i ordered my dress 3 sizes smaller to motivate me!

Unfortunately, I don't really have any motivational success stories for losing weight (I actually put ON weight before my wedding ugh!) But I wanted to say you got a steal on that dress!! Congrats on finding such an incredible deal!! And hey, worse case scenario, you don't lose the weight... you are only out $90!

You have four years and what sounds like a fairly realistic goal. People spend thousands on trainers, gym memberships, diet plans, etc. You spent $90 to have a fantastic, long-term motivation. I think that's awesome!

As for success stories, I got up to 175 a couple of years ago. I lost 40 lbs over 9 months, getting down to my goal weight of 135. I have gained a little back, but I have been holding steady between 140 and 145 for over a year.

I was really hoping to be 135 for my wedding (in less than a month), but I'm happy, healthy and have no interest in crash dieting just to make that number.

Good luck but please remember that sustainable weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Four lbs in 9 days is not sustainable and you will go up and down during your journey. Try not to get discouraged!

I'm assuming you know a size 8 wedding dress is really like a size 4-6? I wish you luck, but I know I wouldn't have wanted the stress of fitting into a dress. I'd rather lose the weight and have a big dress taken in.

I am encouraged for you. The goal should always be health and wellness, but having a dress you want to fit in is extra motivation. You will be an inspiration to others. Good for you for challenging yourself to pursue a long term goal

My best advice is to have patience and give yourself grace. As someone else mentioned, a "size 8" is not universal - wedding dresses run very small and all brands vary on what they consider each size.

If your weight gain has been due to health reasons (medical and/or physical, and medication), your health always comes first. Especially as we get older, the idea of getting back to our "lowest ever weight" is often unattainable. I will never be my 21-year-old weight again, and that's probably a good thing.

I was able to lose some weight before the wedding, and more after. Alcohol makes a huge difference. Even if you don't think you drink a lot, a couple of glasses of wine/week makes a *huge* difference when it comes to losing weight. Avoid any empty calories through beverages - stick to water and find a workout routine that is manageable for you whether it's long walks, yoga, group workouts or weightlifting. Find something you enjoy and/or have a friend to go with.

My mother always told me that it's no bargain if there's a better than decent good chance you won't use or want it when the time comes. Four years is a very long time. Tastes change, and the weight loss may not happen. The bigger question IMO is why four years to get married? If it will take you that long to save up for a one day party, can you really "afford" it? Are there better uses for that money, especially with children in the picture? Do you have legal protections in place?

My mother said if you have nothing nice to say, dont say anything at all CM!! What legal protections, lady what the heck are you talking about. I have one son with my current husband, yes we are already married via courthouse. We both have big familys. I'm filipino and his family is from Mexico. We are planning a massive family reunion/Wedding. Since you are so interested in my 4 year plan... why don't I Enlighten you.

Choosing a date in 4 years IS MY CHOICE. I have a savings plan, 3,500 per year into a savings account. I have saved 7k in the last 2 years. 7k x2 = 14,000 + current savings of 7,000 nets to 21,000 thousand dollars. My mother and father are going to split the difference in any other costs that i can't cover. This is going to be a big wedding. I bought the dress literally 10% the original price. I love my dress it has all the features i wanted my dress to have. 4000 Beads, 3 Kinds of intricate 3D Lace, Horse Hair skirt, Ballerina Bodice.... i know I WILL NOT buy any other gown. The money i saved on the dress means i can really splurge with whatever else i want with my look, like a cathedral veil, bustle alterations, Manicures, SHOES!? I budget every freaking penny I OWN. This was a solid and sound choice i made. I saved 1000$ with that dress purchase and i don't regret it. I respect other women paying thousands of dollars on their dream dress but i got mine for 100$ that was originally 1300$ and damn proud of it. I bought that dress because i know i will want it with the body i want and envision myself in. I'm already down another 3 lbs since posting this. 11lbs down, 28 more to go!! ( Also, i will not gain this weight back, nice try.)

Thank you to all the supportive ladies!! The other ones can keep your opinion to yourself or face my wrath of clap backs.

GIRL BYE

THANK YOU PEYTON YOU'RE A REAL ONE GIRL!

So I'm very familiar with Couture fashion sizes, thanks for your concern... EXCEPT Taking a dress in 3-4 sizes can cost upwards of 1500 (with elaborate bead and lace work) would mean More hours charged to a seamstress, NO THANK YOU.

Actually The "size smaller" in wedding gowns is really only true in EUROPEAN Designer or Other OVER SEA'S DESIGNER sizes (UK, AUS, CHINA) I looked at my designers measurements (OLEG CASSINI) An AMERICAN FASHION HOUSE founded in 1951. They are much more true to american sizing, their size 8 measurements are only 3 inches smaller in every Measurement area than the size 12/14 I would have had to buy at my current size.. why would i buy a dress too big to have to pay a seamstress to totally reconstruct? There's too much elaborate beading and lace on my dress, i wouldn't want that. I have lost this weight twice before, i'm doing it for a third time and almost half way to my goal already.

I will include the size chart for your amusement.

I'm down 11lbs and only have 28 left to go, cant wait to prove you wrong.

THANK YOU For your support CARYN!!

Much love!

Thank you CECE!!!

Rae!! thank you for all your tips girl! No alcohol or excess carbs and sugar for me! But it will be so worth it to really feel good about myself again and have the self confidence that i lack currently!

You bet, girlie! Would LOVE to see a picture of the dress!!

If you are already married you might have led with that information. In that case, your “wedding,” simple as it might have been took place on the day of your marriage. That’s the very definition of what a wedding is. What you’re talking about is a very delayed wedding reception. A year plus, or in your case four plus years later it would be more accurate to call it an anniversary party. Wear whatever dress you like but you could hardly be considered newlyweds.

If you are well on your way to important future savings goals for you and your children, more power to you. Apparently it was a crime to ask if it’s the best use of resources with young children at home and no mention that you are already married.

If you are confident that 37K + is a reasonable budget for a couple in your position then raising these questions should not upset you. Personally I think four years is a long time to have to save for a one day party, but that’s me.