Success! *updated pics*

[sa7r6a]

In all honesty, my husband LOVED LOVED this diet. He claims he would have done it with or without me. (And he actually HAS since I DO cheat and he still follows phase III pretty faithfully.) He helps me to feel guilty for not being as healthy when I do fall off the wagon.
My sister also did the diet along with us. Her results pretty much mirrored mine. So we spent every day on the phone complaining, insisting that the other didn't cheat so that we wouldn't, etc. I definitely recommend getting a buddy-- and a GOOD one who will complain right along with you, but will keep you on the straight and narrow. My husband was pretty much the "goody goody."
I'd be having sugar withdrawls and he'd laugh and say, "Well, I don't know WHAT you're talking about! I haven't had any problems. I LOVE this diet!" haha
I can't complain TOO much about him though since he has been very supportive of me staying on the diet and was SUCH a good sport about going on it when I practically forced him into it. He also would grab the kids the instant he came home from work, saying, come on kids, let's give mommy a break. She could use a hot bath, etc. (He never used to be so understanding and willing to take responsibility for the kids!)
Our kids are young, 4 years and 22 months now. So, the younger one doesn't really remember having "fat" parents, and the older DOES but it really doesn't seem to matter to her at all. They just like that we play more with them now, chasing them around the yard, going on walks, etc.
We show our 4-year-old pictures and she still recognizes us in them but doesn't seem to think anything of our "skinny" then "fat" then "skinny" transformations. Lucky for us, it really doesn't seem to mean a thing to her. Guess we're doing something right?

[karebear]

wow wow wow wow
Great job! Congratulations!!

[Twiceblessedmom]

These pics were truly inspiring for me, thank you so much for sharing them along with your experiences! I needed a lil inspiration today and boy did I get it! I've got very similar stats to you and am just feeling like even though its coming off, the 'size' in clothing is just not adjusting like I wanted it to yet, so I was feeling a bit bummed, but I'm feeling much better now, it will happen! thanks again!

[camkenzicolnkeatnjquin]

FIRST OFF, omg, you both look so healthy and happy! CONGRATS on your new healthy selves!

Secondly, hope this isnt too personal, but im sure other people are wondering.... do you have alot of extra skin? since you lost wt. so fast? im just wondering WHERE my skin will go when im thinner? did it shrink with you? just curiouse, again, hope you dont think its too personal.

[sa7r6a]

After having children, I had skin that just HUNG. It was disgusting. After losing weight, amazingly, the skin didn't bounce back immediately, but over the course of several months, the skin slowly began to tighten back up. Granted, it's not pre-pregnancy quality (I'm sure you know what I mean), but I'm finally to the point that if I had the self confidence, I could really pull off a decently modest bikini.
Some lotions DO help. You can try Nivea Q-10, or some other skin firming lotion-- there are several new ones on the market. Costly, I'm sure, but cheaper than a tummy tuck-- and a lot less painful. (Would be GREAT if they actually worked on saggy boobs.)

[camkenzicolnkeatnjquin]

thanks for the reply and CONGRATS on the bikini! im very modest but feel at times a modest bikini looks better on me than a titty smooshin 1 pc.... lol i also ALWAYS use a sarong or something! i thank you for your reply, and you inspire me completely! i almost want to hang your before and after pic up on the fridge! ill just bookmark it though.... THANK YOU!

[jessiv814]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats =)

[RobA]

All I can say is WoW.. you two look awesome and healthy, gives me hope that I will reach my goal.. I like you husband am trying to get from a 44 to a 33 inch waist =)

[*Tara*]

First post here I just started SBD today.

I literally got chills looking at your pics! You guys look amazing!

[Praise]

Absolutely "WONDERFUL" you two be VERY proud of your accomplishment.....Praise

[afayebilyeu]

I am so proud of both of you and gladly consider you my inspirations! Congratulations.

[KarrieHoppy]

So here I will add my 2 cents in

You are incredible...and Obviously the mini- cheats are only treats because you are still incredible

My best friend and I started south beach last may, but fell off in september when i started my first year of teaching...My energy drained and i was running around on my lunch break and prep time and didn't find the time to eat well...
So i didnt have energy to go to curves...
so i gained back some

I started SB May 04 at 235 got down to 204 and when I started over again on May 23, I was 224 and am now 217...

I have a question as well, just to clarify
The 75 extra calories are added into the afternoon snack right? I've been having the low carb pria bars by powerbar and they are 110 calories so i'm wondering if i should just concentrate on the other candies

I appreciate you taking the time to read this. Congrats again

-Karrie

[SoulLips]

Thank you for the huge boost of inspiration and all the great tips and advice. I'm preparing myself to return to the Beach in about a week. I was a die-hard fan of SBD and totally faithful to this WOE... I thought I was unshakeable after following the plan for more than a year. Well, I accepted "temporary" emergency placement of a teenaged foster child about six months ago and have gained back 10-15 pounds that I had lost! I will have my home back to myself in about a week... and I'm headed back to the BEACH. I noticed that you've been more faithful about using fat-free items than I was before. I'm going to make more of a commitment this time around to going fat-free rather than "low-fat"... this should speed the weight loss up. Even long-time Beachers can learn a thing or two from you and your husband!

CHECK OUT THAT SEXY COUPLE!

[RedRox]

Welcome Back SoulLips!! Nice to see one of my fave avatars again! And it's kewl that the person they are attached to came with them! Best of luck on this next go round. Hopefully you can find a way to keep life from providing the opportunity to detour along the way!

[SoulLips]

Thank you RedRox! I will continue my success on South Beach. I know it works... I know I feel much better when I'm eating right... and I know that my fabulous Beach Buddies on the board are always here for support, advice and just plain fun.