Has anyone lost a lot of weight (100+) slowly?

I keep seeing these wonderful success stories of people who have large amounts of weight fairly quickly. I'm trying to lose 120-150 lbs all together and after a year, I'm only down 40 pounds. At this rate, it's going to take me a few more years to get to my goal weight and I'm hoping to see success stories from people that lost a bunch of weight at a slower rate.
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Replies

  • peopletalk
    peopletalk Posts: 519 Member
    I keep seeing these wonderful success stories of people who have large amounts of weight fairly quickly. I'm trying to lose 120-150 lbs all together and after a year, I'm only down 40 pounds. At this rate, it's going to take me a few more years to get to my goal weight and I'm hoping to see success stories from people that lost a bunch of weight at a slower rate.
    some people lose faster than others. at my rate, it's going to take a year and a half to lose the rest of my weight!
    as long as you're going in the right direction... be proud.

    if it's men, then yes they lose a LOT faster than women.
    also, other things come into play. how clean they're eating, how much they eat, the kind of exercise they're doing.
    but as long as you stay in your calorie limits, you should be losing at a decent rate.
  • Portugueselove
    Portugueselove Posts: 255 Member
    I started my weightloss journey in 2007. So it's been really slow
  • sugarandspice27
    sugarandspice27 Posts: 521 Member
    I started my weightloss journey in 2007. So it's been really slow

    And what is your story? As in, how much have you lost in what sort of time frame? You look beautiful, btw.
  • die2fat4love
    die2fat4love Posts: 149 Member
    Try not to worry about how fast. I started at 395 pounds almost 7 years ago. There was some ups, downs, a divorce, a new baby and I am down about 180 with 50 to go. Good for you for sticking with it and don’t worry about the time it takes, just know your getting there and your closer then you were before!
  • april1445
    april1445 Posts: 334
    Mine is slow too, but I've lost weight quickly before and this feels better. I find that the number is becoming less important, and how fit and strong I feel is becoming the point. I think that's healthier. Slow is frustrating though--believe me I get it.
  • yustick
    yustick Posts: 238 Member
    You are doing awesome! Unless you need to lose weight quickly for a surgery or some major health problem, slower is better (and I don't think this applies to you). It is healthier and it may give our skin time to adjust to the changes...I hope. Also the longer it takes, the more likely we will stick with the habits we developed along the way. I've been at this for 15 months now and sometimes I can't believe I'm still fat and I get a little anxious. But when I calm down and focus on the many positive changes I've made, I know I'm on the right course. I know you have made many positive changes too. Try not to get too caught up on the time frame because it is so easy to get discouraged, get off track and start going backwards. Just continue to eat healthier and be more active and let it happen!
  • jgood21
    jgood21 Posts: 109 Member
    It has taken me almost 2 and a half years to lose my weight. I still have almost 40 lbs to go. It bothers me sometimes that it has taken so long, but then I realize that I will keep it off since I have been working at it for years instead of months. I know I will stick with it and not gain it back. It was really a lifestyle change, not just weight loss. Don't worry about the time frame :)
  • Dianescraps
    Dianescraps Posts: 84
    I consider my weght loss on the slow side. I started June of 2012 (didn't join MFP till later) So in almost a year I am down about 70 pounds total. There were some stalls in there, and some times when I was doing better too.

    I still have a long road ahead of me too.
  • AdenaJ
    AdenaJ Posts: 58 Member
    I know exactly what you mean. My goal is to lose about 150-175 pounds; I've lost 40-ish since October 2011. I do get discouraged that it's not going faster, but then again, I like the fact that I'm not having to follow a really strict diet or exercise like crazy. One thing that encourages me, though, is that I haven't gained weight (besides slight fluctuations now and then) and have developed healthy eating and exercise habits along the way. However, I can afford to have more discipline when it comes to certain things.
  • cqp1
    cqp1 Posts: 41
    Mine has been slow as well. I started in Jan. and have lost 19 lbs. Hey just made myself feel better. I have been saying I need to lose over a hundred lbs to get to goal weight of 140 but I just did the math to give accurate total and its 96 lbs. So slow weight loss but now I have less than a hundred to lose.
  • steph1278
    steph1278 Posts: 483 Member
    I've been at this for 2 1/2 years. Had some slip ups along the way. Still have around 50 to go to get to my goal.
  • credessa
    credessa Posts: 36 Member
    "Don't worry about the time it takes to do something, time is going to pass anyway, you might as well spend it doing something worthwhile." I have this quote taped to my monitor so when I feel things are moving too slowly I'm remided that at least I'm taking steps in the right direction.
  • JewelsinBigD
    JewelsinBigD Posts: 661 Member
    I have this saying in my head all the time - a quote from a BodyPumper like myself- it doesn't matter how long it takes- when you are "done" you have to continue doing what you are doing now or it will come undone very quickly. The day after you reach your goal is no different than today...
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    It took me about a yr and a half to lose 100lb on my own I am a slow looer but exersice daily this will speed things up and time is not of a issue as it's a life long thing,
    you ARE DOING GREAT! x
    :bigsmile:
  • It has taken me 5 years to lose almost 100lbs. (i did lose the 100 at one point and regained) I lost 40 and then stayed there for awhile, and then 30 something more and stayed. Lost 100 and regained some. I have .8 until I hit the 100 mark again!!


    *Edited to be more clear about my weight loss and gain
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    mine is slow and I'm OK with that. I have peaks and valleys. I'm also working on a food addiction and improving my relationship with food and my body. I havent gained it back, and without really being a nazi about food I've been able to maintain. I'm OK with this I hope it will help re-set my body to accept a lower weight. I'm not in a race. All I care about it not regaining.
  • AshDHart
    AshDHart Posts: 818 Member
    I started in 2011 and lost 85 lbs my first 8 months. Then I plateaued in 2012. I ended up slipping and gaining back about 55 lbs in late 2012. I'm back on track now and have lost 55 lbs from my highest. I still have 137 lbs to go and it might take me a few more years but that is okay. I figure the years will pass anyway.
  • skyekeeper
    skyekeeper Posts: 286 Member
    I started my journey in March 2012 and have lost about 135 pounds. I know everyone's bodies are different. I have tried different programs for years and nothing worked. I have also struggled with hypothyroidism and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). Finally, I just did it on my own and changed my diet and am learning more and more about exercise and it seems to be working. Just one day at a time. You will get there. Good luck! Feel free to add me if you want, anyone.
  • Smackemdanno
    Smackemdanno Posts: 83 Member
    I haven't lost any weight for about a year. I am pegged out at around 37 lbs lost. But...I have dropped several fat percentages within the last year. It seems to be a trend for some of us to plateau at 40 lbs and the scale not move for some time.
  • Cupcakehippiemommy
    Cupcakehippiemommy Posts: 457 Member
    I am at 100lb loss in about a year and a half some months I lost 2lbs others 10lbs it just varied on what I was eating and if I moved my body that month lol once I cut out soda (all soda) and cut my sodium to 1,500-2,000 mg a day and sugar down to 24-28mg a day it has dramatically helped.

    Once I started Jillian Michaels 30DS and added that to my daily walks I started seeing my body shrink. I don't really give a flip about lbs anymore (stopped caring at 70lb loss) once I got out of the 20's in jeans :) Stay focused and don't compare yourself...it is really hard I know, but once I quit doing that I was/am in a groove. Good luck doll!
  • montana_girl
    montana_girl Posts: 1,403 Member
    Took me 6 years to lose a 100 pounds.... guess most people would consider that slow! :laugh:
  • abnerner
    abnerner Posts: 452 Member
    I love this thread :)

    It's been a year and a half almost for me and I've only lost 36 pounds (lost 40 but gained a little back) but have lost 4 pant sizes. slow but steady.
  • tyresank
    tyresank Posts: 174 Member
    Yes. I have lost 110 over a 76 wk period, so about 1.3 lbs on average per week, all using MFP to track my exercise and Calories.
  • Robin_Anne
    Robin_Anne Posts: 54
    I have this saying in my head all the time - a quote from a BodyPumper like myself- it doesn't matter how long it takes- when you are "done" you have to continue doing what you are doing now or it will come undone very quickly. The day after you reach your goal is no different than today...

    I love this point of view! I must remember it. :)
  • brillmer
    brillmer Posts: 1,268 Member
    Jeeze, now I feel like I lost my weight too fast ?

    I went from 240-170 in about 8 months :S

    The first 5 months, 240-190 was literally just off changing how I eat, being more conscious about portion control, eating clean, healthy foods and eating at a healthy, -500 caloric deficit.

    In January I started working out and have since lost another 20

    Really though, there is no rush. Everybody is different, everyone will lose/gain at a different rate.

    The most important part is that you are doing it in a healthy way - not starving yourself or doing something dangerous.

    My 2 cents.
  • HealthWoke0ish
    HealthWoke0ish Posts: 2,078 Member
    I started in April 2010. Then, I was around 400 lbs. I'm about 265 lbs now. So that's about 135 lbs in about three years. Part of the reason, though, for the slow loss was my measured approach. I began by cutting soda from my diet, and then my moderating my servings (only one plate full instead of multiple plates). Then I started walking. Then I started counting calories. I joined MFP in November or so of last year and then I added strength/cardio workouts (e.g., 30 Day Shred) in Feb of this year. I've been picking up speed since beginning but have done especially well in the past five months. My goal is to reach 220 lbs by the end of this year.

    Good luck to you. :)
  • FJcntdwn2sknyluv
    FJcntdwn2sknyluv Posts: 651 Member
    Almost 6 years to lose the net 120 I'm at today.. feel free to add me.. -50 the first year -30 the second year the next almost 2 years gaining and losing the same 40lbs.. then another year of OMG! what happened? lets just log and see... then last year dropped 50 and holding and FINALLY got this!

    yeah I totally wish I had, had MFP since the beginning, I would have lost it all MUCH faster but I think , but whatever weight didn't go on in a year ain't coming off in a short amount of time.. but at least I've learned ALOT about my relationship with food and have BROKEN my food addiction AND emotional eating.. 2 HUGE things I needed to do before finishing this weight loss journey! :)
  • lotusspark
    lotusspark Posts: 367
    Yes .. I started out@316( my weight may have been bigger). I worked on my weight and was
    able to get down to roughly 287. Unfortunately I took a couple bad spills. The last one I had
    involved wearing casts, well one boot, the other was less but had a hairline fracture and
    had full blown type 2 diabetes so healing was arguous and I remained weak on my feet a long
    time. about 6 years later we bought the Wii fit stuff. I then proceeded to lose down (slowly) to
    209. Again bounced up due to grief from losses in my family. I gained back to about 255, then
    somehow went down to 248;where I maintained awhile. Last year on 5/5 I weighed 248 and began
    to try harder to lose the rest. I passed the 200 pound line on Valentine's day. I'm struggling
    still but am now @ 187 (+sodium right now) and am aiming for 135! W/Mfp I'm more solid in
    achieving my goals. Just saying 187 feels great and my next size down is near, a 12. I never
    imagined but am happy I'm here. Just lookingvfwd to the upcoming new me!! :)


    -I began in 2002, this has taken me a long time. The old saying though, 'better late than never'!-
  • salcha76
    salcha76 Posts: 287 Member
    I started at 326....lost 88 in a year....and slowly ...very slowly w/a bunch of ups & downs...am now down a total of 144....and i still have a solid 20 or so to go...and am having body lift surgery in 35 days....slow is moving forward...I feel as long as you're moving forward....it's improving yourself your mind your body your soul....no one sets the pace for anyone else....Mazel Tov on your acheivements thus far....good luck to you on your journey!
  • kamifleck
    kamifleck Posts: 3
    I started at 270 (size 22) two years ago. I have lost 118 pounds (now in a baggy 8). It has been a very slow process but I've just kept at it and it worked!! Sensible diet, lot's of exercise. I will be happy in 10 pounds :)
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