4 years on - conventions, costumes and the roller coaster that is keeping the weight off

UmmSqueaky

So, after being miserable and overweight throughout my 20s, I started to come out of my shell after I turned 30. Got out and did things, met new people, started to enjoy life. In 2013, I went to my first ChicagoTARDIS, a 3 day Doctor Who convention in Chicago the weekend after thanksgiving. I was so psyched to meet doctor who actors, run around in costume and make new friends. And I had a blast. But then, the pictures. Ugh, so many happy memories and the pictures smacked me in the face. I knew I was fat. But dang, no, not happy.



The pictures made me so unhappy BUT they were also the final straw. I was finally awake and finally motivated to lose weight. After trying so hard and failing for my entire adult life, it all finally clicked and I did it. I moved more. I ate less. I started biking to work. I went to the gym. I weighed my food, logged it all. I worked hard over the next year and hit my goal a year later in time for ChicagoTARDIS 2014.




But losing weight isn't a race - it's a lifelong journey. You don't hit your goal and then live happily ever after. It takes continued dedication and work. If you start to slack, that weight can creep back on. Since hitting my goal I've yo yo-ed a bit. A few pounds up, take a few pounds off, a few more pounds up, take a few more pounds off. Honestly, I'm about 20 lbs heavier than I'd like to be. But, I'm not too terribly worried about it. I know what it takes to lose the weight. I make myself look back at those pictures from 2013 and then to what I accomplished by 2014. I've got this. Log back into myfitnesspal and log everything I eat. Need to tighten up my portion control and drink a little bit less. I've integrated physical activity into my every day life. I'm training for a half ironman. And I still love my conventions and my costumes. Just got back from ChicagoTARDIS 2017 and this year, as it has for the past several years, the pictures make me smile.

jenk1981

Congratulations

You look so happy in the photos

absentmindedhousewife

Let's make you some armor now.

Kadoober

You are so bada$$

And this Chicago Whovian is super envious of the River Song meet. Just sayin

RachelElser

OMG YOU GOT TO MEET RIVER SONG???!!!!!

beerfoamy

did she say, 'Hello Sweetie'?!?!?!

very jealous!!!

DanerTee

Thank you for speaking about the time AFTER your goals are met. I met my goals and now I'm starting over. Wise words, you look incredible and happy, congratulations!

crazykatlady820

Did we just become best friends?

KelGen02

I am ashamed to say I have no idea what this Tardis is and that I only know that woman because she use to be on the show ER but none the less you look FANTASTIC!! Good on you for the weight loss and you are so right about the keeping it off part. I lost 75lbs in just under 9 months, I maintained a while since even though I still have about 30lbs to go and because of myself being lax I have gained 7lbs in a blink of an eye. Sometimes we slip and old habit creep back in, but we know what needs to be done and know that we have to get back to it!!! Great post, great pics!!!! keep on doing you!!

ISweat4This

You look great, congrats!

nowornever0430

WOW!! You look amazing! Great job and thank you for sharing!

UmmSqueaky

Thanks everyone! The road we walk is long, and it's good to have this resource to keep coming back to.

4 years ago, I hid from the cameras. Now I take perhaps a few too many mirror selfies.

andfivesixseveneight

Super inspiring journey. Dazzled by your Dr Who-ness, I almost missed the bit about you training for a half iron man. Wow! Congrats on the dedication and determination that requires.

Kathryn247

Great job! It's more fun to cosplay when you feel like the costume is the right size.

VanVanDiane

I recognise Peter Davidson & Paul McGann as former doctors (and River Song) who's the other guy in the red shirt?

UmmSqueaky

VanVanDiane wrote: »

I recognise Peter Davidson & Paul McGann as former doctors (and River Song) who's the other guy in the red shirt?

That's the much maligned 6th Doctor, Colin Baker, aka my Space Grandpa! He's the best Doctor Who actor on the circuit, an absolute delight to listen to and to talk with. I once came upon him in the hall following a Dalek singing "Hello Dalek" to the tune of "Hello Dolly." Got the short shrift TV wise, but has absolutely killed it in radio dramas with Big Finish (where one can also find so much eighth doctor stuff with Paul McGann).

He's on the far right in the bottom picture (where he's wearing a cyberman print shirt), and also so he's not left out, the menacing gentleman in the glasses in that picture is the 7th Doctor, Sylvester McCoy. And as he would mention if he were here, did you know he was in a little movie called the Hobbit? (that's a long running joke on the DW convention circuit, that he drops that into every conversation).

beagletracks

Great job achieving your goals and developing a healthy mindset and healthy habits! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom and your inspiring story! Wishing you continued health, happiness, and success!