females that started around 300 lbs and lost without surgery

124»

Replies

  • chatterbox3110
    chatterbox3110 Posts: 630 Member
    I started at 375 and got down to 259, I'm currently at 277 because I've had some surgery and a lot of major stress in the past year, but I am proud of myself as in the past I would have regained every pound and more.

    I've not had any weight loss surgery nor any medication, it's all been done with the help of MFP and an awful lot of determination.

    I'm struggling a little at the moment to get back on track fully, but I still faithfully log every day, if only to keep myself in line.

    Due to our financial circumstances changing we had to cancel our gym membership, so my aqua classes and swimming have stopped, but I still ensure I walk at least 1 mile a day.

    I will get there eventually.

    Good luck :)
  • stuart160
    stuart160 Posts: 1,628 Member
    Simply an amazing thread full of people that words can't express how impressed and blown away I am by each and everyone of you.
  • riquid
    riquid Posts: 10 Member
    Hi! I started at 292 lbs and now, almost one year later, I'm at 176 lbs. I'm still slightly overweight for my height of 5'10" but I'm planning on stopping soon as I'm quite comfortable with my current size and the amount of food I can eat vs. the amount of exercise I have to do to maintain (which is basically zero; I get my cardio from simply walking around town and the odd night out dancing a few times a month. What can I say, I'm lazy.)
  • keladry89
    keladry89 Posts: 42 Member
    Hey, congrats to you all! Thanks for posting, it's inspiring :] I was in need of a pick me up as I've been slacking! So in fairness here's my story so far, no surgeries, no pills, no gimmicks , just counting calories and working out for me. a close friend got surgery and it can be frustrating the way the weight is melting off him, while I'm just plodding along. OP and others, I hope this helps. :]

    About a year ago, I weighed around 275-280. I use 273 as my start weight because I weighed that at the doctor's office so it's "official" hah. I got down to about 259 by Thanksgiving just by making better choices and then my weight loss stopped. So I started using MFP, but it didn't stick. In December, I got a smartphone and over Christmas break I really started to use MFP. At the start of the year I weighed 256 and I weigh 221 now.

    I'm still fat, (at five six and a bit my bmi is still considered obese) but I ran a mile in 8:13 last week (indoors, on a track), so I try to remember it's more than just what the scale says. A year ago my mile time was 11-12 minutes! There are lots of ways we make progress, so it's important to realize that. I still have weight to lose and seconds to shave of course!

    As for clothing, I was a 18W-22W and now I'm a 14W-18W. But I went into the loft with my sister and for yucks I tried on some clearance XL dresses, and some of them fit me! The whole time I was afraid the fitting room attendant was thinking my god what is that fat woman doing here but she just smiled at me. And I bought a dress from the loft! Also I bought some XL running clothes from Nike, which was a huge thing for me too :]
  • annadjanssen
    annadjanssen Posts: 29 Member
    I started at 298 on May 1. I have never liked the idea of surgery because everyone I have known that has had surgery either looks ill or lost then gained again. I have tried phentermine in the past and I did loose some weight but it made me super nuts, so not really an option. I am currently at 259.2. I get frustrated because 2 lbs seems so little but the weight is coming off and every pound adds up. The tips I have are:
    Take a day and cheat but log everything. It will help you realize what your old eating habits were doing to you.
    Find what motivates you. Some say you have to do it for yourself but if showing others you CAN do it keeps you going, then do it.
    Log all food eaten even if it puts you over.
  • Arydria
    Arydria Posts: 179 Member
    I started in July 2013 at 291 and a size 26W. I did everything to avoid walking, or any exercise. With my husband at my side I began a lifestyle change, and to date have lost 125 lbs and many inches. I now weigh 166 and wear a size 8. I did this without surgery, just diet and exercise. I have a lot of lose skin, and have decided to have skin removal surgery. Having my arms look like a muscular shar-pei is not very inspiring, so I am doing something about it.

    I should add that I'm 55 years old and post-menopausal, so yes, it can be done. Age is not an excuse!!
  • FeraFilia
    FeraFilia Posts: 4,664 Member
    I started at 330 pounds and am at 295 right now. So it's not all that much yet, but I'm starting to see and feel the progress.

    I still have 130 or so to go, but it doesn't seem as scary as it did before. :)
  • dolliesdaughter
    dolliesdaughter Posts: 544 Member
    Jun 2011 276 to Aug 2014 169. No surgery, slow and steady wins the race. :) I have a little bit of extra skin on my stomach, but not bad, considering I did all of this after age 40. My stomach is flat with clothes on, without clothing it shows above my belly button.
  • anawhatsme
    anawhatsme Posts: 261 Member
    EXCELLENT advice! thanks for sharing!!
    Firstly I want to say if anyone wants to be friends, please add me! I would love that!

    I am 5'7” and started at 304 but probably weighed more than that....I lost almost 30 lbs in 2012 then got distracted and let's be honest, made excuses to stop caring for my health....got back up to 299. I started here again towards the end of Feb this year and have so far lost 45 pounds from my highest.

    As someone has mentioned, find a workout that you enjoy ( or at least don't totally loathe, LOL!). I will second Richard Simmons....I saw results. And it's fun cause he uses oldies music and even has some disco and 80s ones as well! Try his box set of Sweatin To The Oldies it's actually really fun! His 80s Supersweatin is still in my DVD rotation because it is a pretty killer workout! I also started off using his blast and tone DVD for weight training and have now graduated to other workout programs as I've gotten fitter and needed more of a challenge. Think about what you enjoy, do you like dancing, do you prefer quick short workouts like HIIT?

    The other thing is you need to make this definitely a new habit. This is it...this is for life. Every week you take the time to workout, it is not optional. This is like brushing your teeth, this is like brushing your hair, washing your clothes. This is the attitude you need to have in order to circumvent excuses, cause the excuses WILL happen! You don't give an excuse for not brushing your teeth now do you? You have to make our health a priority in your life no matter what!

    One of the greatest things you can do....WATER. Drink tons of water! Aim for 10 glasses a day and more when you work out. This will help you shed water weight, will keep you properly hydrated, will keep you from retaining water if you have more sodium or eat carbs, and will help keep you satiated.

    Another thing is PREPARATION! Be prepared, buy and prepare healthy snacks and meals for the week. Set yourself up for SUCCESS! Planning is very important!

    Personally, I also try to eat more protein and fat than carbs. I don't deal well with carbs, but I do enjoy my chocolate! Every night after dinner I have chocolate, and so long as you mostly eat healthfully then enjoying a treat every night or every other night within your calories allocated is AWESOME. You appreciate the treat more, and you don't feel like you're depriving yourself. Also when you eat more protein you don't get hungry as much and your meals will sustain you more! It's one way to set yourself up for success.

    I am convinced that the biggest part about weight loss is knowing yourself. Knowing your habits, your patterns, your likes and dislikes. Make it work for YOU, with the workouts you select, with the meals you eat, everything! Sit down and think about what would work for you.

    You got this!!!
  • kymarai
    kymarai Posts: 3,727 Member
    I just want to jump in and say WOW!!!! Great jobs!!!! You are all inspirations! Keep up the great work! Remember every day is about choices to make and progress to be made.:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • netter43
    netter43 Posts: 110 Member
    THANK YOU ALL AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PROGRESS!!

    I am back and I need to get serious - I have done this in the past - 2-1/2 to 3 years ago I got down to 239 pounds by using MFP - but for some reason I lost my mojo - quit smoking then and quit exercising - was feeling better than I ever had in my life that I could remember - I have survived breast cancer - I am now 48 and just had my 30th class reunion - lets just say I was not thrilled with the pictures - I'm suffering from lower leg swelling and am now wearing compression hose daily - I am ready to make a change - I AM CURRENTLY AT 301 POUNDS.... our youngest is a senior in high school this year - my goal is 50 pounds by the time he graduates and 100 pounds by my 50th birthday - more is always better, but those are my 2 big goals.

    I was worked up for gastric bypass twice in the past and both times something happened in my life that basically told me it was not for me - and I know I can do this!!!

    I have to do this for me first and foremost!!! - It can be done - God Bless and be good to you - WE ARE ALL WORTH IT!!!
  • JourneyingJessica
    JourneyingJessica Posts: 261 Member
    I started at 278.2 & size 22 and this morning i weighed in 153 (I'm up a bit from the weekend) & size 6/8. Check out my avi. :bigsmile:

    Calorie deficit measured on a weekly basis has been the biggest factor. Although exercise and fitbit especially have been huge motivators. I love love fitbit as something tangible to measure exercise.
  • fallenluna
    fallenluna Posts: 8 Member
    .
  • Fatandfifty3
    Fatandfifty3 Posts: 419 Member
    Wow.:flowerforyou:
    Wow to all of you who have done so much to change your lives without surgery. You have actually changed your lives not just had a temporary quick fix.
    I started at 244 and am now down to 203(ish). I've lost 30lbs since the end of May on the 5:2 diet.
  • _SoundWave_
    _SoundWave_ Posts: 237 Member
    i started over 300 and have lost 136 lbs so far without surgery, without diet or cutting major food groups out! Just making healthier choices and working out, more specifically lifting weights. They've worked a treat and are far more effective than just cardio

    612edada-dc34-4185-850b-d0397d739590_zps5d1f7429.png
  • Natasha_Fit_Fab
    Natasha_Fit_Fab Posts: 93 Member
    Congratulations to everyone on their success, this gives me so much encouragement to stay the journey and know it is possible and just take my time and not rush the process...just have trust in the process and not get discouraged!!
  • EmotionalEater84
    EmotionalEater84 Posts: 311 Member
    In for the stories and pics! Started at 336lbs, down to 280's and then fell off the wagon and gained it all back. Not been brave enough to get back on the scale yet, but my routine has shaped up again and back on the calorie counting!

    Great thread, thanks!
  • CindyRip
    CindyRip Posts: 166 Member
    Bump for inspiration. I started out at 279 am currently got down to 249 maintained for 6 months, had an injury gained am back on track now and at 262.
  • raventwo
    raventwo Posts: 91 Member
    I started at 368 on June 1st, 2011, and as of today I am 185.8 (my listed weight is always a 7 day average). I joined MFP just over a year ago after a long plateau where I began to gain a bit.

    I am about to post beginning and during photos on my blog. I'm the queen of slow but steady loss - sometimes under a pound per week.

    I have had no surgery and use no medications for weight loss. I follow CALP (carbohydrate addicts lifespan program) for meal compostiion, frequency and meal duration, with a daily calorie limit this past year to help me with portion control (1500 cal/day max. I usually eat 1430-1450). I lost 86 pounds before beginning to use a calorie limit.

    best wishes to you..it can be done.
  • jbowman_13
    jbowman_13 Posts: 4 Member
    My girlfriend and I have been losing weight together. We've been walking 3 miles/1 hour 3 or 4 times a week. She started at about 300 and has lost a good 20 lbs or so over the past couple months with not overly strict dieting. She's 5'8 with 60% body fat according to my scale. It takes time, undoubtedly, but you can do it!
  • Chyll88
    Chyll88 Posts: 76 Member
    Started at 394 lbs now 305 lb.
    ThenampNow_zps7185b051.jpg
  • TMM211073
    TMM211073 Posts: 153 Member
    Hi,

    I started on 15th November 2012, I weighed 321lb

    Today I weight 165lb, I'm trying to get down to 153lb, so only another 12lb left to lose and I'd like to do it by 15th November 2014.

    Sadly I have no way to post pictures on here, but if you look at my profile, I do have some before and current comparison pictures.

    Good luck xXx
  • FeraFilia
    FeraFilia Posts: 4,664 Member
    My girlfriend and I have been losing weight together. We've been walking 3 miles/1 hour 3 or 4 times a week. She started at about 300 and has lost a good 20 lbs or so over the past couple months with not overly strict dieting. She's 5'8 with 60% body fat according to my scale. It takes time, undoubtedly, but you can do it!

    I think this is wonderful. :)
  • Yay! I'm excited to have all you as motivation!
  • stephiejean37
    stephiejean37 Posts: 75 Member
    I am still new to the weight loss journey but decided I would chime in. I have been at it about 4 months now, started at 335 and am down to 288. Still a work in progress, but I will get there, you all are very motivating!
  • postrockandcats
    postrockandcats Posts: 1,145 Member
    I started here at 245, but probably was 10-15 pounds heavier at my heaviest! I'm now hovering around 151-155.

    245
    7671150444_c926207cc9.jpg

    155-ish
    14903678896_bb73610235.jpg

    Side-By-Side 255 to 155-ish!
    14905205656_16f2107c6e.jpg
  • Chimis_Siq
    Chimis_Siq Posts: 849 Member
    AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!
  • KC7997
    KC7997 Posts: 69 Member
    As someone just about to start this journey (well start again and for the last time ever) this thread inspires me SO much!

    Thank you all for sharing!
  • jmadyun21
    jmadyun21 Posts: 17 Member
    Amazing and inspiring
  • I started at 380 pounds, currently approx 230 pounds, and I have done that thru good eating and exercise and making sure I get adequate sleep :)
Do you Love MyFitnessPal? Have you crushed a goal or improved your life through better nutrition using MyFitnessPal?
Share your success and inspire others. Leave us a review on Apple Or Google Play stores!