Hope this helps motivate someone...

[Cp1965]

I don't blow my own trumpet very often, but the other day I was scouring my hard drive for photos and chanced upon one of me from 2008. Horrified doesn't even begin to describe it. I've noticed a few posts of late from people who have said they are losing motivation... well, I just hope this post helps motivate at least someone.

The pic on the left is me in 2008. Aged 43, pushing 25 stone (158kg), unfit, I always joke that I got out of breath running a bath but that's not far short of the truth. 5XL shirt, 46" waist trousers, looking about 11 months pregnant...

The pic on the right is me today (26th September 2020). Aged 55. 13 stone 9 (86.6kg). This morning I ran 9km. XL t-shirt, 36" waist trousers. About 10lbs to go before I reach the upper range of "healthy weight" for my height, still a bit of a belly, but hey, it comes to us all in late middle age.

Approaching my 50th I had a routine check up from my GP, and had the finger wagging, high BP, pre-diabetic, morbidly obese. Went on a diet, lost a lot of weight, then for reasons I won't bore you with I fell off the wagon. March 2019, I got back on the wagon, weighing 133kg, 18 months' hard work later (I'm not going to pretend it was easy), well, you can see for yourselves.

I was always Mr No Willpower... but hey, if I can do it, I'm sure you can.

[Hidden]

You truly are an inspiration for us all and should be super proud of yourself. 😀

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, finding that photo the other night really sort of reinforced how much I have actually lost. Just need to keep it off now.

[Hidden in reply to Cp1965]

You will. 💜

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer]

Wow! Fab. What a difference. When you worry about STS every week just look at these and see how far you have come. A massive achievement. It will have made a huge difference to your health even if you haven't quite reached your target. You have done brilliantly. 👋👋

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Gizmocat]

It would just be good to put my weight into my health app and not see a reference to "overweight", one day eh...

[Gizmocat Moderator 13kg Maintainer in reply to Cp1965]

But overweight is better than obese/morbidly obese. I was very happy to get out of the obese and into overweight. I am still just above healthy BMI and like you struggling to lose the last few pounds. But you have done brilliantly. Reread those figures. You were 25 stone and now 13.9. That's over 11 stone and 10 ins off your waist. You must be proud of that and I'm sure your daughter is.

[Pheebs55]

Thanks for sharing and reminding us that just because we fall off the wagon doesn't mean we can't try again.

I'm covered in bruises from falling off, but just crawled back on and trying again 🤞

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Pheebs55]

Likewise, if I had a pound for every time I've lost weight then fell off the wagon and regained it, I'd probably be able to afford liposuction...!

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone]

Fantastic, Cp, well done and thanks for sharing this. Your menus on the Daily Diary always look tasty - just shows that willpower doesn't need to come into it when you choose good food

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to BridgeGirl]

The willpower comes into it when I'm trying to avoid the pie and biscuit aisles in the supermarket...! Fortunately I like to think I'm a reasonable cook and don't have to resort to ready meals etc.

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone in reply to Cp1965]

I was going to ask, have you always cooked your own meals or was the drive to lose weight what got you cooking? We regularly have new members who say they can't cook and we all need the basics if we want to eat healthily

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to BridgeGirl]

I've always cooked for myself to a large extent, but years of shift work didn't help, eating at all hours of the day and night. It's not rocket science though, and these days with the wealth of information on the interweb arguably it's easier than ever! There weren't any Youtube videos 35 years ago..

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone in reply to Cp1965]

I agree, it's not difficult but some people have a block about it.

I think shift work is a real challenge. It's many, many years since I did it and I know my eating was very weird. And it's often bound up with a poor sleep pattern, which doesn't help

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to BridgeGirl]

It took 10 years of regular hours for my sleep patterns to get anything like normal after 22 years of shifts, sadly then I entered my 50s with the consequent shrunken bladder which had a similar effect 🤣

[Hidden]

Wowzers Cp so inspiring!! 🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Hidden]

Always had an unhealthy relationship with food and booze which I've taken 50 years to get to grips with... just need to keep it off now!

[Hidden in reply to Cp1965]

In 2017 i lost over 100 lbs going from a uk size 24/26 or 3xl in clothes to a sz uk sz 8... but then l took my eye off the ball... and ended up regaining 60 lbs 😭 the hardest part is maintaining. You've totally got this Cp! Just keep your eye on the ball is what I'm saying! 🙂

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Hidden]

I don't intend getting to that state again, that's for sure!

[Ruby69]

Wow wow wow wow wow wowzer 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[M0rv3n 7lbs]

Im lost for words. Congratulations, and yes truly an inspiration..

[Progressoverperfect Restart June 2024]

Thank you for posting this. Often we forget the journey and concentrate on the destination. This just shows we can do it 😊

[Hidden in reply to Progressoverperfect]

I’ve put a new picture on🌹

[Sheperdess Maintainer]

It’s wonderful to see how well you have done 👏 I’ve thrown out most of my “before” photos because I just don’t want any reminders of being that size. It IS good to see how far people have come though so thank you for keeping and sharing yours 😊

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Sheperdess]

I didn't realise I still had it tbh, I was trawling through some old pics to respond to something a work colleague had posted on Twitter, saw that and thought "*******, did I really look like that?"

[Sheperdess Maintainer in reply to Cp1965]

Haha 😆 Completely understand. I’ve probably used the same word 😁 There’s a huge separation between what the camera sees and how you view yourself - no idea why 🤷

[Lytham 3 stone]

WHOOP WHOOP ! That's AWESOME! x

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Lytham]

Looking at it again, I wish the hair was still that colour

[Lytham 3 stone in reply to Cp1965]

Ha ha ! You can't have everything! x

[Fran182716 in reply to Cp1965]

I wouldn’t worry, your current hair suits you. You’ve done amazingly well, and it shows in your posture ,you look taller and more confident in the second picture 😀😀

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Fran182716]

That's just the camera angle 🤣

[Fran182716 in reply to Cp1965]

Never mind that, take it as a win 😀

[Hidden in reply to Lytham]

I’ve done my pictures together now🌹

[Lytham 3 stone in reply to Hidden]

Oh well done you, I still haven't grasped doing that properly! x lol

[Hidden in reply to Lytham]

Thank you. Well it’s took me a good few goes but I’m hoping I can do it with some of my meals.🌹

[Lytham 3 stone in reply to Hidden]

That's why I was trying to do it, a before and after x

[Hidden in reply to Lytham]

Yes it’s a great feeling to see the difference. I no when we got married hubby could only just put his arms around me with a squeeze as now he has to much arms 😂 🌹

[Lytham 3 stone in reply to Hidden]

Awe bless, that's lovely x

[Hidden in reply to Lytham]

X🌹

[gman1961 Restart April 2024]

Great when the photos show how much a difference things have made.

Massive effort and it's good once you start to get results.

When you are putting in the effort it's not always easy but then something clicks and things start to happen .

Well done .

Gary

[Hidden in reply to gman1961]

Thank you yes as soon as I started this LCHF I started losing I have had 3 stay the same since May.🌹

[Greendream123]

You're right, your story is very motivating! It's great to hear of the long term changes you've made, how you persevered when you went off track, and how you've come to accept your body and yourself. Thanks very much for sharing and a huge congratulations. I'd like to think that I can come back in 18 months and tell you I've kept going!

[Hidden in reply to Greendream123]

Thank you so much. Well I tell people I can never go back to eating the way I did. I was a bread monster pasta too I thought I was eating good. But it’s not the way for me. I found it hard at times seeing hubby eat things I can never eat again but I have to do this for and my health.🌹

[IndigoBlue61]

Woohoo 😊👍👏. Go you!!! Very well done

[Hidden in reply to IndigoBlue61]

Thank you🌹

[Isabelleta]

You look great. Well done. I will keep your photo in mind through the coming week. Thank you.

[Hidden]

Wow amazing one day I might put a picture on of me. I have a lot of weight to lose. I started May 18th on LCHF eating plan it really suits me first diet that’s ever worked so well. 4 stone 4lb up to now, weigh in tomorrow may be able to add to my loss. A very well done on your weight loss journey just amazing 🌹🌹

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone in reply to Hidden]

You're another brilliant example for us Looking forward to the before and after shots

[Hidden in reply to BridgeGirl]

I’ve got some amazing pictures my hubby took one yesterday and I even said ohh my word is that really me. Why is it I still see the extra fat woman in a mirror I don’t understand that 🌹

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone in reply to Hidden]

I think we get used to our view of ourselves and that's part of why we keep adding on the pounds. And when we lose, it's gradual - tho' quicker for some than others - and it takes a while 'til we "see" the person we now are. I'm sure with all you've lost already you can see a great difference, and look forward to more to come (or go )

[Hidden in reply to BridgeGirl]

Well I just said to hubby I really would like people on here to see the difference I feel it will help loads of other people from were I was.🌹🌹

[BridgeGirl Administrator SS Supercook 2 stone in reply to Hidden]

You could do a 'before and now' post if you want. Or save it for later. And make sure you keep saving those pics at regular intervals on your way down.

[Hidden in reply to BridgeGirl]

Yes I have been watch this space. 🌹

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I don’t no how to put two pictures in one post so done two lol🌹🌹

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Hidden]

I just used "paint" on my laptop to put the 2 together!

[Peppa1968 2lbs]

Wow what an achievement and an inspiration, I’ve only just started my time on here (for the second time) but with a history of fluctuating weight I’m determined that this is going to be my time! Well done and good luck on losing those last few lbs!

[Hidden in reply to Peppa1968]

Thank you🌹

[Chromble 7lbs]

Hi Cp1965, that’s a very motivational post. Thanks so much. You’ve done fantastically well and are quite right to blow your own trumpet. Not far to go now compared with how far you’ve come to date. 👍

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Chromble]

Thanks, just seems those last few kg are hanging on for dear life sometimes!

[Craftyperson]

That's great here's to the last 10lbs. Sometimes you don't realise how weight crept on till you see a pic. Glad your feeling so well for it, I bet you never thought you'd be running 9km. Blow your own trumpet it's deserved.

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Craftyperson]

In my case, they flew on over a 6 month period when I was off work after an injury and stayed there for the following 18 years give or take... they always go on far more quickly than they come off!

[Craftyperson in reply to Cp1965]

Don't they just pesky little lbs

[cruising2]

You look great!! Like lots of people I tend to be on the other side of the camera, but there's always one or 2 candid shots that manage to sneak in. It's always useful to look back and see how far you've come, and how you appear to others. Well done on your efforts, and thanks for sharing!!

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to cruising2]

I always hated being photographed... still do to a large extent... but yes, it was a wake up call and showed me how far I'd come.

[teddy14]

Firstly well done on the weight loss, that photo did the trick,it gave you the determination to succeed, now keeping healthy running and keeping the weight off, a true inspiration for everyone reading this, good luck for the future and thanks for sharing your story.🚶🚴

[Hidden]

Inspirational! Thank you, CP195. Your perseverance through the difficult times and your willingness to recommit yourself after relapse has given me an extra measure of hope that I too will succeed!

[Dave1000 Restart Dec 2024]

Brilliant effort. Nice to see it can be achieved over a longer period. For me it’s about maintaining the focus and your story including your wobble shows it can be done.

[Cp1965 41kg in reply to Dave1000]

I'll be honest, seeing that photo made me fully realise how big I'd become, think I was in denial for years, and to be honest it has helped a little bit to stop me looking in the mirror and still seeing a fat bloke!

[Dilemma1 Visitor]

Wow! This is inspirational. It shows what can be achieved over time. Well done you.

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg]

When you see the difference in a photo it is so motivating . You are doing so well and amazingly so much fitter as you get older too.

[pcrw]

Well done!

Total transformation and I bet you are happier for it and certainly in better shape to face the winter

[Clay-girl79]

Well done 👍

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Clay-girl79]

Hi Clay-girl79, long time no see. How are you doing these days, are you still managing to maintain?

[Clay-girl79 in reply to moreless]

Hi thanks so much for asking 😄 yes thanks I’m still maintaining & have managed to keep the weight off for approx a year? Now . In fact I’ve dropped a further size do I’ve gone down to 8-10 unbelievable.So it should show 51/2 stone loss. I’m working hard at toning & seeing results & working gradually at building my stamina too. I think it’s all going in the right direction thanks. Thanks to this brilliant site & the lovely supportive people on it. I’m still struggling with the skin from losing so much tho but working on it too.

How are you getting on? I hope you’re doing well?

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Clay-girl79]

Woohoo! Go you!! That's fantastic news!

You might like to join our Maintainers' Club, it's a good way to keep in touch and stay on the straight and narrow.

I've given up with my extra skin, I think on my ancient body it's here to stay, unless I go under the knife, but well done you for tackling yours

[Clay-girl79 in reply to moreless]

Thanks. Yes I definitely will join thanks I was trying to find it yesterday? Can you direct me please. I’ve found a couple of things to try lol I hope it works eek

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Clay-girl79]

There's a new thread posted every month and it's always kept in Pinned Posts.

I'll keep everything crossed for you!

[Clay-girl79 in reply to moreless]

Thanks

[Megbird]

Welldone you. You are an inspirational CP and thank you for sharing this article.

[Blind_side63 7lbs]

Just WOW!! What an amazing achievement - inspirational!!

[Pumkin7]

Well done ! An inspiring story thank you for your honesty

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 16kg in reply to Pumkin7]

Hi Pumkin7 and welcome to the weight loss forum.. May I suggest that you follow all the links you've been sent in your welcome package It's best to use the website as opposed to the app.

I hope you join the Daily Diary, there's lots of delicious ideas there. When you have decided your “weigh in day”, join one of the weekly weigh ins.

If you are counting calories please run your data through the NHS site, to calculate your BMI and with that obtain your calorie allowance.

healthunlocked.com/api/redi...

Good luck with your weight loss journey.🍀

[Katielouise456]

Amazing!!! You look great

[Hidden]

That's an amazing achievement well done.

[lea57-49r Maintainer 3st 7lbs]

Just saw this. Brilliant weight loss. You should feel proud of yourself. Well done.

[jd65 2lbs Restart Feb 2025]

That is a fantastic achievement. I hope you are very proud of yourself.

[4020]

You look fabulous and it is inspirational x