I have succeeded and exceeded my expectations.

I realize that some may not think it as much a big deal as the many who have lost so much more than I have. But for me this was incredible. 30 pounds is absolutely huge for me. I was and am NOT trying to get rail thin. I only wanted to be healthy and fit my clothing again. My BMI is now under 23 my fat is steadily at 26 or under. Perfect for my age "Fabulous 48 this August". I just want to tell all of you out there... "Don't get discouraged if it takes time to lose pounds". My loss of 30 pounds is since Dec 2009. One week out of every month I gain back and then lose 2pounds. Slow and steady wins the race. I finally have changed my habits and the weight loss came in dribs and drabs over this 1.5 year journey. I'm now at my lightest since the early 80's, thanks to MFP, my friends support and this lifestyle change (the only thing that works to keep it off). Now I am healthier and my RA is not as much an issue as it was. I used to struggle going up and down stairs or even walking in general because the extra weight put so much strain on my joints. The added benefit is my RA has let up. Even my feet went down (all gout type swelling) from an 8.5 wide, back to a size 7medium. I went from super tight (with spare tire) size 8 (I refused to buy a size 10 even though I needed it.) down to now a size 2 with room on my 5 foot 3 inch frame. I was estatic when I reached size 4 and never dreamed I could go any smaller. But look at me now! I wasn't even trying to lose more this past few months and another pound just fell off while I took a rest from exercise due to hurting myself and while my calories went over now and then each week.

Anyhow... that's it with my rambling. I just wanted to let others know that this doesn't happen over night. Sorry no new pictures. But I will have before and afters on my profile before the end of the month. :flowerforyou: