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!!!

I have this wonderful picture in my head now of an XXL pair of pants in a picture frame taking pride of place on your living room wall. I can see you with your grand-children discussing your choice of picture for your wall explaining that "yes really grandma used to fit in those things" The grand kids would say that they couldn't believe that their lovely skinny gran was ever so big and you will then explain to them the importance of a special way of eating.

Hi Cookie,

Wouldn't that be an amazing experience!?! I have to first start by having a couple of kids....hubby and I are way behind in that right now. He's heading into his 50's in four years and I'm heading into my 40's in a couple....perhaps next year we'll look at having some little ones

Up until recently we were never able to have conceive...this past year we were given some wonderful news from a specialist. It looks like there is a chance that we will be able to conceive after all. We've decided to give it one more year and we'll look at it at that time.

Yikes, I hope if that happens they take after their father!!!!

Hugs 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

[Buddrfly]

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

You're a beauty girl! I still love coming to the before and afters, just to remind myself that this can be done.....you are definitely living proof Good luck bustin down that next mini goal!

[cookiecate]

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

I have this wonderful picture in my head now of an XXL pair of pants in a picture frame taking pride of place on your living room wall. I can see you with your grand-children discussing your choice of picture for your wall explaining that "yes really grandma used to fit in those things" The grand kids would say that they couldn't believe that their lovely skinny gran was ever so big and you will then explain to them the importance of a special way of eating.

[Sarina D]

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

You are SUCH a pretty woman! And goodness, what an accomplishment to lose that much. You've done a fantastic job!!

Ahhhh, thanks so much!!!! And just look at you girl, what an absolute beauty you are....GIVE ME THAT GORGEOUS HAIR OF YOUR'S!!!!! I dropped you a message on your Before and during pics, you are looking stunning! Keep up the great work, you're doing awesome!

I look forward to hearing more updates on how it's going for you, 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!!!

Sarina, you look amazing and I know that you will reach what ever goal you set for yourself.

congratulations!!!! Keep up the fantastic work.

Thank you Lovebug!!!! I am very much hoping to reach my goal....I know I'm not going to give up and that's what keeps me believing I'll reach it.

Thank you for popping by and writing, I appreciate your support and encouragement very much!

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!!! thats just AMAZING. you look gorgeous!!!! congrats on your 1 year!you're pretty much my inspiration to keep on going!!!

Thank you Rayley, you're such a sweetheart for saying what you did above about me being part of the inspiration for you to keep going....what a beautiful compliment that is for me to hear, I can't tell you how much that means to me....I sincerely thank you for that.

I URGE you and CHALLENGE you to keep going! I know you can do this and I know you can reach your goal...no doubt about it. Dig down deep in those difficult times and discover the strength and power you have to get through tough situations, times of wanting to eat what you shouldn't and times you just want to give in. I know you can do it....if I can, anyone can...trust me when I say that. You've got it in you! Remember, you're the one in control, NOT the food.

Keep it up Rayley and do keep in touch, we'll get to our goals together!

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,

Wow, I really mean wow. You look absolutely amazing! I am in awe. You are such a wonderful inspiration and a motivator.

I want you to know that you are indeed in my prayers. You have come such a long way for anything to attack your body now. Oh no! I pray a good report over you.

You know, I thought something was wrong when I would hit weight flux. I would be up so many pounds, then all of a sudden I'd lose them AND a couple extra pounds. I have a bad habit of feeling like I need to finish all my food. I never thought to stop and just put it aside for later. Old mentality I guess. Eating better but still some bad habits.

I've been like going2bfit, I too have been looking at your photos over and over for motivation. I'm dealing with emotional eating and this past week wasn't a good one. But things are better and I feel slightly confident that I can proceed again with induction. I came up with an idea to do my inductions in 2 week intervals until I got comfortable with it. I really want to move on to the OWL but I really need to lose about 65 pounds before I do that. Man do I want yogurt. lol Fage Total Greek Yogurt is so yummy (with splenda added).

I also weigh myself everyday too. During my first two week induction, I lost 11 pounds. I probably could have lost more if I walked. I remember you saying at least walk. I'll let you know how it goes for my next two weeks because this time I'm adding walking and a little bit of weight training. My best friend stresses for me to weight train so I can tone to keep down loose skin.

Well, best wishes with the remaining pounds. I know you'll hit your goal.

Erica

Thank you Erica, I appreciate you very much

I went through the biopsy early this morning and now it's just the waiting game for the results. I am scheduled to receive them Aug 7th from my family doctor or sooner from my surgeon if he calls. Apparently it takes about a week to a week and a half for the results. I was at home all day today restless because I wanted to exercise even though I'm feeling rather tired and tender....BUT, they've told me I can't try to exercise till at least on Sunday so I have been as I described to someone else on this board officially "benched"!

You make a GREAT point about not having to finish what is left on your plate. You know what I do? I don't use a dinner plate when I serve myself, I use a salad sized plate. I eat what I have placed on the salad plate and if I'm still hungry afterwards I may go for a little piece of meat afterwards or a few olives...but I will not use a dinner sized plate anymore when I eat and I tend to make it a habit of putting less on my salad plate and going back for a little more rather than putting everything I would be allowed on the plate and finishing it.....you've made a very important discovery Erica, way to go!

I can appreciate the emotional eating problem. The tendency to want to eat when I was experiencing stressful situations was and still is something that I work very hard on not giving into, it has gotten much better and generally speaking I have done incredibly well. Having said that, I have experienced a handful of slip ups during this past year....they can happen but it's working on identifying the "why" and what can be done differently as well as a "game plan" for the next situation that might spark an "emotional eating" moment.

Keep fighting those feelingsand work on discovering new ways to deal with the trials and "valleys" as I refer to them as. You can do it, I have no doubt about that. That's a big part of getting healthy too...learning a new and healthy way to deal with problems and stresses that come our way.

I keep hearing about this amazing Fage Greek Yogurt...man alive I wish I wasn't so allergic to dairy!!!!! I keep trying to discover a non dairy whip cream...I came across a recipe using coconut cream but I think I have an intolerance to coconut. It doesn't give me breathing problems or closes my throat like dairy but I have a great deal of abdominal bloating and water retention after days after eating coconut. I will try it again sometime in the future.

Way to go on losing 11 lbs on your first two weeks of Induction, that is awesome!!!! What a great choice to start exercising as well....you won't be sorry!!!! I carried such an enormous amount of weight on my stomach I seriously looked like I was carrying 4 babies inside of me. Aside from eating properly and drinking water, it is the exercise that has made such a difference in my body. There is no way my body would look the way it does (and I still have a ways to go) if I hadn't incorporated exercise so early on. It's incredibly beneficial. Absolutely, walking is the best form of exercise one can do. It doesn't cost anything, you can do it pretty much anywhere and at anytime and it's fabulous for the body.

Just look at you go girl, I'm soooo proud of you! I am very much looking forward to your update on how things are progressing...please be sure to stay 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!!!

Amazing!!!!

Thank you Tracie!!!!!

And just take a look at you...wow, you should be soooo proud!!!!

You've done a great job and look fabulous, you're a wonderful inspiration to all of us.

Thanks for popping in and reading my update and leaving a message, I appreciate it!

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!!!

I love doing side by side shots. You certainly do them justice!
All I can say is VA-VA VAVOOM!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us Sarina.
You're such a beautiful lady inside and out.
You're an inspiration to all of us girlfriend. Thank you!
Love ya, Sherri

SHERRI!!!!

Oh my goodness girl you're making me blush....I NEVER BLUSH!!!!! LOL!!!!

Thank you for your lovely feedback and compliments, you are such a sweetheart...ya know I love you!!!!!!

You my dear friend are a great inspiration to all of us here and a beacon of determination and grit....Thank you for that!

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!!!

All I can say is OMG!! what a difference, you are truly an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

Hi there Wvfireboss, I haven't spoken to you for a while...how are you?!?! You're stats look FANTASTIC, congratulations...you're doing awesome, what a terrific inspiration you are!

Thank you for your kindness and support. I really appreciate your feedback...thanks for taking the time to pop in and share my update with me, that means a lot.

Stay in touch and keep up the great job!

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!!!

OMG! You look fabulous. You are a great inspiration to a lot of people. Thank you for sharing.
I hope to stand in one leg of my old pants too when I am finished.

Ahhhh, thank you sooooo much!

I hope that my journey can be helpful to someone. I wouldn't generally share all that I have but I know last year when I came across this board I spent the ENTIRE day going through the "Before and After" pics as well as other threads and everything everyone else shared about what they were going through, what they achieved etc...was exactly what changed my life so if I can give back in a small way by sharing what I looked like, what I look like presently and what I have gone through...I hope it is helpful to someone.

You bet you're going to be standing in one leg of your old pants when you're done and we'll all be doing the Elaine dance (Or at least I will..I don't think I'm great dancer...everyone else here dancing will look fabulous) to celebrate!

Keep up the great work, you're looking fantastic!

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 pictures are just amazing, You shed off a whole person and a half, You work and efforts have paid off in may ways from health and longevity to just happiness that radiates in your photos!

Thank you!!!!

Indeed, there have been many, many benefits I have gained from losing this weight. I am thankful for the fact that I have added years to spend and create new memories with my dear family and friends.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing in my journey, I wish you all the best in your journey to great health...you're doing terrific..keep it up!

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 so beautiful. What an inspirtion you are. Those pictures tell such a story.

Hi Liv,

Thank you so much, you're so kind.

I'm glad I gave in last Aug 2008 and started to have pictures taken of me...they were painful to have taken but looking back on them now, I can see the progress throughout my journey and it helps.

Thank you for all that you do on this board Liv and all the support.

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 a real beauty not only physically but you seem sooooo kind and caring too.

I love your picture in your big pants I have always dreamed of doing just that.

Congratulations on your good looks and for showing us the pictures thank you for that. They are a great tool to keep me on track.

Hi Cookie!!!

I'm glad you liked my pant picture! Like I mentioned above, they're not something I plan on throwing or giving away...they are a great reminder to me. I will do another picture of me in them once I hit goal.

Thank you for the compliments, you're too sweet! You and Mr. Cookie are darlings and I enjoy the pms, thank you for them.

You're doing great as well Cookie and so is Mr. Cookie, keep it up! We're getting closer to our goals together. Btw...did the two of you do the measuring yet?

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!!!

WOW!!!

You look so healthy! The picture with your old pair of pants is fantastic.

Thank you Georgiana....I LOVED the smilie face by the way, it totally cracked me up!

Thank you for the compliment, I am feeling healthy...some bumps along the way but I'm feeling quite healthy now.

I'm glad you liked the last picture....I thought I would show the pants I wore just last year....I won't be throwing or giving those away...they're a great reminder for me!

Thank you for popping by and sharing in my new update!

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