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

[mission to lose]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Let me know how your week is going when you have the chance...

Talk with you soon,
Sarina
------------------

Hi Sarina, Well actually everything was fine UNTIL Thursday, I stepped on the scale and I was up 1#. And it stayed there on Friday, too. I know, this is normal, but after being cheat free, you hate to see the scale go up when you have been 100% legal. I hope Saturday will be better.
I couldn't sleep so I checked the boards for a few minutes and I am going back for a few more hours of sleep! thanks for listening and have a great weekend.
~Mary

[Sarina D]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

hi Sarina i just noticed that you just started taking chromium p for cravings, I was wondering if you normaly take a multi vitamen and if so what brand or type ? plus were you by chance pre-diabetic or insulin resistant at all before you started? thank you from Cindy

Hi Cindy,

Thanks for popping in and checking out my thread. It's good to meet you.

I was taking a multi vitamin at one time as well as some other vitamins but I noticed that I actually started to feel unwell...I spoke with my doctor and as it turns out with the multiple allergies I have, the vitamins may have been causing some adverse effects...so I stopped taking them and have felt great ever since. I fully support the use of vitamins...however, for me though it appears less is better. I have my husband on a great multi vitamin called Alive! Whole Food Energizer by Nature's Way. I currently receive 1 x Vitamin B12 shot once a month from my doctor. Regarding multi-vitamins, I think but don't quote me on this one, there are others on the board that take the Centrum 21 Silver because it does not contain iron.

No, I wasn't pre-diabetic...my blood sugar levels were always great...I was however diagnosed with PCOS this past year which can play with one's insulin levels...the last time I had mine checked (about 6 months ago) they were a bit elevated but nothing to be concerned about and it was determined this was due to the PCOS.

Yes, I started to take Chromium P the last couple of days but will discontinue it starting today (Sat) because my cravings are now gone thankfully. I find that the less time I'm on something the better I function....and of course, I speak solely for me in this regard. I am an unorthodox case due to the multiple food and environmental allergies I have and what works for many often times gives me troubles due to my allergies and sensitivities to many ingredients and such. I will also add that I ate some cream cheese which I am quite allergic to....after doing so my cravings seemed that much more exaggerated. It has been noted that individuals with food allergies or sensitivities seem to crave worse when they've eaten something they are allergic to...I agree with this finding completely so I think that is why my cravings seemed that much more exaggerated.

Hopefully this helps answer the questions you were asking. Please feel free to ask for clarification if I've missed something.

Have a lovely weekend,
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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[cindybells2001]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

hi Sarina i just noticed that you just started taking chromium p for cravings, I was wondering if you normaly take a multi vitamen and if so what brand or type ? plus were you by chance pre-diabetic or insulin resistant at all before you started? thank you from Cindy

[Sarina D]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Dont be embarrassed you are GORGEOUS!!! it's time to stop hiding and show yourself how very pretty you are!!

Congrats!!! !!!

Well thank you, what a lovely compliment!

I truly don't see myself in that way at all....you're too kind!!!!

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to share in my journey, it's great to meet you!

I wish you continued success in your journey and I look forward to getting to know you. Let me know how things are going for you, I look forward to hearing from you when you have the time.

All the best,
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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Hey Sarina, you deserve a million rep points for your success, I am glad I could give you one. As for me and this woe, it has been a roller coaster ride the last year. On and off and on again. I got down to as low as 264 then went back up to 298 but I would not let myself bust the 300 barrier again. I know thise WOE works like no other and I am bound and determined to stick with it this time until i get to my goal weight and then stay low carb forever
Again, I am so proud of you and your success, ttyl, brady

Hi Brady,

You're tooooo kind, thank you!!!!!!

Good for you for fighting through those ups and downs and not giving up and giving in...that is fantastic, I'm really proud of you for that! It takes a lot of guts and a whole lot of determination not to give up....I've always said, "Giving up is the easy way out"...good on you Brady for not taking the easy way out...well done! You just keep it up and before you know it you WILL be at goal...I have no doubt about that my friend.

Thanks again for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful message....they give me a boost during those times where I find myself wandering around in a valley somewhere

Keep in touch and let me know how things are going for you.

Looking forward to your updates!

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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Hi Sarina,
When I first started this journey last week, I wasn't too sure if it was going to work, but after seeing your progress pictures I know I can do it. Your pictures gave me the confidence to hit this "head on, no excuses".
Congrats to you on such a wonderful job. You must feel great about your accomplishments in eating right, and exercising, and dealing with the emotional part of weight loss.
~Mary

Mary, you're an absolute doll....thank you for sharing this with me. I know you can do this too, I have no doubt what so ever....in fact, you're well on your way in your journey to great health and I'm proud of you for making such a commitment and believing that you deserve this because you do!!!!

You keep up the fight and remember, you're never alone....I as well as everyone else on this board is with you side by side along the way! We're all doing it together and we're winning the battle moment to moment and day by day!

Btw...I have almost finished coming up with an answer to the great question you sent me via pm..., I've not forgotten...I will respond very soon.

Let me know how your week is going when you have the chance...thanks for the kind feedback Mary, it means a lot to me.

Talk with you soon,
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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

No need to apologize, and sorry to read about the death in the family. I saw in the other thread where people didn't even recognize you. One thing I notice is that when I was 400+ I got a lot of stares and sometimes I felt people looked at me like I was a monster or freak. It is hard to explain but that never happens anymore either. I'm sure you have similar stories. I'm the same person just less of me but I understand human nature.

So you "light" day was 70 minutes on the glider and 30 minutes on a bike. Could you even imagine that 18 months ago? That is amazing!!! I remember my first walk a quarter mile killed me.

Even though you ate too much; everything you ate was legal. That in itself tells me you have won this battle. Did you have any major cheats over the last year?

I haven't been following the rungs to a tee. I did on induction but what I've added is low carb wraps from netrition (3 net carbs and I eat one a day). I've added veggies and a handful of almonds a few days a week. From 400 to 300 I lost 2.5-3 pounds a week. From 300 to now I'm losing 1.5-2 pounds a week and that includes the lifting. I know I could lose more if I followed the rungs exactly but I'm ok for now.

Talk to you later

Mike

Hi Mike!!!!

Thank you for understanding, I appreciate your patience.

How are you doing this week...what's new and exciting?!?!?!

Yes I indeed have similar stories....it's appalling how people can act towards others at times...rather shameful indeed. Like I mentioned to Mick in one of my posts....thankfully we can loose the weight, sadly people who are rude and insensitive most likely will never change....that is sad isn't it?

Yes, I did have a few cheats...one was doctor prescribed...yes that's right...doctor prescribed. He ordered me to eat nothing but carbs for a 24 hr period...I think it was somewhere between Jan and Mar of this year....it was the WORST thing I had ever gone through. I vomited within the first 3 hrs and was majorly sick from that time on. I gained 9 lbs over night and it took a week to get that off. He ran blood tests the very next day to check my reading and said he was now convinced that eating low carb was what I should be doing....my eyes just about popped out of my head...I could have told him that I said!!! He told me he had to prove it and see for himself. I should add....going into this carb binge, he didn't tell me why he wanted me to do it...he knows me too well and knew I would have never agreed if he told me he needed to prove it to himself. He is a great doctor, I am blessed to have him in my life taking care of me and I trust him...that is the only reason I agreed to do it. You know, ever since that time it's been a slippery slope for me. I don't care what ANYONE says, cheating is not advisable. One can think that it has it's benefits (I've read a few posts recently from some individuals that think by cheating, somehow that will encourage weight loss..well enough said on that) but one is just fooling themselves sadly. One may get away with it the first time, even the second time but it's a nasty beast and it will rear it's ugly head and bite. I wish I never had to do the 24 hr carb binge....up until that time I had absolutely no desire what so ever to eat the old way. I now struggle with it since that time. So, if someone is reading this post that has not cheated...do yourself a favor and learn from what I've gone through...just don't do it. There are plenty and I mean plenty of fabulous recipes on this board to choose from...there is no excuse to cheat.

I had to go back to Induction and the first rung....I got up to the berry rung..for the 2nd time (I had to skip the dairy and nut rung due to severe food allergies) and my system is absolutely not ready for the berry rung yet. I craved like crazy and my weight loss slowed down greatly...I even gained a few pounds...it was water weight but the point is, my system is just not ready for it which makes me a wee bit frustrated. I am very limited in what I can eat due to a great deal of food allergies so the berry rung was a lovely change...short lived but hey, that's ok. What is frustrating to me is that I've been craving each day like crazy since I came off the berry rung. I started to take Chromium Picolinate to try to deal with the craving...I'm just sticking it out and fighting through it...to make matters a little more tricky, I fell into a bad habit for a month of waking up in the middle of the night and having a wee bite....NOT good. So I'm currently trying to break that nasty habit. So far tonight I've managed not to give into the desires to have a little nibble....so that is a good thing.

Ahhhhh, what fun hey?!?!?!??!?! LOL...the joys of dealing with the valleys and bumps along the way! Like they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!!!!

I was going to do my upper body weight training late this evening but was too tired. I'll be waking up early to do my cardio routine before work and then after work I'll do the upper body weight training and throw in my abdominal routine as well and call it a week! My rest day is Sat. and I'm VERY much looking forward to it!

Drop me a line Mike when you have a chance and let me know how you're week is going...as always, it's great talking with you and updating! Way to go on your continued success, I'm very, very proud of you!

Talk with you soon!
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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

wow, I am absolutely blown away by the dedication you've shown to making this change in your life. You are inspiring, and your pictures are gorgeous. You are absolutely glowing! Keep up the great work, and many blessings to you and yours.

Well thank you so much, you're most kind!!!

It has been quite a journey indeed, one that is far from over but I am seeing my goal that is ahead of me. I have to admit that I'm very much looking forward to the time where maintenance can be part of my life and I'm at the point where I'm exercising to stay fit....not exercising to loose weight...if that makes sense. I have stood still these past two weeks (weight wise) which has been frustrating to me but I keep fighting...I've lost inches but the scales haven't moved...all in good time!

I was looking at your stats and you're doing terrific, congratulations!!!! We're on this journey together, that's the beauty of this board...we're never alone, there are always people around us who genuinely care and share in both our triumphs as well the bumps along the way. Thank you for sharing my journey with me and taking the time out to post, that means a great deal to me.

Keep in touch and let me know how things are going for you...I look forward to the updates!

Blessing to you as well,
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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

WOW YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB!! YOU LOOK EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL! I am so happy for you!!

Aweeeee, thanks so much!!!!!!

I'm glad you popped by to say hello, thank you for your kind encouragement.

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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[bradybunch]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Hey Sarina, you deserve a million rep points for your success, I am glad I could give you one. As for me and this woe, it has been a roller coaster ride the last year. On and off and on again. I got down to as low as 264 then went back up to 298 but I would not let myself bust the 300 barrier again. I know thise WOE works like no other and I am bound and determined to stick with it this time until i get to my goal weight and then stay low carb forever
Again, I am so proud of you and your success, ttyl, brady

[mission to lose]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Hi Sarina,
When I first started this journey last week, I wasn't too sure if it was going to work, but after seeing your progress pictures I know I can do it. Your pictures gave me the confidence to hit this "head on, no excuses".
Congrats to you on such a wonderful job. You must feel great about your accomplishments in eating right, and exercising, and dealing with the emotional part of weight loss.
~Mary

[mkline71]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Hi Mike!

Sorry about replying so late, I've kept in mind to reply back to you each day but we've been dealing with a death in our family

I won't give up on either the cardio or the weight training. I was suppose to do my weight training tonight but I was sooooo incredibly tired from the last couple of days...both physically and emotionally...I ended up just running for my 70 min on the glider and 30 min on my stationary bike and I walked around the lake earlier this evening.

Well, I have to say...I ate WAY too much on Saturday...or at least I felt like I did...crazy...I haven't done that for a very long time and won't be doing it again any time soon. Everything was legal...just too much

What rung are you on? Are you on the grain rung? You certainly don't want to slow down all that you've accomplished or even stall out due to being on a rung or food group you shouldn't be on Hey, have you checked out the flax cookies and stuff like that you could make...even flax crackers!! There's some pretty amazing recipes in the recipe section to choose from. Just a thought.

Keep up the great work Mike, you're doing awesome...I'm so proud of you! You're a great inspiration to all of us here....keep it up!!! I'm very much looking forward to your pictures....that will be awesome to see!

Be sure to keep in touch, it's great talking with you.

All the best,
Sarina

No need to apologize, and sorry to read about the death in the family. I saw in the other thread where people didn't even recognize you. One thing I notice is that when I was 400+ I got a lot of stares and sometimes I felt people looked at me like I was a monster or freak. It is hard to explain but that never happens anymore either. I'm sure you have similar stories. I'm the same person just less of me but I understand human nature.

So you "light" day was 70 minutes on the glider and 30 minutes on a bike. Could you even imagine that 18 months ago? That is amazing!!! I remember my first walk a quarter mile killed me.

Even though you ate too much; everything you ate was legal. That in itself tells me you have won this battle. Did you have any major cheats over the last year?

I haven't been following the rungs to a tee. I did on induction but what I've added is low carb wraps from netrition (3 net carbs and I eat one a day). I've added veggies and a handful of almonds a few days a week. From 400 to 300 I lost 2.5-3 pounds a week. From 300 to now I'm losing 1.5-2 pounds a week and that includes the lifting. I know I could lose more if I followed the rungs exactly but I'm ok for now.

Talk to you later

Mike

[successforlessstress]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

Dont be embarrassed you are GORGEOUS!!! it's time to stop hiding and show yourself how very pretty you are!!

Congrats!!! !!!

[mk2100]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

wow, I am absolutely blown away by the dedication you've shown to making this change in your life. You are inspiring, and your pictures are gorgeous. You are absolutely glowing! Keep up the great work, and many blessings to you and yours.

[FLSunShine]

Re: Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

WOW YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB!! YOU LOOK EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL! I am so happy for you!!