How many out there need to lose 200+? That feels like a daunting task. I am trying not to focus so much on the end number, but taking it one day at a time, sometimes one meal at a time. I keep reminding myself how miserable I am at this point. I've reached rock bottom again. I'm determined to claw my way up from this hell. I would like to hear from you if you too are like me and have a great deal to lose. How do you stay positive, etc?
Misti

Jackal on this site was in your shoes. She's done an awesome job, turned her whole like around. She's even become a certified trainer! Can you imagine? Check out her posts, she's an inspiration, I'm sure you can ask her questions as well. Her posts also have before and after pictures for you to see, you have to see those.
I have a friend who had over 200 pounds to lose. She's lost 100 pounds so far, it's taken around 1 year. Now she's working on the next 100 pounds. Her doctor recommended the gastric bypass surgury (1 in 200 die from that surgury by the way). She didn't want to do that, so she started on the long road to lose 200 pounds and is over half way there. In the process of losing 100 pounds, she's learned much better eating habits. She's so much happier she decided to learn to diet then surgury.
There is no question about it, you have a harder task to accomplish. But even getting half way there will be an accomplishment - it will spur you on to lose the rest. I'd probably recommend taking to a counslor as well, really find out why you've gotten to this weight and put 100% effort into turning it around. Make YOU your #1 priorty. Good luck, you can do it - and please look for Jackal's posts on this site, I am in complete AWE of her - you will be too!
Good luck,
Blessings
Sherie
Lost 90 pounds, currently training for the Las Vegas Marathon, December 4, 2005

I thought that since the site is labeled as being a site for those of us with 200+ lbs to lose, that everyone on it would have started out needing to lose 200 lbs or more OR be those cheering us on.
Pavla
Top Wt 356
JC SW 317 (3/21/05)
CW 270

Last message nterrupted by phone.
Anyway, after many false starts, I am finally doing something that can work if I work for it. Moving more and eating less is the only way to change our lives. My best friend began JC with me and has gone from 250 to 210.
We reward ourselves for staying on program, but NEVER with anything to do with food...NEVER. Bellydancing classes, joined a walking club and started doing charity 10K walks...met lots of new friends. promised oursleves that when we fit into regular plane seatbelts (no extenders) we'd fly off on a vacation as a reward...just booke da 2 wk Maui vacation for winter.Took up new hobbies...ate alot of free food...eat on best china and drink from best crystal...go to restaurants and SHARE a healthy entree...went to spa for pedicures...clothes shopping (I'm down from a size 32w to a size 18w jeans and wearing a size 1x blouse now when I formerly wore a 5 or 6x. oh ywah...we joined a gym and don't give a darn who thinks we don't belong there...newsflash..."we" belong anywhere we want and I can't think of a better place than a gym for women who need to lose over 200 lbs...tell your wt loss story and determination and they usually are inspired and wanna help you make your goal.
It is alot of little steps both figuratively and literally...if we just keep our heads up, we can see the goal and if we only lose a lb a week...so what...that's 52 lbs a yr and 52 lbs less of us and then next yr it can be 104 lbs lost and so on...take it one day at a time...which is just exactly how we got into this predicament in the first place...slowly...and don't be afraid to consult a therapist along the way to talk things out...it is a good thing to do and helps find out why we haven't "done the right thing" before now.
GOOD LUCK! Pavla

Thanks Sherie and Pavla, for the kind words and inspiration.
I did look up Jackal, AMAZING! That gives great inspiration.
Misti

As everyone has mentioned...you approach losing 200+ lbs a little at a time. I started in March and as of last week have lost 70lbs! You start slow and keep building. Increase your activity daily and it adds up. I joined a gym 2 months ago for the water aerobics class (I have a bad knee - which was worse with all the weight I gained!). Water aerobics let me work out without straining my knee.

Just remind yourself that you can do it...a day at a time. It took a while to gain the weight, it will take a while to come off, but you'll feel better every day. Make sure you tell your friends & family so they can be your cheering section...they can be your strength when you're having a tough day.
Good job on taking the first step and getting started!!

YOU CAN DO IT! Just set small, manageable goals for yourself (like 10 pounds at a time). Just focus on each day in itself. Don't put time constraints on yourself or rely too much on what the scale reads. Focus on eating on plan, being active and getting all of your water in. If you're consistent in these areas, the weight will come off. We have a LONG way to go, but we'll get there. But it's not gonna happen overnight.
Give yourself the gift of time. You won't regret it.