Just need to post this somewhere as I don't want to share IRL - too much pressure, unwanted comments etc.
I have been overweight for years and finally decided to take myself in hand last year. I set a goal of losing 22% of my body weight (required to get myself back into the healthy BMI zone).
I've taken it very steadily, increased my activity levels, haven't particularly changed my diet (as I know I won't be able to sustain it long term) - just tried to be sensible about portion sizes, stop eating when I'm full, avoid comfort eating if possible.
Anyway, today I've achieved one third of my weight loss goal. I feel healthier - less puffed on stairs etc, my clothes are noticeably looser (not yet at the stage where I feel ready to drop a size or buy new stuff, but at least I can fit in the things I have), and I feel that I can keep going. This has taken me 9 months, and I've had a few set-backs along the way. The latest push has been on the back of being quite ill, and losing some weight as a result, but hey, I'm not knocking it - just hope I can keep it off when I'm feeling better.
Thanks for reading.
Maybe I should change my username...