back on my efforts to lose weight, eating more frequently and enjoying small amounts of forbidden foods. I fell off the bandwagon because some people started saying some pretty mean things like accusing me of being anorexic and looking very unhealthy. I carry my weight well and I don't look like I still weigh 162. I'm wearing size 8 or 10 jeans and size medium tops (although my scrubs are smalls) At first I thought my friend's and family's problem was because I had been heavy for about half my life so they needed to adjust to my "new" look. But I would like to weigh 140 or so. I'm not fretting but I wonder if any of our other 8/30 friends have had to deal with this. It's something I never expected. Thanks for any input. And congratulations on your good health also! Smiles, Sue

Hi all, Yesterday I finally reached -100 lbs. I am thrilled. I seemed to dance with those last 3 lbs for a month. I don't often post but I wanted to share. I am grateful every day for how far I've come and if I never lose another pound I'm thankful. I want to say to all the slow looser "Thank God" your body is taking it's time and so you should have reduced flabby skin or weird bumps as your body adjusts it's self. Sorry for the soap box lecture Anyway, thanks for all the good wishes and God Bless you All. K. Reed

Hello Fellow 8/3'ers! I know I'm over a week late with this update, but life is nuts here - to put it mildly. I started out at 288 and now weigh 155. So I've lost a total of 133 pounds in 9 months! I have 15 more to lose until I hit my goal. I used to wear a 3/4x in pants and 26/28 - 30/32 in tops. I now wear large tops (can fit into a medium, but the back fat shows ). Bottoms are strange - I wear a size 14 in jeans comfortably even though they appear a little baggy around the crotch. As for bottoms with elastic, I have to get a medium to avoid that baggy crotch thing. A cousin gave me a pair of 12 jeans that I can wear comfortably as long as I'm wearing those control-top undies. My eating habits vary. I go through stages of what I like to eat. A few weeks ago, I was eating homemade steak soft tacos like they were going out of style! This week, my appetite is really low (probably due to the soon arrival of Aunt Flo) and I seem to be craving fresh fruits and veggies more than anything. I go to the gym 3 days a week (most weeks). Tuesday and Thursday I work out, then on Saturday I do the whole pool thing. I'm trying to build up the muscles in my leg for my upcoming (maybe) hip replacement. I say "maybe" because I just found out yesterday from my PCP that my hip surgeon up and retired! His office didn't even call to tell me! So, I'm hoping to stay close to the scheduled date of 6/13 with a new surgeon that I see next Wednesday.

Hi every one my surgery was 8/23 and I had my yearly physcal and the Doc said I was in great shape and still watch that sugar. I too am very close to my goal which is 140 I started out at 254 /surgery time was 236. I hit a 8 wk platue too at 160 but now at 150 it is so hard to belive. I am in a size 8 pants and 10 in dress and med in tops my boobs well its a 34b poor little things now. OOOO I lost my butt all together I thing I will by one of those tummy sucker girdle with the built in boody. lol. Well I was so glad to see how well every one is doing. Now I can eat any thing except high fat so that scares me. I just don't want to go back to old habits. Any advice Saralan open rny

I like what Sue said. This is not a race! So true. I am a very slow loser, and although that is frustrating at times, I haven't given up hope! In fact, I am continuing to lose weight, but it has been pretty slow since last Christmas. I lost 50 pound before Christmas, and only 31 pounds since then, for a total of 81 pounds. I will reach my doctor's goal in 45 pounds. I don't really count calories, but if I stop and think about what I eat in a day, it's about 1500 calories (approx.) The food I eat is typically lower in fat, although I don't just pick and choose "low fat" items. I do chose sugar-free foods, if I have a choice. I am one of those people who believes that we need a balanced diet, and everything is allowed in moderation. Even though others have lost more than me, I know I will lose more in time. I am not afraid of failing. I work out 3 - 5 times a week and walk when I can. My whole body is so different.....and it is thrilling to see and feel the changes! I hardly have any sagging skin at all! You are doing fantastic, if you've already lost 82 pounds! You are just 18 pounds away from your goal....so you will be there by your one-year anniversary, am sure of it! Good luck! ~Laura 5'9" 286/205/160