73 lb down, made it to Onederland!!

forruths · April 2016

When I started this journey in August 2015 at 272lb this day seemed an impossibility. At 51 I found myself with debilitating pain in an arthritic knee, not able to do the things that make life worth living, out of breath and avoiding the stairs! My husband had died of cancer at the age of 48 four years earlier. Life pretty much sucked. Something had to change!

I started using MFP to log my food, and Fitbit to encourage me to move. It's not always been easy as I've struggled with my weight all my life, but it has always been simple-use more calories than you eat.

So today I find myself in a place I couldn't have imagined. Getting under 200lb is just icing on the cake. I feel healthier than I can ever remember (other than the darn knee!!). I walk regularly, go to the gym a couple of times a week, have tons more energy, get out in nature and up hills whenever I can. My mood is better, I'm more resilient when facing bumps in the road. The loss of my husband, my best friend, will always weigh heavy but I want to live my life in the way he would want me to.

This is only a step on my journey. I now look at reaching 100lbs lost and then I will reassess my goals again.

What have I learned?
1. Log everything everyday. I log even when I'm over my calorie allowance-it keeps me accountable to myself and helps me to see those days as a natural part of my journey and not a disaster.
2. Make the most of your calories-I eat lots of fruit, veg, lean protein some carbs and some treats just about everyday.
3. Drinks lots of water.
4. When you hit a bump, when your weight loss plateaus, turn to the MFP community and someone will give advice that rings true to you. We all need support on this journey.
5. Stick with the programme, it works.
6. Don't be in a hurry. As long as the trend is weight loss and feeling fitter then be content with your progress.

Sorry that this is the only comparison pic at the moment as I'm still fairly camera shy!

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meryl135 · April 2016

Great progress! Also - are you spinning your own yarn? So cool

forruths · April 2016

Thanks. Yes, I spin yarn and weave.

Asil_Le · April 2016

Way to go! You look great and it's even better that you feel great.

zachatta · April 2016

Very nice job!

yessie916 · April 2016

Congratulations! I had a similar starting weight and my first big goal is to get to onederland. I relate to your story as I too have been overweight my whole life. What a big accomplishment and again congrats!

Ladytibbs · April 2016

Wonderful, you're doing a great job and looking good at it! I have arthritis too except mine is in the spine which makes everything I do a (painful) chore, but I found that water therapy is the best exercise for people with joint problems, there are several types that you might find helpful...check the YMCA in your area for the different programs.

ahmshaki · April 2016

Congratulations!

cariduttry · April 2016

way to go, you're awesome!

mommazach · April 2016

What a great testament to working through everything. Congratulations on your weight loss, and thank you for sharing your story!

famousmel · April 2016

Asil_Le wrote: »

Way to go! You look great and it's even better that you feel great.

THIS!!

lesaw01 · April 2016

Congratulations!! It's a great feeling to get there. Keep up your great work.

minnesotaimport · April 2016

Congratulations on getting to Onederland! What an inspiration you are, especially in light of the devastation of losing your husband!

KetoTeacher · April 2016

Congrats!!!

bigryno16 · April 2016

Congrats! That is awesome!

forruths · April 2016

Ladytibbs wrote: »

Wonderful, you're doing a great job and looking good at it! I have arthritis too except mine is in the spine which makes everything I do a (painful) chore, but I found that water therapy is the best exercise for people with joint problems, there are several types that you might find helpful...check the YMCA in your area for the different programs.

Thanks Ladytibbs, I do Aqua twice a week and you're right, it really does help.

forruths · April 2016

Thanks folks

themeddler · April 2016

What an accomplishment. I'm sure your husband is proud of you

godlikepoetyes · April 2016

I'm sitting here at pain management waiting to see doctor. He is going to give me a gel injection in both knees on Friday. I hope this works! Steroids do nothing for me. Here's a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your success. Keep going. Things will just get better!