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!!!!!!!!forgive me for shouting but you are a beautiful woman and I bet your hubby would join me in hoping that if any child you have looks like you they would be blessed with good looks and a gentle loving disposition. I don't care how good looking hubs is a little bit of both of you sounds good.

My son married a gorgeous gal who would have made the most loving mum. Unfortunately she had cancer when she was only sixteen and cannot conceive. However they are the happiest people in the world and their two dogs get all the parenting.

Cookie, you're just a darling...get over here so I can hug you in person...or maybe I'll come your way to get that hug!!!! How are you and Mr. Cookie doing this week? How's that weather of yours? We're experiencing such hot weather in the area we live at in Canada....yikes! Having said that, I'm walking around in a thick long sleeve fleece top today......go figure...I'm getting a few strange looks to say the least! I wore capri pants to work and a long sleeved fleece top because I keep my office really cold...I love my office cold..however, once I leave I'm out in the hot weather! I'll have to bring a change of clothing tomorrow so I don't get anymore strange looks

Well I do hope if we're ever blessed with children aside from inheriting their dads great looks (and his flaming orange/red hair), I especially hope they end up with his wonderful personality, he is a very dear man indeed.

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear your lovely daughter in law went through cancer when she was sixteen. I always find it so incredibly hard to fathom young people having to go through cancer....they're such amazingly strong individuals....I'm certain she is a very special lady! Dogs, I LOVE dogs but sadly I'm terribly allergic to them...my husband has always said, he's secretly thankful that I am allergic to them because I'd want to bring every stray dog or dog I see in the pet store home with me!

I'm sure your son and daughter in law are very loving parents to their dear dogs...I would imagine those dogs are VERY spoiled indeed!

You have a fabulous remainder of the week Cookie...stay in touch and you and Mr. Cookie keep up the great job in your weight loss journey. Send my love to Mr. Cookie and give each other a big hug for....that's from me to the both of you!

Hugs and love,
Sarina
---------------------

Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina, your journey and pictures are a true inspiration, they should make this a sticky!!!!
AND you are so beautiful!!! Just like us brits imagine the american ladies to be!! Or what we see on the tv lol!! My husband is astounded,after seeing how im eating on induction and saying oh yeah, that'l work NOT. Ive showed him your pics (and a few others on here) and he cant believe it!!
I CANT WAIT !!!
THANK YOU XXX
Chelle xx

Oh wow Chelle, you are way too kind...thank you for the lovely compliments!!!!

I have to admit I had to ask my husband what a sticky was...I had no idea..I'm still learning....the sticky idea is such a kind thought, thank you

Well I as well as so many others on this board and around the world are living proof that this way of eating truly works...IF one is sure to make it the way they live for the rest of their life. It's not something that is to be used as a quick fix or something one can go on and off from whenever they feel like it. First of all it will not work that way and second of all that would not be healthy. You're going to do great Chelle and I'm so glad that your hubby sees and recognizes that it works, his support in you making the decision to live a healthy lifestyle is very important....good for him! Tell him I'm really proud of him for being so supportive with you Remember to continue to eat everything you're suppose to and be sure to fit some form of exercise into your day....they go hand in hand!

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

Cheers!
Sarina
------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[cookiecate]

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

Cookie, you're just a darling...get over here so I can hug you in person...or maybe I'll come your way to get that hug!!!! How are you and Mr. Cookie doing this week? How's that weather of yours? We're experiencing such hot weather in the area we live at in Canada....yikes! Having said that, I'm walking around in a thick long sleeve fleece top today......go figure...I'm getting a few strange looks to say the least! I wore capri pants to work and a long sleeved fleece top because I keep my office really cold...I love my office cold..however, once I leave I'm out in the hot weather! I'll have to bring a change of clothing tomorrow so I don't get anymore strange looks

Well I do hope if we're ever blessed with children aside from inheriting their dads great looks (and his flaming orange/red hair), I especially hope they end up with his wonderful personality, he is a very dear man indeed.


I

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear your lovely daughter in law went through cancer when she was sixteen. I always find it so incredibly hard to fathom young people having to go through cancer....they're such amazingly strong individuals....I'm certain she is a very special lady! Dogs, I LOVE dogs but sadly I'm terribly allergic to them...my husband has always said, he's secretly thankful that I am allergic to them because I'd want to bring every stray dog or dog I see in the pet store home with me!

I'm sure your son and daughter in law are very loving parents to their dear dogs...I would imagine those dogs are VERY spoiled indeed!

You have a fabulous remainder of the week Cookie...stay in touch and you and Mr. Cookie keep up the great job in your weight loss journey. Send my love to Mr. Cookie and give each other a big hug for....that's from me to the both of you!

Hugs and love,
Sarina
---------------------

Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

Well I do hope if we're ever blessed with children aside from inheriting their dads great looks (and his flaming orange/red hair), I especially hope they end up with his wonderful personality, he is a very dear man indeed.


I noticed the first winter we ever did Atkins and I had lost some weiight that I felt the cold immensely. I would watch tv wrapped up in a duvet and when others felt warm I was quietly putting on my electric blanket. However, the weather here has been wet and wetter even by English standards we are not having a good summer.

We lived for several years in the Caribbean and I have to confess it was often uncomfortable and I loved the fact we could always keep our bedroom really cold. It was the only place we used our air cons.

Mr Cookie and I are doing well this week, we take the dog to the beach as often as we can and rain or shine Mr Cookie walks up and down throwing sticks and doing the tricks that dog owners do.

I know what you mean about cancer and the very young, it somehow doesn't seem quite fair. My daughter in law is great and is able to support my son in a way that she probably wouldn't be able to do if she had children. Ric my son is a musician and so he travels a lot and has been very poor and Shelby his wife is always supportive and positive. They are both in their forties and I don't even know if they still want to adopt a child, I know they thought about it earlier on.

Two questions I have to ask about your hubby, (1) is he of Scottish blood? and (2) Does he have the dramatic temper that auburn heads are supposed to have?

We have a red haired friend who is so lovely but when he gets agitated or is having a tantrum it is best to get out of the way.

Hugs right back attcha kid Cookie.

[cafe_et_creme]

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

Oh WOW! Im speechless!! lol you have done an amazing job, such a dramatic change in such a short time too! Thanks for sharing your photo journey, you will give so many of us the motivation to stick with this way of eating! We can see from your photos that it does work!
this time next year there will be nothing left of you!!
Congrats & well done

[hopejoy]

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

Wow!!! Amazing and inspirational!!! Thank you for sharing those pictures!!! You look fantastic! Great great job!!!!!!
liz

[Jules1980]

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

You look INCREDIBLE!!! Congratulations!! Good luck on the rest of your journey!!!

[justfitz]

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

Dear Sirena,
You are very beautiful and your accomplishments are awesome! Keep it up! Thanks for sharing your photos...it's so helpful for everyone who's working hard to change their health and lives to know that it can be done!
--J.

[justfitz]

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

Sarina,
You are an inspiration!

How about sharing some tips or a little bit about your journey?

I am new, lost 7 pounds the first two weeks and at the end of the third I feel myself getting a little bored or lazy--though not really cheating; I am not following religiously which I know I have to. For instance throughout "induction" I have had bars, almonds, a few low carb beers and a few sneaks of caffeine. So I know what I have to do--true induction, but I'd love to hear some of the highlights of your progress...as inspiration. if you have time, of course. No pressure!

I am very excited about lossing this way--it feels good and do-able! I want to be at 150 by 12-31-2009. I know from reading about successful dieters like you that I can do this, with a consistent effort.

Once again thanks for posting and keep up the good work! You must feel great!
(and sorry for rambling!)
--J.

[Dorrie]

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

My computer is finally working properly thankfully and I've been able to post some more pics below.

I found another before picture, some between pictures and have posted some brand new ones.

403 lbs.


Aug 19-08 - 320 lbs.


Nov 16-08 - 272 lbs.


April 13-09 - 213 lbs.


April 30-09 -209 lbs.


May 31-09 - 202 lbs.


July 19-09 - 184 lbs.


Jul 19-09 - 184 lbs.


Jul 19-09 - 184 lbs.


I thought I would have some fun and show you a pair of pants that I wore just last Jan - May 2008....I'm able to fit into one pant leg.


The last four pictures show what I currently look like.

Thank you for stopping by to take a look at my updates and see how my journey has been going to date.

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 – 184 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

Holy Smokes Sarina!! You look amazing!!! You are my idol!!! I am soooo happy for you!!!

[HoneyB]

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

Sarina, I actually *gasped* when I saw the latest pictures –*you're a whole new person! It's so inspiring to see someone make the commitment to getting fit and enjoy such incredible results. No wonder you're smiling, congrats on your success!

[Sarina D]

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

Well I do hope if we're ever blessed with children aside from inheriting their dads great looks (and his flaming orange/red hair), I especially hope they end up with his wonderful personality, he is a very dear man indeed.


I noticed the first winter we ever did Atkins and I had lost some weiight that I felt the cold immensely. I would watch tv wrapped up in a duvet and when others felt warm I was quietly putting on my electric blanket. However, the weather here has been wet and wetter even by English standards we are not having a good summer.

We lived for several years in the Caribbean and I have to confess it was often uncomfortable and I loved the fact we could always keep our bedroom really cold. It was the only place we used our air cons.

Mr Cookie and I are doing well this week, we take the dog to the beach as often as we can and rain or shine Mr Cookie walks up and down throwing sticks and doing the tricks that dog owners do.

I know what you mean about cancer and the very young, it somehow doesn't seem quite fair. My daughter in law is great and is able to support my son in a way that she probably wouldn't be able to do if she had children. Ric my son is a musician and so he travels a lot and has been very poor and Shelby his wife is always supportive and positive. They are both in their forties and I don't even know if they still want to adopt a child, I know they thought about it earlier on.

Two questions I have to ask about your hubby, (1) is he of Scottish blood? and (2) Does he have the dramatic temper that auburn heads are supposed to have?

We have a red haired friend who is so lovely but when he gets agitated or is having a tantrum it is best to get out of the way.

Hugs right back attcha kid Cookie.

Hi Cookie!!!

I hope that both you and Mr. Cookie are having a lovely weekend.

Yes, I can relate to feeling cold after losing weight. I use to be fine but now for some reason I'm cold more often and get that way much quicker when the temperatures changes just slightly. In Sept. I'll have my big down comforter out on the couch when I sit in our living room....crazy LOL!!!

I LOVE the ocean!!! I wish we lived a bit closer to the nearest one that is by us, I would be there daily. Sounds lovely for the two of you and the dog to get out there as often as you do....great for the lungs among other things. Sorry to hear you're having such a wet summer, maybe the summer will come late this year for you?

Regarding my husband...well that's a good question....my mother has ALWAYS believed and insisted as far back as when we began dating (20 yrs. ago...I started dating him when I was 18 yrs old) that he HAD to either be Scottish or Irish because of his hair colour and features. His family states they are German, however, a few years ago a new development surfaced and it appears his family has ties back to Anglo-Saxon roots....my mother was so funny when she heard that...she said, "I've been saying that for years!". My mother's family are Scottish, Irish, English and Welsh....what a combination...I use to laugh so hard watching my grandparents (her mom and dad) get into it regarding their different heritages!

Soooo, it appears that my mother could very well be correct regarding what he really is. Regarding temper...yes, he certainly could become fiery in temper as young man (so I hear) but that changed when he hit his mid to late 20's. He's quite patient man but not to be pushed because he certainly can become a force to be reckoned with in short orger! I'm pretty fiery myself....much more than he ever was or is (I've improved in that way in age) but I still have quite a fiery personality....when we first started dating he use to work hard at trying to "help me" out in that department...I would joke and say, "what is this, your attempt at the the taming of the shrew?!?!"
I just blame my parents...with my mom's family roots and my father being Sicilian (he was born in Sicily), I can't help but be a bit of a firecracker myself.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend Cookie, stay dry and keep in touch.

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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

Oh WOW! Im speechless!! lol you have done an amazing job, such a dramatic change in such a short time too! Thanks for sharing your photo journey, you will give so many of us the motivation to stick with this way of eating! We can see from your photos that it does work!
this time next year there will be nothing left of you!!
Congrats & well done

Well thank you!!!!!!

This way of eating truly does work that is for sure. The key is making it one's life...not just trying to use it as a quick fix or something one stays on till the weekend rolls around...it will never work that way.

I am looking forward to seeing what next year this time looks like...that is an exciting concept for me to think about.

Thank you for dropping by and leaving a message, I appreciate it!

I wish you all the very best on your health journey, stay in touch and let me know how things are going for you...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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

Wow!!! Amazing and inspirational!!! Thank you for sharing those pictures!!! You look fantastic! Great great job!!!!!!
liz

Thanks so much Liz!!!!! I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures, I will never forget the night I first posted the original ones and created this thread. I was so incredibly nervous (which is not like me) I just about deleted the post and the pictures. I left them because it was the "before and after" section that convinced me last July that this way of eating could work and motivated me to start the very day I began reading. It wasn't a "clean Induction Day" by far (July 20th really was my 1st official Clean Induction Day" but I was so incredibly inspired and for the very first time felt that glimmer of " hope" that I had lost and didn't think I would ever feel again, that I was going to do my very best to eat as closely to Induction as I could that very day.....the rest as they say is history! The very next morning I ran out to the store and purchased the book, stopped off at the grocery store (I had found a sticky on the board of the items one could eat from during Induction the night before) and came home and read and read and read.

Thank you Liz for popping in to say hello and leaving a message, it is the messages that also help inspire me and keep me going through those times that are difficult (we ALL have them). It means a great deal

Sarina
-----------------------
Heaviest weight - 403 lbs. (2007)
April 1, 2008 - 387 lbs. (This is when I initially started to lose weight…but was not on Atkins at this point)
Atkins start weight – 347 lbs. (July 19, 2008 – began Atkins)
1st major goal met -----100 lbs. lost as of Oct 2, 2008 - Hit 300 lbs. on this day – From April 1-08 when I initially begin to lose weight.
2nd major goal met - 151 lbs. lost as of Jan 13, 2009 - Hit 249 lbs. on this day.
3rd major goal met - Wed, May 13-09 - Reached losing 200 lbs. in just over a year and a couple of months.
4th major goal met – Reached “Onederland” June 6-09 – 198 lbs.
5th major goal met - My 1 yr. Atkins anniversary - Weighing 184 lbs. this day
Current weight – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Mick2360]

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

Sarina, I showed your B/A pictures to my wife (who can eat ANYTHING and weigh 115 lbs ) and she was just blown away. She was really encouraged by several of the pictures but yours most of all. I hope that your life is filled with many wonderful things. It is plain to see that you have worked hard to get to this wonderful place; enjoy it!

[Sarina D]

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

You look INCREDIBLE!!! Congratulations!! Good luck on the rest of your journey!!!

Hi Jules!

I was in Niagra Falls about 4 years ago and LOVED it!!! I have always wanted to return but in the winter time to see the Falls frozen...I've seen pictures and it's quite a sight! I'll give you a shout if that ever happens and maybe we could meet up!

Thank you for your lovely compliments, encouragement and support. I experienced a couple of bumps along the way recently...threw a silly fit because I was feeling impatient (more stressed I think from other things developing unexpectedly recently...HOWEVER, I've weathered the "emotional storm" and I'm still on course and have my sights locked on making goal and exploring what the future ahead holds.

I wish you all the very best in your journey to great health, keep in touch NEVER give up no matter what 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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160