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

[sylvia2009]

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

Sarina,
thank you for posting the words of encouragement . I am really hanging in there I got the news 2 wks ago that my dad has 3 weeks to live. So it is a struggle going home visiting family and everyone in the old way of eating I am hanging in there. In fact I loved your post so much I am excited about walking today yay!!!!

You look absolutely beautiful , Im sure inside and out. I know that you must be so proud of yourself. I am lucky because my daughter and I do this together she is really looking cute like the seventeen year old she should be

this is her on the right dressed like Katy Perry for spirit week at school she has so much more confidence now and she is cute.

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina,
thank you for posting the words of encouragement . I am really hanging in there I got the news 2 wks ago that my dad has 3 weeks to live. So it is a struggle going home visiting family and everyone in the old way of eating I am hanging in there. In fact I loved your post so much I am excited about walking today yay!!!!

You look absolutely beautiful , Im sure inside and out. I know that you must be so proud of yourself. I am lucky because my daughter and I do this together she is really looking cute like the seventeen year old she should be

Hi Sylvia,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, what a horrible and very emotional time this must be for both you and your family. I just spoke with a dear friend of mine late last night. Her mom passed away yesterday afternoon at my friends home after fighting a brave 5 month battle of horrible illness. These times, there are never enough words to express how we really feel when our friends lose their loved ones...but I will say to you what I said to her....take comfort, as difficult as it is in the fact that your father will no longer be in anymore pain....that is the only comfort one can take away from losing a loved one as well as the memories of the good times. You hang in there and if there is ANYTHING I can do to help in anyway, please don't hesitate to mention it. I as well as many others here on the board are here for you.

Yes, I can appreciate the difficulty of going home and staying on plan totally but you know.....you can do it. When you arrive there, go out grocery shopping and prep foods that are legal that you can have around. That way you won't have to resort to eating what is at your finger tips when you're hungry.

Oh wow, I'm so thrilled to hear that you are excited to go out walking.....GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!! When I hear things like this it makes my day....well done!

There is no doubt that exercise has played a huge key in my success. I have proven it a few times by lessening my routine and for medical reasons a couple of times having to quit for a few weeks. My weight loss came to a stand still and my body looked more flabby......exercise plays a HUGE part!

You're daughter is beautiful! She takes after her mom with her great looks! What a blessing to have her! Thank you for sharing a picture of her with me!

Well, I best finish getting ready for work. I finished my workout for the morning and showered and I'm a weeeeeee bit late heading out to my office LOL!!! No worries, all is good. I can come in whenever I choose in the mornings....so I'll quickly slap some make up on and head out!

Thanks so much for popping by Sylvia, I really appreciate it very much. Keep in touch and feel free to head over to the journal chat section....I caved yesterday and FINALLY started a journal!!! Pop in here as well as there when you're up to it and say hello and update me on how things are going for you.

Have a wonderful walk today, enjoy your weight loss success and keep up the great work!

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 – 172 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

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

[ErinB]

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

I'm certainly no wall flower that has their feelings hurt very easily but these ongoing verbal lashings do at times end up wearing on me from time to time.

Hey, gorgeous, ever slimming, nobody is kinder or sweeter, young lady. You want me to come over there and slap somebody around for you?

Don't ever let them get to you, sweetie. This is entirely about them and their issues. You, my dear child, are doing great and you should keep it up until you get where you want to go with this.

If you can feel sadness for them without letting the words worm their way in to hurt you, that's great. If you can't, then please smile, excuse yourself, and leave the room if that is necessary to end the conversation. That would not be a rude thing to do. That's called self-preservation.

They are, whether or not it is their intention, the ones being rude. Most likely they don't intend to be unkind, but perhaps they'll give it some thought if you stop being a punching bag for them. It would be, I'm sure, out of character for you, so it should receive notice, don't you think?

Take care of you. We all admire you and look up to you in so many ways.

[Sarina D]

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

Hey, gorgeous, ever slimming, nobody is kinder or sweeter, young lady. You want me to come over there and slap somebody around for you?

Don't ever let them get to you, sweetie. This is entirely about them and their issues. You, my dear child, are doing great and you should keep it up until you get where you want to go with this.

If you can feel sadness for them without letting the words worm their way in to hurt you, that's great. If you can't, then please smile, excuse yourself, and leave the room if that is necessary to end the conversation. That would not be a rude thing to do. That's called self-preservation.

They are, whether or not it is their intention, the ones being rude. Most likely they don't intend to be unkind, but perhaps they'll give it some thought if you stop being a punching bag for them. It would be, I'm sure, out of character for you, so it should receive notice, don't you think?

Take care of you. We all admire you and look up to you in so many ways.

Oh Erin, you put the biggest smile on my face!!!! I love the coming over here and smacking a few people! You sound like the side of my family that is Sicilian! LOL!!!!! You'd fit RIGHT in!

You are way too kind to me in your compliments, you're such a sweetheart. Thanks so much for the encouragement and support.....I faced them again last week where they started up again....before they got the whole sentence out to my dad about how much weight I've lost and that I was too skinny and had better stop now, I walked out of the room. I heard what my aunt was saying as I walked down my brother's hallway.

I am truly a real firecracker and can defend myself very well.....my strong personality is something I have worked very hard at learning how to control in times of frustration because I have absolutely no problem speaking my mind, however, it is something that I have felt through the years I had to learn how to fine tune....unfortunately, with this side of the family....talking goes in one ear and out the other. I think the problem for me in regards to trying to simply talk my weight loss over with them instead of reacting is this......

There was a 20 yr. fall out between myself and them. Although I was raised in a house with both my parents, their backgrounds were very different. My father was straight from Sicily and my mother was born here in Canada. Dad's side of the family (those I have described above) believed or perhaps I should say acted as though women should do what the men told them to do no matter what and at times were spoken to rudely by male figures. And as far as the other women went, if you weren't like them, you were a trouble maker....a mold breaker, disrespectful (In walks me.....because I wasn't like them in that regard). Interestingly enough, my dad (whom I am very close to) and my Sicilain Grandfather were not like them in this sense....my father was very strict but always listened to me and accepted my strong personality (that's what they would have deemed it....but in reality, my strength was simply being able to make my own choices and decisions without being told how it had to be) and I was the apple of my Grandfather's eye....he was the best. He accepted and cherished me for who I was.....he and I were incredibly close.

My mother recognized this about them (dad's relatives) and raised me to speak my mind openly and defend myself when needed.....her condition was as was my father's, as long as I did it in a respectful manner. She did not want me to conform to that particular cultural way.....to be walked over....having said this...not all Sicilian or Italian families are like this...but the truth is, there are some that are.

So, to make a long story short....that's what I did. If I disagreed with something, I made it know and even though it was respectful, I was looked down upon. When I was 18 yrs old a very disrespectful remark was made towards me by my uncle which I stood up to at that time. I would not roll over and accept what he said to me, it was very disrespectful, uncalled for and very out of line and I called him on it. I was not only very angry, shocked and hurt at what he said but incredibly ashamed of it because I had brought my boyfriend at the time (who is now my husband) to this dinner at their home where this took place.....so instead of taking it as far as I would have, my husband (boyfriend at the time) and I left. At which time my brother came to my defense when he found out what was said to me and just about swept the floor with my uncle so to speak (my brother is not a violent man but I share this only to show how serious his remark was to me in order for my brother to react the way he did - thankfully my brother contained himself and did not get violent). My standing up and not rolling over ended up splitting our family up. My father still saw his siblings and his mother from time to time (my Grandfather had already passed away a number of years prior) but for my brother and I, we did not see them.

I will also add, when I was 18 yrs of age, I started to date my husband - as I mentioned above (we've been married now for 17 yrs and have been together for a total of 20 yrs.) at which time they shunned him and treated him horribly even though my parents and brother loved him very much and supported my choice to date him. My husband is an awesome individual, both then and now...but they treated him very unkindly. So our family ended up being divided.

After about a year, I sat down with my uncle and tried to work it out and he ended up denying everything that took place that night (even though there were witnesses) and re-wrote the entire events of that particular, unfortunate evening and told me he would never apologize or discuss what occurred. I told him that night he was the biggest chicken **** I had ever met in my entire life. The problem and division continued. Unfortunately, I was disrespectful to him in that moment of time and I do regret that I made that statement, I exploded and had enough but I should not have said what I did....calling him what I did. I kept it together right up until that very moment as I had always been taught to do.

Oddly enough, last year......our relationships took a huge turn around and they are very good to my husband and myself now. I guess enough time has gone by and they see and recognize that life is too short and that they were wrong about my husband and I. Our marriage HAS lasted and IS very, very good.....I would imagine these are the reasons for their change because I can't explain this change otherwise.They have never been this way (kind and good to us...minus the recent weight loss remarks and jabs) and I was liking it very much.

Sooooo, the reason I share this long story (sorry about being long winded again) is because I think my problem is this.....I don't want to rock the boat, therefore, instead of standing up to them like I always did and am most capable of doing.....I have been trying another way (talking) which doesn't work. Instead, like both you and my doctor have both said to me....just walk away.....get out of the room....get out from their presence which I did last week for the first time.

I too believe they don't mean to be hurtful but they resort to using hurtful statements to try to convey their conviction in why I should stop losing and it is what they are saying and HOW they are saying it that is coming across sideways and very hurtful. Like someone once said, "You can't change anyone but you can change yourself." So, that is what I have tried to do through calm discussion...which didn't work and now I am simply walking out of the room...which did work that particular time.

Thanks so much for listening Erin and giving me all the support and encouragement you have. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you. My support (the people who support me in person in my life) is very, very small....a handful at that but even with them being so few, I feel such strength, love and encouragement from them) and I value the support and encouragement I receive from friends like yourself on this board.

Coming from being over 400 + lbs to where I am now has been quite a battle and hearing these negative remarks and trying to defend WHY I'm choosing to continue as I've mentioned is wearing at times....especially when the remarks become cruel. But thanks to my doctor and to you.....I will continue to do what I tried last week.....just to walk away......I like the self preservation method you have wisely put forth....thank you for that and thanks so much for taking the time out to go over this with me.

Keep in touch my friend, I started a journal the other day in the journal section....stop by there or here and drop me a line whenever you get the chance.

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 – 172 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

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

[ErinB]

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

It sounds as if you have the situation under control then and I'm relieved to hear it.

The way I look at it is that this weight thing is really a very personal issue. Anyone who takes it upon themselves to give such personal advise without invitation is out of line, extremely rude, not deserving of a response.

The reason I like the tactic of simply not participating in the conversation is that it leaves you with no regrets. I have always been able to forgive the transgressions of others and heal from any hurt those may have caused, but I have a real problem with forgiving myself when I lose it and say hurtful, vengeful, words to others.

Likewise, such a response on your part leaves them with the burden on their conscience and they don't, righteously, have anything to pin on you. Hence, it is the most likely way to stop the behavior once they realize, no matter what they say, you're not going to play.

[Sarina D]

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

It sounds as if you have the situation under control then and I'm relieved to hear it.

The way I look at it is that this weight thing is really a very personal issue. Anyone who takes it upon themselves to give such personal advise without invitation is out of line, extremely rude, not deserving of a response.

The reason I like the tactic of simply not participating in the conversation is that it leaves you with no regrets. I have always been able to forgive the transgressions of others and heal from any hurt those may have caused, but I have a real problem with forgiving myself when I lose it and say hurtful, vengeful, words to others.

Likewise, such a response on your part leaves them with the burden on their conscience and they don't, righteously, have anything to pin on you. Hence, it is the most likely way to stop the behavior once they realize, no matter what they say, you're not going to play.

Hi Erin,

You are so right and have offered me very wise advice. I feel much better walking away now as you have suggested because it doesn't leave me in the situation which just ends up making me feel horrible, discouraged and more importantly prevents me from saying something I will regret....which is exactly what I don't want to do. I have forgiven them for the past and wish to have a good relationship with them now....however, I have to admit, when hurtful things take place, I am triggered and remember back to the past and wonder why the hurtful things still come out from them from time to time. I see they are really trying and I want to build on that.

Thanks again Erin, you're 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 – 172 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal journey - Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

[barrnone]

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

Sarina - just want to tell you what an excellent journal you have and what a beautiful inspiration you are! Thanks!

[Sarina D]

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

Sarina - just want to tell you what an excellent journal you have and what a beautiful inspiration you are! Thanks!

Thanks so much Barrnone for the lovely compliments and encouragement! It's great to see you stop by, much appreciated!

I just finished the first portion of my exercise routine today (I'm off work today so I'm getting a chance to exercise in the afternoon) and I thought I'd take a 5 minute break before heading into the next portion.

Peek in anytime and drop me a line.....I also "officially" started a journal a few days ago in the "Journal Section." I had held out for over a year and a half but coming to the last stretch of the "weight loss" portion of my journey, I realized that a journal was EXACTLY what I needed....so be sure to pop in there too and say hi, I would love to hear from you and find out how things are going for you as well.

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 – 172 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal journey - Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

[sham]

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

Keep up the exercise!

[Sarina D]

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

Here are some newer pictures of me that were taken in September....I'm going to try to have a new one taken tomorrow and if all works out I'll post it at that time.

I always include a before picture.....This was when I was 403 + pounds




My Dad and I September 4-09



My Mom and I September 5-09 at my cousin's wedding


My Dad, my mom and myself September 5-09 at my cousin's wedding




My brother and I September 5-09 at my cousin's wedding



Taken September 3-09



I went a bit picture crazy tonight but I thought I would share some of the people who mean a great deal to me in my life. My dad, mom and brother are very, very special to me....there are no words to express how much I dearly love and respect them.

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 – 172 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

My Journal -
My journey through peaks and valleys

[cookiecate]

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

Your bone structure is amazing. You are one beautiful lady however that is due to the love and kindness which shines out of your eyes. Your determination and dedication to becoming healthy is something you should be proud of. You will live longer and your heart wil love you.

[d33na]

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

From someone who has still a lot of weight to lose....looking at your honest and raw pictures is wow....such an amazing insiration... the warmth of the people on this board means everything...I need it everyday...thank you!

[Rayley]

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

You truley are an inspiration to me, and probably to many many other people, i just wanted to say thank you =) I showed my mom your before and after pics and she was just wow'd and amazed!!! you really are an amazing girl!! You're new pics are gorgeous by the way!!

Rayley

[Sarina D]

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

Your bone structure is amazing. You are one beautiful lady however that is due to the love and kindness which shines out of your eyes. Your determination and dedication to becoming healthy is something you should be proud of. You will live longer and your heart wil love you.

Cookie, it's so great to hear from you. Thanks so much for popping in and taking the time to leave me such a lovely message with all that is going on in your life right now.....I can't tell you how special that is to me.

You hang in there my dear friend, I'm side by side with you all the way as are so many others on this board that have been touched by your never ending support and encouragement.

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 – 170 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

My Journal -
My journey through peaks and valleys

[Sarina D]

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

From someone who has still a lot of weight to lose....looking at your honest and raw pictures is wow....such an amazing insiration... the warmth of the people on this board means everything...I need it everyday...thank you!

Well thank you d33na for your compliments, you're most kind

I know what you mean about this board, it is truly an amazing place. I was NEVER EVER EVER a board person...until I came here! This is the only board I belong to and frequent daily.....MANY times a day LOL!!!!! It has such an amazing group of people who are kind, supportive, encouraging, informative, PATIENT and can tell you like it is when need be...and when they do tell you like it is, you know they're not simply flexing the muscles and taking a swipe out of you because they can....nope, it's nothing like that. The people on this board take the time to correct others through care and concern and that is quite something. This board is what I consider to be a valuable tool in my weight loss tool belt and I treasure it.

I'm so happy you popped in to say hello d33na, it's really good to be able to talk with you. You hang in there and keep doing everything you're suppose to in your journey to peace and great health....you will for sure get there....I promise you that. If I've been able to accomplish what I have with numerous food allergies (a very restricted choice of foods) as well as severe asthma (exercise induced asthma as well) and a back injury from the past that I live with day to day......ANYONE can do this if they make it part of their life and LIVE it. I don't generally bring up my limitations but I can say they are MANY....but I've worked with what I could eating this way and making it my life and I've made it successful for me.....you can continue to do the same....you're getting closer each and everyday d33na with every decision you make......well done, I am proud of you!

Thank you for stopping by to say hello and taking the share your support and encouragement with me....it is something that is very special and means a lot to me.

Keep in touch and keep up with the great job you're doing!

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 – 170 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!

My Journal -
My journey through peaks and valleys