I didn't weigh myself the first 6 months of "the new me journey". I just focused on being more active and being consistant in an exercise program. I figured that it was a habit by then as I looked foward to my activities. I lost 25 lbs. in that time. I was then ready to tackle stage 2.... Weight loss/ eating better. The confidence I gained with the exercise program carried over to calorie control. Stage 2 lasted 14 months. I'd lost 210 lbs total by then but had also lost strength. Stage 3... Weight maintaince/regain strength is nearly complete after 3 months. I still have about 10 lbs of unnecessary fat to lose but I won't sacrifice strength/endurance to do so. This may be the toughest part but I'll learn alot doing it.