209 to 153 in 17 months w/pics

super_J73

I got pregnant with my son in 1998, he was born early 1999. I gained 60 pounds and lost maybe 10 of it, over the next few years I got lost about 20. In 2006 my daughter was born, I gained 40 pounds with her. When I was 9 months pregnant I was 215 pounds.
My daughter was born with a birth defect that effected the way her skull was growing. The stress of knowing my baby had to have a major surgery to fix it when she was 10 months old was so overwhelming. I ate my way through it, over the over the next couple of years I knew she was not healing properly, then I found out she needed a second surgery when she was 4 years old. I was devestated and again, I turned to food to deal with it.
She finally healed and everything was perfect with her. I decided I needed to change my life. I was 209 pounds and depressed. I had no life, I was ashamed about letting myself go. I was always the skinny one in high school and in my early 20's. I lost some friends from shutting myself off from the world. My life was all about my children and not about me at all.

On January 18 2012 I was on facebook, someone had mentioned MFP, so I googled and found it. I was excited because I had no clue how to get started with my life change. I started off with walking everyday. I weighed all my food, started making better choices. The weight started coming off. I was so excited. I started brisk walking and a little bit of jogging. In September I decided to join a gym. I started weights, less cardio. I go to the gym 3 times a week, I try to do something active everyday, even if it's just going for a walk.

My goal weight is 150. I'm at 153 today. I'm 5'6" I went from a size 20 jeans to size 8. I bought my first pair of skinny jeans in April. I cried in the change room, I never thought I would be able to fit in skinny jeans.
I'm a pear shape, I have curves. I will never be the size I was in high school, but honestly I don't want to be. I love my curves.

I'm 39 years old, I feel more alive now than I did when I was 29. I'm happy and losing this weight has changed my life.
I've had a rocky relationship with MFP over the past 17 months, but if you stick to it, it works. I have met friends for life on here, and I couldn't have done it without their support, especially my girls Kim and Allie

So here are the scary "Before" Pictures, hope I do this right!







Now:







Thanks for reading my success story, and if you want to add me as a friend, please feel free :drinker:

carolose46

wonderfull story and congrats on your commitment and efforts you rock!

A_Fit_Mom

Congrats! You look great.

sevlaadnil

Wow that is a great success story and I hope I will be on here with my own one day soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

midwestdawn

How incredibly inspiring! What a great example for your kids. Well done!

ines1961

I just read your success story. I think that it is wonderful how you changed your life. These are the types of stories that give inspiration and hope to all. Thank you for sharing. You ROCK!!

MyJourney1960

Amazing story! Thank you for sharing

grdnr03

wow congrats on your success so far, you do look great!

melfitnesspal13

Fantastic-your kids will be the better with a happy and healthy mom. Enjoy and maintain!..............:flowerforyou:

AfricaLatina

~Wow! teeny waist well done you

catydabo

You have done an awesome job!! You look amazing!

CherylP67

You look fabulous, great story!

pbblacknsexy

You look great...nice dedication

tdotgirl

Wow!!! you look awesome, I too started at 209 and I'm down 30lbs since Jan/13........what a tiny waste, keep doing what your doing!

HS2305

You look amazing! Such an inspiration

WannaBLoser2013

Amazing. Highly inspirational. Congratulations, you look great

cindyhoney2

You look AMAZING! Great story!

SinomenJen

Thats is the way to kick off my day, stories like yours are what help push me along, congrats on your dedication and hard work, and thanks for sharing

mlove351

what an inspiring story...your story motivates me to keep focused on my weight loss goals... thank you for sharing.. and you look amazing

mq68

great positive story. WTG! And thank you for posting it!

mrmarius

Great work Janet so proud of you

itzehoe

very encouraging - thanks!

GREAT COMMITMENT!!

bdenitto

Way to go! You look great and you are an awesome example for your kids.

super_J73

Thanks so much everyone

connie_messina

wow you look amazing!!!! good job!!

lmsorrell1

You look really awesome! I have been on a plateau - but seeing you inspires me to double my efforts!

You have really flattened your stomach. What kind of core training did you/do you do?

Amym26

You look amazing! You should be very proud!

snowmanluv

Yeah! Thanks for posting this. You look amazing.

super_J73

You look really awesome! I have been on a plateau - but seeing you inspires me to double my efforts!

You have really flattened your stomach. What kind of core training did you/do you do?

I was in a plateau from Sept-early June. No joke! I was so frustrated and on the advice of one of my friends, I upped my calories, I was terrified of doing it, but it worked! I was eating 1200-1300 cals and went up to 1400-1500...it helped.
As for my tummy, I still have work to do. I had a c-section with my daughter, so I have that flap :-/ I think a lot is diet. I do crunches, and those side to side movements with the ball, where you lift your legs while on your butt...I don't know the names of the exercises. I also do planks, not very good at them...but I'm getting better.

diva099

You look great, congrats on the weightloss!!!!!

brillmer

dat waist you look marvelous

great job Janet - its an honor to have been part of your journey