UPDATE! - 14lbs to go!

Hi everyone! I am currently at 20pts on the WW system and still losing pounds!  It is roughly 1000-1300 calories/day .  Health wise, I feel great, just a bit tired, cause I had a late night last night, but I would hope that changes tonight...to catch up on sleep I missed. I weighed 233 at the start of my journey and am now at 145lbs...and non-surgical weight-loss was the route for me.  I've been eating a lot more fibre-rich foods and snacks which keep me fuller longer so I don't need to refuel as often, and I drink nearly 70oz of water a day. I have gone from a size 22 (I still have the clothing tucked away in boxes for donations) to a size 10, and I have a pair of size 8 jeans that fit.  Overall, I feel so much more energetic and I can't sit still for long periods of time or I get fidgety...like my body needs to move. I hope to lose 14 lbs by June 7th, and if I can't, then 10 would be lovely.  I haven't been this weight since probably 9th or 10th grade nearly 16 years ago.  I'm doing something right, aren't I? ~ Barbara ~

Congrats on the weight loss, that's great... but I would fear your calories are so low that you're losing muscle.  You should never dip below 1200 calories on a diet (and only if you're about 120lbs), plus you shouldn't do caloric restriction below your BMR for more than 6 weeks.  Your BMR is likely about 1450-1500 calories, given your stats. To prevent regain and keep this wonderful weight loss, be sure to add in strength training so your metabolism can regain ground and keep you at this new healthy weight .

I am strength training at least 3-4 times a week so I'm not losing muscle...I may have lost a little, but not significant amounts.  My caloric restriction hasn't been all that much, I do eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, and I drink coffee, which has calories, and I have my cake and eat it too at times, so I'm not really depriving myself. I really don't think that I'm not eating enough...I eat plenty of protein and carbs for energy. I never really feel too hungry so my metabolism is working...and my muscles are tingling...so I'm doing something right.

Not saying you're not doing well.  Just trying to help you prevent yo-yoing.   BTW, hunger isn't necesarily a sign re: metabolic health, nor was I suggesting anything about your caloric choices.  The point was, if you eat below BMR, which you have been doing, and if you've done it long term, I assume for such a tremendous weight loss, you are priming the metabolism to get by on less.  This is what causes regain if you don't stay to eating the same restricted calories, or increase muscle mass.  I know how hard you've worked to get near goal and wouldn't want you to suffer a devastating regain, so I offer the knowledge out of support.  Hope you understand.

I am eating well enough for my metabolic rate and most days I even go over my points, which does end up being about 1300 calories so I'm not unhealthy nor am I regaining. All you are doing is making me feel incompetent.  I hope you're happy.

Okay, you're not getting what I'm saying and taking it wrong.  Won't pu**** further. You're missing the compliments woven into the advice.

As much as I appreciate the compliments, it is the negative way you're approaching me with the advice, assuming I am not working out the way I should. I came here for support and encouragement and you shot me down...amidst your compliments.

Didn't shoot you down.  I noticed an issue--you're eating below BMR--know the problem with that, and wanted to help you with the future so you don't face yo-yoing.  Fact is, you are eating below BMR.  You will either have to train your body to handle that or train your body to recapture your BMR.  That's all.  I know how hard this work is and want you to have this beautiful weight loss for good. All meant in kindness.  It's not negative.  Your perception is negative for some reason.  Why you take this as shooting you down is beyond me.

So again, I think it's great, you've done well.  I am truly happy for you

Barbara, You are doing wonderfully. What is right for some is not always right for others. Apparently, you have found what works for you. WTG!!!!!! Beth

Thanks Beth! It's nice to know that there are programs that work and I have had a very healthy 1-2 lb loss by also incorporating strength training in with my routines. My BMR seems to have gotten pretty used to what I eat so it's burning more calories at rest than I'm taking in...regardless of how much I eat...sometimes I don't even track what other beverages I drink and if I do then it's only 2-3 points extra. Jersey: I'm not saying that you're shooting me down, it's just that there is a negativity surrounding your post, which in turn makes it look like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing for ME. Other than that, I thank you for your post and encouragement.