I have dealt with weight issues all of my life, but after my third child was born I really put on the pounds. I had gestational diabetes with each pregnancy so I only gained 15 lbs during the pregnancy but gained 30 after my daugher was born. I had 188 lbs on my 5'5'' frame when I tried the Carbohydrate Addict's diet. I lost 40 pounds but quickly put 20 back on. I don't consider that the beginning of my successful weight loss.
Motivation: My brother passed away 4 years ago at 47 from complications from surgery to remove a brain tumor. I decided that I had to take my health seriously and for once I focused on health and not weight. I began to make some real improvements in my diet but I continued to play at exercise - 30 minutes going slowly on the treadmill doesn't do it for my metabolism. I did lose about 10 lbs.
My husband started cycling a few years ago and fell in love with the sport. I was so out of shape that I really didn't think I could ever do what he did. I started riding my old bike around the neighborhood and eventually could make it around a nearby lake (about 16 miles) if I stopped halfway. I began adding miles slowly; switched from my Trek Calypso to my husband's old hybrid and eventually was riding 20 to 25 miles. My husband bought me a road bike and I ventured out to ride with some of the members of the bike club who liked riding with new riders. I only later realized that they were giving up their faster rides to help me improve and work on skills.
To make a too long story slightly shorter, I fell in love with cycling. I rode every chance I got and continued to up the distance. It helped that I have the most supportive group of cyclists in my bike club. My husband suprised me with my Madone for Valentine's Day a year ago. I now ride between 150 and 200 miles a week (weather permitting) and have gotten my weight down to the low 140s and my speed up on the bike.
My doctor originally thought that 135 was the lowest I should go but on the last visit said to just see what happens. I eat a healthy amount of real food and even splurge fairly often on sweets. I can maintain the weight loss because of the amount of exercise I do. I also run 4 miles at least 2 days a week and have recently added weight training.
I used to feel that I could not control my weight - that I was cursed to be heavy. I will probably never be really thin but I love the fact that my 47 year old body is strong and becoming more fit every day. I have finally fell in love with exercising and this former "non-athlete" is amazed daily with what I can accomplish - it is so empowering.