Five Years and 100lbs to Authentic Living

savethecat

Not sure how this is going to be received in the general forum, but I wanted to share my story in case anyone is struggling with a similar battle.

It's not easy to share something so personal, but I credit so much of the progress I have made to the MFP community and the support always so generously offered, so this is my way of saying, I couldn't have done it without you.

In 2009, I weighed over 250lbs. I was completely miserable. Fully aware I was a transgender man (born female-bodied, but 100% male-brained) I kept it hidden in any way possible, sharing what I thought at the time to be a horrible secret with virtually no one.

In 2010 I slowly began losing weight in hopes to better myself. I knew overeating had become my way to cope. I was very large and it was disheartening to not even be in a position to attempt looking like the person I knew I was. I quite literally hid myself behind a female aesthetic, hoping no one would ever figure out I was male.

I joined MFP in 2011 and eventually realized losing weight was my first step towards medical transition. If I was going to do it, I had to lose almost 100lbs. I was strict with myself. Working out and monitoring my eating like a madman for a solid year until I was down to 165lbs in 2012.

On New Years Day of 2013 I made a decision. At my lowest weight, but my highest anxiety of my adult life I was ready to come out. Not knowing if I would lose my friends and family, I still knew it was now or never- it was time. I removed the mask.

From that moment on it has been one hell of a ride. It's not always easy, but I haven't lost any friends or family members. Apparently, everyone sort of already knew regardless of my attempt to disguise myself. I am recognized as male by everyone in my life including strangers, which is extremely validating.

I am finally myself. I am living authentically. I am happy.

However, with some medical parts of transition came the already anticipated weight gain. I weighed-in around 180lbs at the end of 2014. The good news is, I'm back and ready to get in better shape. This time with a focus on building-muscle.

If you're struggling and know weight loss is your first step to gender transition or any form of life transformation, like it was with me, you can do it. I'm glad you've found MFP. It changed my life and I hope you find it as useful as I have.

If I can turn my entire life around, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart, then you can.

The journey is not always easy to become yourself, but it's worth every second. Keep fighting.

With appreciation and support,
Brandon

girlviernes

Thank you for sharing, I'm sure this will be helpful to a lot of people. You have truly transformed.

wateryphoenix

congratulations on your success and being comfortable in your own skin

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RhonndaJ

How wonderful! Congrats on the weightloss and transition to who you really are. You have such strength of heart.

redwoodkestrel

Amazing! And congratulations on all aspects of your transformation. So happy for you, your story makes me smile.

Liftng4Lis

Amazing work!

Amy101975

Congratulations on your success... And your return. What a happy ending! Your strength is admirable.

misschiplash78

Congrats Brandon, keep going!!

MarCarCas

Fantastic story!!

BayBanana

It's so nice to here happy coming out stories and I'm glad your friends and fam are supportive! 100 lbs is so inspiring too, thank you for sharing and congrats!

Jerseygrrl

Congratulations, Brandon! Thank you for sharing your story. I know it will help others. Keep up the hard work, and post again as you start transforming those muscles!

mumblemagic

What a wonderful success story We hear lots of great stories about people losing weight, which is hard enough as it is, but going through that and transition all in one go must have taken great strength. Well done you!

AgentOrangeJuice

Very handsome Brandon, awesome transformation.

kecmw25

Congratulations on your amazing transformation and how incredibly brave of you to share your story!

MarziPanda95

Wow! Congrats on the weight loss and the transformation in general. You are one seriously handsome dude

mariaoutlook

Congratulations Brandon! I'm sure your story will help others. Well done

erojoy

Congratulations! I'm glad you did for yourself what you needed to be happy. Everyone deserves that, and no one deserves to tell you otherwise. I thought you were a hot guy in your pic. haha I would never have guessed. Keep up the great work and positive attitude!

AliceSwarthout

You look so handsome!

fitphoenix

Congratulations on your awesome transformation! You look so happy and comfortable in that last pic.

pineapple_jojo

Hey Brandon, congrats on your weight loss and your new found self! It's an inspiring story and very courageous x

AddieOverhaul

Thank you for sharing! Congrats on the hard work to lose the weight and the bravery to be who you truly are!

sofaking6

Congratulations! You've been through transformations in so many different ways - how exciting to still be so young and have your true self actualized. I think a lot of people (myself included) aren't challenged enough to really get to know who we are, so in that way maybe you've had an advantage all along? Anyway - enjoy your new self, you are a very good looking dude so you should have lots of opportunities for...enjoyment

hotcoffee692

Congratulations, Brandon - you're a courageous guy!

bioklutz

Nicely done! What a change from your start pic! You can see it in your eyes in your profile picture - you look so much more comfortable!

RodaRose

Brandon, you look great and you achieved a lot. Great job!

asantacruz24

Being true to yourself is one of the bravest things you can do in your lifetime! Remember progress not perfection, we all stumble and fall but as long as you never give up you'll achieve your goals! Good luck to you

kirstieannlittle

Congratulations on being your true self. And what an amazing transformation. Incredible. Keep it up!

krawhitham

Congratulations! What an amazing story!!

brewinggirl_butskinnier

Congratulations and I wish you the best as you continue your journey!! Thank you for sharing your story.

BeckyNaturoMommy

You are so brave for sharing your story (which is sad to say that you HAD to be brave to share, you should just be able to share )! You've made such a beautiful transition and you are going to be so much happier in your skin when you are complete the way you feel is right! Congratulations!!!