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

[scaleskl]

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

Awesome! You look wonderful!

[bassett_lover]

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

Sarina,

Your progress is amazing and you should be so proud of every day that brought you to where you are now. Seeing how far you've come gives me some hope with my battle. Wow, you are stunning (but really you were before), lovely skin and eyes.
I am just over 300 but only 5'1 so I have a long way to go. Would love to hear more about your journey and some of the things you have learned along the way! Thanks for sharing.

[Sarina D]

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

Thank you everyone!!!!! I am truly overwhelmed and grateful to all of you I can't begin to express how much all of your posts have given me the extra push to keep going...not that I was going to quit...not a chance but I have worked very hard each day this year and stayed very focussed and dedicated in losing this weight and getting my life back as well as dealing with personal issues/and medical reasons for why I became overweight in the first place...like I have said, it's not just about losing weight...it's realizing and dealing with WHY we were overweight or became overweight and learning another way to deal with stresses, personal problems, traumatic experiences and addressing under lying medical problems that contribute to the extra weight.....just to name a few. Learning to deal emotions and stressful times in a healthy way instead of stuffing oneself and hiding behind a great deal of weight for protection or for comfort or for a perceived release.

I have to say, I discovered the last few days after reading everyone's resoponses and talking with my doctor this morning, that I got caught up in the routine and grind of doing everything I had to do each day to be successful in losing this weight and haven't stopped to smell the roses so to speak and recognize that I have lost 166 lbs. of weight in less then one year.... I just kept my nose to the grind and pushed through each day to accomplish what I needed and haven't really stopped to savour the achievement which is a very important thing to do. After reading what all of you have posted as well as talking to my doctor this morning...it has actually given me reason to stop and take count and actually try to digest what has taken place and start to celebrate what I have accomplished instead of remaining in "tunnel vision" and not stopping to smell the roses....hopefully that makes sense. I want to thank you for helping me to realize (as well as my fabulous doctor...I'll thank him in person...he's the best doctor anyone could ever hope to be blessed with. Not only is he a great doctor but he's a terrific human being which is rare to find these days, he truly cares about the people around him) this fact. Recognizing the weight loss achievements that we have made is crucial to continuing to be successful in our weight loss journeys....just a little light bulb moment for me today that I thought I would share.

Regarding my personal journey, perhaps I will sit down and write something over the weekend and summerize a bit of what I have done and post it here for you to read. I'm a bit of an unorthodox case because of the fact that my food choices are so limited due to severe food allergies, having said that....it just goes to show that even being so very limited in food choices, this way of eating still works...one just has to be more creative!

Bassett Lover, you'll do great I promise you!!! I think it's very exciting where you are right now and before you know it you're going to be feeling such a difference in your energy level not to mention seeing the inches falling off! I know what it's like to stare in the face what appears to be a very long journey...I'm right there with you all the way. But you know what really helped me? Just taking each day as it came and doing everything I knew I was suppose to do according to the Atkins book and layout of this way of eating. I focussed on accomplishing eating properly, drinking a lot of water each day and fitting some form of exercise into my daily routine and at the end of the day, I knew I had made it through another day and I did everything I was suppose to do and succeeded and I was on to the next day!!! One day turned into a week and a week turned into 2 weeks and 2 weeks turned into a month and so on and so forth and I saw and FELT the results. I know you can do this and I would be happy to help you and support you in whatever way you need...feel free to pm me....we're all in this together! Congratulations on taking the important steps to get healthy and get your life back...you are worth it!!!

Redsnapper2U, I followed induction till about a month or so ago...can't remember now the exact amount of time and then went to level 1 (more veggies) and as of recent added the berry rung into my diet (due to health problems). I had to skip a couple of rungs (dairy & the nuts/seeds) due to severe food allergies. The meat I eat is strictly beef, chicken, turkery & lamb not to mention LOTS of eggs and of course veggies!!! I will try to expound on this when I write up a little summary of what I have done and post it here.

Cupoflove, shortly after I started out I made sure I walked each day. That was the only exercise (and it's the best exercise to do) I did and I achieved great results by simply just walking so I am a firm believer that everyone should at the very least be walking if they're not doing anything else. Eating properly (this way of eating) and exercising goes hand in hand. I then increased what I was doing by adding some hand weights into my routine...I went on the internet and checked out exercises that would be great for me to do to exercise my arms, stomach, legs etc...and I progressed from there. I added the glider (gazelle), situps...upper body, mid body and lower body exercises on certain days and rotated them and continued to do cardio each day. I can expound on that a bit in the summary I will post here regarding what I have done. In the meantime, I would strongly suggest that you just get your body moving by walking if you haven't already started. You're going to do great, I know you will. I always have said, with all my medical problems and severe asthma and allergeries including numerous food allergies, if I can make this happen anyone can!!! I'm really thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet you Cupoflove and I look forward to working together and achieving our goals!!!!

Sarina
-----------------------------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Taltots]

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

I have just joined this site today and I just wanted to say...WOW! You are amazing! You are definitely going to be my inspiration. Your pictures are great and you are stunning......

[doubledown11]

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

WOW!!! You are amazing, thanks for the inspiration. Keep up the good work!

[Sarina D]

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

Good morning Taltots & Doubledown11!!!!

I appreciate you stopping by and sharing my journey with me, thank you for the wonderful compliments, encouragement and support!!!! I look forward to going through your weight loss journey with the two of you as well and hearing all the updates!!!

Taltots, welcome to the board I'm glad you joined yesterday. This is truly an amazing board and I know you will enjoy it very much and find it to be VERY helpful as well as an important tool in your weight loss journey.

All the best to the two of you, we're all in this together!!!

Sarina
----------------------

Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

I said it once and I will say it again, you are amazing! I can only hope and wish I can stay with it like you have, I get tears in my eyes thinking about the strength it takes to stick to something you want so badly. I appreciate all your positivity on the board and I hope you all the best!!!

Amber you're a doll!!!!

I know for a fact that you WILL be able to stick with this and reach your ulitimate health goal...without a doubt you will succeed!!!! I know what you mean, it is emotional. It does take dedication, strength, will power and honesty....we have to be able to honestly look at the reasons why we are overweight to begin with and address them...it's not about just eating...often times it's discovering the reasons why we turn to food or feel like just giving up and sabataging our success. We do deserve to be healthy, happy and fit!!!

As I said before and I believe with all my might, you're going to continue to do great and you will succeed....I have no doubts about that.

PM me whenever you want...stay in touch, remember we're doing this together!!!!

Sarina
-----------------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160
----------------

[Zarabelle]

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

WOW!!!!!!!! Look at you!! Truly amazing results. You look fabulous xxx

[Sarina D]

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

All I can say is "YOU LOOK FANTASTIC" . You are truly an inspiration to us that have a lot of wt. to lose. Thanks for your post.

Thank you wvfireboss, you're too kind!!! We'll get this weight off together!

How far along are you in the program and how are things going for you so far?

Stay in touch!

Sarina
----------------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[bikegirl]

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

The weight loss has done a LOT for you, I can see from the photos. It's not just weight loss in terms of pounds but appearance wise. Your hair looks absolutely FANTASTIC! Congratulations on your weight loss, that is incredible! It seems like you primp yourself (and I don't mean that in a bad way at all) more now that you are lighter and therefore, look not only slimmer, but PRETTIER. Have you noticed that?

I found that as I gained weight, I lost confidence and I lost the motivation to try and make myself look my best. I wore bland or looser clothes, did a rush job on my hair and makeup. I think I would not have looked like I put on the weight as much if I had made the same effort towards my looks as I did when I was lighter. I find that often when you're slimmer you look better NOT just because you're slimmer but rather because you put more effort into your looks, too.

Okay, end of deep thoughts. :P

[mateluna]

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

Thanks so much for posting your photos. I am on the second day of Induction, and I am CRAVING sweets. Looking at your photos has kept me busy and helped me get out of the kitchen. I had a nice hot cup of herbal tea. Thank you for posting and for being a motivating source for many of us.

[Sarina D]

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

The weight loss has done a LOT for you, I can see from the photos. It's not just weight loss in terms of pounds but appearance wise. Your hair looks absolutely FANTASTIC! Congratulations on your weight loss, that is incredible! It seems like you primp yourself (and I don't mean that in a bad way at all) more now that you are lighter and therefore, look not only slimmer, but PRETTIER. Have you noticed that?

I found that as I gained weight, I lost confidence and I lost the motivation to try and make myself look my best. I wore bland or looser clothes, did a rush job on my hair and makeup. I think I would not have looked like I put on the weight as much if I had made the same effort towards my looks as I did when I was lighter. I find that often when you're slimmer you look better NOT just because you're slimmer but rather because you put more effort into your looks, too.

Okay, end of deep thoughts. :P

Hi bikegirl,

Thanks for popping in to say hello, it's very great to meet you Thank you for the compliment as well.

Actually, the funny part is I spend WAY less time "primping" myself then I did before!!!!! I use to spend a lot of time trying to look good, do my hair nicely as well as my makeup....but I guess it doesn't really show in the first picture.

I spend such little time now primping and I'm happy for that change as well!!!! I just don't have that sort of time, life it soooo busy!!!!!

But I know what you mean, a person does feel better about themselves when they think they look better.

Cheers!!!
Sarina
--------------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

WOW!!!!!!!! Look at you!! Truly amazing results. You look fabulous xxx

Thank you Zarabelle!!!!

Sarina
----------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

Thanks so much for posting your photos. I am on the second day of Induction, and I am CRAVING sweets. Looking at your photos has kept me busy and helped me get out of the kitchen. I had a nice hot cup of herbal tea. Thank you for posting and for being a motivating source for many of us.

Hi Mateluna!!!!

Congratulations for making it through your 2nd day of Induction, that is FABULOUS, well done!!!!!!

Believe me, the more time that goes by it gets easier....you're body is making the transition right now and is detoxing. Be sure to keep high fat snacks around like chicken legs, chicken wings, devilled eggs (with Hellmans full fat mayo mixed in), boiled eggs, roast beef....that sort of thing...high fat snacks really help get through those cravings if you need to eat something. You're going to do just fine...keep doing everything you're suppose to do (by the book) and as the days progress you'll find it gets easier and easier and the sugar cravings will diminish.

There is a suppliment that I have seen people talk about time upon time on here that really works when dealing with sugar cravings. Biogeek put together a great write up and posted it here on the board...here is the link

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/vita-nutrient-solution-supplements/40973-l-glutamine-incredible-amino-acid-good-health.html

Check out the link above and maybe this is something you would like to look further into and perhaps try if it is suitable for you.

Keep yourself busy, especially in the evenings!!! I picked up some hand weights at the beginning and whenever I felt bored, I did a bit of exercise which helped a great deal because it occupied me and it also reduced whatever stress I was under. Drink lots of water as well, especially during this time of detoxing...the herbal tea sounds lovely!!!! Just be sure it's decaf as caffeine can trigger sugar cravings.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing my weight loss journey with me and thank you for the encouragement, it is great to meet you!!! Please stay in touch and if there is anything I can do that might be of help, don't hesitate to pm me!

Sarina
------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

Mateluna....Sherri just posted additional information regarding L-glutimine.

She is a great source on the subject!!!

Here is the link

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/vita-nutrient-solution-supplements/40973-l-glutamine-incredible-amino-acid-good-health-3.html#post1024489

Sarina
-------------------
Heaviest weight last year- 400 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.
Current weight – 234 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160