Honest answer please.

Everyone is different so it is nearly impossible to say. As long as you put in the time and keep the diet up, you will get the results. Just be patient.

Results aren't always obvious. Once you do see results, keep going. That is when it begins to get motivating.

You've been a member since 2010. If you had stuck with it when you started this profile you would already be there.

I need to lose about 20 - 30 pounds but I want to get in great shape. (Not fitness model style but really good)

How long will this take if I was to stick to my calories and went to the gym every day?

I am starting to lose motivation as I am not seeing the results as quickly as I thought I would.

Let's say you lose a half pound a week which is a really reasonable goal. That's actually going to slow up the closer you get to your goal weight but I think that if you stick with it you can be in pretty impressive shape in 4-6 months. It depends on how serious you are about this and of course there's some genetics in play. If you don't do it the 4-6 months will pass anyway. It's just up to you if you want to look back in 6 months and say "Damn! I look good" or "Damn, I wished I would have worked harder or started earlier". The time will pass no matter what. Make good use of it.

Start incorporating some weight training ASAP. This is the biggest factor to people getting the look that they desire I think. Start yesterday if you can. You don't have to be perfect at it but get started and start learning. Of course add in some light cardio 3-4 times a week to help out but hit the nutrition as the highest priority, strength training next, then cardio if you can do some. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish if you really want it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsSC2vx7zFQ

Outer strength is reflective of inner strength.
if you have been at it for this long and have not made gains, maybe you should take a look at your internal motivation and drive.

15 to 30 weeks, I'd say.

But if you're anything like me you will stagnate near or at the last 10 pounds, even if you eat right and follow calorie goals for the day.

It can take three months, it could take nine months if you do it right.. I've been trying to lose 20 since Jan 1 and I still have 5.5lbs to lose... I've been doing it right though, focusing solely on BF% and measurements, lifting and a slight deficit

It depends largely on you... How honest you are with your intake/output... your body make up, your physical strength and endurance, etc. How close you are to your goal, your height, your endurance, your hormone level, your age, your metabolism... Too many factors really to assess... You COULD potentially get where you want in maybe 10-12 weeks but the closer you get to goal, the more results tend to slow down. best wishes on attaining your goal.

Perhaps the best way to approach this is to make genuine changes to your lifestyle: eat clean and challenge your body with real exercise every day. If you focus more on the journey than the goal, you can enjoy the subtle improvements along the way: you will start to feel better, sleep better, be less sick, fit in your clothes better.... Don't just stare ahead at that "30 Pounds to Lose" mark with impatience. Every single day of healthy living is a better day than the one before! Good luck and STICK WITH IT!

What works for me is not focusing on the speed. It's about the ultimate goal. Whatever it takes, however long it takes, I will do it. That's really what keeps me going. That & the awesome support of everyone here on MFP

Right now, I'm down 10 lbs. since the first week January. My parameters are setup to the default 1 lb. / week. So after 12, going on 13 weeks, I'm not on the 1 lb. / week schedule. Who cares? The important thing is I'm making progress. I'm eating right and I'm exercising consistently.

You've been a member since 2010. If you had stuck with it when you started this profile you would already be there.

honestly though, the reason you may not be seeing whopping dramatic results is that by your profile pic's you don't seem to be very out of shape to begin with. maybe those last few pounds or fine tuning take greater effort and more time. not to say it won't be worth it but just so you have a plan and realistic goals. maybe you could find some people on here to friend who are close to their goals too, or who have achieved toning and fitness results from an already almost in shape starting point. good luck! you will be even more beautiful and strong once you achieve your goals. :flowerforyou: