Ok .. worth a try size 20 wants to be size 12.

Hi, I have managed to go from a size 24 to a 16/18. It has taken 2 years, nearly a year on here, and I have had times when I have stalled and had to try something new. I believe in slow but sure and life changes rather than 'dieting'.

If you want to add me, feel free and good luck!

It's never too late and it's always possible especially when you surround yourself with positive people. Dropped 3 dress sizes a couple of years ago and going for the last one now. Let's stay motivated together

@thisgirlpoles

Feb 2013 I was a size 20. Yesterday I slid on (ok, wiggled into) a pair of size 12 jeans. You can do it. I won't say it's been easy. I've had setbacks but you can do it.

Wanting to backpack with your daughter is great motivation. One of my biggest motivations was my 10 yr old wants to go zip lining. My husband is afraid of heights, so that leaves me. And, I was too fat. Not anymore! Trying to plan a trip to do it now.

In your case, I agree with throwing away the scale. It's easy for me to get hung up on day-to-day fluctuations. Instead I went by how my clothes fit ,and was thrilled when a doctor's office visit showed I had lost 17 lbs. over 2 years

Read some of the success stories here; people have started with far more weight to lose than you have and their stories (especially the before and after pictures) are amazing. . And backpacking is a great goal. Exercise burns calories, relieves stress, lets you eat a little more of what you love... go for it!

I went from a tight size 20 to a comfortable size six. If I did it anyone can. I did it without sacrificing my favorite foods. I just cut back less salt less sugars and added fruits and vegies.

So inspiring! You CAN do it. I'm running a FREE clean eating group starting tomorrow actually if you want in. I provide meal plan and we all just check in to a private Facebook group. It's really nice to have that accountability. Totally up to you - you're already getting started here, but just wanted to offer. :-) Remember, 5 lbs at a time, one day at a time. I have 10 FREE Healthy Tips too that are super helpful ---- http://kristinwashko.com Best of luck regardless.

I started at a very tight! Size 18. I can now comfortably wear size 16, still got a way to go though. Add me for friend/support

You can do it. In January 2013 I wore a size 20. Since September I've been wearing size 6-8-10 pants (depending on brand and cut) and size 12 tops. It's not easy, but hang in there and keep at it. Good luck on your journey! You can add me if you like, but I'm not a very active poster.

Get after it!!

You have to decide if you want it and are READY. if so, nothing much will stop you.

It MUST be a lifestyle change. Kick the diet mentality to the curb. It's not a diet, it's LIFE.
Small steps add up --- don't try to change everything all at once.


http://www.getwithitforlife.com/gotta-eat-gonna-lose/

Lifestyle change along with consistency is the key. Find things to look forward to daily that does not involve food. Find little things about your workout you enjoy and soon you will be looking forward to your "clean" meals as well as your workouts.

you can do it! I started as a size 18/20 jean/dress, depending on brands. Now people are telling me I'm too skinny. lol down to a size 6/8

You can do this!! I hear you! My 8 year old passed a comment this past summer about me not playing sports with him because I am too fat. It hurt - a lot! Although he meant it innocently, I am sure. It was the slap in the face I needed.

I started my journey back to healthy weight this February 10, 2014. I joined a 6 month dietbet .com program that will end August. The goal is to lose 10% of your starting weight - which for me will be 216.9. So between upfronting the $145 to compete (I hate wasting money - so I know it would be motivation to get my money back) and using this site to track my food and exercise. Friends and support also help!

Start your program in incriments - it's helped me, maybe it'll work for you. Month 1: only work on food intake, trying to stay within your calorie target. And drinking water (lots of it, over 10 glasses (80oz) a day - no more soda! Water will fill you up, clean you out and make your skin look younger & fresher. Month 2: same but add in 2 days a week of 30 min. exercising. Month 3 (for me is April 11) add in another day. Month 4: increase one 30 min to 45 min 1 day a week, Month 5: increase another 30 min to 45. Month 6: add in a core/tone routine into workout program to firm up the sagginess all your work has created!

I started at a size 20 (241 pounds), I'm now just shy of 2 months a 16/18 (222.5 pounds) - and have only 6 more pounds to go to hit my 10% goal- and hopefully get all or more of my $ back! Since tracking - I've lost 17% of my belly fat ALONE just by walking more drinking water and tracking my food intake. I love how MFP lets you add in measurement tracking to your progress meter. It's helping me to see where it's coming off and where it's not (my arms-boo- gosh I need to work on my lunch ladies!)

Anyways, set your goals, keep them attainable - track them - be vigilant ---and soon I'm sure you'll be like the others here - I am confident you can do it!! Kids are a great motivator - and there are lots of ladies here all cheering you on!

Used to be 22, now 16. It's taken me 6 years because I'm awesome like that -- the last ten pounds has taken me 4 years. But at least the scale is going down, not up. The point is, it's a life change, not a diet. And yes, since you're just starting, you can definitely see the needle on the scale move down by the summer!

I was once a size "can't even buy it in a store" and today I'm in a 12 Levi, and a Large or XL shirt. It's been a LONG road from 545 lbs but hun, I know if I could survive all this YOU CAN TOO!

In the blog I wrote today I talk a little about how I personally believe your mental health is just as important as the calories and exercise in the quest for weight loss and health, you don't beat yourself up luv, you PULL yourself up and until you are ready to do that, that is why we are here! Drop a line ANYTIME you need a pep, or to vent or whatever.

P.S. - I took horseback riding lessons at 375 lbs, it was Clydesdale so that it could handle me, but I'm just saying YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT - you reach for the sky and we will give you a boost. :-)

I went from a size 24 to a 12 in 8.5 months, lost 86 pounds. It can be done. It can also be undone, as evidenced by my ticker. Keep fighting the good fight, even when you get there. It is too easy to get comfortable and just coast along, and not notice packing it back on again. I always swore I wouldn't let it happen, but I did. :-( So I am back at it again. sitting at a size 14 right now. hoping for a 12 (or even 10!) by July.

good luck, friend me if ya wanna!