71 pounds, about 18 months

You look amazing. What program did you use to lose your weight?

Hmmm...the first 45pounds (last year) I followed no program at all. I still ate everything in the room. I had a hard time facing down the tunnel of needing to lose 80-90 pounds so I first focussed on getting active again. Then toward November last year, I really amped up my exercise - discovered fitnessblender.com on youtube. Their exercise routines are incredible! With working out so much, I was able to get my water in as well.

In February of this year, I discovered this site and boy did things really change. I spent alot of time in the forums reading about TDEE/In place of a roadmap and the importance of lifting heavy stuff. Another member here provided me with the heybales TDEE calculator. So, I completed that and I have a TDEE of roughly 3000-3200 calories/day (my job is VERY active), so I am doing TDEE -20% or so. I have averaged 5lbs/month since joing MFP.

I love food. I cannot handle a restrictive diet and did not want to lose weight too rapidly either. I also follow the IIFYM methodolgy. I know the 'eat clean' crowd would cringe at my diary, but I know that I have made changes to my lifestyle that are sustainable for the rest of my life.

also: thanks everyone for your kind words. The support on MFP has been invaluable to me and keeps me focussed. This site and the people are an invaluable tool for anyone wanting to make sustainable change to their lifestyles!

You look terrific. Contratulations!! I have to lose the same. what is "very active"...(your typical day?)

I work on a farm so I am lifting heavy stuff throughout the day and walking at a brisk pace for 8 hours. Plus I workout 3-4 times per week. My TDEE is estimated at about 3000-3200 calories per day just to put it in perspective.

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone!

My profile pic was updated about 3 -4 weeks ago - which was at a total of 75 lbs, down another 4 since that was taken. 11 more to go!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your journey!! I really needed to see this today. I have been on a stand still for 2 months, loosing and gaining the same 5 lbs. Been a little frustrated to say the least. I started in April of this year and have lost 23 lbs and approx. 33 inches but no more. My NSV's have been good..gaining strength, working out at least an hour a day, much better cardio, endurance etc. I need to loose 50 more lbs. so if you have any suggestions?? Thank you again, this has really inspired me and reminded me "slow and steady wins the race" :0) Keep up your great work!!!

I stalled out for most of August - kinda intentionally, kinda not, lol. I was in fact, eating more than I should have to continue with weight loss. I was okay with that. I find that so long as I am honest with myself in my logging, I am not surprised when things slow down. My activity levels change on an almost weekly basis. Sometimes I adjust my calorie intake to reflect that - other times I do not and it shows on the scale. I have also learned that my body will fight a few pounds back and forth for a few weeks and then, boom -- it seems to finally flush away.

I believe because I have done this rather slowly, it has allowed me to develop serious patience with myself. Patience helps me when it comes to logging, exercise, etc...In that I realize that I am going to do it, I am going to reach my goals so my headspace is such that I take every day one at a time and know eventually, results will come.

Finally - my physical exercise - every few weeks I add something different into my routine. I do find my body adapts to the stress I put it under and when things stop being challenging that is the cue for me to change something. It seems to help.

WOW .... you are awsome! Congts to you!!!!! you look Great!

thanks :drinker: