Almost done - before/after photos

Thank you for posting that.

I see that you joined in April of 08 and have been working on this for about two and a half years now.

That is so encouraging.

I am a month into this process and have about 3 years ahead of me until I reach my goal. My heaviest was 384, I started a month ago at 370). So it is nice to see someone who has stuck with it and is still going after all this time.

What are some things that helped you along the way? What worked, what didn't? What rewards did you give yourself and when? and most importantly, how did you handle the weeks when you lose? How did you keep it up for so long?

Congratulations on your progress. You are a great example for all of us.

Eva

Hey Eva - actually, the bad news is that I have been working on this since december 2006. That's why I posted the picture... I don't have many from back then. That was the same winter when I peaked at 325. I've been working at it since.

The best thing that helped me is not rushing things. I have always figured that it took me years to get here, it will take me years to get back.

Also, don't *EVER* give up things you enjoy. Start out by finding ways to substitute them with healthy stuff (skinny cow, can't believe its not butter, etc), and then start slowly putting the real thing back into your diet as your willpower grows. I use real butter. I cook with whole milk and cream. I use whole, real foods, but I eat them in realistic portions. If I have a slip up, I accept that I'm human and maybe that 2nd slice of cake wasn't a good idea, and I run an extra mile or two the next day to compensate.

Don't beat yourself up over anything. It's a hard journey, and the fact that you're trying is more effort than most people ever *REALLY* put into it.

Don't be afraid to try new things.

Set yourself small goals. Each little victory builds your willpower and confidence that you can do it.

Just some general thoughts