A Success Story Of A Different Nature

Graelwyn75

I am a little wary of posting this, because my success story is not a story of weight loss from obesity, but of making good headway in overcoming a decades long eating disorder, and gaining weight since joining mfp. I developed anorexia when I was 13 years old, and it continued on and off for ten years following, taking me down to just 70Ibs at 5'11 the age of 18. I almost died, basically, and again when in my early 20s. I will not go into the cause of my ED, other than to say that I was abused when younger as a child, and the ED was my way of feeling in control, and my way of maybe avoiding my emotions.

Last year, I joined mfp, having slipped back into a mindset where I wished to be lighter than I should have been for my height. At that point, my goal was not to gain weight, but rather to stay as I was, or lose even more. I had a dread of gaining, and the thought of doing weights, and possibly gaining muscle weight kept me far away from strength training. I did not starve myself, but I was not eating enough to cover my active lifestyle. I went down to 123Ibs(I am now only 5'10 - lost an inch from the anorexia) and although I could see I looked underweight, I did not want to change.

Come September last year, I hit an emotional crisis and binged my way up to 140 Ibs. It was a miserable time, but at some point while in the gym, I saw a barbell laying around, and decided I would try and lift it. From there, I started doing stronglifts, my thoughts being 'What the heck, I gained weight anyway so I might as well do something useful with it'. I still had the wish to lose weight and get back down to where I had been, but as time moved on, I seemed to stop aiming for that, and just carried on with the weights, switching to circuits, and eating enough to sustain it. I still weigh around 140, and although some might find muscle on a female unattractive, I quite like what I see when I am working it.

I no longer check my weight. I only know it because a trainer wanted to take my statistics. My bodyfat is sub 15%, and I would say, compared to this time last year, I have come on in leaps and bounds, in spite of still struggling on occasion with insecurity and the odd bad day. It is still a battle, obviously, but at 38, I am hoping I am finally starting to move forward and find a healthier outlet for my emotions. Here are a few photos of how I looked prior to September last year, and how I look today.

Please be kind or skip this post if you find anything in it offensive to the eye.





And now.

michellekicks

You are doing a fantastic job. I'm super proud of you for putting it all out there. Sharing your story gives hope to others who still struggle. :flowerforyou:

nashbear

You look great. I hope that with watching your eating and the strength training that you feel better.

samgolod

Well done you - I can really see the difference, you're looking way healthier and stronger....good luck going forward

dolphinie13

Congratulations! You must be so proud to ditch the ED mindset and instead focus on your well being. I think you've done a commendable job. I wish you all the health and happiness in the world.

2013sk

Wow you were so small..........I think you look amazing now.....well done!!!!!

You have come so far, keep it up.....and keep lifting girl!!!!!

c50blvdbabe

You look amazing. Love the photo with you "gun" showing.

MrsLMKing

Congratulations on how far you have come. You look great.

quiksylver296

You look fabulous! I am in awe of your strength through your struggle. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us.

AJL437

You are fierce and strong! Way to go

newjojie

You look great, I can see a big difference. Good job.

natasa26ca

Wow you went a long way. You definately look so much better now. I dont even know you but i feel so proud of you.
Way to go. So inspirational!

OneDimSim

that is a completely AWESOME story - thanks for sharing :flowerforyou:

marciebrian

No negativity here I think you look gorgeous and healthy You've been on a very difficult journey but should be so very proud of yourself. Congratulations to you and I wish you all the very best life and health.

TravisBikes

It takes some courage to admit body or mental problems. But it takes more guts to do something about it. You have come a long way, and I know it will only keep getting better.

supertracylynn

You look so beautiful and healthy now!

Keith3481

It's a reminder that we're all here with different goals! Keep it up!


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sarabelle0

Wonderful!!!!!!! What a great accomplishment!

franschultz

Well done!!!! You are doing a fantastic job. Thanks for sharing.

karllundy

Great job! You have every reason to be proud and celebrate your success! Good luck with your continued journey!

1duffwf

I am glad you posted your story! MFP is more than just a weight loss tool - it's a lifestyle tool. I think it's amazing that you battled your e.d. with strength training. Keep it up lady!!

WanderingLass

Very, very inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

Buddhasmiracle

You are an extraordinary young woman.

DragonSquatter

Good job on getting stronger!

pjp1125

Very inspiring indeed. I read a good article recently that reminds me a bit of you- "strong is the new skinny". I am going to require my daughters to read it.

Here it is if you haven't seen it: http://sophieologie.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/strong-is-the-new-skinny/

CallMeCupcakeDammit

This is wonderful. Keep being amazing!

pastryari

This is fantastic. Congrats to you and keep up the great work.

rubywoo123

you look brilliant darling. well done x

BinaryPulsar

I'm proud of you for getting healthy! And for sharing your story! I understand about the child abuse and the impact that can have because I am a survivor also.

Mainebikerchick

Thanks for sharing this story. I hope it brings hope to others with the same issues. Kudos to you for having the courage to post this! :drinker:

bgelliott

Amazing story, thank you for sharing. You have come a long way and honestly, what you have done and are still doing is a very difficult process. Keep at it, you look amazing!