November 2004. Wedding day. Pre-baby and weight gain.
(about 230-235 lbs)





2006. Post-baby. During Depo-Provera shot treatments.
(At my heaviest of about 288 lbs)




2008. Already lost about 40 lbs from getting off depo-provera. At the beginning of taking my weight-loss journey seriously and more aggressively when Jake left for deployment.
(About 248 lbs)




2009. Total of 85 lbs lost since 2006. 45 lbs lost since September/October 2008.
(About 204 lbs)

Amazing job!!! What did you do to take the weight off?

Great job! you look great! Before and after

You look great! Keep it up!

I woke up one day and said to myself "I'm sick of being fat." At my heaviest, I felt that I was the past the point of no return, so I didn't even TRY to start. I felt like I was in too deep.

By the time my husband deployed this past September, I had already taken off some weight without trying...by simply getting off of the depo-shot. BUT, I still had a long way to go. I thought "I will never have a better opportunity to do this." So I did it! In September/Octoberish I cracked down and started counting calories. I counted a lot on freedieting.com with their calorie and BMI calculators. I did not exercise at ALL until January.

The biggest thing? I looked at it like a life-style change. I was realistic. I always wanted to take diet pills for a quick fix. Or something that I didn't have to WORK at. But I needed to get REAL with myself.

I did not take diet pills. I did not starve myself. I drank a LOT of water (that's pretty much all I drink with a here-and-there exception of Crystal Light.) I ate my french fries if I wanted to, but not right away. The first month or two, I took it very seriously. When I started to understand myself, and the way I worked, I allowed myself that splurge. But that took a while. I learned that I could not even BUY chips, soda, brownie mix. Simply because...I would eat it. I learned to think before I put things in my mouth.

I could go on and on forever, but a couple pointers:

* EDUCATE YOURSELF! I have spent HOURS AND HOURS online researching on freedieting.com and fitnessmagazine.com

* FIND HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES! I like "crunch". I bought rice cakes. I like "sweet". I'll eat yogurt. (you get the point...)

* BABY STEPS! I set a SMALL goal. In September, my goal was to lose 20 lbs by Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, my next goal was to be below 200 lbs (about another 25 lbs.) by Memorial Day. I'm 4 lbs away from that second one now! So, small goals is a key.

* BE REALISTIC! I submitted to my cravings when I felt them, but only in moderation. If I had that brownie, I watched the rest of the day. I gave a little here and took a little there. Again, just being realistic.

* FIND SUPPORT! I found someone I could go to to celebrate with. We all need the encouragement. You deserve to feel good about yourself when you accomplish such HUGE things!

I'm sure there are many more tips, but I'll leave it at that. And THAT....is how I came this far. And that is how I will go further. I'm so excited And SO happy I found this website!!!

You're so beautiful - both before and after. Your hubby is going to be so surprised when he gets home. Congratulations on doing everything the sane and healthy way - and also allowing yourself to have some goodie treats to save your sanity. What a great job. I look forward to reading more of your posts as you go along. Hurray for you!

PS: How tall are you? You look very tall to me.

Great job! keep it up. you look amazing

Chirpybird...
THANK YOU

I am 5'4"
But I'm always wearing heels!

I just can't wait for hubby to get home. WOOHOO!!!

I think your gonna wow the socks of your hubby!!!!
You were pretty before but now your just down right gorgeous. And your look so contented with yourself.
WAY TO GO!!!!

You look amazing! Congrats and keep up the good work!

Wow... what a great weight lost. You look prettier than ever! Good luck with your weight loss journey! The last few pounds can make the biggest differences! =]

You look beautiful!

You are very beautiful and congratz on all your achievements, I want to lose about 80-90, gosh even 100lbs and you are very aspiring.

YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
Wow, what a fantastic thing you have done for yourself and your family by losing this weight! The difference is tremendous, and I'll bet you feel a whole lot better, too.


ABBA

What an amazing accomplishment. I am so happy you are sharing yourself and your story here as it is such an inspiriation. I am going about this the same way you are. It helps to see your pictures because it seems like its going so slow. This is probably the 40th time I've tried to lose weight but the first time I've tried to do it right and not expect a quick fix. It his honestly a lifestyle change. Congratulations... you are inspiring =)