Any Success Stories for Women about 300 Pounds??

willnevergiveup

In 2008 I was well over 300 pounds. I don't know how much over because I refused to get on a scale. Over the next three years I gradually lost weight until last spring I was at 227. This is when I joined MFP and, in the last four months I've lost more than 40 pounds. I have about 50 more to go.

My tips? 1. Be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for any slips you make. 2. Be patient. Time is going to pass whether or not you lose weight. 3. Find what works for you. For me, this means finding ways to still eat the foods I love best in healthier ways. For example, I don't want to eat white pasta, but I didn't like the taste of whole wheat pasta either so now I put my spaghetti sauce on sauted zucchini slices. I don't eat foods that are healthy but which I hate. I don't eat yogurt. I do eat sardines. 4. Find an exercise or more than one that you like and can and will do.

Good luck! Believe you can lose weight and then do what you know you need to do to succeed.

hey_nikki

It's definitely not an easy road to be on. Highest weight 322, current 289! I celebrate the 280s because I've been stuck going up and down the same 5lbs for almost a year. No excuses really, my own issues with controlling my addiction to food. Yep, I'm definitely addicted, one of those "I'm can't stop thinking about it until I have it, and overeat when I do because it tastes so good" kinda deals...

Mainly focusing on the "diet" aspect right now. Bought myself a Striiv Smart pedometer, pretty cool little gadget! Keeps me motivated to get more step most days. Also got a Push-Ups App on my phone... Trying to tone up the bat wings before my wedding... 55days and counting :S

I was diagnosed with PCOS like most a couple years ago. Metformin is basically the only medication that can help, and well I'm allergic to it aparently. No other allergies known, but of course this one. BOO! Had an appointment with and Endocrinologist, and I'm sure its not the case for most but MY PCOS is caused by MY Weight! Really quite sad to think that my body developed this condition because I was/am not treating it properly.

I actually remember the day I hit 300 on the scale. I moved to a new City half way across the Country from all my family and friends. The depression and loneliness got to the point where I was just eating my feelings away. Almost literally eating for the "high"...stepped on the scale, 300lbs came up and I thought "Oh well". I believe that was late 2007, in less than a year I gained atleast 60lbs. Since then its been quite the rollercoaster ride trying to get that weight back off. The smallest weight I can remember is 232lbs in 2004. My second year in college, and I was on one of the high priced/very strict diets that as a student I could not afford.

My first goal was 299, didn't ever want to see 3 again. Second 289, with I just hit the other day, and now I continue on. Goal number 3 - 279. Thinking about the fact that I should be 150lbs less to be considered health in the medical world just blows my mind. So I go with 10lbs. 10lbs is doable, I can manage that. Anyone can!

I'm a big success story, but I am a small one! 33lbs is the weight of my 3 year old great niece. Heck I've lost a toddler off my body. I can barely carry an 18L water bottle (approx 25lbs or so). How did I ever manage to even walk?

Anywho... My tips?
Little moderation, and movement goes a long way. Track everything! Even the bad days.
Snack size Snickers is just as satisfying as the original size bar.
Lower calorie thin crust pizza is just as satisfying as that deliciously greasy restaurant one.
Any movement is better than no movement. Take a little stroll, even if its to the end of the driveway. The next day, go a little further. It adds up! Take the stairs. I work on the 9th floor of an Office tower. I can not climb more than 2 flights (about 40 stairs here), but I can walk the 180 stairs down!

That's all for now I guess. This is getting a bit long winded! haha.

P.S. I'm only 5'5" tall. A lot of weight on a short frame.

Kendra0024

Interesting how many people here have PCOS. I have it too. I am 297 lbs and it's a fight to lose every single pound. My weight is constantly up/down. It was definitely inspiring to read some of the stories in this thread!

chris047

good job CrysOmboli. Keep up the good job. if you need a friend I am here for you.

tannyb

I'm 5'8" or so and I was over 300 when I started. I've probably lost a lot slower than most, but it was never a race for me. I started off by walking and just increased gradually over time. Later, I added biking, hiking, running intervals, circuit, strength, etc. I just keep finding new/different things to add or try and do a little bit of everything to keep it fresh. And I log every day even if I have a bad day where I go way over. I just start new tomorrow.

itcanbedone13

Thanks to everyone who posted and became my support system! Looking forward to starting this journey!

JennOnTheRocks

I am 38, 5'6+, and started my journey a little over a year ago at 321 lbs. I am now about ready to break through my 100 lbs lost goal. I still will have about 60 lbs to lose to be at my ultimate goal, 49% of my body weight (down 165 lbs). I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Feel free to inbox me!

Dyetcoke1

Well Im 5'6", 255, and that is the very obese range. I hate that word, but its true. My story is this. I joined MFP, and mostly and mainly because of good tracking I lost 15 pound in three months. Then I stopped tracking and it all came back. Exercise is hugely important, but it is that tracking that helps you keep it going. Just focus on staying with the food journaling and you will be surprised.

twentyco

I started at 314, and am down to 248 ... sort of. I lost pretty steadily to 253, and then have really struggled to take any weight off since May of this year. I am not sure what is going on --- I am sticking to my calories reasonably well, have added exercise, etc. My next step is to get a BodyMedia Fit so that I can figure out how many calories I'm really burning --- I am not sure if I'm not eating enough, or if I'm eating too much, or if there is something else going on. But I am sticking to it one day at a time, and constantly telling myself not to get discouraged.

Here is what has worked for me:

1. Log everything. Everything --- even little bites here and there, or samples from Costco, or whatever.
2. Get a scale. I weigh most things to try to get as accurate a measurement as possible.
3. I don't deprive myself of anything that I really want. I just eat less of it. Whereas I used to just take a big bag of chips and eat them mindlessly, now I measure out a serving and eat that. If I want more, I repeat. And I log the calories, and fit them in to my daily allotment. Same with ice cream, candy, etc. I still do have treats --- I do not do deprivation well, and it will not work for me. I also have a couple relatively low calorie but filling meals I have developed that I work in to days when I've eaten extra treats, so that I can still make my calorie goal and not be starving (grape nuts mixed with greek yogurt is my favorite).
4. Exercise if you can, even if it is just a little bit at a time. I started out walking --- started with a goal of doing it twice a week, and then worked up to four times a week. Then I mixed in the exercise bike. I have also (very intermittently) done things like the 100 sit ups/100 push ups apps. I don't have a ton of extra time (very demanding job, and I'm a mom), but I fit it in where I can. No excuses -- if I didn't do it, it's because I chose to do something else instead.
5. Don't beat yourself up. If you have a bad day, move on. I went on a cruise earlier this summer and ate pretty much whatever I wanted, though I did try to control the portions, limit myself to two courses at dinner rather than 5, etc. When I came back, I hadn't gained, and I even lost a few pounds (finally) shortly after I got back.
6. Don't get discouraged. This is for the long haul. Just stick with it. It took people literally months to notice that I lost weight. And months and months before I needed new clothes. I still wear some of the same clothes that I wore before (though I fit in to a lot of smaller stuff now, too). Just keep going, every day.
7. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. Whenever anyone says that I'm on a diet, I correct them. This is not temporary for me, it is a permanent change to my lifestyle. I want to be healthier and more active as I get older, and that's the reason I'm changing the path that I was on.
8. Know that you're worth it. It's a lot of effort, and requires a lot of stamina. I think things changed for me when I realized that I have the willpower --- I'm one of the most stubborn people I know --- I just needed to apply that willpower in the direction of making my lifestyle better and healthier. Once I realized that, it's really all math (which MFP does for you!)
9. Get rid of your old clothes along the way. Not all of them, maybe, but on the whole I have been ditching stuff. I don't ever want to go back to needing those clothes. I shop at thrift shops for smaller stuff, and also get some stuff on sale. It hasn't been too bad cost-wise.
10. Set smaller goals. "I need to lose 140 pounds" is overwhelming. "I need to lose 15 pounds to get below 300," (my first goal) is less so. My next "real" goal is to get to my halfway point (only a few pounds to go), and then after that to get out of the "obese" BMI range. I've had others along the way, also.

MFP is a great tool. But it's just that. The rest has to come from you. But you're worth it. Best of luck to all on your journeys.

CrysOmboli

YESSS!!!!! LOG THE BAD STUFF! SO IMPORTANT! Even if you don't want to, that's how I say no to stuff, because I know I have to log it. & I made my diary public so I knew people would see it and chastise me lol

magicake

I started at 371, I'm 6'0 tall. As of today I am down to 228. EXCITING!! My goal is to be under 200, whatever feels best on my body.

For me, I cut out bread, pasta, rice. I still eat potatoes. Green protein smoothies in the morning. High protein sensible meals. I also exercise (swimming laps) 5-6 times a week. Exercise is the key for me. I also try to stay at about 1200 calories a day.

Feel free to add as a friend!

SWink06

I'm 5'8" and I started at 333. I am currently 289. I am doing Medifast per my physician's advice. It's not a plan for everyone, but my doctor felt it would be the appropriate program for me because I started at "super obese" (which is the category above morbid obesity) with a BMI of 50.2. I had to lose 169 pounds JUST to be at the very upper limits of a healthy BMI.

It's no grains, no dairy, no fruit, and no starchy vegetables, carbs are under 100 (ideally 80-85 a day) and protein is over 70. I eat five small meals a day and one larger meal consisting of healthy fats, lean protein, and 3 servings of greens. And I drink a TON of water. I keep my calories under 1000, per his orders, but you can also do the MF program and eat at 1200 calories by doing the 4 & 2 where you eat two larger meals a day in addition to four small ones.

The amazing thing is I'm NOT hungry and have no physical cravings. I actually have to force myself to eat my last meal or two because I'm just not hungry. Never thought I would say that! lol

When I'm at goal weight I'll go through a transition program to help me gradually add all the food groups back in and find out where I need to keep my macros for my body to maintain a healthy weight. I also have a health coach that keeps me focused and motivated and I'm studying various books to help learn how to make the changes needed in my head to both lose the weight and keep it off -- which is the key for me. If I don't do that I'll just gain it all back.

Best of luck!!!

MrsFowler1069

I started at 348 just under three months ago and I have lost the first forty. I just posted in this category today a thread called "So much to be thankful for" if there's anything there you find useful.

But really, I don't think what works for us is any different. If anything the early weight probably comes off a little easier and we get to eat more. lol Not a bad gig if you can get it.

Eat at a deficit. Move more. Trying to make generally healthier choices is nice for the big picture.

Hang in there. Eat food. Don't beat yourself up. Every day is new.

I recommend a little whiskey where you can work it in, but maybe that's just me.

Take care!

dunnodunno

I started out around 300 pounds last September (not sure on the actual amount, but I'm thinking it couldn't have been too much over 300) & started out watching what I ate & trying to limit a few foods that I had trouble eating in moderation. I started out exercising on the stationary bike for a few minutes here & there & doing some Zumba exercises on the Wii & Free Step on the Wii Fit. I lost around 50 pounds & then hit a plateau in February. I decided to give myfitnesspal a try & started to count my calories & have lost an additional 65.5 pounds taking me to 184.5. I still need to work on my food choices, exercise more, & learn more about nutrition.

sweetpea129

I started at 277 lbs but i'm only 5'5. Today i'm 153 lbs. It CAN be done. You have to want it so bad that nothing is going to stop you. There is no secret. Eat less, move more. Log all of your food. Dont make excuses. Prove to yourself that you can do it. It is worth every second. I still think i'm dreaming.

fitmom2000

I am 5'5" started at 280, am now about 195, still going but taking my time to do it healthy and in a way that's sustainable for me. Excercise was the key for me --- You have to excercise, but more importantly you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Even if only for 2 minutes out of every workout, push yourself out of that comfor zone. Jog instead of walk. Jump rope. Get your heartrate up and sweat. All excercise is good, but doing that little extra bit each workout made all the difference. I work with a trainer now, and it's completely worth the money. Take the money you used to spend on take-out and use it for an hour a week with someone who will motivate you and push you to do more than you thought you could ever do. I couldn't do a push-up when I started, and I just finished a tough mudder this summer (12 mile military style mud run/obstacle course). And by the way, when you work out enough, you can eat a little more, so it makes the whole process easier.

I will also say to give yourself time, you are transforming your life not just your body. Make sure you have supportive people around you. We all have food-pushers in our lives - the girlfriend who always wants to grab dessert or go out for a cocktail, the husband who brings home "treats." Talk to those people, and get them to help you. If they love you they will be on your team, and not work against you. My husband and I have taken this journey together --- we now take the kids on a bike ride rather than out for ice cream (and sometimes we ride to the ice cream store as a treat, but we order a kid size instead of a large). We are both healthier and we are setting better examples for our kids.

Finally, you have to eat to lose weight, but you have to eat foods high in nutrients. Low fat snacks are a gimmick. Grab some nuts and a piece of fruit. Same calories, far more nutrients, and your body will use those calories far more effectively. I can eat the same calories in a week, and if I eat a lot of processed foods and low fat snack bars, I will gain weight, but if I eat foods that are naturally high in nutrients (greek yogurt, fruit, nuts, fresh veggies with hummus), I wll lose.

DeenerN

Ad me as a friend if you would like; I'm a consistent logger I started out at 327 been here since May and have lost 19lbs. I workout regular each week and log everything (even the bad). I don't beat myself up, I've already been mean enough to let myself get this way. Slow and steady always wins! =D

Kookyk9s

I started at 306. im not a success yet but im getting there. there is no perfect secret. you get up and be active, eat healthier, and eat less. thats all there is to it.

You are wrong - you are very much a success. The longest journey starts with a single step and you have stuck to it much longer than that. Be kind to yourself and believe that you are a success because you really are and reality does not lie. It is an inspiration to me and I did not start where you started.

diamondgirl50

Hatersgonnahate......Whooohooooo!!!! Congrats on Onederland....that is AWESOME!!!

trixxyfrawg

Hello! I'm 22 years old, 5'8, and I started at 365 earlier this year in January. I've lost 56 pounds since then and I'm still losing!

The tricks that helped me:

1: Log everything, all the time. I realized that when I didn't log for a few days I started falling back into old habits hard. Logging every day and everything helps keep me accountable.
2: Don't stress over the weight on the scale. Success is also measured in inches lost and an over all increase in health.
3: Don't deprive yourself of anything much. If you want some cake every now and then, go for it! Which leads me to my next point...
4: Moderation! Eat everything in moderation. I used to eat everything like I would never get to have it again!
5: Exercise is also key! For me this is a big part of my transformation.
6: Train your brain. If you crave something, doing something else to distract you instead. I like to chew my favorite gum whenever I have a craving for something bad that I shouldn't necessarily have that day.
7: Friends and family definitely help! My family started watching their weight around the same time I did and it was definitely a big help! We kept each other accountable.

Those are all my tips and tricks lol. I'm always open to friends, if anyone needs one!

Nicgianni1

All beautiful success stories. Congratulations!

ShannonMpls

I'm 5'11" and started out at 308. I took 15 months to reach my goal weight of 175. I've been maintaining in the mid 170s for 13 months.

My main tip is always just START. And then don't stop. The rest is just details.

It's really not that hard...choose a reasonable calorie goal. Count calories 95% of the time. Give yourself leeway some of the time. Exercise, not just to burn calories but also to change your relationship with food and your body. Do not starve yourself.

You might lose weight on a diet, but I don't think you'll maintain if you lose on a diet. So don't diet. Change how you eat and the amount of activity you get. Don't make any changes you will not be able to stick with for a lifetime.

Losing was pretty easy for me; the battle was mostly mental. Maintenance has been ridiculously simple, because I keep doing what I did when I was losing...only with a little more wiggle room. I exercise and eat well most of the time. Sometimes life gets in the way, but I go back to my new habits as soon as possible. I step on the scale once a month or so and am always a little shocked to see that I just stay this weight now. As long as I keep these habits, I am convinced I will be at a healthy weight for life.

Best of luck!

seltzermint555

Well I am a woman (36 yrs old) 5'8" and my all time high weight was 307 so I guess I fit the bill.

However I did not start MFP at 300. I started at 262 in March of this year.

I am now at 214, definitely wanting to get down to 180 eventually but not sure how much lower I'll go than that.

It took me about 3 years to get from 307 to 270. I had previously hovered around 260-270 for all of my twenties so that was my 'comfortable to me' weight. I did not really "diet" at all or even change my eating habits much but just started exercising (mostly LONG speedy walks) daily and that got me down to 270, although slowly.

Getting from 270 to 262 was more of a pain. I unintentionally starved myself a lot of the time, thinking that I didn't need to eat very much and should NEVER eat treats, etc. So of course then I'd wind up caving and eating some bad stuff. I finally got smart at the end of 2012 when my boyfriend, now husband, started helping me learn how to eat healthy and eat enough food. But I still wasn't losing very quickly. I even went pescetarian and still saw a very minimal loss.

So in March I joined MFP and started logging 100% honestly and completely. It really seems to work well for me, as since then the weight has slowly dropped off quite steadily. I do eat very healthy and stay under my calories but I also have REGULAR "splurges" that I work into my days. That is what works for me. I wish you luck!!!!

MichiFfit

Hello!

I am 5'0 I started at 317. I am currently at 184. I am still about 40-50 pounds from my goal weight. If you have any questions you can add me/ message me.

sugarkissprincess

<--- When I started in Oct 2012 I weighed 279, I'm now 188, working towards 150 It will happen if you motivate and be very determined. Good luck!

KarlaH9801

Log everything, every bite, BEFORE you eat/drink it. Sometimes you will change your mind about eating it when you see what it does to your numbers.

This is soo important. Lots of water, and move more. Even parking farther away from the grocery store door.
I started my journey as a 5'4" 301 lb stay at home Mom of 4 who couldn't walk up from the mailbox without huffing and puffing.
My doctor wanted to put me on cholesterol medication after my labs in April came back high. I was so shocked. I am only 31 years old! I said "Forget That!", and began walking. And logging on MFP.
The only person who can make me healthy is me. I have bad days, weeks even. But I always get back on it. My children are going to need me for a long time to come.
And I want to pester all you fine MFPers out there!:bigsmile:

Schatze1975

I started at 319, and hit 199 today. You can ask me stuff if you'd like

Curious how long it took you and what you ate.

alexisdc

*waves* I started at 300. I started last August and got down 30lbs before starting MFP on September 30th. Since then I have lost another 87 pounds and am now down to 183. I started with Aquafit classes and progressed to a recumbent bike and now I go to kickboxing classes and regularly use a treadmill and an elliptical. I bought a Bodymedia Fit in February and have found it to be a great tool, both for accurately counting my TDEE and for motivation to exercise. Generally I eat at a weekly average deficit of 7000 calories for a 2lb loss. I eat 80% clean, 20% junk/sugar/chips. :laugh: You have to find a lifestyle that you can see yourself sustaining not only through to your goal, but into maintenance and beyond. One of the best places to start on here is with this forum here. Start at the top with The Basics Don't Complicate It and work your way down.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/833026-important-posts-to-read

She took the words right out of my head...lol you have to find out what works. You will have to change it up here and there, but stay motivated. I started at 360 and have made it to 275. At 290 I had to totally readjust my calories and excersise to bust through a plateau:) If you want you will get at it and take it

TArnold2012

When I post it will show I am down 106 but the true number is 116 b/c I moved the scale and gain 10 overnight and had that to lose in the middle of my journey.

For me carbs are an enemy, they make me want to eat none stop. I began with watching calories as I watched and listened to my body and read more I cut carbs to 120 and upped protein to 75. As I continued losing I re-evaluated and am now at 100 or less carbs and 100 or more proteins per day. Does it have to be exact numbers ? No but I try and stay close every day.

I drink btw 12 - 24 cups of water a day. Also there is no food off limits though I do try and work it into my plan so that it doesn't make me go over my daily limits.

I started at 310 I thought but it must have been 320 and I am now 4 lbs from "onederland" I am under the lie that has been on my driver's license forever, I am smaller than when I graduated high school, got married, or had children.

I start each day fresh and focus on my accomplishments rather than on how far I have to go. This is lifestyle journey and not the dreaded d word "diet" b/c it is not something I will NOT be going off and returning to my old ways.

Luckee_me

Hi,
I just sent you a FR.
Good luck to you.