😊😊I have had 8 weeks of My weight MAINTAINING SUCCESSFULLY!! How?

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

WOOHOO on April 4th of this year, I decided it was time to go into maintenance!! I had at my heaviest weighed 288 lbs and have lost 117 lbs now at 171!!

I've lost an entire person!! IT did not happen overnight, nor quickly at all. At 288 lbs I was using a powerchair 97% of the time. In 2010 I joined a different site (which no longer exists) and started to lose weight. HOW??? The same way we do on MFP! I tracked my food and exercised, there was no magic pill to help me, and I didn't do surgery. I have a lot of health issues this was very slow going.

In time when that site closed we went looking for a different site. MFP thankfully fit what we were looking for!! We've been here since August of 2021!! We are coming on year 2!! We are very happy to be here!!

As with many though those 10 years I gained/lost/gained/lost.

After dieting for 13 years I was simply, tired of it. I had decided it was time to stop "dieting" and just enjoy life, but NOT GAIN!! It's so SCARY to stop years of what has come become a habit. Could I maintain my weight?

I belong to the 2023 Spring 5% Challenge which started on April 8th for our first weigh in. My weight was 171.2 it just ended today. My weight in today? 171.2!! Now it was not straightforward I am in congestive heart failure and more. With CHF you gain suddenly, (fluid around the heart) on week 2 I had GAINED 10 LBS!! But, with the meds regulated for this, the following week I was back to my normal weight. This is so new to me, but I had a TON of support thanks to the team I belong to on the 5% Challenge!!

They are celebrating WITH ME!!

If would you like to have the tremendous support I do, please join us on the 2023 Summer 5% Challenge!!

What is the 2023 Summer 5% Challenge? Plz join and have fun as we lose 5% of our weight, improve our health and make new friends. Race to Fascinating Places for 8 Weeks. Now you can write your own success story! Have a chat or post questions in the Airport Lounge Discussion. Your friends are welcome too.

After you click on the link below please be sure to hit the JOIN button and JOIN a team below in the discussion feed.

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/144897-2023-summer-5-community-team-plz-join-us

I have joined the 2023 Summer 5% Challenge where I will continue to work on being healthy. We exercise to our own ability and healthy habits. Here are the ones we will work on in this upcoming challenge.

LindieMaeP · June 2023

@Dianedoessmiles1 I am glad you mentioned the ups and downs of loosing weight and that for some it is medically induced and not being lazy. Yes there will be hard days and easy days, but they go by fast and there are many many non scale victories that can be celebrated along the way. I hope folks will join up and enjoy the Summer5% challenge - you never know, you'll learn new information, and maybe new friends along the way as well. Thanks for your post, Linda

sugarfreesquirrel · June 2023

I don't understand the chart? what do the fourth and fifth columns mean?

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

sugarfreesquirrel wrote: »

I don't understand the chart? what do the fourth and fifth columns mean?

HI @sugarfreesquirrel ,, GREAT QUESTION!! TY TY TY TY The "LTGL" stands for Living The Good Life AKA working on healthy habits which are worked on each week. Having health habits helps us all to lose weight and have long term success which many "plans" neglect to teach members. Such as "buy a meal plan" types. They are great as long as one buys the plan, but what happens when they no longer buy the plan? One becomes often lost, but by learning and developing healthy habits over the 8 weeks (many members sign up for the following challenges) they become a part of our lives. I used to HATE HATE SUPER HATE drinking water, but I started to "only to help my team earn points (that makes way more sense after the first week or 2, our leaders are very happy to help every member along the way). Now? Water is the ONLY way I can quench my thirst! I never would of thought so. We also encourage exercise, at the pace our members join, I was so unhealthy when I first joined, and that was accepted.

I am happy to answer any questions regarding my progress and questions to do with the 5% Team.

sugarfreesquirrel · June 2023

Dianedoessmiles1 wrote: »

sugarfreesquirrel wrote: »

I don't understand the chart? what do the fourth and fifth columns mean?

HI @sugarfreesquirrel ,, GREAT QUESTION!! TY TY TY TY The "LTGL" stands for Living The Good Life AKA working on healthy habits which are worked on each week.

Oh right. What's freggles?

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

sugarfreesquirrel wrote: »

Dianedoessmiles1 wrote: »

sugarfreesquirrel wrote: »

I don't understand the chart? what do the fourth and fifth columns mean?

HI @sugarfreesquirrel ,, GREAT QUESTION!! TY TY TY TY The "LTGL" stands for Living The Good Life AKA working on healthy habits which are worked on each week.

Oh right. What's freggles?

Oh I didn't understand that at first either! It's FRuits/vEGGIES combined into one word. ,Many do not eat enough. Also many are upset they may tend to grab unhealthy snacks.

I myself do have a small bit of eating junk food daily, but I stay in my calorie range. I never used to eat anything healthy. It's been an eyeopener and I've changed through the years. I do feel better in so many ways.

DNjoys · June 2023

We're so proud of you Diane! You have been persistent and persevered through so many health challenges.

I've been a part of the 5% challenges for years. They help me keep weight loss on the front burner and even when I gain, it's less than I would have if I'd not participated. I'm daily aware of the exercise I'm getting and what I'm eating. Most seasons I lose something, and there have been a few times I almost made my 5% - needed a few more weeks and reached it between challenges.

One of the things I love about the 5% is there's something for everyone. Those who are gung ho, at maintenance, or well on their way to their goal, those who have health issues and need to move slower, those recovering from surgery who use pt as their exercise time or get creative with chair exercises or stretching... we all can participate from where we're at with support to move farther along in our journey toward better health and fitness.

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

DNjoys wrote: »

We're so proud of you Diane! You have been persistent and persevered through so many health challenges.

I've been a part of the 5% challenges for years. They help me keep weight loss on the front burner and even when I gain, it's less than I would have if I'd not participated. I'm daily aware of the exercise I'm getting and what I'm eating. Most seasons I lose something, and there have been a few times I almost made my 5% - needed a few more weeks and reached it between challenges.

One of the things I love about the 5% is there's something for everyone. Those who are gung ho, at maintenance, or well on their way to their goal, those who have health issues and need to move slower, those recovering from surgery who use pt as their exercise time or get creative with chair exercises or stretching... we all can participate from where we're at with support to move farther along in our journey toward better health and fitness.

TY TY TY Dee!! We've watched you go through so much and yet, you are making progress!! The work you do is helping us all to know we can do this also!!

peppikaye · June 2023

@Dianedoessmiles1 - Diane you are an inspiration to all of us. You've shown us, no matter what, its all possible. It doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you don't stop.

nbruns83 · June 2023

Hi, I've been a part of these challenges for about 5 years. I'm dealing with the challenges of "maturity." I can no longer eat anything and everything the way I could for most of my life. (Thanks, Daddy, for the great genetics, but...)

I've made some great fitness friends during these challenges, and I know that the accountability I feel being on a team gets me out the door to exercise when it would be easier to "blow it off."

I'm sure many of you would find these challenges as beneficial as I have. I come back every season.

Join us for this summer's challenge.

PaulaKNW · June 2023

Being a member of the 5% challenges has certainly been helpful for me. I learn something new every time with the Living the Good Life daily goals. Not only that, participating here is fun, too. Being a member of a team and earning daily points for the team helps me stay on track and do more than I would normally do if just left on my own. I credit this challenge (I've been doing them for several years) for helping me maintain my healthy habits and weight loss. I'm not always perfect...lol, but I'm better than I would be left to my own devices.

Your story is inspirational! Thanks so much for posting!

CSEGUIN2 · June 2023

I am so glad to be able to be a part of these challenges. I can't remember how many I have done LoL. I have definitely had my ups and downs along the way but have always had the support of the members to never give up.

losemicaroline · June 2023

Diane, you are an inspiration!

I have been participating in the 5% challenges for one year now. I have lost some weight, developed a daily exercise habit, and met a fantastic group of supportive people. I am happy to have found this group and recommend it to others.

Carol

bevpresley1 · June 2023

You are a wonderful inspiration. It is so very important to have support, especially in the hard times.

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

@peppikaye ,,, Indeed and you've shown us so much also!! TY TY TY for stepping up to be a leader and being here!! The speed of success doesn't matter it's STILL success.
@nbruns83 ,, Excellent job!! You brought out such a great point. I feel that also!!! Not wanting us to upset our team when we do not feel like exercising or working on the week's healthy habit, we still try hard. Of course, members are encouraged to take a rest day, or if one chooses to not "rest" to do something different for exercise, resting the muscles as much as they can they use the most. Great point!!
@PaulaKNW ,, LOVE your post also!! The accountability to our teams helps to keep daily our goals in mind. Had you, like myself started, stopped, started to lose weight, stopped before a supportive site? One that encouraged you to keep going? When I joined the 5% I never stopped, it helped me to understand not losing for a bit, or eating something I wish I hadn't was OKAY!! And to keep on trying.
@CSEGUIN2 ,,, SO HAPPY I've gotten to you better over the years!! We both have chatted on the main team on the chat, I became busier, but think of you all often. From time to time I pop in, but do not leave a message. You do amazing and have had quite some challenges, indeed you keep on going. WTG!!
@losemicaroline ,, HOW cool!! We are delighted to have you with us!!! CONGRATS on your year 1!! That is fantastic!! May your 2nd year be just as fun, and successful. We didn't gain in a year (well most of us, my gain was over 15 years from 120 to 288! YO!) it's okay to go slow. Actually, when we go slow, it's been proven time and time again, we tend to keep it off easier. I never ever want to hit 180 again. CONGRATS AND WELCOME!
@bevpresley1 ,, Oh Bev you have been through so much also!! You also set the way to help many on your team to see one get through all the bumps, the ups and downs (literally and figuratively) how to keep on going and not give up. TY TY TY TY also for your example!!!

Ceriusly1 · June 2023

@Dianedoessmiles1 MiLady Di, I love that you posted this! You are a great inspiration to all of us on the 5% challenge. I know other MFP members will also be inspired by your story!

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

Ceriusly1 wrote: »

@Dianedoessmiles1 MiLady Di, I love that you posted this! You are a great inspiration to all of us on the 5% challenge. I know other MFP members will also be inspired by your story!

@Ceriusly1 ,, Ceri working along side by side with you is amazing!! Your own journey has made many of us cry and rise above what we've personally have faced. You are one of the heroes who help make the 5% challenge rise above many other ones. Ceri leads with her very tender, kind heart. You too inspire us to never quit. It's my honor to be a co leader with amazing warriors. I seem to learn more and more each day. Thank You!

Sparkuvu · June 2023

Wonderful success, Diane!

I, too, came from the 'other' site---to follow the 5% challenge.

It's made a tremendous difference in my life. The accountability to my teammates has kept me doing ALL year, the things I vow to do in January. My first year on the 5% challenge was the first time that had EVER happened---and I'm old!

I invite the MFP community to try it out this summer, 6 weeks may change your outcome, too.

Catwmncat · June 2023

Diane... You are such a positive role model for so many and we are so proud of how far you have come. Many of the health issues you have experienced would have sent most heading for the hills. Your Determination and Dedication to achieve better health is remarkable and inspires all that come to know your story.

In the past I was never able to maintain after losing for more than a month. I'd lose fast and furious (30-50lbs) then put it right back on even faster, always dragging along a few friends and managing to put back on more than I lost. The LTGL'S aka Healthy Habits, Comradery, Support, Motivation and Encouragement that is obtained through the 5% Challenges has helped me to stay within a 10lb range for the last 3 years after losing 65+lbs.

Thank you for sharing your story and for dragging me, kicking and screaming all the way, into the 5% Challenges.

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

Sparkuvu wrote: »

Wonderful success, Diane!

I, too, came from the 'other' site---to follow the 5% challenge.

It's made a tremendous difference in my life. The accountability to my teammates has kept me doing ALL year, the things I vow to do in January. My first year on the 5% challenge was the first time that had EVER happened---and I'm old!

I invite the MFP community to try it out this summer, 6 weeks may change your outcome, too.

@Sparkuvu We are thrilled you've come over with us to MFP from the other site!! We love your success in an area many never carry through!! KEEPING on going!! The 8 week 5% challenge is tremendous! TY TY TY TY for adding your personal experience. Its fun having you with us!

PaulaKNW · June 2023

@Dianedoessmiles1 wrote:
( ,, LOVE your post also!! The accountability to our teams helps to keep daily our goals in mind. Had you, like myself started, stopped, started to lose weight, stopped before a supportive site? One that encouraged you to keep going? When I joined the 5% I never stopped, it helped me to understand not losing for a bit, or eating something I wish I hadn't was OKAY!! And to keep on trying).

Diane, I was a Weight Watcher's member for years, and had reached maintenance there several times, but the weight always came back. Even though it was a good nutritionally sound program, it seemed like they kept changing it up with gimmicky stuff that you had to re-learn the system. While still a WW member, I joined that "other site" thinking it would be a supplement to WW. Soon I realized that the other site was far more practical and straightforward and I loved their nutrition tracking. That's where I found the 5% challenges that added just that little extra something to keep me coming back every day and not slide too far back into those old bad habits. "Too far back" is the key phrase. I learned that I had to live my life and not let little setbacks derail me for days or weeks.

Then the other site closed and I thought that was it. I was really sad to lose the 5% challenges there, and the nutrition tracker I used daily. Instead we've landed here at MFP -- and now that I've gotten used to it in many ways I like just as much if not more. I love the nutrition tracker here at MFP!

So I would encourage anyone thinking about joining to give the 5% challenges a try. It might be just that little extra something that helps your plan come together! 😊

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

Catwmncat wrote: »

Diane... You are such a positive role model for so many and we are so proud of how far you have come. Many of the health issues you have experienced would have sent most heading for the hills. Your Determination and Dedication to achieve better health is remarkable and inspires all that come to know your story.

In the past I was never able to maintain after losing for more than a month. I'd lose fast and furious (30-50lbs) then put it right back on even faster, always dragging along a few friends and managing to put back on more than I lost. The LTGL'S aka Healthy Habits, Comradery, Support, Motivation and Encouragement that is obtained through the 5% Challenges has helped me to stay within a 10lb range for the last 3 years after losing 65+lbs.

Thank you for sharing your story and for dragging me, kicking and screaming all the way, into the 5% Challenges.

@Catwmncat ,,, I did giggle when you told me a ways back you didn't want to come to the 5% challenge ,,, at first. But, after seeing it advertised many times you figured "Why not?" In turn, as you said we've watched your success!! Cat and I are on the same team within the 8 teams, we are both lead will on the smaller team. Cat it was fun to also "drag" you into being a leader which has turned out to be an excellent decision for not only our team but for you also. On the team within the 5% Challenge we are on Cat is our "Baggage Handler" AKA Cat keeps track of how the team is doing weight wise (All members are required to weigh in on Saturday during the 8 weeks (Many at first do not like this idea (The 8 smaller teams are private, no one can see your weight except for those on that team online)however we all come to realize by writing it out it helps us to strive over time to wish to lose the weight. Do you see my picture? Icon? Cat is our weigh in (Baggage Handler,, called such because the 5% Challenges "Races from one location/destination to another, every minute you report of exercise helps your team to move 1 mile towards that week's destination! so much fun!) as we travel a great distance of 6,000 miles we do so by airplane (virtual of course). Hence I'm the "Captain" of the plane in charge of the smaller team overall. As leaders (on some teams are 2 to 6 leaders to help you achieve your goals). Cat made the "Badge" as you see here my icon. It looks really nice! TY TY TY TY TY Cat for your beautiful comment.

Catwmncat · June 2023

Diane as you full well know, I only speak the truth! You are a true inspiration!

Retired_Sue · June 2023

I can only reiterate what @Dianedoessmiles1 - and others - have said - the 5% challenges can help you to lose and maintain weight loss. I had tried a variety of things to lose weight, but never managed to sustain any plan for long - until I became part of a community. Having that support - I was terrified I'd get kicked out of the challenge when I first joined if I didn't lose - is such a key to finding success.
BTW - everyone on my team was SO helpful and I did lose my 5% that first time, but they wouldn't have kicked me out even if I hadn't.
I've been doing the challenges for 7 years now and they have helped me to lose just over 60 pounds and keep most of it off. Yes I've gained back a bit a couple of times but never have I gained back all of it or even half. Being accountable to a team and helping my team keeps me exercising (NOT my favourite thing to do) and maintaining those healthy habits.
Our teams have fun competing against each other - in a good way - and I've made so many wonderful friends through the challenges. It's really worth giving it a try!
Thanks for sharing your story Diane (although I already knew it!).

epivan · June 2023

The 5% Challenge groups have helped me lose 80 pounds and maintain a healthy weight. I stay for the accountability and comraderie!

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

@Retired_Sue, it's been so much fun watching you as time has gone on. Your attitude of "I CAN DO THIS" is very contagious in a great way!! Your "WE CAN DO THIS" helps the rest of us!! TY TY TY TY!! Sue is one of our leaders on the Fit Force team (I am a leader on the Positively Strong 4 Life team) our 2 teams go head to head to see who can win the overall challenge points. It's always very close!! Sue, you all MAY of won the Spring 5%! I've heard the results are out on Ceri's post, but you all have me scared (LOLOLOL NOT!) I just forgot to go and see who won overall!! Indeed NO member is ever kicked off for not making their weight goal, or if they gain. It's a learning process, some of us have so many habits we struggle to change. It takes time, and that's OKAY!! On our team we have a member who for years struggled so much, recently they've started to lose, it's not much, but in her case, it's A LOT!! Her heart is in this, she's doing AMAZING!! Watching her makes us all rejoice!! Her weight loss was less than 2 lbs, but again for her, it's AMAZING!! She faces so much. We are here WITH HER!
@epivan ,, SUPER CONGRATS!! WOW!! Nicely done!!! So happy you are here with us on MFP!!! TY TY TY also for commenting! The more members to do so let those here on MFP see the 5% challenge is not the normal on MFP, we did come from SparkPeople over here, but they've welcomed up. In turn, we are excited to have many more new members. They encourage us, as you do too!! TY TY TY TY for posting!! WTG On the 80 lb loss!! WOOHOO!!!

therealbluenote · June 2023

Wow! What amazing progress, Diane! Congratulations! 🥳

I stumbled upon the 5% Challenge here on MFP. I am so glad I did! My team encourages and pushes me to be my very best self. I have lost 80 pounds since joining!

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

therealbluenote wrote: »

Wow! What amazing progress, Diane! Congratulations! 🥳

I stumbled upon the 5% Challenge here on MFP. I am so glad I did! My team encourages and pushes me to be my very best self. I have lost 80 pounds since joining!

OH TY TY TY TY for writing your post!! LOVE YOUR SUCCESS!!! "Pushes me to be my very best self" is totally AWESOME!! We LOVE having our members on MFP with us!!

vtoria3 · June 2023

Congratulations! on your weight loss journey!

I've been doing the 5% Challenges, too. I couldn't do this weight loss journey without the support and friendship of the teams. It's a great place to come and set some goals for a healthier "you!"

Dianedoessmiles1 · June 2023

vtoria3 wrote: »

Congratulations! on your weight loss journey!

I've been doing the 5% Challenges, too. I couldn't do this weight loss journey without the support and friendship of the teams. It's a great place to come and set some goals for a healthier "you!"

Love your comment!! The support and encouragement are the best!! We love seeing your progress. Soon we'll be starting the practice week with our teams. Wishing you a lot of success! We've got this!

TY 4 your comment. Diane

😊😊I have had 8 weeks of My weight MAINTAINING SUCCESSFULLY!! How?

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