Love that attitude. Dropping pounds matters, sure, but what really stands out is watching the needle move at all after years of doing everything right and hitting a wall. Most people underestimate how demoralizing that cycle becomes over time.
Averaging roughly a pound and a half weekly, 20 lbs across a couple months, sits right in that sustainable zone. Quick enough that motivation holds, gradual enough that your system isn't overwhelmed. Plus catching glimpses of muscle definition you haven't seen in ages is genuinely rewarding.
That drained, flat feeling is legit though. Knocked me flat for a stretch of weeks, felt like I was sleepwalking through life. Adding more carbs and staying on top of hydration while keeping active turned things around, feeling like myself again now. Hoping your body settles into a groove soon too.
And there's nothing wrong with dreaming huge either. A lofty target can be exactly the fuel that keeps momentum going. Even if shredded abs at some ideal number never happens, trimming down, gaining health, moving easier, and finally dipping under 200 after a decade away is already massive.
Solid post overall. Worth repeating what you said toward the end: any forward motion counts, full stop.
Onward and upward.
