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!!!

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.

Hi Justfitz!

It's great to meet you, thank you for popping by and thanks so much for the encouragement, support and lovely compliment! I will indeed keep it up, I can guarantee that! Where this takes me, I can't imagine but I am VERY excited to see.

Thank you for that feedback, I do hope my story can give at least one person the hope and proof that if they are willing to invest in themselves, act as though they are worth it...and I use the word "act" because at the beginning, some of us generally don't have a lot of faith in ourselves do we??? Some of us have have thought including myself at the beginning..."I'm going to do this but maybe I won't be able to succeed" but as the time goes by and we start to feel and see the results, we really begin believing that we CAN & WILL make it happen and our thought process changes.

Also, one has to do everything they're suppose to do like eating correctly, establishing the fact that they will not give in to anyone or anything that might compromise the way they need to eat to be healthy, they need to exercise and drink lots of water....and most importantly truly make this way of eating their life and if one stumbles and happens cheat or makes an error or feels low or down and thinks about throwing in the towel...dig down deep and claw yourself out of that deep hole of thinking..... NEVER EVER EVER EVER GIVE UP.

If one happens to cheat, they need to make sure the very next thing they put in their mouth is what they are allowed and are suppose to eat....figure out why they might have cheated...didn't have the correct food prepared, felt stressed and reached for food (especially the wrong type of food for comfort, felt pressured to eat something "everyone else was eating" just to name a few so that the next time a similar situation comes around one can be prepared with a plan of action. Also, I encourage everyone to reach out for help and support (this board is an amazing place to receive that...I consider this my "Atkins family". If one makes sure they do these things, they too will lose the weight they want to lose, keep it off and experience so many, many more benefits that come their way in this process (aside from the wonderful weight loss) of becoming healthy.

Thanks again for popping by and keep up the great job you're doing! Do keep in touch and let me know how things are going for 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!!!

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.

Hi again!

No worries, you're not rambling at all! I feel like I'm the one who is always rambling!!!! I respond to posts and ALWAYS think I've said WAY TOOOOO MUCH and should shorten what I have to say..so no worries, I enjoy receiving replies and value them greatly! Write as much as you feel like!

I think I shared a few tips above in response to your last post not realizing your next post had questions....if there are other things I might have missed out, feel free to ask and I would be very happy to clarify or add to those thoughts!

Congratulations on losing 7 lbs, that is awesome!!! I want you to keep it up, you're well on your way!

I'm glad to see you can identify that you're truly not doing a clean Induction based on the way you're eating...that's crucial and really important...NOW...I challenge and URGE to change that right away...I know you can do it. Go to the recipe section on this board and look up all the FABULOUS and I mean FABULOUS recipes available to you during Induction. If I was not sooooo limited in my food choices due to NUMEROUS as well as very severe food allergies good grief I would be laughing! If I can make this way of eating work for me and be creative with the very short list of foods I can eat...anyone can. It takes one to make their mind up, commit to themselves, prepare a list of foods they would like to stock their kitchens with (THROW OUT THE JUNK) and then prepare foods that are at their finger tips when they want to eat or have a snack....being prepared is CRUCIAL. One can make so many things that are ready...Deviled eggs...eggs salad or canned salmon made into salmon salad and rolled up in romaine leaves or chicken salad that can be eaten with a spoon or rolled up in romaine leaves....chicken wings or one of my favs...boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cooked chicken breast that can be eat on it's own or chopped up on top of a cup of salad greens, avocado, that can be dipped in Helmans full fat mayo or sugar free ranch dressing or Caesar salad (sugar free) dressing ....roast, hamburger, turkey ...fresh veggies, pickles (without sugar) black olives (I LOVE THESE)....and eggs that can be made into an omlette with fried mushrooms and cheese (I can't have cheese because of my allergies but I'm sure you can)...and the list goes on and on and on....too many choices to choose from!

So go check out that section and as well as a great website called Linda's Low carb recipes and jump on the clean Induction wagon immediately! I PROMISE you'll not get bored with ALL with the amazing food choices and recipes available to you...there's no reason at all anyone would be board with those amazing choices....so consider that to be your BIGGEST problem right now regarding boredom...oh and TOSS those bars into the trash can....that's where they belong...they're not food, eat whole, fresh, delicious food. Freeze the almonds (they're great for you) until you reach the nut rung. Let me know how it goes for you...I'm right here along the way with you!

I am glad to hear that you're enjoying this way of losing, I find it to be most enjoyable and satisfying. I can appreciate the goal you have made for yourself, it is important to make mini goals...however, be sure you change those things above that you need to change in order to assure that you'll be able to reach or come close to what you have set for yourself...that is crucial.

I wrote the following above in my other response to you:

Also, one has to do everything they're suppose to do like eating correctly, establishing the fact that they will not give in to anyone or anything that might compromise the way they need to eat to be healthy, they need to exercise and drink lots of water....and most importantly truly make this way of eating their life

I will never ever be able to say or write that enough. This is not a diet or something that is to be used as a short term thing to try to lose a bit of weight one wants to lose. It has to be incorporated into one's life for the rest of their life otherwise one will never be able to achieve the weight loss and health benefits that come along with their weight loss nor keep the weight off....the weight gains and weight loss fluctuation will always be present and actually, the weight loss will come to a stop. I have spoken with many people that have gone off and on off and on off and on and it becomes more difficult each time for them...that says something doesn't it?

Another very important aspect is exercise....like I ALWAYS write the following (I'm surprised someone hasn't told me to come up with a new line LOL!)...."Fit some form of exercise into your daily routine". Exercise goes hand in hand with eating properly and drinking lots of water. Aside for eating properly and drinking the water I was suppose to...there is absolutely NO POSSIBLE way my body would have looked the way it does presently from coming from a place of being over 400 lbs just a year and a few months ago...absolutely no way. Now, having said that, I have a ways to go for sure but I would be dealing with a whole different body as well as probably losing less weight in this time frame if I hadn't of incorporated exercise into my daily routine and MADE it a routine that I would not pass on daily.

So, there's my rambling ....I hope there are some things I have shared that will be helpful to you.

Please start the clean Induction right away, you really deserve great health and to achieve and keep the weight off that you want to lose.

Keep in touch with me, I'm truly excited to hear how things are going for you! I look forward to the updates.

It's great to meet you and thanks again for the lovely messages....stay 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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

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

DORRIE!!!!!!

How are you my friend, how are you feeling since the surgery? I hope this week has brought you much relief and you're feeling better. Please let me know how things are going for you.

LOL!!!! Thank you Dorrie, you're just a doll...I'm glad that you like the pictures...thank you for saying what you did....it means a great deal to me

We're going to get to our goals together girl!

Make sure you keep in touch and please be sure to let me know how you're feeling and how the recovery is going when you feel up to it ok?

Lots of 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!!!

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!

Hi HoneyB!

Ahhhhh, thank you for sharing that with me! Yes, I am feeling like a new person indeed. I have to share that clothing shopping is STILL a shock and a very humbling experience for me each time I go....something I still can't get use to (I go every other week even if it's just to try things on). Being able to shop in whatever store I happen to walk into is still very hard to describe in words....it's sort of a numbing, surreal feeling and experience to me...like there's no way this could be really happening..I haven't shopped in a regular sized store my entire adult life....I am presently 38 yrs.

Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your thoughts regarding my journey, I appreciate you taking the time out to share in my journey and write to me, that means a lot.

It's really great to meet you....I hope that you stay in touch and let me know how things are going for you. I truly do care and would love to hear your updates.

All the best to you in your weight loss and health journey!
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, 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!

Hi Mick!!!!

It's so neat to hear that you shared my pictures with your lovely wife, please say hello to her for me and send her my best...thank you for sharing her reaction from seeing my pictures, that is just wonderful to hear and I really appreciate it!

Thank you for your kind sentiments Mick, what you wrote really touched me. I wish you all that as well Mick, may your life be filled with wonderful things, much love, a deep joy, pure happiness and great health.

Keep in touch Mick, let me know how things are going for you. We are all in this journey together and we'll get to our goals and maintain them side by side!

Talk with you again 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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[ShannonM]

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

Well, thanks a lot. After seeing these pics, the last vestiges of my pathetic excuse-making are gone.

Also, you are drop-dead gorgeous. If you didn't lose another pound after this, you still will look like a model, IMO.

[Sarina D]

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

Well, thanks a lot. After seeing these pics, the last vestiges of my pathetic excuse-making are gone.

Also, you are drop-dead gorgeous. If you didn't lose another pound after this, you still will look like a model, IMO.

Oh WOW Shannon, you're most kind.....thank you for that lovely compliment! You've just put a huge smile on my face

How are things going for you these days? Do keep in touch, drop me a line and let me know how things are working out.

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

[J.R.]

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

Hi Sarina,
I had look forward to seeing the update since the 247lb photos, it was well worth it! I haven't been around for a few weeks (summer holiday) and was amazed that you are already at 184, so much for that plateau near 200.

Enjoy your "new" life, you deserve it! I loved the "long time friend didn't recognize me until she saw my husband" story.

[cookiecate]

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

I know today was the visit to the doctor. Just to say I hope everything is alright. Love and best wishes Cookie.

[andilsk5]

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

Sarina, You are a huge inspiration to me! I have been back to this thread so many times already, it gives me so much hope for my own situation!

Do you mind if I ask you what type of exercise you have been doing for the past year? Is it mostly cardio? Mostly weights? Combination of some sort? I have read quite a few of your posts and I know that you credit exercise for helping you to look so good after having lost so much weight, and I'm just wondering what your personal exercise routine is like...

Apologies if you have posted this before, I didn't come across any similar posts.

And thank you for all your encouraging posts and inspiration.

Andie

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina, You are a huge inspiration to me! I have been back to this thread so many times already, it gives me so much hope for my own situation!

Do you mind if I ask you what type of exercise you have been doing for the past year? Is it mostly cardio? Mostly weights? Combination of some sort? I have read quite a few of your posts and I know that you credit exercise for helping you to look so good after having lost so much weight, and I'm just wondering what your personal exercise routine is like...

Apologies if you have posted this before, I didn't come across any similar posts.

And thank you for all your encouraging posts and inspiration.

Andie

Hi Andie,

Thank you for your supportive post, it's great to meet you and I appreciate you stopping by to share in my weight loss journey. I am thankful to hear that some of what I have gone through is helpful and encouraging to you. I know you will be very successful as well in your journey to great health. Keep doing everything your suppose to do and you'll do fantastic...we'll get to our goals together and maintain them

I would be very happy to answer any questions that you have, however, we received some horrible news earlier today. We have experienced a sudden and very tragic family death and it is a huge shock to our family. I was going to answer you back this morning (it's 12:52 am right now) but I think what I will do is try to get some sleep and then sometime later today come online and answer your post.

Sorry for not being able to put something together at the moment but I will for sure write back soon.

Thanks again, talk with you shortly.

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

[d33na]

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

what an inspiration....I too have a lot to lose but seeing you I KNOW its possible!

fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! well done

[sarbirus]

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

I am sure I posted a message in this thread before.. cant find it, so well done Sarina and good luck!

[Sarina D]

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

Hi Sarina,
I had look forward to seeing the update since the 247lb photos, it was well worth it! I haven't been around for a few weeks (summer holiday) and was amazed that you are already at 184, so much for that plateau near 200.

Enjoy your "new" life, you deserve it! I loved the "long time friend didn't recognize me until she saw my husband" story.

J.R, is it ever good to see you back on the board!!!! I hope you had a great time during your summer holiday...did you go away? How's everything going for you these days? Be sure to write back when you can and let me know how things are going ok?

Thank you for the feedback and encouragement regarding my progress, that means a lot to me and helps push me along during those days that I don't feel like exercising or when I start dreaming of something I shouldn't be wanting to eat!

Keep in touch when you can. I can't wait to get out of the 180's....I've had a wee bit of a setback....I tried adding some berries this past week and went up in weight....still not ready for that berry rung...I guess it's going to be a stubborn one for me. I'm back down again thankfully but man alive it sure doesn't take much to pop me back up 3 to 5 lbs!

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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

I know today was the visit to the doctor. Just to say I hope everything is alright. Love and best wishes Cookie.

Cookie, you're such sweetheart...thank you for thinking of me!

I received my results back on Friday from the mass and my biopsy came back normal!!!!! What a relief....pheeeeewwwwww!!!! I will continue to be screened each year (my doctor has changed it to the diagnostic screening which has been different from what I've been going through each year for the past three years....he explained that the imaging is better and more images are taken) and I am grateful for that....better safe than sorry! I have a terrific doctor and I am incredibly blessed to have him.

Bunches and bunches of hugs and kisses to both you and Mr. Cookie

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