After coming home, Dec 2013, from my 4th c-section, and dealing with a major case of edema, I weighed in at 234lbs. Ten pounds fell off within 2 weeks, but I left myself on a long road between a happy new mother and severe depression bc I had allowed myself to get the size I was. I breastfed and plateaued 3 months later at 217lbs, until I was forced to make better choices when I got braces in July. I'm down 42.5 lbs since July. (Total loss so far 59lbs) Getting braces played a big part of my journey. I ate Michaelinas $1 rice meals and Eas Lean 15 protein shakes.It 

hurt to eat breads and burgers, I ate smaller bites of food that mattered, I started drinking more protein shakes and eating more chicken and rice because I could swallow it without chewing. My cravings have given me anxiety. I started listening to my hunger cues, being pro active, instead of reactive and that's made a difference in my food choices. I still splurge here and there, but I have to be selective. I won't turn down a Chestnut Praline soy, double the espresso shots frappiccino...ever. Pizza is my downfall, so I'm going to need to try the cauliflower crust. Taking the time to make small changes has made a big difference. The best suggestion in the world is to stay away from fake cheese and boxed pastas.