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AIBU?

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Original poster

I’ve lost 40 pounds!

62 replies

Tankous · 13/05/2025 13:20

Yaaaay

I just want to scream it from the bloody rooftop!

After literally years of saying “I’ll start next Monday” I finally did it.

I feel so much better in myself- I was really starting to feel quite cumbersome in my body which I hated. Developing a spare tyre was the final straw for me. I have always had somewhat of a defined waist but for my spare tyre to be my widest point was just soul crushing.

I probably still have 20 pounds or so to go but the idea of losing 1.5 stone isn’t half as scary as the number I had to lose when I first started.

Starting really is the hard bit. Especially if you use food as both a comfort and reward.

It’s not often I say this but I’m proud of myself! Good luck to anyone else on their own weight loss journey

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
ObelixtheGaul · 14/05/2025 18:04

Tankous · 13/05/2025 16:09

@Sherry1978

Oh god you don’t even want to know.

So I have gained 4 stone since 2019. My weight had been fairly stable up until that point. But with Covid and WFH I would say I developed a full on food addiction. I obsessed over food.

Maybe it was always in me but when I was in the office I was able to keep my weight at bay because I wouldn’t eat breakfast and lunch would be light as I didn’t like sitting at my desk in uncomfortable work clothes feeling stuffed. And it would be too embarrassing to crack open a share bag of sensations in front of everyone.

But all hell broke loose when I started wfh. Typical day:

Breakfast - latte, banana a biscuit
Brunch - a big portion of leftover lasagna with side salad and A LOT of dressing (maybe I’d even go get more lasagna as a snack later on)
Snacks - grab bag of crisps, pineapple, diet coke
Dinner - chicken curry (fine in and of itself) but with rice AND naan. Often had seconds
Drinks - glass of red or two

But I would do insane things like deep fry a box of frozen mozzarella sticks and have them all to myself. Or eat an entire share bag of kettle chips with a bottle of wine at the weekend. Not everyday activities but regular enough.

And I would order Deliveroo fairly regularly. My favourite burrito is close to 800 calories.

I was honestly taking the piss!

The only reason I didn’t end up over 400 pounds is cause I would have days where I was literally too stuffed to even eat breakfast or lunch without causing myself pain

Edited

Share bags are the devil's work. Along with sharing chocolate bars. Yeah. Right. Resealable, my arse. Like that's the only reason I eat a whole big bar of chocolate in one go is if I can't reseal the packet.

Specter1980 · 14/05/2025 10:37

Well done! I'm slowly getting there (didn't realise how hard it is to loose weight in your 40s).
But I'm 9lbs until I'm in the healthy bmi range.

Whoarethoseguys · 14/05/2025 10:05

Tankous · 13/05/2025 20:14

5.5 months. I started in the new year. Felt very uncomfortable in my skin over Xmas/NYE. Everyone looked lovely and I was hiding my spare tyre.

Show quote history

That is amazing. I have been dieting 3 months but it's been very slow progress.

Gyozas · 14/05/2025 10:04

Tankous · 13/05/2025 13:23

Bet you’re fun at parties….err just don’t click?

Show quote history

You’ll get lots of snarky responses from people who don’t like having to confront their own personal weight issues I suspect.

JorgyPorgy · 13/05/2025 20:40

Tankous · 13/05/2025 20:13

youre welcome! I’m glad sharing my experience has been helpful to a few people. Thats made my day!

I know I will have to incorporate more exercise in at some point but I have not been in the mental space where I can commit to going to the gym regularly. If I’m honest I hate it. Swimming once a week is actually enjoyable. More than twice and it would be a chore and therefore it just wouldn’t happen.

Show quote history

Agree you have to find something you enjoy , classes can be fun if you find good ones

Original poster
Tankous · 13/05/2025 20:14

JorgyPorgy · 13/05/2025 20:09

Also how long did it take ?

5.5 months. I started in the new year. Felt very uncomfortable in my skin over Xmas/NYE. Everyone looked lovely and I was hiding my spare tyre.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tankous · 13/05/2025 20:13

JorgyPorgy · 13/05/2025 20:08

This is inspirational, especially as it’s mainly through eating healthily rather than doing loads of exercise which can be hard to keep up , thx for sharing! 😊

youre welcome! I’m glad sharing my experience has been helpful to a few people. Thats made my day!

I know I will have to incorporate more exercise in at some point but I have not been in the mental space where I can commit to going to the gym regularly. If I’m honest I hate it. Swimming once a week is actually enjoyable. More than twice and it would be a chore and therefore it just wouldn’t happen.

OP posts:
Jabberwok · 13/05/2025 20:11

Well done.. Having finally started 2 years ago at 54 and losing 2 stones...It's bloody hard. It did creep back up again and it's taken 3 months for "monday" to actually come around and re start but it's worth it...I bet you feel so different and all those clothes that we "a bit tight....I'll get into it next summer...I'll keep it just in case" are coming out!

LikeWhoUsesTypewritersAnyway · 13/05/2025 20:10

Wonderul achievement @Tankous 😄 That's loads! I bet you feel great (and look it!)

And you did it with genuine hard work, and effort, and exercise, and good old fashioned willpower, and didn't resort to using those ghastly weight loss injections! You're way more likely to keep the weight off too with doing it 'properly' and taking nearly 6 months to lose 40 pounds...

Well done! Smile

.

Mynewnameis · 13/05/2025 20:10

Congratulations op.

JorgyPorgy · 13/05/2025 20:09

Also how long did it take ?

JorgyPorgy · 13/05/2025 20:08

This is inspirational, especially as it’s mainly through eating healthily rather than doing loads of exercise which can be hard to keep up , thx for sharing! 😊

Original poster
Tankous · 13/05/2025 20:06

Spicy collagen broth recipe for the person who asked:

Ingredients:

  • 1 chicken carcass
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 fresh or dried chili (e.g. cayenne, arbol, or chipotle for smokiness)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 tsp)
  • 8 cups water
  • Optional: a squeeze of lemon or lime at the end for brightness

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken carcass in a large stock pot and pour in the water.
  2. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, chili, herbs, and spices.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours. Skim off foam or fat occasionally for a clearer broth.
  4. Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding solids.
  5. Taste and adjust salt. Optionally, stir in a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for brightness.

I drink this anytime I’m peckish.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tankous · 13/05/2025 20:02

Whoarethoseguys · 13/05/2025 16:14

Well done that is amazing
How long did it take you?
I feel as though I have been dieting for ever and have only lost 7 pounds and seem to have. Alit of weeks when I don't lose anything I do already feel a lot better though

5.5 months. Still some more to go but I know it will happen.

Cant wait to be sat on a Greek beach in my swimming costume. That day will come. I think about that moment anytime I feel weak. It’s a when. And for so long it’s been an if.

It’s a powerful motivator as my weight and subsequent self consciousness has made my world so small.

OP posts:
Sillysaussicon · 13/05/2025 16:27

Well done! Weight myself the other week, I have 10-15kg to loose and have been putting it off for a while now. Hate that feeling where you cant face starting a diet but don't want to continue as you are either.

You've inspired me, thank you!

Whoarethoseguys · 13/05/2025 16:14

Well done that is amazing
How long did it take you?
I feel as though I have been dieting for ever and have only lost 7 pounds and seem to have. Alit of weeks when I don't lose anything I do already feel a lot better though

Original poster
Tankous · 13/05/2025 16:09

@Sherry1978

Oh god you don’t even want to know.

So I have gained 4 stone since 2019. My weight had been fairly stable up until that point. But with Covid and WFH I would say I developed a full on food addiction. I obsessed over food.

Maybe it was always in me but when I was in the office I was able to keep my weight at bay because I wouldn’t eat breakfast and lunch would be light as I didn’t like sitting at my desk in uncomfortable work clothes feeling stuffed. And it would be too embarrassing to crack open a share bag of sensations in front of everyone.

But all hell broke loose when I started wfh. Typical day:

Breakfast - latte, banana a biscuit
Brunch - a big portion of leftover lasagna with side salad and A LOT of dressing (maybe I’d even go get more lasagna as a snack later on)
Snacks - grab bag of crisps, pineapple, diet coke
Dinner - chicken curry (fine in and of itself) but with rice AND naan. Often had seconds
Drinks - glass of red or two

But I would do insane things like deep fry a box of frozen mozzarella sticks and have them all to myself. Or eat an entire share bag of kettle chips with a bottle of wine at the weekend. Not everyday activities but regular enough.

And I would order Deliveroo fairly regularly. My favourite burrito is close to 800 calories.

I was honestly taking the piss!

The only reason I didn’t end up over 400 pounds is cause I would have days where I was literally too stuffed to even eat breakfast or lunch without causing myself pain

OP posts:
NeverEndingSnorey · 13/05/2025 15:58

I love hearing about people’s weight loss success - well done!

I lost weight recently following a bereavement, and I need some inspiration to make diet changes for sustainable weight loss.

Original poster
Tankous · 13/05/2025 15:55

Toolatetoasknow · 13/05/2025 14:50

Well done, and thank you, you have really cheered me up. Just been turned down for buying privately weight loss jabs because of cancer history. Maybe I can do it anyway.

You really can! Once you are in the swing of things it’s not nearly as bad as you imagine it to be.

OP posts:
sparrowflewdown · 13/05/2025 15:49

Well done OP! That is fantastic!

SpunkySquid · 13/05/2025 15:46

JacquesHarlow · 13/05/2025 13:21

Is AIBU the rooftop?

The weight loss forum on Mumsnet gets loads of traffic. 15 , yes fifteen topics have been replied to already today.

YABU.

Edited

Jealous much? 😂

Well done op, that’s fantastic!

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 13/05/2025 15:36

@Tankous well done!!! my son has lost 4 stone! just by cutting out high energy drinks and rubbish and eating a sensible size portion. no injections needed!! you can now go and choose yourself a lovely dress for the wedding¬

Sourisblanche · 13/05/2025 15:35

Well done OP. I always enjoy a positive weight loss thread.

TennisWithDeborah · 13/05/2025 15:33

Brilliant! I did that (well, 35 lbs) in 2023 with intermittent fasting and exercise. It’s tough to start but worth it when you hit that first milestone.

DontReplyIWillLie · 13/05/2025 15:28

JacquesHarlow · 13/05/2025 13:21

Is AIBU the rooftop?

The weight loss forum on Mumsnet gets loads of traffic. 15 , yes fifteen topics have been replied to already today.

YABU.

Edited

Who pissed on your chips?

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