I Lost 275 Pounds!

buttersbunch

I used WW to lose the weight... starting at 410 pounds and getting to 135 pounds... I originally went to WW meetings on Saturdays, which was a perfect- when I started 6 years ago! However, after 2-3 years our families
schedule changed, and getting to the Saturday meeting became harder to do. I checked out meetings out but never clicked with them (they vary greatly!), and since I was already done losing, I made the choice to start tracking on my own,
and found MFP in the apps of my iPhone.

I have not 'joined' MFP in any way but to use the app for my own accountability. I just today was looking at the app and discovered the 'community'- and thought maybe someone might be encouraged by my weight loss story, as so many people are starting off on new weight loss journeys for the New Year.

I share on a FB page I created to free my regular FB page up for my family and friends from so much 'weight loss talk', and it just grew... (close to 16,000 now)
So when I say I share on FB that's what I mean... hope that clarifies.

I believe getting to the ROOT of 'why'
someone has weight to lose is crucial
in success. I have found with those needing to lose a significant amount that it is almost *always* connected with emotional eating and dependency on food, 'feeding feelings' instead of feeling them- which is what I did.

buttersbunch

Kitty, you are so gracious... thank you for taking the time to write me such a sweet note! Wishing you every joy & blessing! ❤️

callsitlikeiseeit

totally random, but you have the most gorgeous eyes ive ever seen!

(and congrats LOL)

rebeccaEsmith

Congrats

buttersbunch

Lol! Thank you so much, Callsitlikeiseeit! ☺️

Thank you, Rebecca!

ronjsteele1

Totally inspirational! I want to second your statement about most with a lot of weight to lose is almost always connected to emotional issues. I just experienced getting rid of some serious emotional baggage and when I did so it really cleared the way for me to come to MFP and start here with hope that I can actually accomplish something now (after trying for years). Well done, buttersbunch!

buttersbunch

So happy for you, ronjsteele1!

buttersbunch

Tara, thanks?! Lol!! Not sure what motive I would have to share such a story... plenty of 'proof' in my story being true by my photos, my appearance on the Today Show, my FB page, etc... but it isn't your typical story of weight loss and change, so I understand how 'weird' it likely sounds. ☺️

buttersbunch

Some more 'side by side' photos from my journey to 'me'- losing 275 pounds and 'religion' to find the 'me' that I was always meant to be!!

ldowdesw

Congratulations to you! Weight loss is weight loss and any success story is a good read in my mind..

buttersbunch

Thank you! ☺️

rwhawkes

I'd just like to add that I find your story inspirational. How could one not be inspired by this success story and this gracious lady?

buttersbunch

Thank you so much... I honestly just wanted to share with the hopes of possibly encouraging others who are facing a difficult weight loss journey or challenging changes in their life.

cpp_happy

Wow. Well done... Working through all that!!! And meeting success and confidence

buttersbunch

Thank you, cpp_happy! ❤️

shadowconn

buttersbunch wrote: »

So funny you saw my episode on the Today Show! The east coast had President Obama on during my time slot, so only those outside of the Eastern time zone got to see it 'love'! Lol! We live in PA do none of our family or friends got to watch it live, only taped! ☺️

Yes, we dressed very ultra conservatively- we were almost always mistaken as Amish instead of Mennonite.

You know, I am just as amazed as anyone over not having loose skin! I know I am blessed... I have talked to a few others who have lost as much as I have (or close to it) that also had no issues, but talked with some who have lost 100 pounds or even LESS and have had problems! I never even stopped to think about it or even wondered about it till people started asking! Lol! I went from a waist of over 60 inches to wearing size 4 jeans and size X-small and small... it's crazy... but I am so thankful!

I drank (still do!) a LOT of water and 0 calorie fluids (at least 1/2 my weight at any given time in ounces) and tried hard to include veggies for all three meals...
and didn't do any 'fad diet', etc... so perhaps that had a significant influence, besides my family genetics.

It may have been a rerun, but I did see it cause the other lady lost quite a bit too, but she didn't look nearly as finished. AH . . Mennonite! I can never remember that one! I knew it wasn't Amish.

Good luck on your future health journeys

blossomingbutterfly

What a significant loss. Congrats!

buttersbunch

Thank you, and best wishes to you as well!!

Syneea

Congrats on your weight loss!! Way to get your life back in more ways than one!

buttersbunch

Thanks so much! It may have taken me a while, but I finally found 'me' and feel so thankful to have healthy years ahead!

deanaferrari

That's amazing! As is your determination and perseverance. Definitely an inspiration to those of us who have 120+ to lose. You pointed out that you're willing to share so if you don't mind, I am going to share your story with a few of my friends, OK? Congratulations on your ongoing success!!

buttersbunch

Thank you, and no problem in sharing... glad to help encourage others! ❤️

Emi1974

Amazing determination thank you for posting your story

buttersbunch

You're welcome- and thank you!

judystransformation2016

Congratulations! What a huge accomplishment.
I sure do hope you found peace with the Lord after leaving such a restrictive situation. God is good, we are not.
Whatever works for you and whatever paths or combinations work for you is what's best for you. Sometimes its difficult for some to keep their opinions to theirselves

allaboutthefood

How do I find you on FB @buttersbunch

chancie72

Amazing! Such an inspiration!

kwbalance

That is amazing! I am a Lifetime member of WW too and have been since September of 2008. I am proud to say that I have kept off 30 pounds for seven years now. I'm now tracking exclusively on this site so I can keep track of the carbs and sugar grams. I am kind of tired of WW changing every year, although I understand their need to keep it fresh and integrate the most up-to-date research into the program. It is more geared toward people who want to lose weight than those of us who aspire to maintain the loss.

Awesome that you were on the TODAY show too! You must be so proud and feel such freedom from the weight and the oppressive religion stuff too. I can relate in a way as I was raised a JW with the "elders" constantly watching us to see if we got out of step. Attended church all the time and forced to walk neighborhoods selling magazines and books. So glad to be free to choose my own beliefs and spiritual path!

Congrats to you and be well!

donnamcnulty

14 years ago I lost 115 pounds on WW..
Since then I have used my fitness pal to track and maintain my weight. .
I will say without the accountability and support of the ww meetings I doubt I would have ever reached my goal..
I definitely learned some valuable lessons there..
Congrats you big loser!!!!

buttersbunch

Thank you so much, judy... we are blessed to have made the change from Mennonite to 'not' as a family... and we're each happily settled in Christian churches and thriving!! :-)