I stepped on the scale yesterday and am happy to report that I have now lost more than 250 pounds. I am not really sure why I am happy to report that to you all....as nobody knows each other around here really - but it is just something I wanted to say.

Now I have said it - another 60ish pounds I am will be there.... T minus about 5 months and hopefully I am at goal.

I have this to offer folks who might just be starting the journey....for what it is worth....do a before photo. I was so embarrassed about how I looked I didn't have any pictures of myself at all. I am going to look and see what I can find laying around and actually post something.

Carry on - and remember if I can do it - anyone can......believe in yourself and reach for small accomplishments instead of the end result when you know you are on a journey and not a day-trip!

dab

Holy Moley thats amazing!! I bet you feel great.

You go Don!!! Congrats on the beginning success on your journey.

dab

Wow Dab you rock. I know you have got to have tons more energy.

This is a very inspirational thread. I was just thinking over the weekend about how far I have come but I have so far to go, getting closer every day, in my mindset and clothes even if the scale doesn't show progress for awhile, so I really appreciate hearing from those who have to hang in there for the long haul.

It is really nice to have people be flabbergasted and excited when they say "how much have you lost! You look great" but on the other hand, I know I'm still in the morbidly obese category with lots of pounds to lose. I haven't decided on a goal weight but I thought if I lost at least 180 lbs I'd be around the weight I'd consider plastic surgery to get rid of the excess skin I already have now. So, time to buckle down a little harder.

This morning was the biggest goal so far to date. First it was to lose 100 pounds - then to lose 200 pounds - then it was to be under 300 pounds.

This morning - I hit the big goal I had set for myself.....I have lost 1/2 of my body weight. Starting at 577 back in September of 2007 - I am now at 288.5 (288.8 holding the camera phone on the scale). :bored: :thumbup:

Now...on to the next goal, which I am going to put at 277 by September 1st. That will be the big 300 pounds lost mark....the next big goal for myself.

I do want to say thank you for all of the feedback on this thread. It is part of what drives me and I hope it gives a few the encouragement to keep pushing on. It is a marathon, not a sprint and is rewarding and fun along the way!!!

Everyone enjoy the summer!

Edited June 25, 200917 yr by dab

Dab,

Congratulations on your amazing success! You have really learned to work your band, you should be very proud of your accomplishment!

You are an inspiration to me and I'm sure many others that have read this post. Keep up the great work and you will definitely meet your next stated goal!

I was just banded on June 1st, 2009 and am learning what works for me and what doesn't. You have done so well! Great job!! :bored:

T-bonz

Wow!

Congratulations.

Sue

Dab, that is awesome, and you are truly an inspiration. I have read your posts before and we have talked, but you only have had one fill and you feel good restriction? I had a fill on 6-10, 4 cc's and I feel no restriction so I have to get back in to the doctor. I have been working really hard to make sure I watch what I eat and not slip off the wagon. Either way thanks for keeping us posted on your journey, it truly motivates us to stay on track. Congrats and good luck with your next goal.

That's great. Congratulations.

You are definitely an inspiration.

Kudos from me too! I'm keeping a Scrapbook of my weight loss journey and I took pre-op photos of me with my surgeon, surgery day, my -20, -30, etc. milestones, my 1 year bandiversary and I just finished up the photos on scrapbook pages where I was able to fly in a plane in May without a seatbelt extension and that was a big milestone for me. I just keep knocking off 10 lb increments and looking at clothing size changes too. I fit into a size 18 swimsuit a friend gave me and that was a huge accomplishment for the summer. Can't wait until I see 199 on the scale so I can take a picture of that!

Wow Dab that is wonderful! Your truly an inspiration. Keep up the good work.

Congrats on your weight loss!

What kind of scale are you using?

Congratulations! Truely Inspirational!

Given its summer time, one of the things I used to dread was the infamous fold up lawn chairs. I had to search for the sturdiest chair I could find and hope that if I sat down in it very slowly and gently, it could hold my weight. Normal size lawn chairs or the "cheapo" ones I wouldn't even consider sitting in someone else's chair for fear I would break it and the sides of the arms pressing on my legs was no fun either. I would see those fold up kind of chairs with canvas and folding legs that are really popular now and I wouldn't even consider going near one. I am still not sure I want to try that yet. Anyone know if those can hold someone 240+ lbs?

Dick's Sporting Goods and other stores like that have chairs with rated weight limits. I feel your concern...I tried a chair like you described and it collapsed with my fingers in the bend. The collapse caused the chair to rip off the tip of my ring finger. I am extra cautious now and was delighted when I saw the rated ones at Dick's.

Mimi