I'm 5'5, female, and fairly muscular and active. I started 2 months ago at 193, and I've at 176 now. The first 13 came off in about three weeks. Around that time, I sprained my knee, dropping my exercise/mobility to almost nothing for two weeks. I stayed within a pound or so of 180 for about a month. In the past week or so, I've been able to get back to my regular skating/exercise routine, and dropped few more lbs. I can tell I'm getting stronger (can do pullups now! And skate fasted thanks to PT!), so I'm pretty sure I'm adding muscle as well.

I'm not terribly strict- I indulge in something wonderful at least once a week. But I've replaced my sugar snacking with spoonfuls of Kerrygold with a light sprinkle of pink himalayan sea salt...

I'm happier about the fact that I can do 3 consecutive chinups than the number on the scale. But watching the change in how my clothes fit is good too!