What are your inspiring stories? What worked for you?

I would love to hear your weight loss/gain/maintenance story! I could use some inspiration!

My story so far:

I'm 25, 5'8" and 263 lbs. I had my 2nd baby 8 months ago, and my other baby is 19 months. My goal is to be in the 160-170 range, and to enjoy various activities with my kids. I ballooned up to 302 lbs while pregnant with my daughter and I have been obese a majority of my adult life. At 3 months postpartum, I weighed about 285 lbs. Both sides of my family have a history of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness-I could go on. I, miraculously, am only obese- but I know if I continue my bad habits, the other illnesses will follow.

Since May, I've successfully lost 20 lbs on my own. I have so far to go still, at least 90 pounds but I'm excited to see this through!

A variety of things led me to taking my weight loss seriously again. I got kicked off a roller coaster due to my size (absolutely soul crushing, and mortifying), I was denied birth control by my PCP because of my weight, and I was just generally unhappy with my body and my inability to get on the floor with my babies. So far, I've taken up cycling, walking with my kids, and physical therapy. I went back to work after I had my 2nd, and it's a very physically demanding job-which has been a huge help as I routinely exceed my step goal.

The weight loss has been slow. But this time around, it feels more permanent. My relationship with food feels different. I decided to stop beating myself up over every little thing. I don't make foods off limits-but I do log them and keep an eye on my calories. I've been in a consistent deficit and don't feel deprived. This is the first time I've felt good about my decisions regarding weight loss as a whole.

One of my biggest motivators is the need to set a good example for my youngest. She has my body type, and while I think she is beautiful and perfect-I fear she will struggle with her weight and body image like me. I hope to save her heartache, and foster a healthy relationship with food and exercise through my example. It's one thing to let myself down for years, but I can't let her down.

What's your story?
I wish you many losses and gains!