I lost 140 pounds. Here are the Before and after Pics!

Theo166

Any tips that worked to help you maintain your weight loss for three decades?
That feat is even more impressive than the original loss.

I'm curious if you tracked calories, had a strict diet, or just monitored the scale for cues to take action.

WilliamAndersonLMHC

@Theo166 Thanks, I tracked calories for a while, did not have a strict diet but a diet of what I liked, and I get on the scale often. [advertising element removed by MFP Moderators]

WilliamAndersonLMHC

@Theo166 The key to success is creating the right behavior and cognitive behavior that creates the result of automatic unconscious habit that produces proper weight maintenance. So the best tip I can give in a short answer would be that success is a result of behavioral therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy, self-hypnosis, covert behavior modification, etc.

wsandy8512

Wow, you've maintained for a very long time. Your arms look so toned, I know you said you have loose skin, but you hide it well. This is very inspiring, thanks for sharing.

princess0lexi

looks much better, good job

monaalford34

great job! very inspiring

long_for_me

You look like a different person!

WilliamAndersonLMHC

Thank you all for the compliments! Even after 30 years, it's very rewarding to get the attaboys.

GaleHawkins

WilliamAndersonLMHC wrote: »

@Theo166 The key to success is creating the right behavior and cognitive behavior that creates the result of automatic unconscious habit that produces proper weight maintenance. So the best tip I can give in a short answer would be that success is a result of behavioral therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy, self-hypnosis, covert behavior modification, etc.

@WilliamAndersonLMHC in another thread today about the guys that lost weight by juicing it clicked that it worked as did my health reboot using Low Carb High Fat. I have maintained for the past two years by just weighing my body only and without going hungry.

It hit me the mental intent to recover from failing health must be the common thread that permits very divergent diets work to reboot health. I pictured myself in my coffin and people coming by it saying the fool killed himself with food. CBT was something I studied like 40 years ago in undergrad school.

I learned in my case overeating of calories was not my over riding cause of my obesity.

WilliamAndersonLMHC

@wsandy8512 After I lost the weight, I had that look that former overweight people have who did not have much muscle. I had only walked 1/2 hour per day during the last half of the weight loss period. I was a bag of flesh and bones. But I knew that my body would respond like everyone else's to resistant weight exercise. So I traded in the 1/2 per day of walking to 3-2 hour sessions at a gym with a body-building routine and 20 minutes on a bike or treadmill. I still do that.

lorrpb

Great job, impressive maintenance record!

Jonesingmucho

Congrats! Great job!

dadsafrantic

super. great inspiration.

WilliamAndersonLMHC

Thanks so much for the praise. The first law of behaviorism: A behavior that is rewarded will be repeated. We are certain to create habits when what we do is rewarding, either habits that help or habits the hurt. Best wishes to all to create only good habits!