who has lost 80 pounds and more

luciemarieleduc · September 2017

Hi,

so if you lost 80 pounds and was over 250 pounds female before, what made you stick to it? how often a week did you work out if you are a mom at night and a worker at day?

what most best tips you think you could give me if you had to pick only 3?

can you really go from a size 20 to a size 12 again when you are over 40 and don't have time to work out?

cmriverside · September 2017

I lost more than 80 pounds total. 70+ by using this site only.

I lost that weight ten years ago at age 53. I've kept it off by focusing on a wide variety of foods.

I still log my food. It's about staying in your calories, and adjusting as needed. And time. You don't need to exercise, I'd say you get plenty of activity with kids and a job. Start logging your food every day. Try to get some sleep! Sleep is really important and I'd bet it's in short supply.

I'm a size 8-10 now. Used to be a 20. 5'7" 140.

luciemarieleduc · September 2017

wow very motivating, thank you for this!!! and sleep? what is that, lol thank you !!!!!!!!!

caches87 · September 2017

I lost over 90lbs. I started with juicing. Watched a documentary called fat sick and nearly dead and it inspired me. Lost 20lbs in 20 days! Felt amazing didn't workout just worked at walmart and walked a lot and then after losing that weight my cousin told me i looked like GUMBY (cartoon character) so i switched to something different. After that i tried insanity wasn't eating too healthy but was eating less. After insanity I started lifting that's when i saw a HUGE difference. It was more in my measurements then my weight. The smallest i've ever been was 172 I had no booty and undefined legs. Once i started lifting with clean eating (5 days a week) only drinking water I gained muscle and was 185lbs 18% body fat. I looked good felt good. I am now a new mom at 25 and 222lbs. I cant do my old routine with new baby but am starting a home routine until then. It was hard there were times where i was on the floor crying because i couldn't eat what i wanted. Before this journey i was addicted to food, literally. Food for comfort, happiness and whatever else i was feeling. I fought a long time to overcome that. I was bullied for being fat as a kid ALL THE TIME BY friends AND family. I was inspired by the feeling i had inside. I went from being a miserable person to someone completely different because i wanted to. Noone could take it away from me. I put in the sacrifice and hard work. With that i got back just what i wanted. Thats what kept me going.

Lucy1752 · September 2017

46, went from a 20/22 to solid 10 (a few 8s and a few 12s) in 18 months
Work full time at a desk job
Not an exercise fan - I walk, do a little yoga, tai chi, nothing exceptionally calorie burning
Definitely doable

Sorry - edited to add - that was 75 - 80 pounds. 5 pounds left, but happy with where I am and fluctuating around the 75 - 80 lost area.

estherdragonbat · September 2017

80.4 as of last week.

1) Be realistic about your relationship with food. If you feel you want to have treats, make them fit your day. A treat is not necessarily a cheat. It's a choice.
2) Pre-log before going into a 'food situation'. There are two foods that are traditionally eaten on Hannukah (may vary by culture): filled donuts and potato latkes. Going to a party and knowing that 1/2 a custard donut and three small potato latkes were already in my diary, weren't taking me over my calories, and wouldn't even be a setback, let alone 'blow my diet' meant that when I went in, I had the 1/2 donut and latkes and skipped all the guilt and negative self-talk that usually sent me off the rails.
3) Exercise is not essential for weight-loss. However, speaking as someone who generally eats out of stress, boredom, or other emotions? Exercise helps with mood, stress levels, and keeps me busy. So, while it's definitely possible to lose weight without exercise, it's much easier with.

I'm 45. I've gone from a 3X (whatever size that is in numbers) to a Large (normal, non-plus-sized 14) and I'm still 43-odd pounds away from goal. 5'3" and 173.6 right now.

luciemarieleduc · September 2017

this is awesome!!!!! you guys/ gals are awesome! thank you for sharing this,

Lucy1752 · September 2017

@estherdragonbat "A treat is not necessarily a cheat. It's a choice." - I love this!

brookielaw · September 2017

239.4 down from my highest, and 181 of them since giving birth. 43 and have gone from a 30/32 or 28W to a 8 and 6 in a couple of super-vanity sized items. I work a stressful full-time desk job.

1. I made a tiny human (with a little help from my husband). I had to be able to keep up with her. She is learning how to eat and be active from me. I don't want her to have the same problems I have had. I work out when I can. Once a week I lift. I try to swim 3 times a week. I walk a couple of times a week on my lunch break and generally do things to stay active.
2. (1) When you have a bad day, let it be just that, ONE bad day. Dust yourself off and get back to it. (2) Figure out your "why" and remind yourself of that every chance you get. (3) Be honest with your logging, and log everything.
3. Yes. Of course you can. Eat less, move more. Make better choices. Make time to be active, your kids will need it too. You can squeeze time in for movement but "working out" is not per se required. Walk on lunch breaks, get up and move every hour somehow. It all adds up but it's really a matter of CI<CO.

SafioraLinnea · September 2017

I've lost 62 pounds and have 30-40 to go. I started at a tight size 20, I'm currently in a 14 but they are getting loose on me.

My daughter is my biggest inspiration. I want her to be proud of me, not embarrassed at my size.

My best tips:
1. Make quality nutrient dense food a priority. Snacks and treats and junk are fine in small quantities but at least 90% of my intake is nutritious high quality grains, veggies, fruit, meat, fish, nuts, and seeds. Ensure you eat no more than your allowed amount of calories daily. Calorie intake matters.
2. Sleep. Get enough of it. I go to bed earlier than I did before I had my baby to offset waking in the night with my girl. I'm in bed by 10pm, and sleep until 630-730 depending on when my happy baby alarm clock wakes up. That usually gives me 7-8 hours of sleep. Yes, it is broken by baby wake ups but I still get the sleep my body needs.
3. Make exercise a family event. I bring my daughter with me when I exercise and have no intention of changing this. She's only 10 months old so it's pretty easy to pop her in the stroller and go for a run. I also do bodyweight strength exercise at home. Sometimes it's bodyweight +22lbs because she likes to "help" mommy and thinks my yoga mat is her personal playground. As she gets older I will take her to the gym with me, go on hikes, take walks together, ride bikes together, swim, go rock climbing etc. All physical activities that are healthy for both of us.

seltzermint555 · September 2017

I'm 40 now but lost a ton of weight from roughly age 31-36, but most of it between 35-36.

My HW was 307. I started using MFP in the 260s (size 22). Now 170 (size 10).

What made me stick to it? Vanity, and a boyfriend who cooked a lot of healthy food for me along the way.

I've never worked out in a gym. I do moderate to difficult (1-3 hr) hikes on weekends, walking an hour roughly 3X per week and the occasional bike ride or swim. I'm not a mom but work full-time at a desk job.

My 3 biggest tips are:
1. just be consistent/steady and don't give up. So what if it takes you 10 years to lose 100 lb? At least you'll be down 50 lb in 5 years. It means more to keep off the pounds so you don't have to lose it twice.
2. set yourself up to succeed, especially when it comes to meal planning. Leave room for the foods you crave and love the most so you don't get fed up with the "diet" mindset and just see everything as food that you eat, some of it healthier than others.
3. this one isn't for everyone, but for me personally it is major for me to weigh every day. Every morning when I get up. I understand the fluctuations due to activity, sodium, etc, but seeing the overall trend is helpful and I've found that when I stop weighing daily I start to play games with myself like "oh I can have this extra food I won't weigh tomorrow and then I'll do great the following day". For me that's not a good idea.

rainbow198 · September 2017

I lost over 80 pounds a few years ago going from a size 20 heading to a 22 to a size 8. I started off at 254 pounds and I'm in my early 40's now. I have maintained my weight loss without regain since.

What made me stick to it was seeing how quickly my body was adapting to fitness. My major goal was to be physically fit so I started off walking. At first I found it tough to walk around the block without getting sweaty and out of breath.

However as each week passed it got a little easier for me and I was able to go further and longer. This inspired me to keep going. Then I worked on cleaning up my diet and was able to add in different workouts. That's when I really start to see the changes.

Here are some things that worked for me:

- I was kind to myself and to my body. I did not over-exercise or do intense workouts. I did not starve myself or remove food groups from my diet. Also I took the time to learn about my trigger foods and eating patterns and I also learned and did a lot of research on the science behind fat loss and human body physiology and hormones etc.

- I found ways to fit in exercise into my busy life. I would do a short workout on Youtube, walk around on a track or trail for as long as I could or even just do bodyweight work while watching TV.

- Losing weight on my own worked for me. When I tried with other people I found that others tend to slow me down or get in my way. I also kept quiet and didn't talk about my progress. A lot of people - even those that you might be close to you could be rooting for you to fail.

- Bonus: Have patience. I know it's cliche, but slow and steady really won the race for me. I was able to adapt to the changes I was making which eventually became healthy habits. I see so many people go so hard so fast (and I get it!) but many seem to eventually hit the wall, binge and go backwards.

Good luck!

Priss08 · September 2017

I went from a size 24, 315lbs down to a 12/14 and 200lbs (current stats, I'm 5"9'). I lost about 75lbs without exercise. Then I started walking and doing body weight exercises. I still want to loose about 30lbs but now I'm taking my time.

You can change your body and your life, just take it one meal at a time and eventually it will add up to a positive change!

marycgehman · September 2017

I have lost 95 pounds over the last 18 months. I went from 230 lbs (Size 18-20) to 135 lbs (Size 10 dress, 4 pants). I am 58 years old. What keeps me going? I don't ever want to feel or look like that again.

PartyKardy · September 2017

I've lost about 85lbs. When I first started I was obese so working out wasn't so easy for me. I did like 30 min workout videos or couch to 5k in the beginning and was eating very low cal high fat low carb. (IT SUCKED)

After I've lost some weight I started to actually learn more about proper diet and nutrition. I started lifting heavy and stopped running. It's been way better. I am still eating over 2000 cals a day and not doing cardio at all and still losing weight! I've also gone vegan and that's been fabulous!

My advice is:
1. Start doing what you can. If you can't only workout 3 times a week start there.

2. Don't go crazy low cal to start YOU WILL GAIN IT BACK. Lower cals slowly not all at once.

3. Be consistent and patient.

Bonus 4: go vegan if you can

shaunshaikh · September 2017

What an awesome collection of people we have here.

ChelleDee07 · September 2017

I have lost 99.8 lbs (yes... I am exactly .2 away from a 100 lb loss and I should hit that tomorrow) since January 11th of this year. On January 11th, I wore size 2x/3x shirts and size 22/24 pants. I weighed 260 lbs. I currently wear Med/Lg shirts and I am a size 10 in pants. I have a pair that is a size 9 and a 8, but I'm a 10 across the board. For me, I was in the gym and recently... even more so as I was nearing my Goal to drop 100 lbs. You an lose the weight without working out... yes. It is all about calories in versus calories out for sure. However I can't imagine the excess skin I'd have if I hadn't started strength training to tighten and firm as I was losing. I realize that I lost a lot of weight quickly, but I made a complete overhaul with my lifestyle. I changed what I ate. I changed how much I ate. I went from being a couch potato to being active and eventually a gym rat.

The three things I would recommend are:

1) Take Progress Pictures. When you feel like you are not making progress, pictures you have taken along the way can show you otherwise. They are real eye-openers and allow you to see what a mirror just can't. Use those progress pictures to do side by sides for comparisons. Even if you use these photos for your viewing only... they are vital and will help you succeed.

2) Weigh & Log Your Food. Buy a Digital Food Scale. What you think is a serving, 9 times out of 10 is not. Even packaged foods... they may say there is 3 servings inside and it be more/less. Yes, it takes a little time, but you will be surprised at how you become accustomed to it and how much of a difference it will make.

3) When clothes start getting baggy... Let them go. Donate. Don't hold on to them. I gave away my clothes each time they were getting too loose... No going back!!

What kept me motivated... I feel better. I am healthier and doing things I never would have done before losing all this weight. It was Holding me back. I was existing before... I am living my life now. I stay motivated because I refuse to go back!

I will be taking an updated picture this weekend for my 100 lb loss progress update. The pink and blue shirt photo is me at 168.8 lbs and I'm down to 160.2 as of today (Thursday Sept 14th)

getoffin1year · September 2017

I started at 320 on december 8th 2016
Today im 238. A long way to go but I meet ur 80+ lb threshold. I once heard you can break any bad habit in 6 months and lately, eating less and moving more feels normal. My 3 point advice:

1. Get a fitbit or fitness tracker
2. Add friends on there and mfp, theyll help keep you accountable
3. Im a working mom too, try to get ur kids involved. Go to the park, hike, rollerskating, trampoline park, doesnt matter as long as youre moving

Heather4448 · September 2017

I've list slightly over 100 pounds so far; 20ish more pounds to hit my goal. I'm a single mom with 6 kids ages 5-17 and I'm, by no means, unique on this site. So, yeah, it's definitely doable.
*Weigh and measure everything that goes in your mouth.
*Stick to a modest --not punishing-- calorie deficit.
Just do those two things and you will lose weight. I will add one thing, however; I wish I had started lifting weights from day one. That has had the most impact on my body composition. (Also, it's just awesome. I love it.)

Iwannabfit76 · September 2017

Yes you can do it!!!! I'll be 41 this year!
1) DONT GIVE UP just move on! Don't dwell on going over calories. You can mess up but don't stay messed up!
2 GET MOVING it just makes you look better and feel better. Even 30 min of circuit training can burn lots of cals!
3) BE ACCOUNTABLE don't lie to yourself about counting out 13 chips but adding 5 won't hurt lol you bite it, you log it! Control is key to being successful with getting the weight off. You can discipline yourself to workout for x amount of minutes a day but disciplining yourself to not cram Hostess cupcakes and Coca Cola down your throat because someone looked at you wrong in Walmart is where the true success lies.

Most recent

Averaging 4 days a week at the gym

My awesome planking skills ( I'm supposed to be disabled because of major back problems)

Wearing a 4X on the left and an XL shirt on the right

From a 4X to a Large shirt!!!!!

I have been working out again since Feb 2017. I missed 2 months in the summer because of issues with my health. Even with missing,
I averaged 4 days a week of working out. You deserve 30 min or more at least several times a week! Best wishes to you!

brookielaw · September 2017

I just wanted to say to everyone who shared their pics, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE STRONG. YOU ARE AMAZING!

enyagoboom · September 2017

I am 14 lbs/73 days into an 80+ lb loss, so I'm kind of where you are and thought I'd offer my observations so far.

The biggest changes to my mindset and followthrough are:

1. Accountability: everything gets logged. Some days are better than others both with food and with fitness but in the end the only person who cares and who is able to make a difference in this is me, so there is no point fudging numbers.
2. Gradual change becoming habits: fitness, i started slowly and am building up to some big goals, but I am not discouraged by those less than good days. Same with food, small changes have stuck for way longer than they ever did before.
3. Patience: I want to be fit/skinny/better now. It took me a decade to get to this point, and I have small goals to help see me through the next however long it takes to get into a healthy frame and then goals beyond that so I don't have to start over. I never, ever want to go through this again.

There are more, but I think those have had the most impact.

Geocitiesuser · September 2017

I've lost ~130lbs and inadvertently maintain now. The best advice I can give is consistency. It just takes (a lot of) time. Don't get stuck doing fad diets. Eat well, count calories. Do exercise. Every day. Doesn't matter if you're going hard or light, eating carbs or fats. Just put in the effort and stay consistent.

gg3975 · September 2017

I have lost 85 pounds went from a size 22 to a 10 and I am 42. I have kept it off for over a year. My biggest motivation was me! I had to take the time necessary to care for myself so I would be healthy for me and my loved ones. I deserved to feel better and be healthier!! You deserve it too!!
My three biggest advice tips
1. Do exercise you enjoy - I enjoy listening to music while riding a recumbent bike. I enjoy yoga and weight lifting. I stopped doing exercise for calorie burn or weight loss I just do it for enjoyment and how it makes me feel after I am done.
2. Remember to live - don't miss out in life just because you are trying to lose weight. Don't avoid dinners or parties life is too short. Have fun while losing weight! Put weight in its proper place and don't let it rule over your entire life and control you.
3. Listen to your body - you will read a bunch of rules for weight loss and exercise but you know your own body better than anyone so do what works for you.
Hope this is helpful!

mandalunia · September 2017

I just crossed the 120 pounds lost mark this week. I still have 30-40 to go. I was 287 when i started and I am 166 now. I am 46 and a mom who works full time. I am just over a year in my weight loss journey. My success is three things I think. First and most importantly deciding it was possible. I didn't think I could do it for years and years but once I believed stuck too it. Second I didn't forbid myself any food or treat I just really watched my calories. I have candy every day but usually a small amount. If I say no you can't have a candy bar I feel deprived and then quit so I just have a bite of a candy bar. My kids and husband have been amazing helping me and celebrating all along the way. Finally I have become an avid walker walking about 8 miles per day. I walk about three miles in the morning before work (lots of pretty sunrises to see) and then at night either at the gym or around my neighborhood. I haven't missed my minimum 9000 step goal in 285 days and I usually get closer to 20,000 steps.

You can do it if I can believe me.

who has lost 80 pounds and more

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