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

[VellaNova]

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

Sarina...you are my inspiration. Seeing your transformation lets me know the I too, given enough work and dedication can reach my weight loss goals and regain my life.

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina, I have to say that you are an "inspiration" to myself, and as far as I can see, so MANY others! You are absolutely gorgeous. From 400 to now. I cannot believe how far you have traveled over the past year! That's something I can only dream of! You must have such a dance in your step and a bubble in your laugh. I am so happy for you and I hope that I might attain some small measure of your success. I look forward to watching you reach goal!!!!!!!!

Well thank you so much!!!!

You can be certain that you'll achieve what I have....just make this your life and stick to it! Most importantly, NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER give up. I could have thrown in the towel many, many, many times this past year believe you me....but I didn't.....that is the key.

I'm also an emotional eater.....speaking of which....I'm having a heck of a time tonight and I can identify it's due to stress in my life right at the moment...so I sit here struggling and feeling like I'm coming unglued in a sense because I want something....the something is blueberries...but you see....I won't stop at the amount I'm allowed....I'll end up eating a whole bowl of these little jewels because of the stress I'm feeling so, I best have a tea and try to keep myself busy some other way till this passes.

I hope I can reach goal in the next 6 months....that would be awesome! I can't tell you how excited that would make me!

I wish you all the very best in your journey and ask that you keep in touch and let me know how things are going for you.

It's great to meet you and I thank you for such a lovely message and for the encouragement....it's greatly appreciated!

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!!!

wow, I was having a hard morning and after reading these posts about your success I know I've got to kick these cravings to the side and go make me some eggs!! LOL I am very lucky in that I do love to workout, its always been my eating that has gotten me to this point. I love Turbojam Dvd's and I used to just walk 2 miles a day, but I now walk 3 miles in the morning with my daughter in the stroller and 3 miles in the evening with the family. I have not cheated once in these 6 days and I hope I can keep it up. I'm still learning a lot about the WOE but reading the posts on here sure do help me. My first weigh in/measuring is Sunday morning, I can't wait!! (Thank goodnesss I don't own my own scale or I would be on there everyday) My husband's Marine ball is in Mid November and I can't wait to wear an awesome dress for it, thanks for inspiring me to stick with the plan and remember to not let the food control me

~Rachel

Hi Rachel!

I hear you regarding the cravings....as mentioned above...I have been having the lately big time....including tonight and I know why....it's because I'm stressed....and I'm an emotional eater so here I sit tonight feeling like I need a fix (food fix) and fighting through these strong feelings. I'm an emotional eater so at this moment....I am fighting hard not to give in! I'm going to have a tea, try to fit in a workout and then clean my house....it's almost 9pm here and the evenings are the worst for me when I'm feeling this way.

Glad to hear you enjoy exercising....that is awesome. Exercise has played a HUGE part in my success to date. I love Turbo Jam too!!!! I just started mine up this past week and crave it daily! I'm trying to mix it up a bit with other cardio DVD's so my body doesn't get use to it.

Congratulations on so many days clean....way to go!!!! You're just moving along girl! I look forward to hearing your update on your first official measuring/weighing tomorrow.

You keep up the great job and you'll have an awesome dress for your husband's Marine Ball.....you'll have to share some pictures with us!!!!!

Thank you for popping in to say hello and sharing in my journey with me. Keep in touch, it's great to meet 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

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...you are my inspiration. Seeing your transformation lets me know the I too, given enough work and dedication can reach my weight loss goals and regain my life.

Thank you VellaNova, you're a real sweetheart!!!!!

Yes indeed you too can do this....it's all about committing to this way of eating, making it your way of life and being dedicated no matter what!!!!!

I know you can do this and I'm here the whole way with you side by side.....we'll get to our goals together!

Keep in touch, stop by as often as you feel like it and let me know how things are going for you.

Looking forward to hearing how things are going for 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 – 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,
I like it when you ramble because to me it isn't really rambling. Its just making me see how much we have in common when it comes to losing weight. I am just in ahh of you and all the others who are losing their weight because I know how hard it is to get started and to maintain it. I am looking so forward to being in that group. I can't wait to say I have lost my first 50 lbs. Only GOD truly knows our pain when it comes to being over weight. I have decided to let tomorrow be my first day back on atkins. I will let you know how it went the next morning. I have been going to the gym and track working out at least 3-4 days a week so that won't be to hard for me to go at least 4-5 days I will shoot for 5 days. Even though I was not eatting right I tried to keep exercising because waking up at 5:30 in the morning is hard so I wasn't about to stop and have to began over again. You know I was in the army and when I was on my way out for medical reasons I went to see a doctor about respiratory problems. I read his report and he stated that I was a 27 year old obese female. I was like what obese! I am not obese. I was probably 190lbs than. That really made me start to look at myself again. Talk about realty check. I never had a doctor to say I was obese before. Well, my goal weight is 160 lbs but I would like to keep my weight between 140 lbs and 160. I know you are extremely proud of how much you have accomplished. I look forward to feeling the same. Thanks buddy for sharing.

Hi Janella,

Good for you for going to the gym and working out and continuing to be active....that is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO important....combining that with eating properly with this WOE and you will have a winning combination!

Congratulations on your first day, how did it go????

Keep it up and keep up the exercise. As mentioned above, I'm struggling tonight...wanting a food fix due to feeling very stressed out....I'm an emotional eater so when I'm stressed out I want to eat. I'm going to have a tea, go for a drive with my husband, try to fit in a workout and then clean my house. It's around 9pm so I hope all of the above tires me out and gets me through this frustrating night!

Let me know how things are going for you....I'm incredibly proud of you!!!!!

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!!!

[kimbat06]

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

OH WOW!!!!!!!! I had absolutely NO idea that you are expecting a baby in November.....HOW EXCITING IS THAT!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I am so thrilled for you, is this your first baby?!?!??!!

My husband and I do not have children. We have been married 17 yrs (Tues, Sept 22nd this week was our 17th wedding anniversary) and have never been able to conceive. I was diagnosed a number of months ago with PCOS and it was discovered to be the reason we've never been able to have a baby. Now that I've lost all this weight and they are aware I have PCOS they believe that through help, we will be able to finally have children SOOOOOO, perhaps next year we will look at trying.

You just keep focusing on this beautiful baby girl and yourself leading up to November....I can't tell you how excited I am for you...what a thrill!!!!

Be sure to keep in touch leading up to the delivery....I want to continue to hear how you're feeling and making out and I can't wait to see pictures of your precious little girl!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing this news with me, you made my night!!!!

Hugs and all the best to you and your baby girl!
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!!!

Thank you so much! I will definitely keep you updated. I wish you the best of luck on your journey next year when you try to have a baby of your own

[Sarina D]

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

Thank you so much! I will definitely keep you updated. I wish you the best of luck on your journey next year when you try to have a baby of your own

Excellent, I'm really looking forward to the updates!

Thank you for your well wishes regarding our future trying for children....what an incredible blessing that would be for my husband and I.

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!!!

[kimmietoo]

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

Oh what an inspiring story, I am thrilled to see your success. I am a new member here, with LOTS to lose. You are showing me that it is possible....and wow...girl, you are looking fantastic!!!! Keep it up and keep the posts coming!

[janella jackson]

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

Sarina D,
I decided to post to let you know how I am doing. I received and accepted your buddy request. I don't know if you received it or not. Anyway I was suppose to get started on Saturday September 26, 2009 and everything started out fine. I decided to go to Walmart and I should have just stayed home. That is why I did not post Sunday morning because I decided to go to Ryans why I was shoping at 4 pm but I don't feel like I failed because I was in control not like the other times. When I felt like I had none so for me it was not a failure. I started again Sunday and it was a success and today is going o.k. and I don't want to fail anymore not this time. I want to go all the way in losing 80 lbs. I pray that I can stay focused and take it one day at a time. So thanks for your support.

[SarahWants2BSkinny]

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

Sarina~

Sweet, wonderful, caring Sarina...where do I even start? Your pictures motivate me to be good "just one more day" every day. I have never had much success ever trying to lose weight because it seemed to be such a daunting task, but to look and think "Wow in a little over a year she got this far..." it makes it doable to me. In about 8 weeks I've been able to drop 23 lbs, making this the longest running and most effective "diet" I've been on. After the 6 week point I had "fallen off the wagon" and decided I'd just do Weight Watchers again (like the first 4 times I'd failed at it weren't a clue?) and after being "over" my points every single day I was on it, I wandered back onto the board and came across your post and it was then that I had the courage to do what I needed to do to get back on the horse. Your courage, dedication and willingness to help out anyone who asks is truly inspiring. Thank you so much for everything you've done, both what was intentional and what was done simply by being you. You're amazing and I'm grateful to you for showing me that it's OK to be at any size, but it's possible to do this if I put my mind to it.

[mommabear23]

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

Sarina,

I have been reading your posts and I can't tell you how inspirational you are. You are absolutely beautiful both on the outside and the inside. Your posts give me hope when I am feeling down and so I just wanted to say Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Sincerely, Tara

[Sarina D]

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

Oh what an inspiring story, I am thrilled to see your success. I am a new member here, with LOTS to lose. You are showing me that it is possible....and wow...girl, you are looking fantastic!!!! Keep it up and keep the posts coming!

Hi Kimmietoo,

Welcome to the board, I'm so glad you're here...it's great to meet you!!!!

Thank you for stopping in to say hello and taking the time to write to me.

Well you certainly came the right place to lose weight and become healthy. This is an amazing board and the people on here truly care. We're all in this journey together...the only difference is when each of us began

You will most certainly lose the weight you are hoping to lose....the key is to make this way of eating your LIFE. It's not something one can go on and off of....not saying you are or would....but I feel it necessary to mention this. Make this way of eating part of your life....be sure you read the book from cover to cover....get rid of any food in your house that is not allowed....stock your house with foods you can eat....make sure you achieve a "clean" Induction (eat only what you're allowed), drink LOTS of water, take your vitamins/supplements and lastly be sure to fit some form of exercise into your daily routine...exercise is important...even if you walk! Walking is the best form of exercise and it's easy to do, doesn't cost anything and you can do it anytime anywhere....gotta love it!!!!!!

Thank you for the lovely compliments regarding what I have accomplished, I appreciate that very much. This way of eating is amazing.....the benefits of eating this way are too numerous for me to even begin to write about.

Please be sure to stay in touch...I would really like to hear how you're doing and share in your journey to great health as well!

All the best to you and we'll talk 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~

Sweet, wonderful, caring Sarina...where do I even start? Your pictures motivate me to be good "just one more day" every day. I have never had much success ever trying to lose weight because it seemed to be such a daunting task, but to look and think "Wow in a little over a year she got this far..." it makes it doable to me. In about 8 weeks I've been able to drop 23 lbs, making this the longest running and most effective "diet" I've been on. After the 6 week point I had "fallen off the wagon" and decided I'd just do Weight Watchers again (like the first 4 times I'd failed at it weren't a clue?) and after being "over" my points every single day I was on it, I wandered back onto the board and came across your post and it was then that I had the courage to do what I needed to do to get back on the horse. Your courage, dedication and willingness to help out anyone who asks is truly inspiring. Thank you so much for everything you've done, both what was intentional and what was done simply by being you. You're amazing and I'm grateful to you for showing me that it's OK to be at any size, but it's possible to do this if I put my mind to it.

WOW, what can I say to you but thank you from the bottom of my heart....what an amazing and beautiful post. You have touched me deeply and I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to you for sharing that my post has helped you in the way it has....I treasure this gift, thank you so much.

Sarah, you have done a great job....just LOOK at the weight loss you have accomplished....23 lbs in 8 weeks.....GOOD GRIEF GIRL.....well done, I'm soooo proud of you.....just look at you go!!! You are a great example of how this way of eating can work if one digs down deep, makes it their life and is dedicated to themselves....I can't begin to express to you how excited and proud I am of you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful accomplishment with me.

I know what it's like not only to have to lose weight but also become motivated and STAY motivated.....as I've mentioned...there are peaks along the way and MANY valleys...more valleys then I care to look back upon!!!!! The great part of it is, if we stay dedicated to ourselves and committed, we make it out of those valleys at one point and we keep moving forward and closer to our goals and we become stronger not just physically but also mentally....we know we can achieve ANYTHING we put our minds to. As you have probably seen me write so many times...the key is to NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER give up.....giving up is not an option ....it's non-negotiable as I have always said

I hope you keep in touch and keep me posted on how things are going for you. It is a privilege to meet you and I look forward to continuing to walk together in our journeys to great health...side by side!!!!!

Btw....My name in English is Sarah!

Many hugs 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

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,

I have been reading your posts and I can't tell you how inspirational you are. You are absolutely beautiful both on the outside and the inside. Your posts give me hope when I am feeling down and so I just wanted to say Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Sincerely, Tara

Well thanks so much Tara, you're a sweetheart! Thank you for the caring and encouraging feedback. I am soooo glad to learn that my posts give you hope....what a wonderful thing to know Always remember you're not alone in your journey....I'm right there beside you as well as soooooo many others on this board. All of us understand what it's like and we can very much relate to what happens along the way to great health.

Congratulations on your journey, I'm very excited for you. This way of eating truly works and I have no doubt that you will be successful in progressing towards your goal and reaching it. Don't let those down days get a hold of you....remember....they will always always pass...you can count on the fact that tomorrow is always a new day...and even better than that....each minute is a new part of our life that allows us to make better choices! So when you're feeling down, know it will pass....come here and drop in and say hello to me, keep in touch with everyone else and most of all....keep going!!!!! Dont' EVER EVER EVER EVER give up....you deserve great health, peace of mind and happiness!

Keep in touch and I look forward to hearing how things are going for you.

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!!!

[chinadoll]

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

Hi Sarina, after a great start to the summer a monumental project sidetracked me and it took me until now (and my return to China) to get back on track.I had just sidelined myself and was trying not to beat myself up but just didnt seem to have the mental energy to devote to myself and the other things that were looming. I popped in for some inspiration and seeing how stunning you are (both physically and on the inside too) never fails to give me what I need to keep on going. I am back with my supplements, three days of good eating down and four days in with my exercise regime.

I have a question for you. Over the past 2 months I confirmed something I always knew- I am a stress/comfort eater and I also see food as a reward. I know I need to change this.

I have successfully turned anger into exercise time, and rewards into shopping for weight gloves or better yet clothes!

But the despair/comfort/food cycle seems to be tougher. Are you a comfort eater? If so how did you turn it around?