My journey through loosing 102lbs and finding happiness
Jenepher1202
Posts: 27 Member
Most of you know about my journey through weight loss and plastic surgery. You have heard the things I struggle with, and now I would like to share the last chapter. My success story.
I have lost 102lbs through calorie counting and portion control. To give you a little insight to how I got to that place, I would like to share a post my 21year old brother posted In December of 2014.
"Yesterday was filled with overwhelming sadness and grief. It seem like there was nothing to look forward to, no silver-lining at all. But after lots of tears something amazing happened. To put this into perspective I will have to do a little more explaining. six years ago, my brother Stephen was killed in a car accident. It happened on Halloween, which in itself was tough, but on the following day, November 1 my sister Jennifer was scheduled to be married. Because of the accident, Of course the ceremony was canceled. Jennifer had the wedding of her dreams taken from her. The party, the dancing, the dress, and most importantly the memories never happened. Fast forward to yesterday, we just buried our third brother. We were sad, angry, and confused with nothing positive to look forward to and we sat seating food provided by the church, telling stories of a lost brother, and finding comfort in each other, Jennifer got up and left the room. After about 10 minutes the door reopen to a Jaw-dropping site. We were awestruck as my sister(who, I should add, has lost over 70lbs to be able to do this) stood in her wedding dress. She didn't have the hair, the make up, or even the shoes she would have, But there she stood, in her everyday wear make up, hair in a mess, looking more beautiful than I have ever seen her. This is proof in that even in the hardest of times, there is always something to look forward to. Thank you for not only being my sister, but my best friend also." Below is the picture the picture he posted.
I battled my first weight problem at 18years old. My brother Matthew, was killed in a car accident October of 2003, I was 17, he was 21. Through my teens I always stayed around 110-120, but battling the grief of loosing Matthew took a toll on my body. My weight reached 180lbs. However I didn't stay at that weight long. I was able to get my weight under control just before I met the love of my life in 2007. Weighing 150lbs and finally being able to enjoy happiness, we planned a wedding for 11/1/2008. Many in my family(a blended family that started with 10children), believed this wedding was like a statement for us, a statement of coming out of grieving. This was not going to be a normal ordinary wedding. It was very much a "dream" wedding. we had planned a Cinderella wedding. Complete with a carriage, horses, a dance floor over my moms pool, lights, cabana, cigar bar, a sit down formal dinner...The works.
The night before the wedding, On 10/31/2008, my brother Stephen, his girlfriend, Caroline, and friend Will left the wedding rehearsal dinner. As it was close to our parent's house, and we all began to leave also, we drove up on a wreck. Stephen at 20years old was pronounced dead at the scene, along with Caroline. Will was transported to hospital and survived. It's one thing to receive a call a family member has been in a wreck and it's another to drive up only a few minutes following the accident. Not only did we lose Stephen and Caroline, but something else died in our family that night. It's hard to explain, but those who have experienced a great loss know what I'm talking about. A part of your spirit dies with each person you love dies.
Following that and the birth of my two boys, my weight reached an all time high in 2013. I weighed 240lbs. I was beginning to see what toll my weight was taking on not only my health but my marriage. Something had to change! I made the commitment I would lose my weight, and after I did, I would get back in my wedding dress, and we would renew our vows and have a ceremony that I have always dreamed of.
Starting February of 2014, I began my weight loss journey. Although I had hoped this time would be "the time", I never imagined I would have the self-control to actually reach my goal weight of 150. I downloaded MyFitnessPal and started tracking. Little by little, week by week, I started to see the pounds drop. I stayed at a consistent 2lbs per week for the majority of the time. Come December, I was at 155, just a few pounds within my goal.
Then tragedy struck again. We lost our 3rd brother on 12/12/2014. Our once family of 10 children now a family of 7 kids. After the funeral, I sat there in my mother's house, and wondered if my family would make it through this death. When a glass breaks, you can glue the pieces back together, but it won't be as strong as it was before. If it breaks a second time, you might get lucky and be able to glue the pieces back together but chances are there will be some pretty big chips in the structure though, and it may not be able to hold liquid, the very thing glass was created for. A third break would surely render the glass unfixable, leaving the chips too small to put back together. Never again will the glass be strong enough to support liquid. How will we be able to put the pieces back together in our family?
I decided I needed motivation to stay on track, and my family needed something to smile about.
I didn't know if my wedding dress would fit, but I knew it still hung up, in its bag, in the guest bedroom of my mothers house. Other than pictures of my bridal portraits, most had not seen the dress in person.
IT FIT!!
I went downstairs to where everybody was, and quietly walked in wearing my dress. Which lead to the story I started with. The post by our youngest brother, Christopher.
Loosing 100lbs+ was hard. Talking about successful weight loss, somebody once said to me "it just has to click one day, when will it click for you". It finally had clicked for me. I would love to say I eat all vegetables and never have the craving or eat bad foods, but that just isn't true. For me it's about portion control. If I want something higher in calorie, for example chicken fettuccine Alfredo, I eat it. But I plan for it. Through out the day I will eat fruits and vegetables so I can enjoy the pasta for dinner, and I serve myself 1/2 the serving I normally would. I give in to all my cravings, but now I just make them a part of a plan for the day/week. With children, it is hard to eat healthy. I didn't want to make two meals for dinner, so I came up with just little adjustments for meal time. Instead of frying chicken, I baked it. When we had hamburger night instead of me having beef, like them, I enjoyed venison or turkey burger on thin wheat bun. If they were eating subs, I had a wrap. Every meal has a vegetable and typically a "kid friendly carb". I would double my portion of vegetables, and give myself only a sampling taste of the other. If at night for some reason I go over my allowed calories, I do more exercises to burn those calories. I have been seen doing arm circles at 9pm while my husband and I watch tv, because I wanted to enjoy a glass of wine.
I am proud to say on today, 6/18/2015 I weigh 138lbs. I am a strong woman, sister, wife, daughter and mother that set my mind to a goal and didn't let anything get in my way. After my weight loss, I had extra skin and really struggled with my self image. I decided to have a mommy make over done. In which I had a tummy tuck, breast lift and implant. I am now 15days after my surgery, and I can honestly say for the first time, I am happy with the results and my body.
I cannot describe how happy it makes me to say Jamie and I have plans to renew our wedding vows on Septemever 5th, 2015! My husband and I will finally get the chance celebrate our love with family and friends.
Thank you for listening to my story and I hope it can inspire others.
I have lost 102lbs through calorie counting and portion control. To give you a little insight to how I got to that place, I would like to share a post my 21year old brother posted In December of 2014.
"Yesterday was filled with overwhelming sadness and grief. It seem like there was nothing to look forward to, no silver-lining at all. But after lots of tears something amazing happened. To put this into perspective I will have to do a little more explaining. six years ago, my brother Stephen was killed in a car accident. It happened on Halloween, which in itself was tough, but on the following day, November 1 my sister Jennifer was scheduled to be married. Because of the accident, Of course the ceremony was canceled. Jennifer had the wedding of her dreams taken from her. The party, the dancing, the dress, and most importantly the memories never happened. Fast forward to yesterday, we just buried our third brother. We were sad, angry, and confused with nothing positive to look forward to and we sat seating food provided by the church, telling stories of a lost brother, and finding comfort in each other, Jennifer got up and left the room. After about 10 minutes the door reopen to a Jaw-dropping site. We were awestruck as my sister(who, I should add, has lost over 70lbs to be able to do this) stood in her wedding dress. She didn't have the hair, the make up, or even the shoes she would have, But there she stood, in her everyday wear make up, hair in a mess, looking more beautiful than I have ever seen her. This is proof in that even in the hardest of times, there is always something to look forward to. Thank you for not only being my sister, but my best friend also." Below is the picture the picture he posted.
I battled my first weight problem at 18years old. My brother Matthew, was killed in a car accident October of 2003, I was 17, he was 21. Through my teens I always stayed around 110-120, but battling the grief of loosing Matthew took a toll on my body. My weight reached 180lbs. However I didn't stay at that weight long. I was able to get my weight under control just before I met the love of my life in 2007. Weighing 150lbs and finally being able to enjoy happiness, we planned a wedding for 11/1/2008. Many in my family(a blended family that started with 10children), believed this wedding was like a statement for us, a statement of coming out of grieving. This was not going to be a normal ordinary wedding. It was very much a "dream" wedding. we had planned a Cinderella wedding. Complete with a carriage, horses, a dance floor over my moms pool, lights, cabana, cigar bar, a sit down formal dinner...The works.
The night before the wedding, On 10/31/2008, my brother Stephen, his girlfriend, Caroline, and friend Will left the wedding rehearsal dinner. As it was close to our parent's house, and we all began to leave also, we drove up on a wreck. Stephen at 20years old was pronounced dead at the scene, along with Caroline. Will was transported to hospital and survived. It's one thing to receive a call a family member has been in a wreck and it's another to drive up only a few minutes following the accident. Not only did we lose Stephen and Caroline, but something else died in our family that night. It's hard to explain, but those who have experienced a great loss know what I'm talking about. A part of your spirit dies with each person you love dies.
Following that and the birth of my two boys, my weight reached an all time high in 2013. I weighed 240lbs. I was beginning to see what toll my weight was taking on not only my health but my marriage. Something had to change! I made the commitment I would lose my weight, and after I did, I would get back in my wedding dress, and we would renew our vows and have a ceremony that I have always dreamed of.
Starting February of 2014, I began my weight loss journey. Although I had hoped this time would be "the time", I never imagined I would have the self-control to actually reach my goal weight of 150. I downloaded MyFitnessPal and started tracking. Little by little, week by week, I started to see the pounds drop. I stayed at a consistent 2lbs per week for the majority of the time. Come December, I was at 155, just a few pounds within my goal.
Then tragedy struck again. We lost our 3rd brother on 12/12/2014. Our once family of 10 children now a family of 7 kids. After the funeral, I sat there in my mother's house, and wondered if my family would make it through this death. When a glass breaks, you can glue the pieces back together, but it won't be as strong as it was before. If it breaks a second time, you might get lucky and be able to glue the pieces back together but chances are there will be some pretty big chips in the structure though, and it may not be able to hold liquid, the very thing glass was created for. A third break would surely render the glass unfixable, leaving the chips too small to put back together. Never again will the glass be strong enough to support liquid. How will we be able to put the pieces back together in our family?
I decided I needed motivation to stay on track, and my family needed something to smile about.
I didn't know if my wedding dress would fit, but I knew it still hung up, in its bag, in the guest bedroom of my mothers house. Other than pictures of my bridal portraits, most had not seen the dress in person.
IT FIT!!
I went downstairs to where everybody was, and quietly walked in wearing my dress. Which lead to the story I started with. The post by our youngest brother, Christopher.
Loosing 100lbs+ was hard. Talking about successful weight loss, somebody once said to me "it just has to click one day, when will it click for you". It finally had clicked for me. I would love to say I eat all vegetables and never have the craving or eat bad foods, but that just isn't true. For me it's about portion control. If I want something higher in calorie, for example chicken fettuccine Alfredo, I eat it. But I plan for it. Through out the day I will eat fruits and vegetables so I can enjoy the pasta for dinner, and I serve myself 1/2 the serving I normally would. I give in to all my cravings, but now I just make them a part of a plan for the day/week. With children, it is hard to eat healthy. I didn't want to make two meals for dinner, so I came up with just little adjustments for meal time. Instead of frying chicken, I baked it. When we had hamburger night instead of me having beef, like them, I enjoyed venison or turkey burger on thin wheat bun. If they were eating subs, I had a wrap. Every meal has a vegetable and typically a "kid friendly carb". I would double my portion of vegetables, and give myself only a sampling taste of the other. If at night for some reason I go over my allowed calories, I do more exercises to burn those calories. I have been seen doing arm circles at 9pm while my husband and I watch tv, because I wanted to enjoy a glass of wine.
I am proud to say on today, 6/18/2015 I weigh 138lbs. I am a strong woman, sister, wife, daughter and mother that set my mind to a goal and didn't let anything get in my way. After my weight loss, I had extra skin and really struggled with my self image. I decided to have a mommy make over done. In which I had a tummy tuck, breast lift and implant. I am now 15days after my surgery, and I can honestly say for the first time, I am happy with the results and my body.
I cannot describe how happy it makes me to say Jamie and I have plans to renew our wedding vows on Septemever 5th, 2015! My husband and I will finally get the chance celebrate our love with family and friends.
Thank you for listening to my story and I hope it can inspire others.
6
Replies
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Fantastic! So sorry for all your losses, but so glad you have returned to the size you feel healthiest at. Keep up the good work! I enjoyed reading your story. Barbara0
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Amazing spirit! Thanks for sharing.0
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Wow. Nothing short of incredible. So sorry for your losses. Keep at it.0
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Sorry for your losses. You look fantastic! Thank you for sharing your journey.0
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So sorry for all your losses. Your journey has not been an easy one. Such an inspiration on your ability to stay on task and what we all can accomplish.0
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Incredible story! Incredible smile! Keep inspiring! Xoxox0
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What an incredible story and how courageous of you to put on the wedding dress. I am happy you are happy!0
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Incredible story! Thanks for sharing! Wonderful job on your loss. What a journey...0
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You are amazing! Your story brought streaming tears down my face because I lost three sisters in less than two years' time so I can absolutely relate! You look beautiful!0
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Congrats!0
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You look fantasic. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry for your loss and I admire your strength.0
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I happen to know this girl, and she is beautiful on the inside as well. You are my inspiration! You look amazing! So happy for you!0
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Sorry for your losses I can't imagine what your family went through..awesome that you were determined to still lose the weight.. You looked amazing!!! Thanks for sharing:)0
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Sorry for your losses. You have incredible strength!
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My heart goes out to you for the many losses you have experienced over the years. You are AMAZING and an INSPIRATION to me!! I loved your story!!!0
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I read your story and was so touched by it I read it to my mother. She started crying by the end of it - as did I (and I'm usually an unfeeling stoic robot! I rarely cry in front of anyone).
My mum and myself both put on a lot of weight as a response reaction to grief. It's unspeakably cruel that your brothers were taken from you. Life can be so unfair. But truly, it's people like you that keep the world going round. You walk through the fires of hell just to survive and on your way you inspire others to do the same.
I am so sorry for your losses. Your strength and courage is remarkable. And damn, your look beautiful!0 -
Such a heart felt story0
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Wow. This speaks to me on so many levels. I too have experienced the loss of a sibling. My sister five years ago when I was 21 and she 23. Beautiful work and spirit. I believe anyone can overcome tragedy and grow. But it is tough and it shows true strength and bravery. Great job!0
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You Are Awesome!0
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You are amazing. To overcome such, such tragedy and come out in such a better place is awesome in every sense of the word.
Awesome!1 -
I am so sorry for your losses...cherish the memories of yesterday! Your strength is amazing, motivational, and inspiring to those of us on this journey of trying to master a new 'life style' change. I hope I can be as successful as you someday!1
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So sorry for the loss of your brothers. You look great! Congratulations on all the hard work and the renewal of your vows!1
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I can't imagine going through what you're family has experienced. You are beautiful.1
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I understand deep loss, my heart aches every day, however cannot begin to imagine that pain x 3. Thank you for sharing, I really felt for you and your family, I'm very sorry. It takes incredible strength to push through that and focus on something good and healthy for yourself, congratulations you look beautiful and should feel so proud xo1
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Incredible story. You look beautiful.1
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amazing, amazing, amazing. You are strong and beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.1
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Wow! my heart reaches out to you, and I lost my Brother at 19 and I was 26 I miss so much! and I can relate to the pain you so describe. I then read further into your post, and I lost my Sister 9 years ago from Cervical Cancer and My Mother passed within Four months later. Again my heart felt and feels your pain. I never thought my weight gain could have anything to do with my losses, but about Feb of this year I realized it did. Like you trying to grasp some happiness, and healing takes a very long time, and I'm so proud! of you, and feel like I know you. Probably because of both of us coming from large families, and losing our loved ones. Your life that was shared right here for so many of us to see, is a true inspiration for many of us to pick up the pieces and carry on like you have. You're beautiful in your wedding dress, and I can see your Brother's looking down from Heaven saying WOW! she is. I am so sorry about your loss of your loved one's and I know that you will see them again. Thank you for sharing, and bringing a special light into my life today, and realizing I'm not alone. God Bless you! and may your life be Blessed from here on with many beautiful memories for you and your husband, and children. And may you treasure the memories you had with your loved ones that passed. Congrats! on your amazing journey. Lisa1
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I'm at work and this made me tear up! You are a strong woman. Kudos to you for sticking with it. You look amazing!1
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Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. You are truly an inspiration.1
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