I am at the half-way mark and Ill hit 'onederland' very soon....before Xmas hopefully as I am 5lbs from 199.

I am still very motivated but I will admit that my motivation is losing its luster. It has lost some luster until this morning when I saw on the news that I still weigh more than Bernard Hopkins! LOL Motivation just got its groove back!

I know comparisons are normally frowned upon but that newsflash put things back into perspective for me in terms of my ultimate goal of 125-130 (I am 5'3.) I know my odds of being healthier and happier are stacked in my favor at that weight range but boy....just to be able to finally say to myself I don't weigh as much as a tight-end or a champion welterweight boxer sure will be freeing!

What still motivates you?

Edited November 8, 201411 yr by tomi71

My motivation is running kind of thin right now as I am in the middle of my pre-op liquids only. Surgery next Sunday. I am staying on here more than usual and coveting all the comments and messages from everyone here. Thanks for all posts as that is my motivation.

Just like haleytrim's above comment, I find this forum very motivational. I am still very pre-op so I appreciate all the information I can glean from you veterans.

I look at old photos of myself...my decision day photo (taken 08/21/13) is the one I refer back to most often.

I also know that when I don't workout, I don't feel good.

Like mcbutterpants, Old "before" photos of myself were very motivating as I was losing. i've been in maintenance for 4 months and I kept a pair of my size 22 jeans and comparing them to my current 7's is a huge kick in the butt whenever I feel I'm drifting off track.

Edited November 8, 201411 yr by Kindle

Congrats to everyone!

For those who are pre-op just keep on keeping on! You are going to be post-op before you know it. If ever you needed proof that time really is relative this experience should do the trick. Take it one day at a time....learn something from each stage and enjoy each and every second of this change. This way of thinking also helps me to stay focused. Years ago I would've spiraled into deep depression if I compared myself to Mayweather and the like but now I laugh and even think that that comparison isn't so bad.....he's healthy (I hope) and now so am I! Perspective can be a wonderful thing!

I try to make my pouch a secondary tool & my mind the first tool in being healthy because without a healthy mind, not much else matters.

Good luck to all! Pat yourself on the back for handling your business!

@@tomi71

I love the challenges that are offered on this site. The holiday challenge is great for me. I need help staying on track through the food season.

My fitness pal. after logging in my food and exercise. It calculates the info. Then tells me if everyday was like today I could weigh (what ever amount) in five weeks.

My local events. I have a 6mile christmas run for the YMCA. I am now jogging on the treadmill at the gym to get ready. I have a snowshoeing adventure offered by my gym. I'm waiting for the snow to fly.

Anyway that's what keeps me going

@@tomi71

I love the challenges that are offered on this site. The holiday challenge is great for me. I need help staying on track through the food season.

My fitness pal. after logging in my food and exercise. It calculates the info. Then tells me if everyday was like today I could weigh (what ever amount) in five weeks.

My local events. I have a 6mile christmas run for the YMCA. I am now jogging on the treadmill at the gym to get ready. I have a snowshoeing adventure offered by my gym. I'm waiting for the snow to fly.

Anyway that's what keeps me going

I love Myfitnesspal. It has definitely kept me on the straight and narrow.

I haven't looked into any events but I do have Dailyburn and Fitbit so I make my own challenges. Every little bit helps! Best wishes!

I agree with looking at old photos of yourself when you were thinner and maybe keeping a couple tacked on your fridge and bathroom mirror as constant reminders. Challenge yourself and give yourself some mini-goals. Remind yourself of where you came from and how determined you are not to go back! Also, think of next summer and how good you are going to look in summer clothes not to mention how much fun it's going to be to go shopping for summer clothes!

Every compliment I get motivates me. Staying active on this site helps too. Reading the success stories are great. The failure stories solidifies my commitment not to be "that person". I have nothing against the people who have given up, I'm just learning from their mistakes.

Soon after my surgery I was able to discontinue my diabetic medication completely, and since then my numbers have been in the normal range. That motivates me everyday, staying in this healthier place.

One question....I've been on the site for a while...what is "onederland"?

One question....I've been on the site for a while...what is "onederland"?

Its when you've lost enough weight to the point that your weight has a 1 in the hundreds place, for ex., 199. You are in 'onderland.'

I have very supportive family and friends and a huge network of cheerleaders on FB. I've shared all of my journey with pictures and they are so supportive! Not one person has been negative.

Looking at all my before/after photos motivates me. Also going back through my blog and reading the posts motivates me as well because it reminds me how very unhappy I was before and how desperately I wanted this change. It also motivates me to think of the people who have told me that I've helped or encouraged them along the way. Thinking about that gives me a sense or feeling of accountability and not wanting to let them down.

Finding this thread was such good timing today. I've been stuck in a stall for almost a month. I know I shouldn't worry about it that much, since I know I am doing everything I'm supposed to. I've started walking regularly and this week I can routinely walk a mile - with my bad knees & discs in my back I know how big a deal that is. It was just a dream 6 months ago.

My husband tells me how proud he is of me, which is wonderful. I took measurements this week and truly enjoyed those numbers! Sometimes it's just hard to keep those negative worries from creeping in...maybe this is all there is....maybe I won't be able to lose the weight with this either. Thankfully, coming here helps keep those worries at bay and keeps me motivated. So, thank you to everyone for their input here - you never know who your comments may help! Good luck to all.