XPOST: 200 LBS LOST (w/ pic)!!!! Tears of Joy and Random Thoughts!

October 8, 2013 marks a very important day in my weight loss efforts. As of this morning I have lost 200 lbs since my heaviest weight of 444.2 lbs on November 20, 2013.

322 days... slightly over 10 1/2 months... and my life has changed more than I ever could have imagined it would. Life is easier. Life is happier. Life is better!

I'm so glad that I went hardcore during the supervised diet and then yes, even after losing 107 lbs in six months, decided to have surgery. I don't know if I could have gotten this far without the help of weight loss surgery, support of the readers of my blog, support of my family, and the support of my online friends on ObesityHelp.com (oh... and not to mention the mental health professional I pay a lot of money to sit and listen to me! lol).

A few of my favorite changes over the past 10 1/2 months? I love that I don't feel sick all the time. I'm not in terrible pain. I don't feel embarrassment when I go out into public - in fact, my confidence is still VERY high! I love that I can walk into a store and buy a shirt (XL) and that I can ALMOST walk into any store and buy pants (some stores I can, some I can't just yet). I love that there are a lot more options for clothing (who knew??) when you're not plus sized. I love that I look better (kiss my ass if you think that's vain) and I LOVE that sexy time with my husband is more frequent and MUCH more fun! :)

What I have learned along the way? I've learned that you need to get real with yourself. You have to track your food consistently and honestly - no more lies, no more burying your head in the sand and not seeing doctors, weighing yourself, etc. Now more "getting on track tomorrow... or Monday... or at the beginning of the month." I have learned that I cannot eat trigger foods. I have to stay completely away from them, for as long as I can! I'm human and I may slip up at some point, but for now... I'm going strong and have no desire to "eat 'normally' like I used to, just less of it" - I don't think so!

Personally, I think that a lot of people kid themselves when it comes to what the term "moderation" really means. There are some people out there that have a more balanced diet than I do when it comes to incorporating some complex carbs, fruits, veggies, etc.... and I would say that those people eat in "moderation" and do very well with their plan. I think when "moderation" starts to mean that you're eating foods that are fried, high in fat with little protein, simple carbs, sweets, snacks, etc. on a regular basis but just "less of it" you're on a slippery slope. That's not what "moderation" means to me. I consider "moderation" to be the way  I ate during the supervised diet. Of course, this is just my newbie opinion! :)

Here is a comparison pic of the start of the supervised diet (444.2 lbs) and this morning (244.2 lbs). It's a little blurry because my husband sucks at taking pictures (j/k), but I think you get the idea! (I think I look a little high... but I'm not a morning person, so give me a break!)

Thank you all SO much for your constant support and cheerleading!

THANK YOU!!!

Awesome Girl!  I hope to lose 200lbs myself.  Question though, do you deal with the dreaded; not seeing the amount lost that others do?  When I look in the mirror I can see a big difference, but I will try on certain things and think no way I still look to big and other people will think I look awesome.  If you do deal with this issue to, how do you get yourself over it, or since you have a lot of confidence already, how do you maintain that?  And once again you look amazing :)

It's hard to say. I definitely FEEL like I'm smaller... I see it in the way my seatbelt fits... I see it in the mirror... I see it all the time. Yet, I will hold up a pair of jeans when I'm folding laundry and think "These must be my husband's" because they look so SMALL. Now... an 18/20 is not necessarily small... but it's all relative.

Taking lots of pictures of myself has been big in keeping my confidence up. I hate pictures... but being able to compare them with the befores is HUGE in keeping my head on straight. Also, it REALLY, REALLY helps me to stay in a good frame of mind when I'm wearing clothes that fit and are not baggy and sloppy looking. It makes me feel good and confident. I don't know why but when I'm wearing something I feel sloppy in... it really get to my mood. Also, doing my hair and wearing makeup has me feeling good as well.

Honestly... this forum and a FB group I'm a part of really help with confidence. Having lots of people provide support and tell me I look great helps me to know that it's not all in my head! My husband isn't a big compliment-er so I need to hear it somewhere... and you all know just how important hearing the compliments can be in the process... so I come here for that support!

Hang in there!!!!! THANK YOU for the kind words.

you look like a different person , your doing great ,

im at a stall lately  talked to my nut and we think maybe to much salt , I eat shrimp and veggies with some soy suase  on it a few times a week, I need the veggies to keep things moving

 any other hints would be helpful

 I eat 80 gm protein 65+ water 500-700 cal  ~ 30 gm carbs

buying pants sucks still , hard to find any that fit right

Thank you!

I hear you on the ****ty stalls... I hate them! It looks to me like you're following a good plan. Maybe drink more water? I aim for 100 oz a day... but that can definitely be tough!

I had a MAJOR stall and frustration before the last week... so I feel you. Most of the time, I just stay the course and hope it breaks! GOOD LUCK!! :) You are doing great.

yay!  congrats.  All great stuff, good post

Thanks!

Very nice welcome to the 200 club!!