How did you lose the weight.

I've been actively trying to lose since the End of Feb 2012. I've lost 82 lbs so far.

I have not drastically changed my diet. I count calories. I will still eat hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc. I just eat less of it or modify my other meals to make my calorie goals. Or, I will make it (or choose) a lower-calorie version. For example, if we make pizza at home, I'll use turkey pepperoni. When we make hamburgers at home or use ground beef, I use lean ground beef (93% lean). We buy lean hot dogs, etc.

I also added a lot of activity. I generally walk about 3 times a day during the week during my work breaks (2 15-min and 1 lunch) and I do a morning work-out video before work 5 times a week.

My lifestyle didn't make a 180 -- which I think is important, because it's been VERY easy to sustain this. I don't feel deprived or have crazy cravings. If I want to splurge and have mexican food with Enchiladas suizas and chips and salsa. I do. I just count the calories and watch what I eat at other meals. Simple.

But I'm also (still) a big guy (279 lbs) and have quite a few calories to spare. People trying to just lose 20 lbs may find it a lot harder to be as "liberal" as I am with my diet.

I agree...drink mostly water. I used to like to get the McDonald's sweet tea--huge cup for $1--when I was about town doing errands, until I realized it had almost 300 calories! Also, log in EVERYTHING you eat, and most importantly, don't give up. You will have ups and downs, but if you give up, you will never get there!

I started exercising regularly. I try to get some activity every day, with a formal routine of 30-60 min 5-6 days per week. I vary the type of exercise, but in general it's probably about a 65/35 % mix of cardio/strength.

I've eaten a pretty healthy diet for decades, though I tend to eat more calories than a sedentary person of my age and sex needs so I didn't make many dietary changes.

I am female, 51 yo (though I was 49-50 when I lost weight) and lost approx. 27 lbs. I've maintained that loss for about 1.5 yrs.

I've lost 10lbs in 2 months, by cutting out soda, logging absolutely everything, and making sure that I'm letting myself eat things I still enjoy, but with moderation. (I.E, that king sized chocolate bar, I used to eat the whole thing in one sitting. Now I eat 1/4th of it and set the rest aside)

and of course, I used to not work out at all, and now I work out for 30min-1hr a day.

I have not been starving myself. I just started watching my portion sizes and counting calories in my log in MFP. I also added in a nightly walk of 60 minutes, dedicated ME time at 10pm. At 10pm I can do whatever it is, walk, skate, run. I just have to stay outside for an hour.

I finally figured out that I don't have to starve myself or kill myself in the gym...just have to cut down a bit on the eating and log to be conscious/accountable and exercise for 30-60 minutes 5x a week. I still eat all the foods I love, I just tweaked things a bit and cut down on portions. And I try really hard to ignore my taste buds who are constantly screaming at me "that was soooo yummy, eat more of it to make us happy!" (=

I've been at this for nearly 3 years and have lost 89 pounds so far. Would like to lose at least 14 more then we'll see. I'm in no rush though, it'll probably take me at least another year to get to goal.

I really envy your progress. I'd like to be the one someday to post that onto this board. I am also in search of a 115 lb loss. You're right, you do not have to starve yourself. Just eat good calories, not empty calories. I try to do some activities nightly, but with 2 kids it's hard some nights. But when I do , I really kick up the pace. I love it outside, because I get to see the moon and stars at night.