Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - How much have you lost and what do you notice different now?

I was 265 lbs when I started eating healthier, riding more, working out, and walking the dog. Not only is the dog skinnier, but I am too, by 30 lbs as of the last couple of days. I have really started noticing lots of little things beyond things like clothes fitting much looser.

Probably the most important thing is my health has improved. I got my last physical 2 years ago. At that time, my blood sugar was 120, cholesterol was elevated, as was my blood pressure which had shot up a bit higher as I had visited the doctor a few times in that 2 years and was running as high as 150/110. I had my physical earlier in the week and my blood pressure was down to 130/80 (hope that keeps going down) and I got my lab results back today and was very pleased that my cholesterol is good and my blood sugar level was down to 99 (again I want to see that go down a bit more too).

I also have suffered from lower back and knee problems. My knees just plain feel good and I noticed something about my back last night. I used to pop my lower back by doing a sort of twisting stretch as I lay in bed which would result in a nice series of pops almost like wringing a big wad of bubble wrap. It would kind of relieve the pressure which was pretty painful if I was on my feet a while. I hadn't thought about it, but I haven't needed to do this in a while. I tried to make it pop and couldn't even do it. Walking the dog tonight, I remembered how much my back would start hurting about 1/2 a mile in. Now, it is totally pain free.

My back would also feel sore right when I woke up, even with my Sleep Number bed. Too soft and there wasn't enough support and too hard also hurt. Now, it is quite comfy.

At my heaviest, I couldn't bend over to tie my shoe laces without it making it difficult to breath. Another thing that is no longer a problem.

Eating healthier, fresher foods has made it harder to eat greasy, fried stuff. The last time I tried eat some Popeye's chicken, it made me feel woozie (not because the chicken was cooked bad, just fried). Same thing happened when I tried to eat fried catfish. That is enough to keep me away from that stuff. Grilled chicken breasts and grilled fish all the way!

I am married and have a beautiful wife, but I am not going to lie and say I don't enjoy a smile, nod, or friendly wave from an attractive woman. That sort of thing just makes one feel attractive and there is nothing wrong with that. It used to happen all the time when I was out on my bike when I was in my early 20s. It stopped when I started pushing over 240-250 lbs. I didn't notice it until a couple weeks ago it happened while I was out on the road bike. I got it again last weekend out on the trail bike. It feels nice.

Speaking of my wife, well enough said...

My wife's compact car is much more comfortable.

My motorcycle is a bit quicker and handles better because 30 lbs does make a difference on a 400 lb vehicle with just 65 horsepower. I am also stronger due to working out and feel much more confident and agile. Same goes for my bicycle handling skills.

The confidence gained from looking in the mirror and actually liking what I see is also terrific. I know I have a lot more work to do, but seeing such progress is great. I started tucking my shirts in because I feel like it now looks better than it did before. A lot of my shirts are a bit too large now, so tucking them in helps me not look so big. It was funny, the first day I tucked my shirt in for work, 4 people told me I really look like I've lost a lot of weight. Awesome!

A couple of years ago, I started growing a beard to keep my face warm for a motorcycle trip I was taking. I ended up keeping it because I liked how it seemed to cover up my chubby face and provided a faux jaw line. I decided to shave it off the other day and like seeing my old self in the mirror. It'll be cool to watch my face slim down even more without a beard blocking it all.

I know I am forgetting some things and will probably post them when they come to mind. Let me leave you all with this thought. Don't take for granted the small steps and victories you achieve. Those sometimes mean the most and keep you going. I was just as excited when I lost my first 5 lbs. Everybody who is traveling this path has a long trip ahead, but think of those little milestones as a place to stop and reflect on how far you've come.

Five and a half years ago I was 400 or more pounds and I was wondering how I would get through each day. Now I'm older and a third of my body weight lighter and wondering when I'm getting to ride my bike across the country.

457 at my highest. Down 87 pounds so far.


Still have a long way to go, but the improvements in my life have been earth shattering.

1) I used to dread exiting and entering my car. As such I would never stop for groceries, and simply found it easier to go to the drive through. Now? I go to the grocery store twice a week and zip around gleefully, buying healthy foods :)
2) Could not even bend over to tie my shoes. I had to pre-tie them and shove my feet in them while standing. Now, I can reach with no issue.
3) I can stand for much longer periods of time. Used to have a maximum threshold of about 10-15 minutes standing before I couldn't take it and had to sit. Now? I just spent over 3 hours standing while working on my bike 2 days ago, and didn't feel anything in my knees the next day!
4) Stairs... used to dread them. Now I can run up them.
5) Of all the benefits there are of losing ~90 pounds, I never imagined being able to scratch your ass without stretching would rank so highly.
6) I can actually fit in booths at restaurants now, rather than being embarrassed and insisting on getting a table instead (which noone ever understood until we actually tried getting into the booth... nope not gonna fit, told ya!)
7) getting ready for my first airline flight in over 3 years, in September. I stopped flying due to the embarrassment of needing 2 seats. *Hopefully* I have reduced in size enough to not require a spare anymore... we'll see.
8) I can actually fit on my bike. When I first started weight loss, I didn't fit... my stomach hit the handlebars when I stood over it before mounting the seat.


I've lost 13 inches off my waist so far. I drilled 12 new holes in my belt to support that loss. Everyone says I should buy a new belt because I look ridiculous with over a foot of belt hanging out of my pants... but I won't. I don't care if I look ridiculous... I wear it like it's a battle trophy :)

Started at 283. Down about 45lbs over 3 years through diet, biking, and buying a 10 acre plot.

I'm noticing that as I lost the initial ~30lbs, it's getting tougher to actually lose weight. I'm losing SIZE, but not weight. I'm down 2 belt notches since January but only 3-5lbs depending when I weigh in.

I've noticed that my (well meaning but generally idiotic) coworkers treating me differently. Random comments about being a "big guy" are much less frequent.

Clothes are cheaper. The brand of khakis I wear to work would charge $15 extra for the combination of loose fit + extra rise that I needed house my thunder thighs. So not only am I down in the waist, I fit an off the shelf size again, saving me $75 a year, give or take.

Probably most importantly, I can now tell the difference between how I feel when I eat like crap and when I eat well, in terms of both quantity and quality.

Athena emeritus here. At not quite 4'11" I started out close to 160 last December. My back hurt. I'd do back exercises. It still would hurt when I walked any kind of distance. Worst of all it hurt when I rolled over in bed. I also would wake up choking at night, I was pretty sure I had sleep apnea but with a bit of claustrophobia I did not want to find out that I had to wear the mask. I ignored the problem. For several years. My BP kept edging up, despite meds.

I started my weight loss without thinking about it at all. Somehow I knew that if I started with a plan of attack I would never execute the plan. Instead, when I headed to Texas and Mexico this past winter I started experimenting with food. My husband was not going to be with me for two months and he is a vegetarian. I though it would be fun to try to eat low carb by eating a bunch of meat and see what that did to my appetite. Well, it worked amazingly well. After a while I began counting calories as I knew that I would not remain low carb once spouse and I were hooked up again. I didn't weigh myself for three months and at that point I was shocked to see how much weight I had lost.

In my retirement I am a birder and photographer. This winter I spent the mornings for hours lugging around equipment and being on my feet. I was getting exercise and not really even knowing it. I had my old comfort bike and would often ride through the neighboring state park early in the evening, to watch the night birds rise. I was moving.

I had tricked myself into losing weight and therefor motivated myself to lose more. I had found that activity is pleasurable without forcing myself into activity.

If I had thought about self motivation by "pulling myself up by my bootstraps" or "just doing it" or whatever kind of slogan is used to try to force yourself to do something I would fail. I can only succeed by doing what is pleasurable to me. Biking is pleasurable. Stalking birds through a jungle in south America is pleasurable.

I went from women's size 2x (which I would always call "double ox") down to a size 14 petite. I am merely overweight, no longer obese. I have lost 18% of my body weight. I still need to lose 12 percent of my current weight. I am shopping at Goodwill regularly as all my clothes no longer fit. But I didn't want to buy good clothes so off to the thrift stores I went! And have been amazed at the good quality clothes people give away. I gave away all my fat clothes, each time something is too big out the door it goes. I will not make it easy to inch back up! I am so motivated now that my problem is pushing too hard. Too hard with exercise. Too low with calories. Got to lose that pound a week! Now my goal has been reduced to slightly less than a pound a week, maybe 3 to 4 pounds a month. And I've eased off a bit on the exercise.


I bit the bullet and did a sleep study. Unfortunately, even with the weight loss I have sleep apnea. This has been my biggest heath challenge. The doc said that I am unlikely to have the apnea go away even when I get down to normal weight because I just don't have that much left to lose. :( However, the weight loss probably made my apnea go from severe to moderate. But moderate still requires the mask. And I hate the mask. It does not go well with my sexy new pjs. ;) But I am adjusting. I think the adjustment would be even harder if I wasn't able to get on my bike and cruise and feel fitter and freer and more beautiful.

I went from 210 to 170 in about 3 months, last summer. My wife noticed my sleep apnea almost completely went away. I've noticed that I can tell when food has nasty stuff in it... I can taste it, and feel the effects afterwards. I have more energy, and I can ride faster, longer.

It's almost a year later, and I still get people stopping me and asking how much weight I lost... a lot of coworkers thought I was nuts at first. Now I've gotten a few of them riding after they saw the effects. ;)

Remembered some new benefits I had forgotten about:

9) Using public toilets designed for smaller people is no longer an exercise in frustration
10) my apartment floor no longer creaks when I walk over it, annoying the tenants downstairs
11) I can fit in my car without my stomach touching the steering wheel and without my head rubbing against the ceiling.
12) Can walk to my car at work (1 block) without feeling like I'm going to die

I've lost 13 inches off my waist so far. I drilled 12 new holes in my belt to support that loss. Everyone says I should buy a new belt because I look ridiculous with over a foot of belt hanging out of my pants... but I won't. I don't care if I look ridiculous... I wear it like it's a battle trophy :)

Bravo! Reminds me of my "battle trophy" :


http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/167590_1670809662571_1607271639_1524156_3971128_n.jpg

Dropped 65 lbs and 10 inches off my waist. Right now I'm at 183 lbs and continuing to make progress towards my goal of 170. Feels great and results are also showing at the doctors office with lower BP, cholesterol and Blood glucose.

The biggest difference is the increase in my energy level. Now I commute to work on my bike and even with a full day at work and a 44-mile roundtrip commute everyday, when I get home still plenty of energy to push the lawnmower around the yard or to do some household chores. This never happened when I was carrying around the extra pounds.

Dropped 65 lbs and 10 inches off my waist. Right now I'm at 183 lbs and continuing to make progress towards my goal of 170. Feels great and results are also showing at the doctors office with lower BP, cholesterol and Blood glucose.

The biggest difference is the increase in my energy level. Now I commute to work on my bike and even with a full day at work and a 44-mile roundtrip commute everyday, when I get home still plenty of energy to push the lawnmower around the yard or to do some household chores. This never happened when I was carrying around the extra pounds.

I started cycling a little under 290 (the highest I specifically saw on a scale was 287). I took up cycling simply as a way of getting around and covering more ground so I could continue my hobby of geocaching.

The great thing about geocaching is that it gives you a reason to go somewhere. Even if the "somewhere" isn't necessarily interesting, it got me out and about. Not only that it got me covering longer and longer distances without specifically thinking about what I was doing, until it just happened that I found myself 10+ miles from home and realising that I just had to ride it on the basis there wasn't much other option.

For the longest time I didn't actually lose any weight at all but everyone said they thought I had. Then despite not losing weight I found my 44" waist jeans that had been a bit tight were loose so I bought some 42" waist jeans to replace them. Now I'm down nearly 40 pounds, my 42" jeans are too loose so I need to buy some more, and the belt I loved as a teenager but couldn't wear for years because I was too fat now fits me again. Admittedly I need to wear it on the loosest hole there is but the point is I can wear it at all.

It always used to be hard to buy smart trousers because most places around where I live either stop at 42" waists or charge silly money. It's great to be able to buy clothes without realising I'm too fat for anything in the shop. It's also great that clothes last longer - previously where my legs rubbed together I'd wear through the thighs of a pair of trousers within 3-4 months, now they last longer I don't mind spending more on them.

There's also the general improvement in confidence, although that's more associated with increased fitness and riding experience than specifically the reduction in size and weight. It was always a bit embarrassing when I first started riding, having a gleaming black fancy mountain bike but still being passed by just about anyone else on two wheels. Now it's fairly rare for anyone except the serious roadies to pass me.

50 pounds down so far. Started at a 42" waist, down to a 36 now, probably finish at a 34 the way things are looking.

Benefits - I feel much better. I carry most of my weight around my middle (as most middle-aged guys) and dropping 2 touring bikes of weight has made bending easier, sitting more comfortable, etc. I can wear regular fit jeans. Previously I bought painter's jeans or big skater-kid jeans to mask my weight. Same with shirts. I fit into a plain old large now; no more buying 2x shirts to accomodate my formerly ample midsection. I can do more pull ups because it's not like doing them while wearing a 50 pound weight vest.
Drawbacks - I have to readjust my bikes because I can lean over farther now. Still dialing things in. I have to buy a lot of new clothes, including cycling gear; I've got a bunch of 2x bibs and jerseys that are way too big. (This is a benefit to anyone who can use 2x gear, since I'll be ditching it all on the cheap as I replace it.)

I'm approaching the magic 100 mark. Hope to get there by the middle of next month. I'm getting to the point where I can buy clothes in regular stores now, which is pretty neat.

I started to change my life back in mid January my highest I estimate to be around 450 lbs. I bought a scale and my bike at 430lbs in February. Last Monday I was at 392, so I'm down ~58lbs overall. I honestly can't really "see" a difference but I know my face looks a tiny bit smaller when I look in the mirror. My mom and best friend say they can see a difference but I can't tell much.
I can however tell a big difference in my fitness level. I would have to say the greatest change I noticed is I don't get winded anymore after taking a SHOWER!
It sounds ridiculous to think a simple task of taking a shower would make you winded.
My clothes fit looser although I haven't gone down in shirt size yet, my pants are too big now but I still wear them and have put 3 new notches in my belt(probably a 4th later this week).

I was 444, down to 344 right now. I feel pretty much the same, my stomach is a lot softer, I can see in pics that I've lost weight but I don't see it in the mirror. My clothes are big, I've punched tons of holes in my belts but otherwise... I feel the same.

I started to change my life back in mid January my highest I estimate to be around 450 lbs. I bought a scale and my bike at 430lbs in February. Last Monday I was at 392, so I'm down ~58lbs overall. I honestly can't really "see" a difference but I know my face looks a tiny bit smaller when I look in the mirror. My mom and best friend say they can see a difference but I can't tell much.
I can however tell a big difference in my fitness level. I would have to say the greatest change I noticed is I don't get winded anymore after taking a SHOWER!
It sounds ridiculous to think a simple task of taking a shower would make you winded.
My clothes fit looser although I haven't gone down in shirt size yet, my pants are too big now but I still wear them and have put 3 new notches in my belt(probably a 4th later this week).


Keep at it, it gets better! Your story is remarkably like mine, started near 450 as well, winded taking showers, etc. You may run into a plateau; I did at -80 pounds for a few months... but now it magically started dropping again! Woohoo! 13 holes drilled into my belt, 2 shirt sizes down, may need a 3rd soon...

May 27, 2010/May 27, 2011, 288/218lbs, waist, 46/38".
Mowing yard, 3 days/3 hours.
Felt 70/feel 20!

Down 30 lbs since New Years day 2011. My wife swore I had sleep apnea but when I went to get physical in Feb, doc said it was just the fat in my neck. Now my wife says I don't snore as much as I did before and it is almost non existing. My knees feel great. After a run or some serious climbing rides my knees would hurt for a couple of days. Not any more. I have more energy as well towards the end of the day. Also, 2 mos ago I was diagnosed with Celiacs but had no standard symptoms. Celiacs is an allergy to wheat, barley and rye which means no normal breads and pastas. I am now Gluten Free because of this which has also increased my energy and performance level while riding and running. Call this a public service announcement but they say there are millions of Amercans that have gluten intolerence but don't know it. That is the way I was. It runs in my family and my daughter was diagnosed with it and since it is genetic I got tested. The more research I do the more I beleive the human body was not built to consume wheat products which is where gluten naturally comes from. So if you are feeling not yourself after eating certain things then google Celiacs and check out the syptoms, even the hidden ones. The killer for me was beer but since they are so high in calories it's kind of been a blessing in disguise so to speak. I don't miss the breads and pastas. Been eating meats, veggies, and fruits which are better for you anyway. After losing 30 lbs I can't seem to lose it as quickly as before. 2 pounds a week seems to have gone done to 2 pounds a month. Pant size down from 38 to 34, shirt size down from 2XL to XL, cycling jersey 3XL down to XL cause I no longer mind that they are tight on me like before. Swim trunks XL to Medium. Looking forward to getting to 200.

BigUgly, the only way to know for sure if you have sleep apnea is a sleep study. Otherwise, the doctor is just making an informed guess based on symptoms and a lot of the symptoms are not observable by the doctor and may not be apparent to you. I likely had sleep apnea for years and years and my doctor never made the informed guess. I pretty much knew it myself but I didn't want to. I mention this because I lost a bunch of weight, my husband said that my snoring had almost stopped, I went for a sleep study as I am on a health kick, and discovered I have sleep apnea that must be treated.

I have not lost much weight yet since I started riding but I do feel much better already, I can chase my daughter around without stopping and riding has become more comfortable.

The lowest I have been was 225 when I was in college so I am shooting to get back there!

Great stories all. I started seriously towards a healthy lifestyle when on April 10th of this year I looked into the mirror from a profile view and did not recognize myself. So, at 267 I said enough is enough. Since that time I found MyFitnessPal.com and began logging every calorie that went into my mouth. Today I am down to 242 and feeling much better. My goal is to hit 200. So, I cannot jump up and down with joy just yet with 42 pounds remaining so I will stick with my 1-2 pound per week loss and see where that takes me. :)

I'm 6'5" and saw 260lbs on the scale for the first time about 4 months ago.

I'm down about 15 lbs to date with a combination of cycling and a slightly better diet (nothing un-sustainable). I have had a bit of a pause with cycling in the last 2 weeks as we've moved houses, unfortunately.

I immediately had more energy after the first 1-2 months and started to get comments from people after the 2-3 month mark when the small amount of weight I've lost started to be more noticeable. I don't have any end target other than continuing to ride longer distances and feel better. I'd like to do some charity type events later in the summer, perhaps.

One thing that helped me immensely was tracking my progress each ride, whether it was indoor riding or using an exercise bike (in a hotel, while traveling). Also, I am lucky in that I am able to ride during my workday, which has really helped with the "no time to work out" excuse. A lot of folks I work with are into the sport as well, which is why I picked it over something else...

I'll add a couple more things I have noticed:

Due to increased flexibility, I am able to lower my handlebars to put me in a bit more aero position that before. I flipped the stem on my road bike and moved some spacers around on my trail bike. I think I could also sustain riding a bit more stretched out. My road bike is one size too small (ride a 56, should be a 58) which was a requirement due to my lower back problems and the need for a shorter top tube. I expect that my next road bike will be the proper size for me. God I really want a new bike already, but I'll have to wait. I've thought that would be a good reward for eventually dropping under 200 lbs.

I already forgot what my other thing I was going to write. Oh well, I'll think of it later...

I started at 396.8. I joined Weight Watchers with my wife on October 18 of 2010... 8 months ago. Tonight was my official weigh-in for the week. I surpassed the 100 lb lost mark tonight with a loss of 7.8 lbs over the past 2 weeks for a total of 105 pounds gone! My wife has lost almost 50 and our 17 year old daughter has lost over 60! We are very much losing as a family.
I started riding about 40 or 50 pounds ago. I bought a new hybrid bike after the first couple weeks of trying to ride my old, barely used Wally World mtb. I've noticed a huge difference in my health since I started.

I've had to buy quite a few more clothes... I've gone from barely fitting in a 48 jeans to wearing size 40 shorts and having them very loose! I bought those shorts at Old Navy. I had never even thought about shopping in an Old Navy until about 3 months ago!!

I have no trouble climbing the stairs at work or walking the block to the company parking lot. Previously, there were many times I thought I would pass out after reaching the top of the stairs!

I'm starting to see the muscles return in my legs! I've actually started to see some definition again like I had when I played football in hs!

I haven't had any kind of "fast food" in 8 months! No McD's, Hardees, Arby's, etc... ...and I DON'T miss it!!

I've had numerous comments and compliments from coworkers, family members, and others, but I still struggle seeing the changes in the mirror.

I looked at my driver's license photo last week and almost fell over! I finally noticed the huge change!

Honestly, there are just so many ways my life has changed over the last 8 months. I could go on forever!

I jus remembered the other thing I wanted to post. Yesterday, I dropped down on the floor to see how many push-ups I could do. Last time I tried this, I got about 5. This time, 20. I think I am to start practicing this.

Another great surprise was finding some old t-shirts in my dresser I haven't seen or worn in forever. One even dates back 11 years. They all fit again!

I’ve thought a lot about what I might want to contribute to this thread since it first popped up. There’s so much that can be said, but in the end everyone’s experiences are going to be unique, and between that, and the fact that many of these changes are subtle, I wondered how useful my comments might be. But I’ll go ahead and jump in…

First, the obvious:

Clothes fit better and I have more variety from which to choose (no more having to shop at the fatty boys’ store). Pants have gone from 48 to 36 (for now). Jacket/suit from 52 to 46. Shirts from 18.5 or 19 to about 15 depending on cut. Sport shirts and pants from a tight 2X to slightly baggy L.

Eating habits have changed to the point where if I revert to my old ways I feel bloated, logy and listless. Unfortunately I still allow it to happen more frequently than I should.

Though it’s taken a long time to happen, exercise really has become a habit, and, like I said about eating like my old self, when I’m prevented from doing it for several days or a week, I find myself getting moody and easily depressed and irritated. 90% of the time I exercise I actually enjoy it, and about 10% of the time I find it a chore. In the old days that ratio was reversed. Cycling is easier. Between the weight loss and a winter spent in twice-weekly spin classes, I started this season in better shape than I’ve ever been, and the difference is easy to feel.

It took a long time but I finally see a difference in the mirror. Sometimes that’s hard to do, regardless of the evidence around you (scales, clothes, comments from friends and family). Our old body image has a way of sticking around in our heads long after it should have been jettisoned.

My general health is better. Blood pressure, resting pulse, glucose, cholesterol numbers have shown incredible improvements. I sleep better. Weight loss is the last piece of the puzzle in my apnea treatment (started with CPAP many years ago, then underwent a UPPP and tonsillectomy), and it’s helped a lot. I also had not-quite-chronic nighttime heartburn and that’s almost completely gone. Instead of 1 or 2 nights a week, I may have it once every 3 or 4 months if I eat badly.

The not-so-obvious:

After all that I said above, I should point out that in spite of how drastically I’ve changed objectively, many of the subjective differences are subtle. I feel a little better. I move more easily and readily, though I’ll admit that’s a particularly subtle and subjective distinction. On the other hand, occasional joint pain in my hips and knees has not gone away or eased at all, which is probably my biggest disappointment, even more than baggy skin. It could be that 50+ years of abuse have taken a permanent toll. Or it could be some genetic propensity for arthritis I got from my father, since I’ve got a few non-load-bearing joint issues, too (like a hinky shoulder).

And here’s the one that everybody needs to keep in mind: while weight loss can help with all kinds of physical issues, there are psychological, emotional and even circumstantial problems it won’t resolve. Your improved health is a great thing, but it doesn’t necessarily resolve all of your own internal issues, nor will it get you out of a rotten job, it won’t increase your pay, it won’t fix broken relationships. Most of the baggage you have going in will still be with you when you come out. But you work on things as you can, and you might as well begin with those things that are within your power to change. You can do it, if you have determination and a will to succeed. And most of all, patience.

457 at my highest. Down 87 pounds so far.


Still have a long way to go, but the improvements in my life have been earth shattering.

1) I used to dread exiting and entering my car. As such I would never stop for groceries, and simply found it easier to go to the drive through. Now? I go to the grocery store twice a week and zip around gleefully, buying healthy foods :)
2) Could not even bend over to tie my shoes. I had to pre-tie them and shove my feet in them while standing. Now, I can reach with no issue.
3) I can stand for much longer periods of time. Used to have a maximum threshold of about 10-15 minutes standing before I couldn't take it and had to sit. Now? I just spent over 3 hours standing while working on my bike 2 days ago, and didn't feel anything in my knees the next day!
4) Stairs... used to dread them. Now I can run up them.
5) Of all the benefits there are of losing ~90 pounds, I never imagined being able to scratch your ass without stretching would rank so highly.
6) I can actually fit in booths at restaurants now, rather than being embarrassed and insisting on getting a table instead (which noone ever understood until we actually tried getting into the booth... nope not gonna fit, told ya!)
7) getting ready for my first airline flight in over 3 years, in September. I stopped flying due to the embarrassment of needing 2 seats. *Hopefully* I have reduced in size enough to not require a spare anymore... we'll see.
8) I can actually fit on my bike. When I first started weight loss, I didn't fit... my stomach hit the handlebars when I stood over it before mounting the seat.


I've lost 13 inches off my waist so far. I drilled 12 new holes in my belt to support that loss. Everyone says I should buy a new belt because I look ridiculous with over a foot of belt hanging out of my pants... but I won't. I don't care if I look ridiculous... I wear it like it's a battle trophy :)

all i can say is 'way to go'!!

One of my goals I have reached, because I am a penny pinching tight wad skin flint, was to not
have to pay extra for the larger size jeans and t-shirts! Three pair of shorts and four t's I saved
over ten dollars.

Four months since I started to eat better and get in better shape. I was 349 lbs back then. On Feb 15th I started Atkins. First time any sort of diet worked for me. Beginning in April I started commuting to work on my bike as much as I can, about 3 days a week on average. As of today I'm 1t 294lbs. This is the first time in my life My weight has actually gone down.


So whats changed besides my weight?

I feel better.
I sleep better.
My jeans don't fit, and my work close do.
I've run out of holes on my favorite belt.
I'm looking forward to going clothes shopping once nothing fits anymore.
I'm not winded by walking and talking. I walk briskly again. I've always been told I walked fast for a guy half my size, but the last few years I would get winded at even a moderate pace.
I Actually look forward to going to work on days I take my bike (though I still wouldn't say I look forward to being at work).
I get home faster on my bike than I do driving most of the time.
I need to schedule a doc appointment, but for once I'm not dreading it and the inevitable lecture from my doc. I'm hoping to see all my vitals and blood work improve.
I have an overwhelming desire to stop in LBS and buy more stuff for my bike and look at new bikes.
I've still got some 75lbs to go untill I hit my goal of 220. But it doesn't seem unatainable now and who knows maybe I'll get down below that.

I started at 292ish and am currently around 255ish depending on the day. I seem to be plateaued, but that is OK.


457 at my highest. Down 87 pounds so far.


Still have a long way to go, but the improvements in my life have been earth shattering.

1) I used to dread exiting and entering my car. As such I would never stop for groceries, and simply found it easier to go to the drive through. Now? I go to the grocery store twice a week and zip around gleefully, buying healthy foods :)
2) Could not even bend over to tie my shoes. I had to pre-tie them and shove my feet in them while standing. Now, I can reach with no issue.
3) I can stand for much longer periods of time. Used to have a maximum threshold of about 10-15 minutes standing before I couldn't take it and had to sit. Now? I just spent over 3 hours standing while working on my bike 2 days ago, and didn't feel anything in my knees the next day!
4) Stairs... used to dread them. Now I can run up them.
5) Of all the benefits there are of losing ~90 pounds, I never imagined being able to scratch your ass without stretching would rank so highly.
6) I can actually fit in booths at restaurants now, rather than being embarrassed and insisting on getting a table instead (which noone ever understood until we actually tried getting into the booth... nope not gonna fit, told ya!)
7) getting ready for my first airline flight in over 3 years, in September. I stopped flying due to the embarrassment of needing 2 seats. *Hopefully* I have reduced in size enough to not require a spare anymore... we'll see.
8) I can actually fit on my bike. When I first started weight loss, I didn't fit... my stomach hit the handlebars when I stood over it before mounting the seat.


I've lost 13 inches off my waist so far. I drilled 12 new holes in my belt to support that loss. Everyone says I should buy a new belt because I look ridiculous with over a foot of belt hanging out of my pants... but I won't. I don't care if I look ridiculous... I wear it like it's a battle trophy :)

#5 - TMI, though the simple things do bring the most joy.

My belt is also my battle trophy. I haven't punched holes in it, but knowing I may need to in the near future is great motivation.


Four months since I started to eat better and get in better shape. I was 349 lbs back then. On Feb 15th I started Atkins. First time any sort of diet worked for me. Beginning in April I started commuting to work on my bike as much as I can, about 3 days a week on average. As of today I'm 1t 294lbs. This is the first time in my life My weight has actually gone down.


So whats changed besides my weight?

I feel better.
I sleep better.
My jeans don't fit, and my work close do.
I've run out of holes on my favorite belt.
I'm looking forward to going clothes shopping once nothing fits anymore.
I'm not winded by walking and talking. I walk briskly again. I've always been told I walked fast for a guy half my size, but the last few years I would get winded at even a moderate pace.
I Actually look forward to going to work on days I take my bike (though I still wouldn't say I look forward to being at work).
I get home faster on my bike than I do driving most of the time.
I need to schedule a doc appointment, but for once I'm not dreading it and the inevitable lecture from my doc. I'm hoping to see all my vitals and blood work improve.
I have an overwhelming desire to stop in LBS and buy more stuff for my bike and look at new bikes.
I've still got some 75lbs to go untill I hit my goal of 220. But it doesn't seem unatainable now and who knows maybe I'll get down below that.

I'm generally in a better mood overall when I ride, so my wife sees to it that I get to ride. She also likes that bedroom stamina has improved. :D :thumb:

#5 - TMI, though the simple things do bring the most joy...

...my wife sees to it that I get to ride. She also likes that bedroom stamina has improved. :D :thumb:

What's wrong with this picture?

First, let me say that this thread is an inspiring way to start the morning! And I'll share a bit of my own story.

4-5 years ago, I lost about 30 lbs by a combination of cycling and calorie counting. Then I regained it all, plus some. I was sedentary Becky who got tired from cleaning just one room of my house, or walking more than around the block. I'd quit riding entirely.

I've been gluten-free for almost 2 years now (not diagnosed, just found that I feel MUCH better without it), and have found through slip-ups that I simply cannot, long-term, eat to lose or even maintain weight if I eat gluten. I suspect I'm one of those who has a strong narcotic-like response to the stuff. Now, I've lost just over 40 lbs, and really feeling a difference. 415 to 375... still a long way to go. For those who have been around a while, this a little less than I weighed when I did BRAML!


I can put the arm down between my airplane seat and the next (still crowded, but not officially "spilling over").
I can "walk fast" (not quite run yet) up and down stairs without feeling winded.
Public toilets definitely seem to have gotten bigger.
As have restaurant booths.
The "little toilets" that are much more prevalent here in Canada then they are in the US seem much bigger than they did a year ago.
I can reach and see places I haven't in ... well, in adult memory.
My skin, hair and nails are better than they've been since before puberty.
I can wear shorts I bought 10-ish years ago. Not stretchy ones, either! And they're a little loose!
Yesterday I cleaned the WHOLE house (which has stairs), including mopping and moving furniture. I was tired at the end, but a few years ago I couldn't have done it.


I'm really looking forward to getting my bike back (She and I are in different countries at the moment) to see how it feels, carrying less weight on the bike than I have since I was a kid.

lost 40 lbs, always buying whole new wardrobe (smaller sizes), and my wedding ring becomes very loose.

Down 102lbs from 444 on February 2nd of this year, to 342 this morning.

Positives:

Movie seats, office chairs, etc are more comfortable. Airplane seats are bigger and on my last flight, I managed to not need a seat belt extender for the first time since the 90s.
I put on a suit I hadn't worn since 2002, and it's looser now than it was then.
People compliment me on my weight loss, everything from a friend I've known for 10+ years saying, "I've never seen you this thin" to lots of girls saying, "looking good!"
This summer has not been hot for me at all.
I sleep much better.



Negatives:

My butt hurts from sitting.
I was cold sitting around outside the other night in shorts and a hoodie.
Getting rid of 3 closets full of clothes. I've removed 5 30 gallon bags of clothes so far. Half the stuff I wear looks like a muumuu, not the best of looks.
Some psychological body image issues that I'm trying to figure out.


I promised myself a bespoke suit when I hit my goal, which I haven't clearly defined yet, but probably another 120-140lb.

Down to 195 from 250 since last fall and I can't believe the difference...the most apparent change was the fit of my clothes. Thankfully I kept quite a few from before I packed on the pounds, but I still had to buy new suits and jeans, which has been kinda expensive. But probably the change I like the most is how much more comfortable I am when flying coach. Who needs an upgrade when you can just lose some pounds? Since I started cycling my weight has actually leveled off, despite riding 150ish miles a week...I think it must be new muscle forming because my thighs and calves are getting huge.

Craig: great wisdom in the above, especially the final paragraph.

Last year I lost close to 50 pounds. I was riding all the time, running a lot, swimming, had just started competing in triathlons (well, participating... I'm not sure I'd consider it "competing"). I was doing things on the bike and on the run I never dreamed I'd be able to do.

In October of last year my father died suddenly and the company I had worked for for 20 years closed suddenly, all within a few weeks, and everything changed. Long story short, I got out of the good habits I had been in and started doing bad things again, and I've gained most of those 50# back. Now that I've finally managed to get my life somewhat back in order I'm getting back on track to get back into some kind of shape. I can already tell a big difference...

I've lost a bit over 170 lbs over the past 2+ years. All but the last 35 lbs has been gone for about a year. I'm to the point where I've stopped noticing what's changed. That, in itself, is awesome.


Thinking back... here are some highlights:


Clothes. Shopping for clothes in normal stores was a big deal. I lost so fast that I recycled my entire wardrobe every couple months, so thrift stores were a must. Now that my weight has stabilized, I don't need to shop as much anymore, and I can invest in new clothes.
Food. Oh, man... everything is different here. I never order a normal meal at a restaurant anymore - the portions are so huge. Instead, I order a la carte, or get a bowl of soup. I'm astounded when I think back to what I used to eat.
Chairs. Don't have to worry about chairs with arms anymore. Movie theaters, dining room chairs, etc... nothing worries me. For my birthday, my wife bought me a new computer chair. I tossed my old 'fat guy' chair. I took one last look at how wide it was, and just shook my head.
People. We all know that people treat you differently when you're fat. It's taken some adjustment when they start treating you like a normal person.
Self-image. Oh man, this was the hardest part. For a long time, even after all the weight had come off, I still thought of myself as 'fat richard'. It's not really until I tried responding to this thread that I realized that, somewhere in the past three months, I stopped thinking of myself that way.


In the past two years, there were so many moments where I realized things were different because I wasn't fat anymore... but they're starting to fade into distant memory. I'm not Fat Richard. I'm not even the guy who used to be Fat Richard. The time of change from fat to thin is like a movie I watched about somebody else's life transformation. When I watched it, I identified with the struggles of the protagonist; looking back, I just can't see myself in the starring role anymore.

I suppose that's the biggest change of all.

Great thread, and definitely inspiring and encouraging!!!

Back in March of this year, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, so from that point on, just about everything has changed.

I was at 289 in March, and I started changing my eating habits and exerciseless life. Got back into walking my dogs and biking.

Down to around 256 pounds at this point in time, and the biggest things I notice:

More energy

Can tie my shoes normally now, without having a hard time breathing

Clothes are getting really loose. Have already gone from my tight size 44 jeans down to loose 42 jeans. My 2xl shirts fit like tents, now, and I can comfortably get into my old xl shirts now. Looking forward to when I can wear a shirt without "X" in the size.

Better attitude....about everything.

Haven't visited a fast food restaurant in quite some time.

The biking is getting easier.

I don't get winded near as easily anymore.

It's nice to hear people at work comment on my weight loss. :)

Have kind of plateaued at the moment, which I figured would happen after I lost 30 pounds. But now I have the good attitude and motivation(diabetes) to keep on keeping at it. :thumb:

Shooting for 210, and then maybe lower. I can't imagine ever getting back to my college days(30+ years ago) weight of 185, but who knows?

Well since I lost down to 228 from 375 give or take . Clothes are cheaper I fir in all booths when we eat out :O) being 56 and having had heart attacks and blood sugar almost loseing eye sight from it ! Sugar is under control perfect ! There are so may things that have gotten better in my life that I can't count them . A Bicycle has IMHO saved my life .

Thou I did get lazy last yr and add on 20 lbs but thats gone again and iam just as happy about me as one could be !

Some of the main things I can notice is the flexibility. Even at around 200 I had a hard time tying shoes, reaching parts of my back, ect.. ( I was never very flexible to begin with). Now, I find that I can almost bring my foot up to my face if I wanted! I can also notice on the bike. It seems like my "road posture" has improved because I can lean more forward without my stomach compressing too much. Another few side effects have been a lowered resting pulse of about 58, a blood pressure of about 120/80 (it was still ok before hand), and increased energy.

Something else my wife hates, is my ability to wake up now without an alarm clock. I've been riding in the cooler mornings and wake up around 5:30-5:45 on my own. The big difference is now when I wake up, I'm AWAKE and not groggy like before. I do make it a habit to go to bed around 10 to make sure I get enough sleep.

Another thing is loose fitting clothes that fit again. It's like going shopping in your own closet!

I've still got a little to go before I reach my goal of 165. It doesn't show on my ticker, but When I got married about 2.5 years ago I was tipping 225 or so. I look like a cylinder with no neck in my wedding pics..lol.

Started late June 2009 riding a "hybrid" Wal-Mart bike with the goal of getting in shape enough to ride my road bike that had been in storage for a few years. Not sure of starting weight (bathroom scale wouldn't go that high) but close to 380 - 400 I would guess. In two years I'm down to 280. Things that are noticeable:

2XL shirts which were a tad small in 2009 and now XL shirts are a tad big and some L shirts fit.

Pants went from size 56 to 42.

Even though I'm still on the fat side people tell me I'm getting thin (some say too thin, which is jealousy? IDK).

Also noticeable was that unless you change what you eat riding only helps so much.

I gain 5 lbs the day after I eat pizza, and lose it about 2 days later. (salt/cheese bloat)

Day to day weight looks kind of like the stock market with some days up some days down, but what matters is the trends.

I think weighing your self every day really helps as it gives you lots of data points to allow you to see the overall trend.

Eat food, but not too much, mostly plants.

Congrats to everyone here! Losing weight is such a great feeling.

I've been waiting to post here until I hit my next milestone of 30 pounds lost. I did so today, so here we go.

The only fat I have left is stomach fat, I think. My arms, legs, and face feel and look great. Sometimes I catch myself feeling my jawline and elbows just because the extra fluff there is gone, now it's just skin.

Even my stomach has reduced in size, but I still think it's too big. It's flat unless I sit down at a 90 degree angle at which point I have some overhang, I'm looking to eliminate that. I think my remaining 17 pound weight loss goal should take care of that.

Before my size 34 pants were tight, I could barely fit into them and I was seeping out the sides. I desperately needed bigger pants because the 34s were uncomfortable but I felt like that would be defeatism. Now my 34s are loose, I could probably stand to wear 32s but then they'd be a little on the tight side again. I kind of like the loose feeling, it's a reminder of how much weight I've lost.

I certainly feel a lot better than I did and I'm in a perpetually better mood. My self image is better, and I don't have to worry about my clothing choice anymore because I'm afraid of what my belly might look like in a tight shirt.

The great news is, it's all thanks to cycling. Because of my new sport, I'm able to still enjoy eating the things I like (although more responsibly i.e. no unnecessary snacks), drink beer every week, have fun with friends who may not be so healthy, and I'm saving money every month in reduced fuel costs.

It won't be long until I reach my goal...or maybe even go a pound or two further. I'm going to let this weight loss trend ride itself out until it stops, as long as I maintain a healthy BMI.

My Weight Chart:
http://tickers.tickerfactory.com/WeightPlot/wDywaRt.png (http://www.tickerfactory.com/weight-loss/wDywaRt)

Congratulations to everyone, don't lose sight of your progress!
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Well, it is only 20 pounds for me, but it has been a good 20 pounds.

I have pulled a couple of notches in the belt, and that is good.
Shirts that were put aside are now worn.
My average bike ride is now 2 mph faster then when I started, up to 16 mph now.
My hip (sciatia nerve) has not felt this good since I blew it out 18 years ago.

On the negative side...

Well, the front porch has gotten smaller, the rear porch and foundation have been reinforced. I have muscles and definition that I have never had...

Tomorrow, I go for a personal goal...

457 at my highest. Down 87 pounds so far.


Still have a long way to go, but the improvements in my life have been earth shattering.

1) I used to dread exiting and entering my car. As such I would never stop for groceries, and simply found it easier to go to the drive through. Now? I go to the grocery store twice a week and zip around gleefully, buying healthy foods :)
2) Could not even bend over to tie my shoes. I had to pre-tie them and shove my feet in them while standing. Now, I can reach with no issue.
3) I can stand for much longer periods of time. Used to have a maximum threshold of about 10-15 minutes standing before I couldn't take it and had to sit. Now? I just spent over 3 hours standing while working on my bike 2 days ago, and didn't feel anything in my knees the next day!
4) Stairs... used to dread them. Now I can run up them.
5) Of all the benefits there are of losing ~90 pounds, I never imagined being able to scratch your ass without stretching would rank so highly.
6) I can actually fit in booths at restaurants now, rather than being embarrassed and insisting on getting a table instead (which noone ever understood until we actually tried getting into the booth... nope not gonna fit, told ya!)
7) getting ready for my first airline flight in over 3 years, in September. I stopped flying due to the embarrassment of needing 2 seats. *Hopefully* I have reduced in size enough to not require a spare anymore... we'll see.
8) I can actually fit on my bike. When I first started weight loss, I didn't fit... my stomach hit the handlebars when I stood over it before mounting the seat.


I've lost 13 inches off my waist so far. I drilled 12 new holes in my belt to support that loss. Everyone says I should buy a new belt because I look ridiculous with over a foot of belt hanging out of my pants... but I won't. I don't care if I look ridiculous... I wear it like it's a battle trophy :)

Wow dude. That is intense. Glad you're losing that weight!

This is a inspiring thread. Should keep updating this with new stories and updates.