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 are quite an inspiration! WOW!

I am so touched by your loving care of your MIL. What a blessing you are to her. I love when family helps each other like that.

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

My mother in law is a huge blessing to me.....I love her dearly and she means the world to my husband and I. I will never be able to express how much we cherish her, she is a terrific lady and I admire her very much.

Family is very important to me, we are blessed to live in the same town as my parents, my brother and mother in law as well as a few of my husband's siblings and my extended family. My mom and dad and brother are wonderful people whom i love dearly. I couldn't have asked for better parents and a sibling, they mean the world to me as well as my husband. My brother is 6 years older than me and we are incredibly close. He started Atkins last October after watching my progress and he's lost over 100 lbs....I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO proud of him, he is dear to me and there are no words I can come up with to describe how incredibly proud I am of him. He's a real gentleman, kind, giving, warmhearted and the list goes on and on. I look up to him a lot and respect him greatly....I wish I could be half the person he is.

Thank you for popping by and leaving such a lovely note, it's really good to meet you! Keep in touch when you're able, we're all in this together!

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 – 177 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

All I can say is WOW. You were pretty even at 403 lbs but now you're an absolute stunner! Your hubby must be so proud of you.

Wow, thank you Taylor for your very kind compliments AND as well for the rep point and feedback....that was a nice surprise to receive!!!!!! Sorry for the late response....life has been very hectic lately but I think I'm able to be on the board more often now....it's so good to be back, I've missed it greatly. I would receive all my messages and updates and come on for a few seconds in the morning but just didn't have any time to be able to write.....I have missed that greatly and have missed all of you!

Yes, my husband seems pretty tickled. He's a real jewel...he was staring at me about a month ago and said the most loveliest thing, he said, "You know, there is a part of me that misses the old you...I'm so proud of all that you have accomplished but I have always loved you for who you are no matter what size you've been....I've always thought you were beautiful" Oh my gosh....just writing that makes me cry!!!! I love him dearly....our 17th wedding anniversary is coming up this coming Tuesday, Sept 22nd.....I started dating him just shy of turning 19 yrs old. We've been together for 20 yrs in total.

Thank you for stopping by Taylor and sharing in my journey with me, it's so good to meet you and I would really like it if you keep in touch and let me know how you're doing. I wish you great success, wonderful health and much happiness.

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

[Sarina D]

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

You look grrrreat!!!! Keep up the good work!!!

Thanks so much! I'm heading closer to goal and feeling great!

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

[Sarina D]

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

Oh my word! You are gorgeous!! Not that you weren't before, but now you're so happy, your smile, your eyes, your body language it all shows your beauty!

You are an inspiration, and you should be so proud of yourself

Thank you Steph! What lovely compliments, I appreciate them very much!!!!

You are a great inspiration to all of us here....I stopped by your thread that show you're new pictures and as I mentioned...what a difference! You are doing great, keep it up....you should be very proud of all that you have accomplished...nicely done!!!!

Stay in touch when you can, I would love to continue to hear 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 – 177 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

I wanted to ask you if you have done the Grouse Grind while on your weight loss journey. I did it in August with a time of 1 hour and 50 minutes. Next summer I intend to shave a lot of time off that score!!

Best of luck and continued sucess.

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

[Sarina D]

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

you look so amazing and beautiful! Well done to you and keep it up. You must be so proud! your well on your way to being slim - congrats hunny! keep updating pics your an inspiration xxx

Well thank you so much Newme, you're very kind!!!!!

I'm "locked and loaded" so to speak on my goal at hand....I've got it in sight and I'm going for it! I dreamed about this moment in time last year....what it would look like? What would if feel like? I never imagined I would be so close a year and five months later. I feel incredibly blessed and I'm truly thankful. It takes a lot of hard work and a GREAT deal of determination.....this way of eating truly works if one makes it part of their life and is dedicated and does not give up.

I have a new computer (a Mac!) and I'm just getting use to it. I haven't had much time over the last couple of weeks to figure out how to transfer my files and download my new pictures but when I do, I'll for sure post some new ones!

Thank you for popping in and taking the time to post. It means a lot to me.

Keep in touch when you're able, we're all in this together!!!!!

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

[Sarina D]

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

With all that you have been thru this month its amazing you are even able to think for a minute about exercising. I'm a stress eater too but I'm trying very hard not to let the little things stress me out, luckily I havn't had to deal with any of the big things that seem to be coming your way. I hope your mother in law has a smooth transaction into a nice home and that she settles in quickly. Once you know she's ok it should take a big load off of you.

Hi Diamonds!

Thank you for your supportive message to me, it's great to meet you and I appreciate your support greatly...I received your message shortly after you posted it but haven't been able to respond till now. It came at a very good time for me, thank you for taking the time to write.

Yes, we are hoping that my mother in law has a smooth transition very soon into a lovely home. My sister in law has found an absolutely lovely facility for her to go into but sadly the waiting list is 1 to 2 years which is horrible. However, based on her decline...there may be another way to get her in sooner and my sister in law is presently looking into this.

Moving into an assisted living situation is something my mother in law is very much not looking forward to and we feel horrible for her to have to go through this. For a number of years now she has asked that my husband and I have her live with us and just recently I learned that she asked my sister in law the same question and is a bit upset that she can't live with any of us and will need to go into a home. This is so hard because none of us have the facilities in our homes and because all of us work full time we wouldn't be able to provide her with the proper care she will require on a full time basis which is not safe for her.

My husband and I are sick over the thought of her going into a home but at this point, we're not able to have her with us. If somehow our lives and living arrangements change and we could hire her someone that could be at home with her all the time to make sure she has the proper care and is safe, we will do that in a heartbeat. We love her dearly and she means a great deal to us.

Yes, I am SUCH an emotional eater....we're in good company with one another . I have been working on changing this and I find it's a work in progress. As I mentioned to Mick above, I'm back on my game and feeling amazing and have even lost more weight....I think today I'll weight in around 176 lbs but it's too early for me to weight in at this moment....so as it stands I'm 177 lbs now...it's nice to see the scales come down again and be moving towards goal.

Thank you again for popping in and sending me a message, it came at a great time and I appreciate your support very much.

It's very good to meet you and I hope you stay in touch when you have the time, I would love to hear about how you're doing.

I wish you continued success towards great health and happiness!

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

[Sarina D]

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

Absolutely stunning!

Thank you Sookie!!!!!! It's great to see you again, I can see from your stats you're doing fabulous!!!!

Congratulations on reaching "ONEDERLAND" YIPPIE!!!!!!! ....how exciting is that?!?!?!?!?! You must be thrilled and very proud of yourself....I'm proud of you!!!!

Keep up the great work and thank you so much for stopping by!

Stay in touch when you're able!

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

[Sarina D]

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

You look sooo beautiful!!!

Well thank you Sunshine!!!!!!

Congratulations on your progress, you're doing fabulous...nicely done!!!!

Thank you for popping by and leaving such a lovely message, I appreciate you doing that and the encouragement 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

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina, What a lovely note despite the trials that you are experiencing. It is a blessing for your MIL that you are there for her. Taking care of a failing elder is a trial. I hope that you are able to draw some boundaries and carve out time for yourself; not in a selfish way but in the sense of being able to find some quiet moments to recharge. Sometimes we who help others need to remember the example of Jesus; He would find time for solitude and prayer. There is an important lesson in that.

And 'THE DRESS'! I am so happy for you that you allowed yourself to experience this moment. You are a beautiful woman in all respects and now you can look in the mirror and see it. But the real story is that you were always what you are today, just a different version. I am so glad that you had this special night.

As I write this, my sweetie, Joyce, is in the next room. We had a nice dinner and a lovely walk afterword. God has blessed me with her. It is so nice to have someone who has seen me through 'thick' and on the way to thin!

Warm regards,
Mick

Hi Mick,

How are you my friend? How are things going for you these days, I hope all is well. What's new and exciting with you? How is your lovely family all doing?

Thank you for the caring advice. We're trying to do that, at times it is tough as mom really needs us but we are working on balance....you are so right....one does need to find a balance...isn't that so true in all aspects of our lives?

YES, the dress!!!!! Thank you for your lovely comments, you're so kind. WOW, I still can't believe I was able to wear such a dress! I went out and purchased a couple more dresses this week and I actually wore one!!!! What can I say, I'm feeling rather brave LOL! I've been rather naughty in the clothes shopping department! I wrote a number of months ago that shopping for clothing is still a "surreal" experience to me...I can walk into ANY store and everything fits.....I can tell you this is still a "surreal" and humbling feeling for me. Something I haven't been able to do since I was a very young teenager.

Joyce is such a lovely woman and I am so happy that you have her and vice versa! The two of you make a wonderful couple, you share something very precious.....something you should be so proud about especially these days. I always am so saddened when I learn that a marriage has failed....it happens way to often these days doesn't it....very tragic.

Btw! Guess what!?!?!??!! I found a fabulous vitamin that I can take!!!! It's called Bone Up. It contains many different vitamins and minerals (that I should be taking daily) and it hasn't given me any problems! I'm pretty excited about that because supplements are important to take and as I mentioned a while back I had to cut a number of them out of my routine because I was experiencing some adverse effects....not with this one! I'm pretty pleased about that!

I took 2 x weeks off from exercising, something I will NEVER do again I can tell you that!!!! I felt I needed a rest, with the incredible back pain from my old injury, helping my mother in law out, feeling rather exhausted and not having enough time in the day I thought taking some time off would be a "good" thing. NEVER again will I do that unless I am absolutely not able to exercise. In two weeks I bounced back up to 187 lbs and my craving for food and my nasty old habit of getting up in the middle of the night to have a weeeee snack came back. August was absolutely horrible for me....the same as May was when I had to take a month off from tearing a rectus abdominal muscle. I have proved three times now to myself that exercise is an integral part of the success I have accomplished to date as well as any continued success that I wish to achieve. I can tell you, I felt more stressed, I stiffened up like crazy and just didn't feel myself. I started back up exercising this week on Monday and I've come back down and actually lost another pound so I'm now at 177 lbs! I am relieved and aside from feeling stiff (I've really worked out this week) I'm feeling fabulous and back on my game again. I'm not craving, nor am I getting up in the middle of the night for the "snack". I get up early and get in a workout before heading to my office and when I arrive home I fit in my other workout....I'm feeling like a million bucks again!

I've changed my workout up a lot and revised it. My old back injury has been really aggravated from running on my glider, so instead of doing that everyday, I have incorporated kick boxing and some other forms of cardio through the week and I'm staggering my workouts on my glider as well as my stationary bike. Of course I still am training my upper, core/abs and lower body with weight training and targeted exercises...in conjunction with the cardio. I can already see and feel a difference in just doing this new workout. I think this will be what brings me to goal in the next six months...here's hoping!!!!!

Well, that's what has been going on for me. I haven't been on the board like I normally am. I miss everyone tremendously but I had to take the time and focus on my mother in law. She is SUCH a wonderful and special lady, I love her dearly. I am back now and hope to be on the board daily again....I miss my "Atkins" family deeply.

Stay well my dear friend and please keep in touch and let me know how you are. Give my love to Joyce.

Blessings to you and your family,
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

[farmwife]

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

You are quite an inspiration! WOW!

I am so touched by your loving care of your MIL. What a blessing you are to her. I love when family helps each other like that.

[TaylorMac]

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

All I can say is WOW. You were pretty even at 403 lbs but now you're an absolute stunner! Your hubby must be so proud of you.

[SGJG123]

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

You look grrrreat!!!! Keep up the good work!!!

[stephbob]

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

Oh my word! You are gorgeous!! Not that you weren't before, but now you're so happy, your smile, your eyes, your body language it all shows your beauty!

You are an inspiration, and you should be so proud of yourself

[pipee_pl]

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

I wanted to ask you if you have done the Grouse Grind while on your weight loss journey. I did it in August with a time of 1 hour and 50 minutes. Next summer I intend to shave a lot of time off that score!!

Best of luck and continued sucess.