31 pounds gone!!!

[Eama]

Re: 31 pounds gone!!!

Congratulations!

Awesome job.

[Elizellen]

Re: 31 pounds gone!!!

Great progress, Mary! Congratulations

[hen82]

Re: 31 pounds gone!!!

Woohoo way to go Mary!!!!! You're doing awesome!!! And that massage sounds wonderful!!

[Sarina D]

Re: 31 pounds gone!!!

Hey Sarina,

I REALLY am so excited about this milestone of 31#.REALLY!!!

Do you remember when I first started. I was only on Atkins and the board a few days, and I asked you for advice. When I saw your story, pictures, and success, I told myself this is a real thing that can be achieved! Then you gave me a few thoughts to ponder. The one that stuck was something about you saying "pretend" you are losing weight.

I took that thought one step further telling myself that this is the way I am going to eat now, that there was no other way, and I would do what it took to adapt my eating to situations outside the home as well as in my own safey zone (MY own kitchen.) So I just said this is how I eat, and this is how I will lose weight and get healthier.

So your example and words are what convinced me this can be done...along with Kent Altena. Besides the both of you making such a big change in your life, you both take so much time to help the rest of us along.

Thanks again!
~Mary

Hi Mary!!!!

I saw what you wrote yesterday, ended up getting ill last night and was not being able to respond. I tried again today while I was at work and didn't end up getting a chance. Sorry for the tardy response....you are SUCH a sweetheart, I can't tell you how much your message meant to me and touched me deeply.....

Indeed I remember that one tactic that I personally used and tried to describe to you about when I was starting out....I "pretended" that I WAS going to lose the weight so I could get into a routine and habit of eating right and exercising....pretending by "doing" lead me to forming daily habits and routines that to this day I have stuck to and turned them into a reality. I'm so glad you took that and ran with it and took it to the next step, you ended up using it EXACTLY the way I did. I realized and told myself after a while "This IS reality and this IS the way you will live, eat and exercise for the rest of your life." My "pretending" turned into a reality and who I was. I had tried so many countless times before eating what I thought was in a healthy way...you know, eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains etc and exercising....and REALLY giving it my all...only to end up GAINING another 10 or 20 lbs after giving it a real good shot at it. So, when I started Atkins (for the 2nd time I will add...the first time was short lived, it was the old version and I did it incorrectly) I didn't want to be disappointed again....the only way I could get into the swing of it was to humor myself by "pretending" I was GOING to lose weight this time by going through the daily motions, eating right, drinking enough water and exercising.

I'm sooooo proud of you Mary, there aren't enough words for me to write to express how happy and proud of you that I am! And know this, I am not exaggerating, I truly am incredibly proud of you and have a deep joy and excitement that you have accomplished what you have. As my doctor told me and I will say this to you, "You have pushed that sled".....in other words....you've done it.....you've done what it takes to make this all happen....you, not anyone else.....and only you can take credit for what you have accomplished....well done my dear friend.

Thank you for allowing me and others like Kent to come along with you on your journey, you're a great example of someone who makes this program work for them.....one who is serious, dedicated and has a great deal of strength to achieve what they so deserve.....fabulous health. Keep it up Mary, you have done so well and I know, without a doubt that you will continue to do well and reach your goal AND maintain it.

Keep in touch my dear friend and keep it up....you're a great inspiration to me as well as everyone else here.

Many hugs and love,
Sarina
--------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 172 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal journey - Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

[mission to lose]

Re: 31 pounds gone!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you,

To all of you have wished me well! This "mile marker" REALLY does mean a lot to me. I have tried so many times to lose in the past years, (on WW). And only making it a few tiny steps before quitting. I only tried Atkins for a week in 2004 with a friend at work years ago, hence my joining date of Feb of 2004 on the top right of the Atkins page. (Didn't take it seriously, didn't even have the book)
I started the Atkins WOE "for real" on August 10, 2009.

Yesterday, losing 31# was such a thrill, because I have not lost that much weight since 1996! So that is why I am so thrilled.

On to the next goal of -45#...at 214#.

To celebrate, I think I'll have a Perrier!