Over 60 success stories please

manderson27 · January 2017

A few years ago I joined MFP and lost over 30 pounds. I was really pleased and my body was changing getting stronger and leaner. Then health issues struck and I have put a lot of that weight back on. Now my issues are under control and I am starting again with my calorie control to lose weight and with the blessing of my physio I can now get back to lifting/excercise.

I would love to hear your over 60 sucess stories and, if you are happy to show and tell, see pictures of how your body changed. It would help me so much to see what it is possible to achieve at my age. Is it possible to reveal my old abs? I am sure they are under there somewhere.

Thank you in advance

scjl132 · February 2017

Hey, I think anything is possible! We're older and in my case, saggier, after an 82 pound loss. I am now at the gym 6 out of 7 days. I am going to do some work with a personal trainer because this weight lifting thing sounds like something I really need to do - even with a neck that gets cranky and a knee that complains. I am sure you can find those abs! Especially with lifting. Post your progress please.

manderson27 · February 2017

@ scjl132 Thanks for your response. 82 pounds is very impressive you must be really proud of your progress. I think maybe lifting heavy would help you to pull in the saggy bits. My physio tells me to think of my muscles as spandex. The more you work them the tighter they pull you in.

Last time I lost the weight quite quickly from diet and my body shape changed from the lifting as well so I made really good progress and felt really strong This time I am struggling with it all a bit.

I think the idea is if you can strengthen the muscles around your knees, hips and core then it helps to keep the joints more stable and therefore you have less pain and inflamation.

Good luck to you, lets get those weights lifted.

shakenbake57 · February 2017

The leg execises have indeed helped my knee pain! Keep at it one day at a time.

manderson27 · February 2017

Oh dear. Am I to assume from this that no one on here over 60 has had any success.

lavender51 · February 2017

Hi, I'm on the way to 60

At 57 I lost four stone and felt fantastic. Mainly achieved through logging all my food intake on MFP and walking.

I'm 58 now and just getting back into weight loss and fitness, determined to get the rest of my weight off and get physically fit.

I've been reading about the benefits of lifting and have decided to have a go.

I've also read articles about a female runner in her 80s and a yoga teacher in her 80s.

Good luck and hope you get some over 60s people sharing their successes. I'm sure there will be lots of them

scjl132 · February 2017

Well, so far there are 3 of us:)

Axeident · February 2017

I'm 64 & had pretty much thrown in the towel. About 5 yrs ago had bad bout of health (chemo etc.) & got in a funk after that, not exactly depressed but just a "what the heck does it matter" attitude about my eating & appearance.

For some reason, I snapped out of it last fall & got enrolled in a nutrition class at our local university hospital. I had wondered for some time if, at my age, I could really make the progress that I wanted - what with a slower metabolism & various other obstacles (bad knee, that sort of thing.)

I enjoyed the class -- the info & support. Even though I mostly knew the material presented, it was good to get a refresher & to have the structure to apply it.

I signed up for a second session -- and have lost about 25 pounds since last September. I plan to lose 15 more & I feel as if I can do it. My food plan is not restrictive & I certainly do not feel as if I'm on a "diet." Just mindful eating & healthy choices.

Another plus is my knee is lots better with that weight reduction & my overall energy & mental state is much improved - so I hope that keeps me on the path!

What were your keys to success the last time you lost 30 & what is your plan now? Will the same methods work or will you explore other approaches?
I hope this thread takes off, too -- it would be helpful. : )

LaceyBirds · February 2017

You might want to peruse this thread: community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10047153/55-65-year-old-womens-success/p1

AnnPT77 · February 2017

Does "thereabouts" count?

I started losing weight in April 2015 at age 59, and joined MFP that July, turning 60 that November. I hit goal in January/February 2016.

At 5'5", SW 183, CW in the 120s - exactly where depends on the day.

I'm now just starting into my second year of weight maintenance, at age 61. More details (background, health improvements, etc.) on my profile page.

This is probably the best before and after:

lavender51 · February 2017

LaceyBirds wrote: »

You might want to peruse this thread: community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10047153/55-65-year-old-womens-success/p1

Just read this. It's a great thread all about older women being successful

I found it very inspiring!

DeweyAndreas · February 2017

AnnPT77 wrote: »

Does "thereabouts" count?

I started losing weight in April 2015 at age 59, and joined MFP that July, turning 60 that November. I hit goal in January/February 2016.

At 5'5", SW 183, CW in the 120s - exactly where depends on the day. I'm now just starting into my second year of weight maintenance, at age 61. More details (background, health improvements, etc.) on my profile page.

This is probably the best before and after:

DeweyAndreas · February 2017

DeweyAndreas wrote: »

AnnPT77 wrote: »

Does "thereabouts" count?

I started losing weight in April 2015 at age 59, and joined MFP that July, turning 60 that November. I hit goal in January/February 2016.

At 5'5", SW 183, CW in the 120s - exactly where depends on the day. I'm now just starting into my second year of weight maintenance, at age 61. More details (background, health improvements, etc.) on my profile page.

This is probably the best before and after:

Great job! At 64 I hope to achieve similar results. The before and after is really motivating!

manderson27 · February 2017

lavender51 wrote: »

Hi, I'm on the way to 60

At 57 I lost four stone and felt fantastic. Mainly achieved through logging all my food intake on MFP and walking.

I'm 58 now and just getting back into weight loss and fitness, determined to get the rest of my weight off and get physically fit.

I've been reading about the benefits of lifting and have decided to have a go.

I've also read articles about a female runner in her 80s and a yoga teacher in her 80s.

Good luck and hope you get some over 60s people sharing their successes. I'm sure there will be lots of them

Thanks for responding. That is fantastic. I used to lift until I had my health issues hoping to get back to it as it is awesome. You should certainly give it a go.

manderson27 · February 2017

Axeident wrote: »

I'm 64 & had pretty much thrown in the towel. About 5 yrs ago had bad bout of health (chemo etc.) & got in a funk after that, not exactly depressed but just a "what the heck does it matter" attitude about my eating & appearance.

For some reason, I snapped out of it last fall & got enrolled in a nutrition class at our local university hospital. I had wondered for some time if, at my age, I could really make the progress that I wanted - what with a slower metabolism & various other obstacles (bad knee, that sort of thing.)

I enjoyed the class -- the info & support. Even though I mostly knew the material presented, it was good to get a refresher & to have the structure to apply it.

I signed up for a second session -- and have lost about 25 pounds since last September. I plan to lose 15 more & I feel as if I can do it. My food plan is not restrictive & I certainly do not feel as if I'm on a "diet." Just mindful eating & healthy choices.

Another plus is my knee is lots better with that weight reduction & my overall energy & mental state is much improved - so I hope that keeps me on the path!

What were your keys to success the last time you lost 30 & what is your plan now? Will the same methods work or will you explore other approaches?
I hope this thread takes off, too -- it would be helpful. : )

Thanks for your response. You are right about getting a refresher being very useful, we all need to get back to basics sometimes.

Last time I lost the weight I logged religiously and was exercising 3 times a week. Mostly lifting heavy with some cardio and aqua aerobics. I felt amazing then I got joint issues from arthritis and it floored me for a while. Like you said I just thought what's the point.

I am trying now to get back that feeling of "I can do this" You have helped a lot thank you.

manderson27 · February 2017

AnnPT77 wrote: »

Does "thereabouts" count?

I started losing weight in April 2015 at age 59, and joined MFP that July, turning 60 that November. I hit goal in January/February 2016.

At 5'5", SW 183, CW in the 120s - exactly where depends on the day. I'm now just starting into my second year of weight maintenance, at age 61. More details (background, health improvements, etc.) on my profile page.

This is probably the best before and after:

You look fabulous thank you so much for posting your pics. Really helped me to see the possibilities. I don't want to be dragging this weight around any more.

manderson27 · February 2017

LaceyBirds wrote: »

You might want to peruse this thread: community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10047153/55-65-year-old-womens-success/p1

Thanks for finding this for me Laceybirds didn't find this when I searched. Needed wider parameters I guess. Very inspiring.

manderson27 · March 2017

Just wanted to share this link with all my over 60 year old friends and anyone else who is worried they can't get fit in middle age. This lady is amazing and started at the age of 57 !!!!

http://ernestineshepherd.net/?page_id=2

suzesvelte · March 2017

I'm 58
Battled with my weight ALL My life. Been as heavy as 18 stone and never been much less than 12. But I am muscular!

Never quite nailed maintenance- that is the main thing I want to do different this time. I had advanced bowel cancer 10 years ago. That led to 5/6 years of many different treatments but I tried to use it as a springboard for greater health and researched about anti-cancer lifestyles. I pretty much manage that and have recently been given the all clear by my oncologist. Yay.

However, even "healthy" eating needs calorie control! I had crept back up to nearly 15 stone this January

Currently looking like this.

I am a gym bunny and cycle a lot.
Those women in their 80s with great arms are really inspiring me.

We can do this. It's not rocket science and there are lots of health benefits to good nutrition.

Height 5ft 7
SW 14st 11lbs
CW. 13st 3lb (22lb off in 12 weeks)
GW. 11st something.

lorrpb · March 2017

5'7"
SW 301
CW 154
Took 2 1/2 years
Maintaining for about 6 months
Started at 59 yo, now 61
When I started, I totally believed that it was metabolically impossible for my body to lose weight at my age. Never have I been so thrilled to be WRONG!!
This story was written by my local newspaper about a year ago. Links to other articles & posts appear on my profile page.
http://archive.kitsapsun.com/news/woman-making-strides-in-weight-loss-fitness-2cecd299-3c0a-5674-e053-0100007f162c-370759861.html

Rocknut53 · March 2017

Yes, totally possible! Here's my story and since I posted this I've added a 3x/week strength training program (should have done it all along!) and am seeing results. As far as the old abs...they are there, but the loose skin keeps them somewhat hidden. I do have ribs, collar, hip and cheek bones I'd forgotten existed.

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10497297/one-year-50-pounds-gone#latest

manderson27 · March 2017

These are all so inspiring thank you all for posting your pics and stories. I am full of hope for this year. Want to meet my next birthday in a bikini I did find this lady. I did put a link in an above post. This lady is 79 and only started working out at 56 there is hope for us all.

http://www.informationng.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ernestine.jpg

griffinca2 · March 2017

Hi, I'm 66; do weights (heavy as I can w/o causing injury) three days a week; moderate cardio (helps w/LDL issues). My original goal was to lose abt seven or eight lbs; ended up losing 11; even kept it off while I was incapacitated when I broke my right wrist. Trying to keep as much muscle mass as poss (and maybe add a little more). I've seen Ernestine before and feel if she can do it so can I. "Keep on keeping on; "it's only a #!!"

laura2137 · March 2017

I started last July, lost 33 pounds by December......with overseas guests, Christmas and trips, I have maintained my loss with a fluctuation of 3 to 4 pounds....I have just started back now for some more loss, I want to loose another 20 pounds, I haven't exercised so far except for the occasional walk or swim, I will start a more regular regiment.....just turned 66 in January.....
ps: I'm 63 on my profile picture, don't have the before pictures as I hated to see myself overweight.....so I'll post one on goal weight.....I'm full of admiration for the weightlifting bodies of these ladies.....so I will start lifting weight.....Good luck, to all seniors ladies out there, we just need to be patient.

rdmitch · March 2017

l'll join your over 60 circle. I passed the 62 mark in January. Started MFP on December 26 and have done well so far. I have adjusted my
goal twice already dropping it a bit each time. Not too far from goal currently and feel much better about myself.
Have not done heavy lifting but kept with light cardio and walking ( mostly walking the dogs).

LColl3227 · March 2018

Good afternoon. I'm not sure who might still be monitoring this discussion, but I thought I'd try. I'm a 68 year old man in decent shape. Using My Fitness Pal, I've lost about 20 pounds over the years and have kept it off. My issue is that I have a bit of high blood pressure and I need to monitor my salt intake and probably loose another 3-5 pounds. My Fitness Pal seems to be a good way to monitor all this. Question - Is anyone else using the program in this way? If so, may I ask what kind of success have you had? Thank you in advance for your reply.

Kimmotion5783 · March 2018

Hi Manderson27! Welcome back, and don't worry- you totally got this, you can do it! I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better and getting back on track! God bless!

In answer to your question: I have lost a 117 pounds and counting. Here's my story:

Once upon a time, I was morbidly obese and weighed in at a whopping 355 pounds. It was March of 2016, and I was down to my last pair of jeans which had just ripped. I headed into a plus size clothing store called Avenue because their clothes are fabulous and up until now, they're the only store that fits me. Anway, I went for my usual size 22 jeans only to discover they did not fit... at all!!! Okay, size 24 you are up... or not

!!!! The size 24 jeans were INCREDIBLY tight, as in maybe suck in my stomach, a little oil, and I can zipper up! I probably accurately fit a size 26, but I just couldn't do it because that would place me in the "super plus size" section of the store (26-32). I just couldn't believe it, I had gotten to the point where not even the special plus size store clothes were fitting me! Something had to change, and it had to be me.

Things had really gotten out of hand: I was tired all the time, no energy, sick ALL THE TIME- everything that came my way, I got it. I would get the flu and put it in my phone calendar that it would arrive again in six months and like clockwork, there it was again. To quote Ozzy Osbourne, I was "sick and tired of being sick and tired". I just couldn't do it anymore, the time had come: something had to be done about all this.

So I took the size 24 jeans home determined to make them fit and starting that night, I began to make some changes. First thing to go was soda since that was the worst of my many bad habits. I went through two 12-packs of soda a week, so I gave myself a "microchallenge" for the week: each night at dinner, I had to substitute soda with a healthier alternative (milk, juice, water, seltzer or homemade unsweetened iced tea). It worked like a charm! I ended up doing this well beyond the first week and soon after found the headaches went away, the bloating went down and my sugar cravings were disappearing! Next thing to go was fast food. I either made a healthy dinner at home (which I found more satisfying) or if I really wanted a burger, I found a healthier version of it (like a turkey, chicken or bison burger), and I had to have a veggie with it. So long, fast food! I can't even stand the smell of it anymore, it makes me want to puke.

Next thing was to get moving, but I was so afraid to exercise because I feared people judging me, the big fat girl. "I'm too big". "People will make fun of me". "people will judge me". "I can't even make it up a flight of stairs without wanting to pass out". "How am I going to do this?! What if?!" All these fears and doubts circled in my head. Then I read this article online about how Mick Jagger- a 70-something year old rockstar- eats super healthy and has this insane workout regimen. He works with a trainer, does swimming, jogging, kickboxing, resistance/strength training... just to name a few!!! Well, s***! If a 70 year old rockstar could do all that normal stuff, then I just ran out of excuses! (That counts as cardio, right?!) But where to start... that's when my friend Melissa, who takes yoga classes at the library where I work, gave me the idea- do a short beginner yoga video from YouTube for a few days in the week in the privacy of my own home. "A few days" became everyday. I loved it. I still do that same yoga routine before I workout; it helps me to stretch, calm and focus. Yoga turned into "it's a nice day, I'm going to walk outside around the block tonight", which turned into long walks at the local parks, which turned into joining a gym. Now I go every single day, and I love it. It's a celebration of what my body can do.

In two years, I went from a morbidly obese couch potato to a loud, proud, health-crazed, gym rat. This has been the best decision of my life, best thing I ever did for myself. I feel like I have my life back and am in control. I feel like I can do anything. I turned my life around. i still got another 80 pounds to go, but I'll get there. I want to get to the middle of my normal weight range (about 160 pounds). I will achieve my goal!!!

Kimmotion5783 · March 2018

By the way, to all who have responded to this thread with your amazing weight loss success stories- I wanna congratulate you! That is awesome, you should be very proud of all the great work you have done. Folks, we are changing the world!

Jimb376mfp · March 2018

From age 65 (2013) I started WW @ 376#
Today 3/29/18 O made my Goal Weight 184! Today I weighed 182. Age 70 less than my HS football weight!

suzesvelte · September 2019

Bump - any more for any more?

debtay123 · October 2019

This is great- I am 59 but I still decided to join your little discussion- I am so happy to now be within 5-8 pounds of my goal weight- Great discussion and lots of inspiration

Over 60 success stories please

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