Stories and advice from people that have lost over 100 pounds

t_whittaker10690 · April 2018

Looking to hear from people that have successfully lost over 100 pounds. Share your story and offer any words of wisdom to those of us looking to lose 100+

Vicham76 · April 2018

Started out 07-10-2017 at 380lbs. I am currently at 245lbs. I eat 2000-2200 calories ( this # is my maintenance amount for my ideal bmi as recommended by TDEE). I added walking for a half hour a day and the occasional exercise like rowing or dumbbells. My key is logging consistently and weighing my food.

babylovers · May 2018

Lost 158 pounds . Went from 5'6 360 pounds to 202. The way I got here so far has been staying very focused and dedicated on my progress. Everyday needs to be setting off with your mind focused on the prize your focus will motivate you enough to put forward the effort of what it takes to be successful. Your mind is very strong and can get you wherever you believe it will get you so believe in your success and it will happen. Cico is the way to loose body fat . I tell people that I eat myself lol it sounds funny but its so true when you eat less than what your body needs for that day then your body will eat your own body fat
( stored fuel). Figure out how many calories your body needs and eat less than that and make sure you weigh and track everything . I personally loved the tool of eating very low carbs. I felt hungry when eating carbs and dieting but once I stopped eating carbs my sugars wouldn't spike n crash so I was literally barely ever hungry. So tho I believe cico is the only way for weight loss I do think low carb is a plus . I went extreme and probley ate very little and exercised allot. So on average I would eat 1000 calories and then exercise 50 mins a day. And did not eat back calories. I lost 3.4 - 4 pounds a week most weeks. Probley too extreme but that's what I chose . No matter how u get there you can do it if you believe it. Success taste better than anything that temps you to give in. Your strong believe it.

VUA21 · May 2018

In 2015 I weight more than 350lbs. Today I am at 180lbs.

Things I've learned:
1. You have to be motivated. You cannot rely on others for motivation. While friends can be helpful, without you finding your own motivation, failing is all too easy
2. There are no "bad" foods. Everything in moderation. Eat at a calorie deficit, but don't deny yourself foods. Just eat smaller amounts or increase exercise to work them into your diet.
3. If you have a bad day, that's okay. Everyone has bad days. All that means is that you are human, there are 8 billion of us, so welcome to being human.
4. If you royally screw up. That's okay. Just don't give up. It's a lot like riding a bike, giving up after falling off once is pretty silly, same with learning better habits for long term sustainable weight loss
5. You will probably lose friends. It's sad, but when some people no longer want to hang out with you because you're "getting too skinny" it's a real eye opener: you were the "fat friend" and were only a "friend" so that they feel better about themselves
6. Yes, it is as simple as CICO. Although, when you start losing and keeping noticable weight off you will be asked how you did it. Even if you go into detail, most people will not believe you. I've been accused of having surgery, doing fad diets (that I refuse to share because I'm "a *kitten*), and everything else.
7. Excess skin happens. Weight loss is not linear. You cannot spot reduce where you lose fat first or last. It's genetics, and except with surgery, there's not much you can do about it
8. When people start truly seeing how much you are losing, it's time to go shopping. After years or even decades of shopping in plus sizes, we all need help as to what looks good on us and fits. Ask for help, the sales people have no idea you've lost weight, they will pick things that suit your needs body. Wrap dresses and stretchy jeans are your friends: you can get a lot more life out of something that can shrink a few sizes with you.

zyxst · May 2018

My story - http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10316526/for-the-lurkers-173-lost-pics-numbers/p1

Good luck.

Baby steps.

Be honest in logging (if you choose to log).

Eat what you enjoy just in smaller amounts.

Find an exercise/workout you enjoy.

Take measurements.

Above all, find what works for you.

seltzermint555 · May 2018

VUA21 wrote: »

In 2015 I weight more than 350lbs. Today I am at 180lbs.

Things I've learned:
1. You have to be motivated. You cannot rely on others for motivation. While friends can be helpful, without you finding your own motivation, failing is all too easy
2. There are no "bad" foods. Everything in moderation. Eat at a calorie deficit, but don't deny yourself foods. Just eat smaller amounts or increase exercise to work them into your diet.
3. If you have a bad day, that's okay. Everyone has bad days. All that means is that you are human, there are 8 billion of us, so welcome to being human.
4. If you royally screw up. That's okay. Just don't give up. It's a lot like riding a bike, giving up after falling off once is pretty silly, same with learning better habits for long term sustainable weight loss
5. You will probably lose friends. It's sad, but when some people no longer want to hang out with you because you're "getting too skinny" it's a real eye opener: you were the "fat friend" and were only a "friend" so that they feel better about themselves
6. Yes, it is as simple as CICO. Although, when you start losing and keeping noticable weight off you will be asked how you did it. Even if you go into detail, most people will not believe you. I've been accused of having surgery, doing fad diets (that I refuse to share because I'm "a *kitten*), and everything else.
7. Excess skin happens. Weight loss is not linear. You cannot spot reduce where you lose fat first or last. It's genetics, and except with surgery, there's not much you can do about it
8. When people start truly seeing how much you are losing, it's time to go shopping. After years or even decades of shopping in plus sizes, we all need help as to what looks good on us and fits. Ask for help, the sales people have no idea you've lost weight, they will pick things that suit your needs body. Wrap dresses and stretchy jeans are your friends: you can get a lot more life out of something that can shrink a few sizes with you.

I've gone from 307 in 2007 to the 170s in 2014 (where I have been maintaining since then, with occasional drops into the 160s). I lost around 40 lb before "discovering" MFP in 2013, and the remaining 90 lb went much more quickly thanks to this site & tracking all of my calories.

I could pretty much say all of the exact same things as above, but instead I will just say "ditto".
ESPECIALLY #6-7.

One thing that I wish I could get through to some friends & acquaintances is how important it is to just be consistent, for long term success. I feel like most people who want to lose 50, 100, and more, are so focused on rapid results and restriction that they wind up with little or no success over the long term even if they may drop pounds & sizes for a couple of months. It's just too hard to eat a super restrictive diet long term (for most people).

I also think a lot of the TV shows about losing over 100 lb give pretty unrealistic examples. Or People magazine when they show women who have lost 225 lb and have perfect flat bellies and no cellulite. The person who looks like that without multiple surgeries is truly a unicorn.

Tom8519 · May 2018

I started at 265 and after a year im down to 147. I got started by doing keto and alot of cardio. Now i just keep track of my calorie intake and try not to eat junk.

rbfdac · May 2018

135 pounds lost, got 10 more to go.

1. WEIGHT LOSS IS NOT LINEAR. There will be ups and downs, but you want to see an overall trend of going down over time. And it will take time!

2. Never give up. You will have good days and you will have bad days. You may even have an entirely bad week, but you've GOT to keep at it. If you stick to it, the weight WILL come off.

3. You will have stalls. You will try everything in the world to break it and it will seem like nothing helps. When this happens, you refer back to number 2.

4. Take body measurements monthly and weigh every two weeks. Do not let that scale become your enemy. It's a tool used to keep track of your progress, not the end all, be all.

5. Seconding the loose skin from above. You will have some to an extent. Don't be afraid of it, but be prepared for it.

6. Your brain may not follow your body. This may not happen for you, but prepared if it does. 100 pounds is a lot of weight and we get used to seeing ourselves a certain way. Your brain may take time to follow reality.

7. LOG EVERYTHING YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH. Even if you go over. Always log everything. It helps to pinpoint trends and helps keep you accountable. The only person you are hurting when you try to skip logging or "fib" log is yourself.

8. Lean on MFP peeps. We are a great group of people with similar goals and we can be so supportive on those days that you just can't seem to support yourself.

9. This is the tip that has helped me the most--- focus on goals OTHER than the weight loss. My focuses have been on fitness, rather than weight, but it can be on anything in your life! At the beginning of my journey, I focused on little things like jogging for 2 minutes straight, walking a little bit longer on the treadmill, etc., but you can also focus on fitting into an old pair of jeans or a booth at your favorite restaurant.. Just find something else to focus on so the weight on that scale doesn't drive you nuts.

9. The most important?? BE KIND TO YOURSELF. You are a work in progress and always will be. When you hit your goal weight, you'll shift your goals to something else. Just support yourself and be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up when you slip-- give yourself a pep talk to get back on track!

elisa123gal · May 2018

VUA21 wrote: »

In 2015 I weight more than 350lbs. Today I am at 180lbs.

5. You will probably lose friends. It's sad, but when some people no longer want to hang out with you because you're "getting too skinny" it's a real eye opener: you were the "fat friend" and were only a "friend" so that they feel better about themselves

love this point! profound..true.

jonesite · May 2018

This is a great post, I have only started my journey, but I hope to be there with you down the road. Thanks for your insight and tips.

Cutemesoon · May 2018

To quote @VUA21

"5. You will probably lose friends. It's sad, but when some people no longer want to hang out with you because you're "getting too skinny" it's a real eye opener: you were the "fat friend" and were only a "friend" so that they feel better about themselves."
I lost 100lbs & This totally happened to me. Just focus on urself and ur happiness. Often times people get jealous because ur forcing them to look at their own faults. Good luck on your journey!

PS-I agree with all of VUA21's points. They're spot on.

bdferguson1 · May 2018

Our stories are similar! I will be 30 next year and also have a 5 year olds daughter! She is a big motivating factor for me! Along with not wanting this life to be my life forever. I want better and to not be limited by my weight.

I honestly had not realized how much I had let myself go. I have always been over weight, for as long as I can remember. It really hit me hard when I got pictures back from a mommy daughter photo shoot and saw how big I was. I stepped on the scale and was shocked when I saw 328!! I was the biggest I had ever been. I had never lost weight successfully before, but I wanted to live an active life and set a good example for my daughter. I didn’t want her to be embarrassed of me as she gets older and realizes not everyone’s mom is overweight like I am.

It has been a challenge. I fall off the wagon some weeks, but am determined to keep going. I started in September of last year and I am almost at 50 lbs lost. I could have lost more by now, but that isn’t helpful thinking. I just focus on keeping on until I am happy. Still a long way to go, but at least I’m going.

Feel free to add me or message me anytime! It is always nice to have someone to walk the path with you.

whosshe · May 2018

Keep at it. I have just lost a little over 100lbs (like 101lbs lol) but the biggest thing I can say is keep at it. It gets tough, you will slip, you will fall, but as long as you remain consistent it will happen. You do not need to kill yourself working out (unless that's for you then all the power to you ). Follow your calories and even if you're over for the day, as long as you're under maintenance calories you are still heading in the right direction.

Being 22 and being obese was not the life I wanted to live. It is so possible to lose 100lbs.

erniewebbiii · May 2018

t_whittaker10690 wrote: »

Looking to hear from people that have successfully lost over 100 pounds. Share your story and offer any words of wisdom to those of us looking to lose 100+

1. You're going to plateau at some point. When you do, you have to keep pushing. Change up your workout routine a bit, but do not give up.
2. There will be days where you cheat. Do not beat yourself up. Just move on and get right back to what you were doing. Don't let the negative energy get you.
3. Have a support system. I'm fortunate to have an amazing wife who has never once said a word about my weight. In fact, she's tiny and asked me out when I was a good 80 pounds overweight. She's my rock. I also have a very supportive family, and MFP is great.
4. Never starve yourself. That's only going to lead to a bingefest.
5. Ignore anyone who doubts you. I was plenty motivated by the fact that high school and growing up was not easy as an overweight/obese child. It wasn't my main motivation, but there's nothing like rolling into a class reunion in much better shape than those who made fun of you and WITH the prom queen (who I ended up marrying).
6. Love yourself. You will not reach your goals until you can look in the mirror and say that. And you really have to do it before you start to be successful. After years of not doing so, I finally walked up to the mirror, literally, and said, "You're a good person. You deserve the best." Within a month, I was dating my future wife and working out again.
7. Never believe that you can't do it. Of course you can.

trcaylor · May 2018

I’m not at 100 pounds lost yet but I hope to be there soon. My highest weight was 225 I’m currently 146. This is what I did to help get me started.
1. I didn’t weigh for the first three months. I told myself don’t make this all about weight. I was miserable with my life because I was so uncomfortable with everything. I hated going out in public etc. I told myself it’s not about the weight just try to get to a happier place. I finally weighed after the 3rd month and I was down like 30 pounds and I credit this to my success because I didn’t watch the ounces bounce back and forth so therefore I was never discouraged. Because I wasn’t so dependent on a number I kept going.
2. I walked 30 minutes a day. I made myself do it if I messed up on my diet or if I was too tired. It is just 30 minutes. If you have 30 minutes to check social media then you have 30 minutes to go on a walk. I started doing the c25k app and it is ok if you have to do the week one for several weeks to get comfortable.
3. I deleted social media. I know people think it’s crazy but I deleted my distractions. I would see on instagram the fit people and feel like I would never be there and I would get so discouraged. If I found myself wanting to pull it up I would put my phone down and go do something. I was actually caught up on laundry lol. Take time for yourself to figure out your goals without the influence of something telling you what or who you should be. Figure out why you got to the place you are now. I got here by my life becoming so sedentary I had 3 babies in 5 years quit school and work and became a stay at home mom. I simply quit moving so much. Then come up with a plan to fix that. I got a puppy several months ago lol. I have to walk him like 4 times a day.
4. I made myself 3 options for my meals. It made it not so boring and I kept them stocked so like for breakfast I would wake up and decide out of the three what I wanted to eat. Then lunch what did I want that day I had three options that would all fit into my calorie goal and I knew I had all the ingredients to it. I ate I think a popsicle everyday lol I got the low calorie fudge stix maybe it kept me sane I don’t know but I used to LOVE ice cream and that is one of the things that would mess me up so I found a low calorie option. I no longer eat one every night but in the beginning I did.

I’m still figuring it out too but the number one thing I can say is just don’t stop. That’s all. Keep trying to find what works for you and keep doing it. I used to look at all the success stories and the only difference between them and me was that while I stopped they kept going. Stop wasting your time. I know I have “dieted” since I was 18 and at 24 I was still 225 pounds. You owe it to yourself to be committed to being better for you. I just turned 25 and for the first time I was actually 160lbs. If I wouldn’t have been committed and didn’t actually commit to it you know where I would be? I would have been turning 25 years old still 225 pounds still wishing hoping one day I could lose weight. Now when I turn 26 I KNOW I will be around 120 pounds AND I KNOW I will not be wishing to lose weight anymore. I refused to be the girl I was at 225 pounds year after year crying to lose weight. You can do this. You don’t have to be that girl either. Be the woman that you know is inside of you. Let her come out. Let her show you who you really are and how strong you are. I know she will surprise you and show you what you are capable of.

Stories and advice from people that have lost over 100 pounds

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