Before and After...Down 65 lbs!

kelroberts21

I posted this on my Facebook page, but wanted to share over here in case I could inspire someone else!

About one year ago this week, I had a trial pass for a gym. I figured what the heck, I might as well try again. I had a consultation with a trainer, and since I loved lifting before, I thought I would give that a shot too. I was in a size 18, with low self-esteem & little confidence. I couldn't stand to be alone; I was so dependent on everyone around me to make me happy. What I didn't know was I had to make MYSELF happy.

What a difference a year can make.

I've been lifting, watching my calories/macros, doing cardio (grudgingly) for 365 days. I struggled (and still do). But I love every single second. I'm down 65 lbs, in a size 8, and smaller than I've ever been. Two sizes smaller than I was in high school, actually, even though technically I'm the same weight I was at my smallest. My body fat percentage is down 13% to the middle of the "ideal" range. My BMI is normal for the first time in 10 years.

The differences go way beyond the physical, though. My confidence is through the roof, I've made friends, and, honestly, feel like a entirely different woman that I did one year ago. I make friends much more easily, I feel like I can contribute in both work and social situations, and it makes such a difference in the way I'm treated by other people. It's worth every single workout. Am I done? Nope. I don't think you ever truly are. There's always another goal to hit, even if they aren't weight-related. But I am so, so incredibly happy now, and THAT is the difference.

BTW: I'm 5'10. In the first picture I'm somewhere between 235-240. In the last two pictures I'm at 170.

Queenmunchy

You look amazing!

Funship

the only word I have is WOW.... You have done a fantastic job, and look awesome. Your year long journey, although very difficult, has certainly reaped you reward. Keep up the great work, thanks for posting.

KerryITD

wow! you look tremendous and SO HAPPY.

sgfoster110

I am a long time runned and believe in being in shape. It does help your self esteem to have your body fit and in shape. I should say you look marvelous. I want to congradulate you on all your hard work. It defineately made a positive differecne in your appeance.

sweet_brownsugr

Awesome job! Keep it up!! You're inspiring me...I hope to be on this board posting my "success" story towards the end of this year!! You're doing great!

jrline

congrats that is great success

kelroberts21

Thanks, y'all! It's harder to post these pictures than I thought it would be, but I hope it will help others! And yes, I am so much happier than before. You'll definitely be posting your own success story!

cds_momto3

You look gorgeous!! Congratulations on your transformation AND your (well-deserved) newfound self esteem! You should be VERY proud.

deviboy1592

Cheers!

schillewis

Bravo!!! You look fabulous and your story is so inspiring!

Hornsby

Great job!

BigLifter10

Excellent work! Congrats all around!!

dinobomp

Fantastic!! You look incredibly healthy and happy. So happy for your success!!!

believeinme0430

You look amazing!!

echofm1

Your journey is about where I'm at now, to where I want to be. I've already lost a lot of weight, but seeing your transformation makes me so excited to see my own transformation. Congratulations!

AndiDurall

You look awesome!

inkyonne

You look great and all your hard work shows~

starbucktigh

You look fit, healthy, and happy!

LisaPrust

DELIGHTED for your brilliant success! Thaanks for sharing not only the pix but your thoughts on the journey as well...such a beautiful inspiration!!

sistrsprkl

Wow - you look amazing! Gorgeous dress btw! Great work!!

Liftng4Lis

WOOT WOOT!!!! Amazing work!

blarson82

You look so happy and confident in the last photo! Congrats on all your hard work!

_QueenE_

Congratulations! You look great!!

JenniferInCt

Amazing job! You're beautiful!

enchanted_daydream

You look amazing!! Awesome work

bamagirl485564

You look awesome! Thanks for sharing!

eenerbot

Congratulations! That could not have been an easy post to share, but I'm sure it also felt good to make announcement of your success! I'm happy for you! I'm the same height as you and currently at the same weight as when you started out and would like to get down to where you are now! It's so encouraging to see that I can have the same goals and meet them too! If I try as hard as you do, of course.

Were you doing just weights or also cardio? I know everyone is different and what works for you may not work for me...I'm just curious what your average day's exercise would like that. Mine is good now, but I think I need to pump it up a bit more.

Cheers!

Michiganguy6375

You look amazing but you looked amazing before to

LouiseHappy

Thank you for posting your story. Awesome way to start my day. I am 5'10 too, started here on 3/1, and have similar weight goals. Your pictures show amazing transformation and give many people a lot of encouragement. Fantastic job!

lillyrose2020

Congrats on your hard work, you look great! I love your dress in the last picture too!