Ok so I weighed. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. With clothes I tipped the scale at 262. I’ve gained back 10 of the 60 I lost so I only need to lose 42 lbs to get to 220.
Lynne_kilii, perhaps you could also do like a pedicure or a manicure, massage, facial… Maybe once you hit your goal, a little mini vacation? Like a two day vacation somewhere close?
Thought I’d pop in for a moment. I’m not going to be a frequent visitor here this time, because after nearly three months, I’m back to my goal weight; now all I have to do is maintain, which I really don’t anticipate being a problem. (More about that in a moment.)
My story: began last year at 194, and set a goal of 172. Lost the first few pounds on Atkins, stalled, got down to about 5 pounds of goal on a slo-mo but fairly effective diet of my own devise (though the Splenda-and-Trader-Joes diet would be a good name for it), stalled again, and finished up with South Beach, reaching goal in mid-January. Right before a two-month period that included a major vacation, four weekend trips, and a 50th-birthday party. And when I travel, eating is one of the recreations I most enjoy. Especially in Maui and NYC, which were the major vacation and two of the weekend trips. So I knew I was going to gain weight, I accepted it, and knew I’d have to lose it back when I got back. Now I’ve done that.
I’ve learned a lot about what works for me, dietwise, and what doesn’t, on this diet. I’ve learned a lot about how to have foods that I like without having them add to my waistline. (For instance, I make damned good pizza that, unlike the stuff from Domino’s, won’t pile on the pounds.) There are lots of foods I love that I can eat as much as I want of, and still lose weight, and I know what they are. I know how to eat healthily at those times when I’m really not paying much attention to what I eat (like lunch when I’m at work) so I can be a little bit bad at dinnertime. And I also know that if worst comes to worst, a week back on South Beach induction will knock off 3-4 pounds in a hurry.
So this maintenance business ought to be manageable.
I see we’ve got some newcomers. Cool! We’re pretty good about cheering each other on in the good times, and trying to pick each other up in the bad times. You’ll like it here.
DaToad, were you on a particular weight loss program when you lost the first 60 pounds? That’s a hefty chunk to have lost - good luck with the last 40 pounds!
Lynne_kilii, unless you’re good with a sewing machine, you’ll need new clothes way before you get to 170. If money’s an issue, hit the thrift stores every ~25 lbs. It’s a big boost, especially for those of the female persuasion, to be able to set aside those clothes that are all of a sudden way too baggy, and put on something that fits you at your new weight.
Zebra, I was on the verge of having to buy 38-waist slacks when I started; my 36es were really starting to be too tight. Now I’m comfortably in the middle of the range for 34-waist slacks. The thought of having to buy 38s brought an anguished “Noooooooo!” from the depths of my psyche, and was a powerful motivation for getting started.
Susie, looks like you’re off to a good start - congrats!
Anon, you’re off to a good start too! May I make one suggestion, based on your past experience (and mine)? When you’re nearing your goal (or if Atkins just gets a bit too much to deal with), you might want to consider switching to South Beach, which is another low-carb diet, but not quite so hard-ass about it as Atkins is. I think it’s a lot better for transitioning into the maintenance phase, which you had problems with the last time. And that may be due to Atkins’ “either you’re on the bus or off the bus” mentality; there isn’t much in-between with Atkins. But there is with South Beach.
Thanks for starting a new thread, JavaMaven1. My April goal–to toss out the very last of the size 24s. It may take until mid-May, but we’ll be optimistic.
Three years ago statistics: 340 down to 270 (November 2001) and (!!!) maintained.
Since January 2004: 268/242/150
That’s two more sizes since January–though the 22s are still a bit snug. I feel great. In another 40 pounds, I hope to go off blood pressure medication. I may take a break and stablize at 200 before making the final plunge.
I’m not on a diet, just eating sensibly and exercising. Like Imperial Shag, I’ve been going to Curves since January and loving it–though I go four times a week and walk 2-4 miles the other three days. I also go to TOPS–I need all the help and support I can get. TOPS is wonderful and cheap (~$25 a year for the national organization plus quarterly dues of $10 for our club).
Right now, I’m working very hard on portion control–stopping when I’m full, eating a half bowl of soup or half a bagel or half an apple and then stopping to make sure I’m hungry. There is a real inhibition in me against “wasting” the other half of the apple or banana. And I feel really silly making just 1/2 of a PBJ and 1/4 cup of milk, giving myself full permission for seconds if (and only if) I’m actually still hungry. But, I’m finding that it can be done, and it is amazing how little food it takes to become full. Lately when I go out, I’ve been asking the server to bring the “doggie bag” out with the meal. Then I pack up between 1/2 and 3/4 of the food right away. That way I get the “reward” of cleaning my plate. 
Kinda silly.
My daughter and I recently “discovered” swiss chard and kale, so I’d be interested any your ideas on sensible and tasty was to use these veggies.
I’m in - the goal is to get my hip measurement down to 43 inches by June 25. Then I’ll be able to say goodbye to fat-lady stores and shop where they have pretty, fashionable clothes. Last week I lost a half inch, so I think it’s achievable. I’ll probably be somewhere under 190 pounds by the time I get there.
My ultimate goal is about 130 pounds, and a size 6 or 8.
210.5/207/130
I’m still here! Last week I had the most horrible week food wise (burgers, hotdogs, chinese, birthday cake, ice cream, steak X 2, loaded baked potatoes, you name it, I probably ate it!) and I lost 1.2lbs (a bigger loss than the previous week!). It was probably a fluke and I’m trying not to repeat the non-diet-diet week again, but I’ve been really slacking on the points tracking.
I’ve gotta keep a closer watch on this thread. You guys are really inspiring. Maybe if I participate more I can keep myself more accountable.
Although today wasn’t so bad. I limited myself to one slice of pizza and passed on chocolate ice cream :eek: That’s a first!
My stats thus far:
223/188/150
34.8lbs gone forever!
OK guys I’ve had enough of my sugary shame spiral.
Count me in. 10 pounds in April.
Tomorrow I will weigh and face the music. It’s gonna be bad. But ya know what? At least I’m nipping it in the bud NOW. I’m still ahead of the game. I’ve still come a long way.
Then after my weigh in I am sending the scales home with my mom, and I’m going to get back to the gym on a regular basis. Then, hopefully on April 30th I will weigh and get a big happy surprise 
No more Cadbury.
No more Jolly Ranchers.
I’ll bite. Maybe seeing the E-mails as people report back will help keep me on track.
All time high this morning 270 #'s Would be real happy with 200.
So what is the most one should attempt to loose per day/week/month and still be reasonably healthy?
185/170/170 with muscles 
I used to be fairly overweight (5’9", 185lb, manboobs) when I started high school. I subsequently gave up sweets entirely, dropping down to about 150, then gaining some with height (6’1", 170 now). Right now I’m just trying to get into ‘decent shape’, which I perceive to be within military fitness standards and able to bench my own weight. It’s a long way to go.
I’ve lost, um .5 lbs over the last two weeks. Good job, me. Bah. I’m still trying to get down to 130 lbs by ChiDope, and if I stop eating like shit, I think I can make it.
144/138/130
Oh count me in!
I have gained 15 pounds since last summer 
Damn work stress. This will be great getting the emails and inspiring me to stay on track. Here lately I have been working 12-16 hour days and I can’t seem to find the energy to get my rear end on the treadmill or weight equipment.
I’m 5’6" and currently in a size 12 (although it’s a tad tight)
165/165/145 (I swear I am gonna reach that dang goal weight one of these days)
With eating properly and exercising 1 hour at least three times a week, 1-2 pounds a week is a good, reasonable weight loss.
Count me in
I joined Weight Watchers Online on 3/29 and I lost 9 pounds as of 4/5. I think I have a good chance of losing 10 pounds in April. 
I just had twins on 2/4 and gained 70+ pounds with that pregnancy. So far I’ve lost about 50 of that, but I believe it was mainly water and the weight of the babies (who weighed 5 lbs, 15 oz and 6 lbs, 12 oz).
Right before I got pregnant I lost about 20 pounds on Atkins, so now I’m back to where I was pre-Atkins. I’m too embarrassed to post my actual weight right now, but believe me, I have much to lose.
Happy losing all!
Is it April already?
315/253/200 — 62 lbs and counting. Crossed the halfway point just last week, while attending a funeral. Ran into many relatives that I haven’t seen in a long time and they all commented on the weight loss. T’was nice, except for that whole funeral bit…
I was pretty heavy when I started this…
Whoops, forgot… Ten pounds for April?.. See y’all at 243 then…
Saw the doctor today. Officially lost 7 lbs since I saw him last a month ago. The bad news is that I’m stuck at 318, but then I’ve had YMCApathy, and the rugrat was here last week for spring break, so I was cheating.
The 10 in April looks quite doable, however…
335/318/220
RTFirefly, I used a modified Adkins. Lower carbs, but also lower calorie and fats as well. I gave up starch and sugar completely and ate/eat tons of veggies. I cut down on the red meat and added more poultry and fish. I dropped from my high of 310 down to 252. I was also riding my bike a minimum of 5 miles a day, which was the key. I’m still doing well food-wise, still a lot of veggies, but I cheat with chips and salsa. I haven’t been exercising much so I’ve inched back up. Thanks for the good wishes.
Blown & Injected, JavaMaven1 is right, you should lose about 1-2 per week with diet and exercise. If you go on the Adkins diet you can expect to lose up to 10% of your body weight in the first 6-8 weeks.
I’m a bit worried from just beginning, and there’s so far to go, but I’ve got years in which to do this, I hope. I confess, my primary motivation is that I don’t want to have to get my clothes custom-made because they are larger than conventional sizes.
Anyway, 258/258/125. See you all in 2006?
I’ve been really sick the last few weeks, and have had next to nothing of an appetite lately. We’re talking 4 meals maybe in 9 days or so. As a result, I’ve whiddled myself down to 178. I’ve lost my 10 lbs for April in the first week. I’m also wearing a pair of size 12 jeans right now.
Course, there’s a tragic down side to this. My huge sickness? I have lupus, which includes a sypmptom of a horrible rash outbreak caused by the sun or tanning. I’m going to be able to fit into my 2 piece by June, and I still can’t go to the beach without my face exploding.
I hate my life.
I’m in.
I joined Weight Watchers on March 19th. So far I’m down 6 pounds, and my next weigh-in is on Friday. For once I’m actually having no trouble whatsoever eating right, so I’m actually looking forward to getting weighed.
I lost 70 pounds between August of 2000 and September of 2001, but I gained it back plus interest. The regain has a little to do with being on Lupron for 6 months (a vile drug!) and having major surgery twice and minor surgery twice since then. yikes! But I decided on March 18th that this was it, I was ready, and so here I go.
273/267/140