200 pounds down!

Thank you so much, Xenia!

Congratulations! What a huge accomplishment!!

Thank you! I'm very glad, though nervous about maintaining when the time comes. But that is better than being ****sure, an attitude which ensured regain for me in the past!

That's amazing, Congratulations. I was around the same at pre-op, would love to know any tips you would like to share. I'm 238 and still want to lose a lot more, makes me nervous to see things slowing down.

Thank you! I'm looking at your stats, I'd say that you're right on track and doing great!

I found that my rate of loss stayed pretty steady for quite a while. I had a couple of minor stalls, but nothing major until recently, a stall which lasted about 3 weeks before I gradually began dropping again.

I guess for me, consistency has been key. I have stayed in the 600-650 calories per day throughout, with very few exceptions when intense hunger struck for a day. I have stuck to high protein, low carb food, having 60+ grams of protein (sometimes considerably more) per day, and keeping carbs almost always below 20 and even when not, under 30. My carbs, when any are added, are almost always kept to a few blueberries or blackberries. I usually find eating four times a day easier than having just 3 meals.

I drink a ton of tea, both herbal and black, but only have coffee maybe 3 times a month - the caffeine i like, the acid not so much. I haven't yet made cold brew, which is lower in acid, but I intend to do so. I use cashew milk in my tea and coffee - just 25 calories per 8 oz. glass!

I do use a small saucer or lunch plate rather than a dinner plate, but I use regular size cutlery.

I am meticulous about taking my vitamins. I put my fork down between bites, avoid using my fingers to hold food (it's harder to eat mindlessly with a fork than with your fingers), and chew things to smithereens before swallowing.

I strive to walk at least 45 minutes a day. I do spot exercises for my waist and my arms every night.

I am fortunate in that I like meat and a low carb diet, so I honestly do not feel deprived. I completely and utterly avoid sugar, honey, agave syrup, fruit except for the berries I mentioned, bread, potatoes, rice, cereal, crackers, etc.

I do eat cheese and prefer full fat to low fat versions. I use nonfat plain Greek yogurt as both a condiment instead of mayo, sour cream, etc., and I enjoy it with the berries (this is an infrequent indulgence).

I do use artificial sweeteners, against my surgeon's advice, and especially enjoy Torani sugar free syrups in my tea, coffee, and with the berries & yogurt. I don't always use the syrups in my tea, though, just sometimes.

I weigh myself every single morning with no exceptions, and I record that weight. I enter everything I eat into My Fitness Pal. I weigh everything on my small, cute, digital scale.

I don't use alcohol, though I had a little champagne (half a flute) on both this Easter and on Mother's Day. I drink up until I eat, but wait at least 30 or more minutes after I eat before drinking again.

I think that's about it - all pretty standard stuff. I think consistency is the biggest key. I try not to let myself get overly hungry, which can easily lead to too many calories.

I am nervous about maintaining, but I know from past and varied experiences in my life that a little nervousness, a little awareness that I could mess up and do real damage, helps me to be more careful to do whatever is necessary. I'm not in maintenance yet, as I haven't hit my goals yet, and beyond them I want to lose a bit more to give myself wiggle room.

Slow and steady, especially the steady part, will win the race! You look like you're doing great. Onwards and downwards!

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Very helpful to know I am on the right track. You're awesome!

That is so amazing! I literally cannot imagine being able to lose so much weight. If you don't mind me asking, when did you have your surgery?

Hi Haley,

My surgery was on June 12, 2017 - 15.5 months ago.

I think that no matter how much we have to lose, just putting one foot in front of the other and staying consistent with our narrow path will get us all there eventually!

I am SO proud of your progress! You are truly an inspiration!

Awww, thank you, Janet! Right back at you!