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

[Sunshiny1]

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

Hi Sarina! Just stopping by in hopes that all is well. I am sooooo glad it is Friday! It was a tough week, but who am I kidding, because all work weeks are tough.

Just thought I'd let you know I just browsed at your pics and all I can say is WOW! You are a beautiful lady with a personality that matches. Your dedication has certainly paid off and you have given me so much incentive to continue. Not that I want to fail, but lately I've been feeling the need to be bad. Seeing your hard work and knowing I can do it too has given me the strength I so desperately need. You really are my hero!

[Sarina D]

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

Hi Sarina! Just stopping by in hopes that all is well. I am sooooo glad it is Friday! It was a tough week, but who am I kidding, because all work weeks are tough.

Just thought I'd let you know I just browsed at your pics and all I can say is WOW! You are a beautiful lady with a personality that matches. Your dedication has certainly paid off and you have given me so much incentive to continue. Not that I want to fail, but lately I've been feeling the need to be bad. Seeing your hard work and knowing I can do it too has given me the strength I so desperately need. You really are my hero!

Hi Sunshiny!!!

Welcome to the weekend, you deserve it!!!!! Kick back and relax and enjoy!

Thanks so much for popping in on my picture thread and leaving me such a wonderful message, you are MOST kind to me....your thoughtfulness and kindness touches me deeply...thank you from the bottom of my heart.

First of all I would like to say...you're doing amazing and congratulations on all that you have accomplished so far...you have much to be proud of!!!!!

I know what that feeling of wanting to be bad is like ALLLLLL to well my dear friend and sadly I have given into that feeling a few times and have ended up paying for it dearly...literally. I have been able to pull it together and continued on but I'll tell you, those few nano seconds of "perceived" satisfaction causes much grief, hair raising set backs and steeper paths down those slippery slopes.

I am very proud of you for staying strong and preventing yourself from going off the program....don't do it...it is not worth it and each time one does it, it becomes easier and easier to fall off. Instead, take a look at Linda's Low Carb recipe section and if you should feel like having something that resembles a treat...you have soooooo many lovely legal choices to choose from...no need to go off the program. Sadly (and please don't get me wrong...I have so many, many food allergies and going off program can be as simple as just giving in and eating dairy which ends up packing an incredible amount of weight (including water weight) on my in a very short period of time). Keep up the great job and I am here for you anytime you're having difficulties...you feel free to contact me anytime, we can get through them together.

I just finished sharing a little portion of my journey and reasons for my strong belief and dedication in fitness along with eating correctly with Lisa and Adre in Lisa's journal. I thought I would share this with you as well and anyone else who might come across this thread to offer some hope and encouragement.

Thanks so much Lisa & Adre I believe in exercise soooo strongly...it really does make a difference...I know for a fact it has played a vital role in my weight loss results not to mention saving my life.

Lisa, give the 30 Day Shred, level one a shot girl....there are modifications that can be done while working out if one needs to slow down a bit and at anytime you find you're having difficulties just march on the spot! The key is just to keep moving.

I started at level 1 and now I do both level 2 & 3 all in the same evening back to back (not all the time because there are other workouts I enjoy but I can do them that way). I'm not trying to brag so please don't take me sharing that as such....my point for sharing this is to demonstate I worked up to this level and believe me, I NEVER in a million years thought I would ever be able to do something like that back to back.... some evenings if time permits and it's still early....after doing level 2 and 3, I then go on and plug in Turbo Jam and do that workout too (I LOVE my Turbo Jam). The point is, I worked up to this point. One can only work up to something if they start out somewhere to begin with and listen, I'm right here with you the whole way as well as everyone else who is exercising...I know you can do it and I'm incredibly proud of you for making exercise part of your weight loss journey....you won't be sorry you did I promise you!

I came from being well over 400 lbs (I was more like 435 lbs but only list my weight as being 403 lbs in my stats because that was the last time I was able to find a scale that accomodated my weight...having lost the weight I have and working out how many pounds approx. per size I would go down...I was most likely at the least 435 lbs) and when I was that weight just getting off the couch was a workout unto itself. I remember my first walk (when I decided to start working out). I waited till it was around 11:30pm at night and asked my husband if he would go with me for a walk....I waited that late because I was too ashamed to be seen in daylight trying to do my best to exercise and attempt to turn my life around. I felt I looked so groteque and was soooo incredibly ashamed and felt that I didn't have a right to be out there with everyone else walking around in broad daylight...anyway that was my emotional stuff and I realized that along the way (it took awhile but I did come to this realization).

So, that evening...I think I could only walk maybe 10 minutes at a pretty slow pace....on flat ground at that....and I thought I was going to die....my heart was racing, I could barely breathe I was overdosing on my ventolin inhaler but I knew...I HAD to do it. Looking back, while sharing this with you and Adre....well, all I can say is that it's pretty darn emotional realizing how I felt back then, how bloody hard it was...and believe me it was incredibly hard (I'm getting teary eyed just re-living from that point till now) I have been blessed beyond imagination with this success and I will do everything I can to continue to nurture it so that I can continue on.

Anyway, from that night on...each night I MADE myself go out at 11:30pm and sometimes even after midnight (due to my shame of people seeing me try to workout) and I haven't stopped since! I am happy to say, the light bulb came on one day and I did end up realizing that I being over 400 lbs had just as much right as everyone else to be out in broad daylight exercising...so I got brave and did start to walk in the daylight....and my fears did come true....I had countless people remark as they road by on bikes, drove by in cars and even walked by saying the most cruel remarks imaginable to me...I wanted to die...but another realization came to me and that was this, "I might be morbidly obese, however, I can lose this weight....they on the other hand most likely will never be able to change their grotesque character flaws which come deep down from within."

And I will leave it at that as I've chatted the ear off you and Adre and am afraid I've hijacked your journal and I'm sorry for the long post but I am very passionate when it comes to fitness due to all that it has done for me....I finally have my life back. I hope this little bit of what I have shared proves to you my dear Lisa and anyone else that might come across this post that "you can do ANYTHING!!!!"

So here I stand, an exercise junkie in the best shape of my life (Not even at the end of my weight loss portion) knowing without a shadow of a doubt that anyone can do this

Many hugs and much love to the two of you!
Sarina

So Sunshiny, I can totally relate to those times that are very difficult and even seem dark from time to time...please continue to fight through them and know, you soooooo deserve great health and you are doing great and will continue to do so. I'm right here with you the whole way girl! We'll walk this journey together side by side!

Keep in touch and we'll get through this together.

Many hugs and much 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 – 168.0 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[Love my 2 girls]

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

Wow. You look absolutely amazing. I cannot believe how much weight you have lost. You look so healthy and so happy! Good job, you look AMAZING!

[Sarina D]

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

Wow. You look absolutely amazing. I cannot believe how much weight you have lost. You look so healthy and so happy! Good job, you look AMAZING!

Thanks so much!!!!

I am feeling very healthy and have much joy!!!! I have a life now that I would never have imagined I could have had.

Thank you for taking the time to write to me, it's very good to meet you!

I wish you all the very best in your journey to great health.

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 – 166.6 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[kellyjene]

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

I am stunned at what you have achieved!! Seriously huge congratulations.

[clb121]

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

Wow you look great! You have such determination and will. And you really show how this WOL can really work. It will be great to see your continued progress. And I am sure you are feeling so much better these days?! Keep up the great work!!

[OrlandoDeb]

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

[/QUOTE]
You look awesome! Keep going girl, you'll get to that goal weight! Thanks for posting.

[Sarina D]

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

Thanks so much Kellyjene, Clb121 & OrlandoDeb...your encouraging words and kindness is much appreciated!

Thank you for dropping by...it's great to have you here!

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 – 166.6 lbs.
Goal weight - 150 – 160

My personal Journey -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...-done-yet.html (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!) (Before and during - From 400 lbs. to 247 lbs. Not done yet!!!)

My Journal -
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...s-valleys.html (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys) (My journey through peaks and valleys)

[mission to lose]

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

Hey there Sarina!
~Mary

[serina]

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

WOW you look amazing! You better keep it up!

Congrats hun!

[Sarina D]

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

Thanks for dropping in Mary & Serina, it's nice to hear from you. I appreciate your encourging words.

Sarina

[lannerjarv]

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

your before and current pictures are truly inspirational.
it's so amazing and fantastic to see someone overcome such a dramatic weightloss on their own instead of using supplements/gastic bypass etc etc.

reading this thread has truly really put this woe into perspective for me that it is a WOE, not a diet and that the weight will come off eventually if you stick to it.

so often i am so impatient with my body and tend to forget how long it took me to get to this weight, so why would it magically melt off. lol

thank you for sharing your story with us, and for being so attentive to everyone who posts!!!

[erinl]

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

Way to kick some serious butt! What an inspiration you are to all of us!

[Sarina D]

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

your before and current pictures are truly inspirational.
it's so amazing and fantastic to see someone overcome such a dramatic weightloss on their own instead of using supplements/gastic bypass etc etc.

reading this thread has truly really put this woe into perspective for me that it is a WOE, not a diet and that the weight will come off eventually if you stick to it.

so often i am so impatient with my body and tend to forget how long it took me to get to this weight, so why would it magically melt off. lol

thank you for sharing your story with us, and for being so attentive to everyone who posts!!!

Hi Lannerjarv,

Thank you for stopping by and for all your lovely comments and support. I appreciate it very much.

This way of eating truly does work if one makes it part of their life...it's not something to be used for a short period of time in hopes that one day one can start eating the way they use to and maintain all that they have achieved....it won't happen. It is a change of lifestyle and mind set...and a very satisfying one at that.

Having said that, if one does slip along the way....the most important thing to do is keep going! Don't ever give up...giving up leads to heartbreak, frustration and never being able to achieve the healthy lifestyle and fitness level one will achieve if they just get back on the horse and keep going.

I can appreciate what you discussed above regarding being impatient with yourself....losing the weight is part of the battle...the other half of the battle is dealing with ourselves and our tendencies to be impatient and want results quicker then we might achieve them. Consistency in eating and exercising, support from others and enjoying the journey along the way and celebrating each and every loss...even if it simply a few ounces is what keeps me going. I have to admit, there was one thing I lacked up till about six to eight months ago and that was celebrating my successes and learning to enjoy what I have achieved. I was too focused on the goal....not to say being focused on the goal is a bad thing, it's very important...but so is enjoying what one has accomplished.

So, enjoy your journey, learn from my mistakes (being too impatient and stuck on the end result...missing out on what was happening in the moment along the way) and lets do this together!

I noticed you are from BC...so am I! What part are you from if you don't mind me asking?

Keep in touch when you're able.

Thanks again for taking the time to stop in and say hello and share in my weight loss journey. It's a pleasure to meet you!

All the best,
Sarina

[Sarina D]

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

Way to kick some serious butt! What an inspiration you are to all of us!

Well thanks so much Erin!!!

Sarina