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 had such a beautiful face at 403........

Well thank you LC, that is very sweet of you to say.

I wish you all the best in your journey to great health, it's good to meet you and I look forward to hearing about your progress...keep up the great work!!!!!

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!!!

Great job on the loss!! Like everyone else is saying...INCREDIBLE!!

I'm at my 11 month mark and have gone from 406 to 280. My before and after pics will come when I hit 200.

Are you having any issues with loose skin? I know that can be a problem with that much weight loss. I'm guessing if I do get to 180-200 I'll need a tummy tuck myself. I've been lifting weights a lot over the last 3 months and doing a lot of ab work and maybe that will help some.

On another note...you also have great teeth.

I started walking at night too, then my local apartment gym, now for the last 6 months a "regular" gym. It is nice to be back in the main stream.

Have you written Tony Little and showed him your pics. I think he would use you for sure. Who knows you may make some decent $$$

Thanks for sharing your story and pictures.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Thank you for popping by and taking the time to share in my adventure!!

I appreciate your lovely comments and support, they mean a lot to me.

I have to say Mike, you are MOST amazing....just look at what you have accomplished in 11 months...you've lost 126 lbs!!!!!! Good grief you should be so proud of what you have done...I know I'm really proud of you...well done, you're a great inspiration to all of us here!!!

As far as the loose skin goes for me...yes it's there but you know what...not NEAR as bad or as much (so far) from how I visioned it was going to be. I credit it to all the cardio, weight training and specific body zones that I train. Weight training and cardio are equally important so I won't skip on either one. I was mentioning a discussion on this board with a few people regarding something my specialist shared with a little while ago when he was talking to me about my weight loss. He said that it's the cardio that really burns the fat and gets rid of it....the weight training is important but the cardio is what sheds the weight. I know for me, this has been the case. I know this because I tested it a couple of times and each time I reduced my cardio but kept up in the weight training...my weight loss slowed (one month it came to a near stand still)..but I increased my cardio portion again and the weight started to come off again and my body overall looked better. My stomach has come down so much and I know it's because of the cardio I do.

On another note but having to do with the same subject, my family doctor and I were talking about how much weight I've lost a few weeks ago and the topic of loose skin came up. He thinks my loose skin will come back (the thought of that is truly mind blowing and amazing to me considering how large my stomach, my legs and my arms were). He said that the key is giving the skin a full year AFTER reaching goal to come back...even a year and a half. That was very exciting news to me. But hey, the reality of it is...if after reaching my goal and giving it the time he suggests I still have some loose skin...I have no problem having it removed.... I think by then I will have earned it!

Keep up all that you're doing with eating properly and exercising the way you are...that will help in continuing to tone your body as well. I know that they say one can't spot train...I do understand their reasoning for saying that...HOWEVER, I just have to disagree to some point with that statement. I know from my exercise routine that my body certainly, in no way what so ever would look like it does if I hadn't exercised and spot trained (abs work, tricep work, inner thigh work). The way it has worked for me is I have spot trained and I've developed a lot of muscle under the fat which I think has been very important because as the fat comes off I am seeing my body contoured and shaped in ways I know would not have happened without training certain areas....absolutely no way.

I am SOOOOOO proud of you for getting out in the public gym....you continue to hold your head up high, you have MUCH to be proud of...well done!!!

Have you incorporated cardio into your routine? You mentioned that you were walking at one point...are you still? If you aren't...try to incorporate some aspect of cardio into what you're doing for a month (along with the weight training and abdominal work) and see if you notice a difference. You're weight loss has been tremendous so I don't mean in that regard but I am curious to see if you notice a structural change in your body...I know for me I did.

No, I've not written to Tony Little....you never know, I just might yet! LOL! I am onto my 2nd glider, I wore the first one out so I would indeed have some suggestions for him on how to improve his technology!

Thanks again Mike for writing and sharing with me your wonderful success. I am ecstatic for you and grateful that you've shared what you have accomplished...you are truly inspirational! Please keep in contact and drop me a line when you're able...I would love to hear how things are going for you and I CAN'T wait to see your pictures!!!!!!!!

I wish you continued success and great health and happiness...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

[Laolady]

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

congratulation

[Sarina D]

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

congratulation

Thank you very much!
I wish you all the best in your weight loss 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

[mkline71]

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

Hi Mike,

I know I'm really proud of you...well done, you're a great inspiration to all of us here!!!

As far as the loose skin goes for me...yes it's there but you know what...not NEAR as bad or as much (so far) from how I visioned it was going to be.

On another note but having to do with the same subject, my family doctor and I were talking about how much weight I've lost a few weeks ago and the topic of loose skin came up. He thinks my loose skin will come back (the thought of that is truly mind blowing and amazing to me considering how large my stomach, my legs and my arms were). He said that the key is giving the skin a full year AFTER reaching goal to come back...even a year and a half.

Have you incorporated cardio into your routine? You mentioned that you were walking at one point...are you still? If you aren't...try to incorporate some aspect of cardio into what you're doing for a month

No, I've not written to Tony Little....you never know, I just might yet! LOL! I am onto my 2nd glider, I wore the first one out so I would indeed have some suggestions for him on how to improve his technology!

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

Thanks a lot of the great words, I'm going to try my best to keep it up. What the doctor said was really great to hear. I think I'll give it a year after I reach my goal and if need to go under the knife then I will. I agree we have earned the right to get rid of loose skin.

I am doing cardio too. I lift four nights a week and on those nights I do 60 minutes of cardio. On the nights I don't lift weights I try to do 80-90 minutes of cardio.

I started lifting hard in late May and my weight loss did slow down in June. It could have been the weights but I was also eating a Julian Bread sandwich every day. Jimmy Moore got me hooked

YouTube - LLVLC On YouTube: Low-Carb Julian Bakery Smart Carb Bread Recipes Part 1 (Episode 77)

So I dropped the bread and still do the weight lifting. I lost more but still not as much as before the hard lifting. In the end this is for my lifetime so doing both cardio and weight training are going to continue.

I do take off 1 night a week from the gym. That night is sort of my "cheat" night. That is an atkins cheat night. Meaning that I do have a Julian Bread Sandwich and an Atkins bar.

Tony Little will use you in a heartbeat...you would sell a ton of gliders.

Hopefully my pictures will be posted here in 2010

[bradybunch]

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

Great job Sarina, you have inspired so many on this board. I hardly ever log in any more but when i do i always check your posts and get the updates. I am always amazed., again, great job girl !!!

[NETTY12]

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

Sarina - you TRULY are an inspiration for all of us! I am speechless and even to the point of crying to see what an accomplishment you did! I have friends and family that the only way they have been able to lose weight, was to cheat by having surgery and they weren't to where you were. I am so proud of you and I can't stop congratulating or feeling so much praise for you. It has been a long journey, I'm so happy that you made it and I thank you from the bottom of my heart to allow me to hope and know that it is possible to reach your goals!! Much love and happiness to you always

[Sarina D]

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

Thanks a lot of the great words, I'm going to try my best to keep it up. What the doctor said was really great to hear. I think I'll give it a year after I reach my goal and if need to go under the knife then I will. I agree we have earned the right to get rid of loose skin.

I am doing cardio too. I lift four nights a week and on those nights I do 60 minutes of cardio. On the nights I don't lift weights I try to do 80-90 minutes of cardio.

I started lifting hard in late May and my weight loss did slow down in June. It could have been the weights but I was also eating a Julian Bread sandwich every day. Jimmy Moore got me hooked

YouTube - LLVLC On YouTube: Low-Carb Julian Bakery Smart Carb Bread Recipes Part 1 (Episode 77)

So I dropped the bread and still do the weight lifting. I lost more but still not as much as before the hard lifting. In the end this is for my lifetime so doing both cardio and weight training are going to continue.

I do take off 1 night a week from the gym. That night is sort of my "cheat" night. That is an atkins cheat night. Meaning that I do have a Julian Bread Sandwich and an Atkins bar.

Tony Little will use you in a heartbeat...you would sell a ton of gliders.

Hopefully my pictures will be posted here in 2010

Hi Mike!

Sorry about replying so late, I've kept in mind to reply back to you each day but we've been dealing with a death in our family and I'm behind on replies on my thread as well as pm's....sorry about that

Yes indeed, I too found my doctor's explanation regarding loose skin to be very encouraging....we'll see what one year after reaching goal brings us!?!??!?! I think we'll be pleasantly surprised!

I'm glad to hear you're doing cardio, that is terrific. I won't give up on either the cardio or the weight training. I was suppose to do my weight training tonight but I was sooooo incredibly tired from the last couple of days...both physically and emotionally...I ended up just running for my 70 min on the glider and 30 min on my stationary bike and I walked around the lake earlier this evening. I was going to do the weight training but thought I had better not because of how tired I feel...wouldn't want to end up risking an injury due to the fact that I wasn't really up to it. Later today I'll finish my cardio routine and then add the weight training to my abdominal training that I'm scheduled to do....that way I won't miss it.

Well, I have to say...I ate WAY too much on Saturday...or at least I felt like I did...crazy...I haven't done that for a very long time and won't be doing it again any time soon. Everything was legal...just too much

Yes, good for you for dropping the Julian Bread. What rung are you on? Are you on the grain rung? You certainly don't want to slow down all that you've accomplished or even stall out due to being on a rung or food group you shouldn't be on Hey, have you checked out the flax cookies and stuff like that you could make...even flax crackers!! There's some pretty amazing recipes in the recipe section to choose from. Just a thought.

Keep up the great work Mike, you're doing awesome...I'm so proud of you! You're a great inspiration to all of us here....keep it up!!! I'm very much looking forward to your pictures....that will be awesome to see!

Be sure to keep in touch, it's great talking with 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

[Sarina D]

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

Great job Sarina, you have inspired so many on this board. I hardly ever log in any more but when i do i always check your posts and get the updates. I am always amazed., again, great job girl !!!

Well thank you for sharing what you have with me! I'm thrilled to hear that you're still logging in from time to time and that you visit my thread when you get the opportunity....that is wonderful to hear...thank you for that! It's feedback like this that really helps when bumpy times roll around...and they do come up from time to time along the journey to great health...thanks a million for sharing that with me....I really appreciate it!

How are you doing with this woe lately? I would love to hear an update about how things are going for you.

Thanks so much for the rep point! That was most kind of you..what a lovely surprise!

Do keep in touch when you get a chance...I hope you'll find more time to log on in the future....it's great to see you back online.

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 – 183 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina - you TRULY are an inspiration for all of us! I am speechless and even to the point of crying to see what an accomplishment you did! I have friends and family that the only way they have been able to lose weight, was to cheat by having surgery and they weren't to where you were. I am so proud of you and I can't stop congratulating or feeling so much praise for you. It has been a long journey, I'm so happy that you made it and I thank you from the bottom of my heart to allow me to hope and know that it is possible to reach your goals!! Much love and happiness to you always

Wow, thank you Netty....you're too sweet!!!!! It has been quite the journey and it's certainly not over yet....mind you...it never is really over is it?!?!?!?! Once I reach goal then the maintaining will kick in (which will take work) and the tightening of loose skin will kick into high gear and take at least a year if not more...it's all good and I look forward to the point I can say I made goal.

We attended another family funeral on Friday and it was absolutely amazing how many family members didn't recognize me. One of Harold's aunts told me the day after the viewing at the funeral that the night before although she had spoken with me had absolutely no idea who I was until that evening after everyone had left someone told her it was me...she was stunned! I found myself having to introduce myself to family that haven't seen me this past year....we had some very big laughs once they realized who I was. It's a pretty amazing feeling to say the least. Each and everyone of them were so encouraging and very happy for me...what a great feeling. As I've shared on this thread...not all encounters have been positive but I have to say this last one and the one before this have been great. The last family funeral we were at (about one month ago) family didn't recognize me there either and thought Harold had a new girlfriend...the looks he received were pretty amusing. He had to re-introduce me at that time as well.

You keep up the great work yourself Netty...it is most certainly possible to reach our goals and we're going to be doing that together! When you get a chance be sure to drop me a line and let me know how things are going for you. I look forward to your updates!

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

[FLSunShine]

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

WOW YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB!! YOU LOOK EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL! I am so happy for you!!

[mk2100]

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

wow, I am absolutely blown away by the dedication you've shown to making this change in your life. You are inspiring, and your pictures are gorgeous. You are absolutely glowing! Keep up the great work, and many blessings to you and yours.

[successforlessstress]

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

Dont be embarrassed you are GORGEOUS!!! it's time to stop hiding and show yourself how very pretty you are!!

Congrats!!! !!!

[mkline71]

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

Hi Mike!

Sorry about replying so late, I've kept in mind to reply back to you each day but we've been dealing with a death in our family

I won't give up on either the cardio or the weight training. I was suppose to do my weight training tonight but I was sooooo incredibly tired from the last couple of days...both physically and emotionally...I ended up just running for my 70 min on the glider and 30 min on my stationary bike and I walked around the lake earlier this evening.

Well, I have to say...I ate WAY too much on Saturday...or at least I felt like I did...crazy...I haven't done that for a very long time and won't be doing it again any time soon. Everything was legal...just too much

What rung are you on? Are you on the grain rung? You certainly don't want to slow down all that you've accomplished or even stall out due to being on a rung or food group you shouldn't be on Hey, have you checked out the flax cookies and stuff like that you could make...even flax crackers!! There's some pretty amazing recipes in the recipe section to choose from. Just a thought.

Keep up the great work Mike, you're doing awesome...I'm so proud of you! You're a great inspiration to all of us here....keep it up!!! I'm very much looking forward to your pictures....that will be awesome to see!

Be sure to keep in touch, it's great talking with you.

All the best,
Sarina

No need to apologize, and sorry to read about the death in the family. I saw in the other thread where people didn't even recognize you. One thing I notice is that when I was 400+ I got a lot of stares and sometimes I felt people looked at me like I was a monster or freak. It is hard to explain but that never happens anymore either. I'm sure you have similar stories. I'm the same person just less of me but I understand human nature.

So you "light" day was 70 minutes on the glider and 30 minutes on a bike. Could you even imagine that 18 months ago? That is amazing!!! I remember my first walk a quarter mile killed me.

Even though you ate too much; everything you ate was legal. That in itself tells me you have won this battle. Did you have any major cheats over the last year?

I haven't been following the rungs to a tee. I did on induction but what I've added is low carb wraps from netrition (3 net carbs and I eat one a day). I've added veggies and a handful of almonds a few days a week. From 400 to 300 I lost 2.5-3 pounds a week. From 300 to now I'm losing 1.5-2 pounds a week and that includes the lifting. I know I could lose more if I followed the rungs exactly but I'm ok for now.

Talk to you later

Mike

[mission to lose]

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

Hi Sarina,
When I first started this journey last week, I wasn't too sure if it was going to work, but after seeing your progress pictures I know I can do it. Your pictures gave me the confidence to hit this "head on, no excuses".
Congrats to you on such a wonderful job. You must feel great about your accomplishments in eating right, and exercising, and dealing with the emotional part of weight loss.
~Mary