any nonsurgicals with more than 200 lb loss?

I am new to this board and wondering if there are any nonsurgicals who have lost more than 200 pounds?  I have a ton of weight to lose and I am not really leaning towards surgery unless it really is a last resort due to the potential risk of complications. Any suggestions on staying motivated? Any favorite weight loss programs? Any info would be appreciated! Thanks! Donna

I haven't lost 200 but certainly am not against it. I started at 373 and am currently at 324. I can tell you it is the hardest most rewarding journey will take. Be prepared for ups, downs and stalls. You can do this. We can all do this.  I am like you. I am doing this to avoid surgery; however, I will resort to surgery if and when I can't go any further on my own. I do realize there is a VERY real possibility that at some point I won't be able to go any further on my own but for now, this is the road I am traveling and it's been pretty smooth. Also, doing this before the possibility of surgery is really helping me learn my triggers and faults as well as what I am doing right. These are things I NEED to know in order to do this. I love getting to know me. Best of luck and we're here if you need us. Beth

I'm a low-carb advocate. :P  My preferred plans are Atkins and South Beach though I follow neither to a T.  I'm net 53lbs down since Jan 2007. (I regained 20-30 at the end of 2007 and got back on track Jan 2008.) I started by cutting out all starches and sugar and upping my intake of veggies. (cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, squash, etc.) I cave in from time to time and enjoy a nice sugar treat. I hold myself over in between those times by making sugar free low-carb desserts like cheescake for example.  I'm getting ready to introduce some grains into my diet. Doing it as a recommendation from my nutritionist as well and for personal testing purposes. :) I'm having great success with low carb. I didn't start low-carb until March. I've lost majority of my weight this year after making that switch. My recommendation to you is to start with your beverages. Take a look at what you're drinking and see if you can make some healthier decisions. Swapping soda for water for example. If water is too yechy for you the try using some sugar free additive like Crystal Light.  If you're not drinking soda then just be sure you're not consuming sugar in your drinks. Get your water intake up to 64oz.  Then you can work on your food.  The most important thing is to take small steps and concentrate on one thing at a time otherwise you're likely to burn yourself out. It's both a learning and growing process.

Countless people have lost more than 200 pounds with the old fassion way of dieting. You have a long road ahead of you like most of us. Just hang in there and make those short term goals.

I too eat less grains Like 1-3 servings a day of whole wheat stuff or high fiber, but include good fats (nuts, olive oil, saffloa, etc) and lean proteins.  I make sure to eat lots of veggies like leafy greens and 2 servings of fruit a day. It's more South beach than anything I guess but I call it eating balanced.  Like Kriz says, NOT perfect but 90% of the time I am on task. My "thing" is booze. I make room for that in my diet and pretty much give up sweets and chips for that. I have come to love exercise and get out and move each day, even if only 15-20 minutes, but most days is an hour. I add in a marathon many weekends, like 2-3 hours of biking or something. That is not so much about losing weight as toning and helping my muscles to get more efficient.