9 months + 90 pounds later -- progress report (w/pics)

Today marks 9 months since I made the decision to change the way I live my life, to replace my unhealthy habits (laziness and gluttony) with regular exercise, proper nutrition (in healthy portions), and lots of water.

In that time, I have lost just over 90 pounds and a LOT of inches.

In turn, I have also gained some things: good health, confidence, and the knowledge that I am setting a positive example for my family and friends.

Here are some of my stats (I'm 5'10"):

************WEIGHT************
Starting: 280.0 pounds / Current: 189.6 pounds
**Loss: 90.4 pounds

*********MEASUREMENTS*********
Starting Hip: 54.0 inches / Current Hip: 41.0 inches
**Loss: 13.0 inches

Starting Thigh: 32.0 inches / Current Thigh: 23.0 inches
**Loss: 9.0 inches each, total 18.0 inches

Starting Calf: 19.5 inches / Current Calf: 15.75 inches
**Loss: 3.75 inches each, total 7.5 inches

Starting Waist: 45.5 inches / Current Waist: 29.5 inches
**Loss: 16.0 inches

Starting Chest: 51.0 inches / Current Chest: 42.0 inches
**Loss: 9.0 inches

Starting Upper Arm: 16.0 inches / Current Upper Arm: 12.0 inches
**Loss: 4.0 inches each, total 8.0 inches

Starting Neck: 15.5 inches / Current Neck: 13.5 inches
**Loss: 2.0 inches

****TOTAL INCHES LOST: 73.5 inches

I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I've received on here.

As far as sizes, here are the changes I've made:

PANTS -- Starting: 24W / Current: 13-14

SHIRTS -- Starting: XXL / Current: Small

DRESSES -- Starting: 20W / Current: 10 (with an occasional 8 if it has lots of room for my boobs)

BRAS -- Starting: 44F / Current: 36G

PANTIES -- Starting: 12 / Current: 7

Also, I haven't been able to wear my wedding ring for months (I will have it resized when I'm done losing, which is less than 10 pounds away now) because it is WAY too big. It is a 9 1/2 and I now wear a Size 6 ring.

This is what I looked like to start with:


And here is what I look like now:


People always want to know how I've done it - no fad diets or anything like that - I eat nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks (including the dreaded carbs, but in healthy forms), drink lots of water, and exercise regularly. I started out just walking around the neighborhood but have incorporated a lot of other things as well. I'm a Zumba addict, although I have no rhythm and look ridiculous doing it, and try other forms of exercise whenever I feel like it. I typically exercise anywhere from 30-60 minutes a day 5-6 days a week.