Hi everyone, I wanted to shout to the rooftops that as of today, I have met my original (although not my current) weight loss goal!

My starting weight was 433 lbs. And as of today I am at 249 lbs, for a cumulative weight loss of 184 lbs.

Actually, my original weight loss goal was more nebulous than this. Originally I could only vaguely visualize a conceptual goal of maybe, possibly, someday, if I'm lucky, getting into the low 200's. Later, as I started losing weight, believing that I might be able to do this, and realizing that I needed a more concrete goal to work towards, I decreed that goal to be 249 pounds, as that is the first number I could hit that would round down to 200 rather than round up to 300, LOL. However, quite some time ago I modified my goal to be 199 pounds. That is my current goal. But if I get down that far I may try to reach my next goal, which is 179 pounds. My lowest weight as an adult is 169 pounds, and that is my fantasy goal. But 179 pounds will get me into the top of the normal, healthy weight range for my height and age.

But for now I just wanted to say yay me! And thank you to my lap band which has made it all possible.

Oh, I should mention that I was banded September 9, 2008, so it has been almost 2 years. I know I won't win any medals for fastest weight loss, but a steady weight loss of about 2 pounds a week is most healthy anyway.

For me, the most important success factor has been actively managing the band - specifically getting to and maintaining that "sweet spot" where hunger and cravings are much more manageable but I can still get plenty of liquids down. I find that if I am too loose or too tight, even by a small margin, my weight loss slows down dramatically.

Well, I think I am going to take myself shopping and buy myself some new sexy underthings to celebrate!

Kathy

Oh, and here are my "before" and "current" pictures. I'm proud of me!

Kathy

I havent had Lap band Yet But will in December. You have did so Good And Look younger. I know your proud and I'm proud for you.

Wonderful photos and congratulations on your weight loss. I agree with slow and steady! Thank you for sharing. I envy your arms. No matter how much weight I lose I will have bat wings!

WOO HOO for you! You look amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

Kathy, what a wonderful story. Congrats to you on for reaching such a significant goal. You look great. Have fun shopping!!! Keep us up to date in the future.

My goodness, that is amazing. That is just SO much weight to lose. Its incredible. You should be so very proud of yourself. I'm sure you'll continue to lose down to that fantasy goal.

Wow! Congrats! I'm in a similar position, started at 398 and I can't imagine being anything below 180. I'm stuck at 327. And have been since APRIL. I had a fill in June but I can't tell it's done anything. Discouraged is me.

But your post has helped me put things into perspective because it's taken you 2 years to get that off so I don't feel quite so bad. Congrats again, and good luck getting to onederland!

Wow! Congrats! I'm in a similar position, started at 398 and I can't imagine being anything below 180. I'm stuck at 327. And have been since APRIL. I had a fill in June but I can't tell it's done anything.

It sounds to me that you are not at your sweet spot. Do you still have restrictions? Are you thinking about food all the time? To me, those are key signals that it's time for another fill.

Best of luck!

Kathy

Kathy, I am so very proud of you...you ROCK!!!!!

Mimi

Congrats Kathy from another Kathy -- aka SpecialK. I've been stuck around -140 lbs down and want desperately to see 199 on my scale and its been elusive so I did get a small fill a few weeks ago and its helping some but I think I still need even more restriction to get past this plateau I've been at. Still, with the stress of losing my job, maintaining at this point is a victory.

Yay for you. You're looking great!

Absolutely Amazing!! You are very much of a inspiration! Thank you for sharing!!:smile2:

Way to go, Kathy!:smile2::thumbup:

That is such an inspiration to me. I started April 8, 2010 and weighed 436. I am down to 358 as of today. That is a good feeling to be down 78 pds. I feel like I have such a large amount to lose that it is overwhelming at times. I guess I really need to set small goals so that they are quicker to obtain. I love your pictures. Thank you so much for posting this. Sometimes I feel like I am alone as far as having so much weight to lose. I know we are all in the same boat and that 50 pds to lose is just as important to the people trying to lose that as my amount is to me. Again thanks and keep up the great job.

You are an inspiration to all of us...thank you for the post!