40 lbs lost to never be found again

Hello my fellow MFP'rs! Today was a wonderful day as I got on the scale 1st thing this morning and I saw 223! Officially 40 lbs lighter than my start on 5/18! I was very excited and decided that today I would finally post my before & during pictures. No crazy diet fads, just old fashioned portion control and staying within my allotted calories. I exercise when I can but am more active than I was 5 months ago. I usually get to the gym a couple of times a week and I now drink tons and tons of water. A big help has been planning my meals. For ex. I do well during the week while I'm at work and have my lunch, morning snack and afternoon snack only with me. Eating every few hours is key for me. I cannot let myself get hungry. I also started watching my sodium intake on here. It is amazing how many things are high in sodium. I've realized that with my body, high sodium intake = water retention = weight gain/stall. I'd like to thank all of my MFP friends, especially Wendy with your almost daily inspirational notes. Without the support of my friends I wouldn't have gotten this far. I have so much further to go but today was a 1/2 way mark to my 1st goal of 180 lbs.
Before: Approx. 260 lbs

During (today): 223

Before: Approx. 260 lbs

During (today): 223


I never thought that I could accomplish what I have. I would diet, lose 5 lbs and gain 10. With this new lifestyle, I don't consider it dieting. I consider it doing what I should to stay healthy. I don't want to end up like my Dad with type 2 diabetes and have the doctors threatening to cut my legs off!! Bottom line, if I can do this anyone can and slow and steady will win this race. I have such a long way to go but hopefully by next summer it will be two piece photos. And I'm not talking about a tankini!