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

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina, all I have to say is....WAY TO GO!!! Woman you have done a spectacular job and you must be beside yourself with joy over your weight loss. You're a beautiful lady

Well hey Dez, is it ever nice to see you here!!!! Thanks so much for popping by leaving me such a lovely message!

I have to say, I am feeling rather excited about my weight loss now. For the longest time....probably up till a couple of months ago or so I wasn't really able to see how I've really changed....I know, sounds odd but true. I have been sooooo focused on what I need to accomplish each day in order to be successful in my weight loss journey that I haven't really been looking at the accomplishment itself till not too long ago.

I am indeed pretty excited that I am where I am a year and a bit after starting....I would NEVER have dreamed that I would be at this point so soon. It's been an amazing journey....filled with many peeks and way too many valleys that I would LOVE to forget about but you know what.....climbing out of each of those valleys has strengthened me.....sort of like all the exercising has strengthened me physically, the valleys have strengthened me emotionally so to speak and have made me a better person....so despite how much I have detested the valleys when I fall into one, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned.

Thanks so much for stopping by Dez, it means a lot to me.

Keep in touch!
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 – 177 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Helena-in-England]

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

Congratulations! You are a great inspiration to me.

[Sarina D]

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

Congratulations! You are a great inspiration to me.

Thanks so much LastChance, that means a great deal to me...I appreciate you stopping by and reading about my journey and taking the time to leave me such a wonderful message.

How are things going for you? When you have the time I would love to learn a bit more about your personal journey!

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 – 177 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[PeteinVA]

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

You're THE BOMB !!!! I bet you life's so much different for you now, and that you feel much better at this point in your journey.

You're a great writer, thanks for expressing yourself I get a lot out of it.

[Butterbeanie]

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

Thank you Sarina for such kind and supporting words. I will certainly take you up on the offer of pm-ing you when I'm going through those valleys. And I'm going to try doing two workouts a day also. I also love the before and after pictures, it really makes a difference to see the results in real life. There are so many people on here like yourself who have done so well and are such an inspiration to the rest of us. I could, and have, easily spent hours looking and reading. I will take your advice to heart and I have promised myself that this is not just a diet, not just something I'm doing until the weight comes off, this is it. I know that with the support of you, this board and so many on it along with the support of my family and friends I can do this. You have such a generous spirit, thank you.

I hope that you are feeling better!! We'll talk again soon.

[Sarina D]

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

You're THE BOMB !!!! I bet you life's so much different for you now, and that you feel much better at this point in your journey.

You're a great writer, thanks for expressing yourself I get a lot out of it.

Well thank you Pete!!!!! Man alive this is soooo embarrassing but I'm going to share something with you...hopefully it makes you laugh the way it made me laugh....Pete, I actually had to look up what "THE BOMB" meant...what can I say...I'm sooooooo terribly out of touch !!!!!! You're toooooo awesome, thanks a million for the great compliments....you made my day!

Yes you are so right, I can't even begin to express how much better I feel at this point in my weight loss journey...there is just NOOOO comparison!

Thanks for the feedback regarding my writing....I always feel I SUCK when writing....I'm more of a phone, Skype, messenger or in person chatter....writing has NEVER been my thing....I really appreciate your feedback and I'm glad that what I'm writing comes across ok...thanks so much for that!

Be sure to stay in touch when you have the time and thank you for popping by and reading how my journey has gone to date and for leaving me such a great post!

All the very best to you!
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 – 174 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

Thank you Sarina for such kind and supporting words. I will certainly take you up on the offer of pm-ing you when I'm going through those valleys. And I'm going to try doing two workouts a day also. I also love the before and after pictures, it really makes a difference to see the results in real life. There are so many people on here like yourself who have done so well and are such an inspiration to the rest of us. I could, and have, easily spent hours looking and reading. I will take your advice to heart and I have promised myself that this is not just a diet, not just something I'm doing until the weight comes off, this is it. I know that with the support of you, this board and so many on it along with the support of my family and friends I can do this. You have such a generous spirit, thank you.

I hope that you are feeling better!! We'll talk again soon.

Hi Beanie,

You bet you can do it!!!! There's no doubt in my mind you can....I always say, if I can do this anyone can. See I have so many food allergies I am extremely limited to what foods I can eat....the list is so short I kid you not it would make anyone roll their eyes and give up....but even though I am so limited, I have made this way of eating work for me with what I CAN eat. There are so many great choices and wonderful recipes for people who are not limited that there is no reason one can't make this luxurious way of eating work.

I'm so excited to hear you're going to fit in two workouts a day....try making one cardio based and the other training a different part of your body....for example. I will run on my glider, or I'll bike on my stationary bike for one of my workouts (mind you I always add some abdominal exercises along with my cardio if I have the time) and then for my other workout I focus on say my upper body, working my biceps, triceps, chest etc with hand weights.....and then the next day I do my cardio and then for my second work out I work my core/abdominal area....then the day after that I do my cardio again and for my second work out I work the lower part of my body...legs/outer and inner/butt/calves etc....so I rotate each day. See if this sort of routine works for you....it's important to let each part of your body have a day of rest in between.

I'm so proud of you Beanie, keep up the great work and be sure to stay in touch with me okay....I'm so glad we've met each other!

Hugs,
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 – 174 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[pipee_pl]

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

Hi Pepee_pl!!!!!

You know, I have never done the Grouse Grind but I just might!!!!! It's so popular and I don't live to far away from Vancouver (Hence the Vancouver Canucks joursey in my during pictures) to make it out there and do it.

Congratulations to you for doing it in August, way to go.....nicely done!!!!! Were you pretty sore afterwards? Maybe one of these days we'll meet up there and do it together!!! I think I'm getting close in my fitness level to try such a thing....the other day I had taken my mother in law in to see my doctor (we have the same doctor) and we were talking about blood pressure and low pulse...I told him my pulse was low the other day...he said, "Do you know why you're pulse is so low now" I said, "No, not a clue"......and then he said something that a was music to my ears....he said, "It's because you're fit now."....what a thing to hear....I can't tell you how great that was to be told!!!!

So, hey....you never know....you and I might end up doing the Grouse Grind together one of these days!!!!!

Stay in touch and let me know how things are going for you!

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 – 177 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

The Grouse Grind was one of the hardest things I have ever done- but well worth it!!
We go to Vancouver and Whistler in August- I will definately do it again, I need to beat my previous time!

[SweetCher]

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

Sarina,

OMG... you have done such a great job! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. It's so great to see the before and during pictures. You started so beautiful but what you're transforming into is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations on your success with this way of life! Thanks for leaving the link in my journal. You are an inspiration!

[kimbat06]

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

Sarina it has been a while since I have logged on here, but I just wanted to say you look fabulous. Words can't describe how happy I am for you! You are so close! Kim

[soon2bslim]

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

You're progress is incredible and you look absolutely gorgeous!

Your commitment to being in this for the long haul is just so inspiring. I know that Atkins works for me, but starting and then staying on it and continuing all the way thru is the challenging part. I'm so impressed w/ your stamina and floored by the amazing transformation, believe me, your story - in pictures and all the words along the way are huge motivation for me and probably many others on this 'journey' .

Keep it going! Best of Luck and Best of Health!

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina,

OMG... you have done such a great job! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. It's so great to see the before and during pictures. You started so beautiful but what you're transforming into is absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations on your success with this way of life! Thanks for leaving the link in my journal. You are an inspiration!

Hi Cher!!!!!

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to share in my journey with me....that means a lot!!!!

This past year and a bit has been an amazing period of time in my life...I have learned soooooo much and I am very grateful to have experienced both the peeks and even the VERY nasty valleys that I would stumble into from time to time....both the celebrations/victories as well as the most difficult and sometimes unbearable trials have made me who I am today and I wouldn't trade any of it.

I'm so glad you popped by, thanks so much for your kindness, support and encouragement you are a real jewel and most kind.

Stop by anytime and say hello, it's great to have you here.

All the very best to you in your continued journey.....we're in this together side by side!

Hugs,
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 – 174 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

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

[Sarina D]

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

The Grouse Grind was one of the hardest things I have ever done- but well worth it!!
We go to Vancouver and Whistler in August- I will definately do it again, I need to beat my previous time!

Oh man alive....by the sounds of it, I'm going to have to be carried out!!! LOL!!!!! I'm afraid!!!

You're such a trooper, I'm so impressed...I guess I'm going to have to step up my training a notch and start planning ahead for this challenge

Good for you for being so determined....you're a great inspiration!

Now you've got me chomping at the bit to give it a whirl....yes, I guess I'm into pain!

Talk with 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 – 174 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

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

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina it has been a while since I have logged on here, but I just wanted to say you look fabulous. Words can't describe how happy I am for you! You are so close! Kim

Wow, is it ever great to see you!!! How have you been and how's the journey going for you?!??!?! I hope you had an enjoyable summer and all is going well.

Well thank you so much for your lovely message, I appreciate it greatly! I JUST realized that I am getting close to my 160 lb goal....it just hit me now after reading your message!!!!!!! That is sooo funny, I have been eyeballing trying to make it to 140 or 145 lbs and totally lost touch of my initial 150 or 160 lb goals.....thanks sooooooo much for writing what you did about being so close now....I have a wee celebration that I'm closing in on by the looks of it thanks to your reminder!

Do keep in touch and let me know how things are going when you have the time...it's great to have you back on the board!

Hugs,
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 – 174 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

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

[Sarina D]

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

You're progress is incredible and you look absolutely gorgeous!

Your commitment to being in this for the long haul is just so inspiring. I know that Atkins works for me, but starting and then staying on it and continuing all the way thru is the challenging part. I'm so impressed w/ your stamina and floored by the amazing transformation, believe me, your story - in pictures and all the words along the way are huge motivation for me and probably many others on this 'journey' .

Keep it going! Best of Luck and Best of Health!

Hi Red!!!!

Thank you for popping in, it's great to have you here!

Yes I hear what you mean.....things can for sure be challenging from time to time but what is MOST important, is that we NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER give up. You hang in there and keep doing everything to the very best of your abilities...it does get easier and the GREAT part of it is, everyday is a new day, each day brings new opportunities and we learn from our mistakes as well as from the victories that we experience along the way.

I discovered a while ago that both the peeks and the valleys pave the way to our goals and they both contain tremendous lessons if we allow ourselves to try to find what is there for us to discover and learn from along the way.

Way to go for continuing to get back on the wagon, I'm very proud of you. I know what it's like but remember we're doing this side by side and we're in it together . What is important is striving to do better each day and forgiving ourselves when we fall short from time to time.

Thank you for taking the time out to leave me such a beautiful message of encouragement and support. These are the messages that are my "lights" that see me through the valleys when I fall head first into one!

Please stay in touch and a big congratulations to you in your continued venture towards peace and great health!

Hugs,
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 – 174 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

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