I am a success story, 58 lbs down (Who knew?)

kittenful

I was overweight for 5 years. That may not seem like a very long time to some, but it was for me. It was pregnancy weight that first dropped off over 6 months and then suddenly came back in 2 (with a vengeance). I made a cursory attempt at getting rid of it, then just gave up. My heart wasn't in it, and I accepted that I was doomed to weigh more than I did at 9 months pregnant. I affected awesome self confidence when I was out and about, but refused to go out without a corset on. My friends didn't know that I hated having my picture taken. It never hurt me until I saw them after the fact. A year or so ago, I realized that I was done wallowing in depression and self pity. I had to do something, ANYTHING. I did a web search and discovered MFP. Best. Decision. Ever.

I borrowed my twin's Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD and started working out with her. I logged my food dutifully (the recipe calculator is my FAVORITE tool!) and was pleased when my husband, who I refer to as Beard-o, supported me by helping to make healthier dinner choices. We've found that we love cooking together and now include our minion where we can (she's 4, she gets to help mix, measure and pour things). His belief was that if it made me happy, everybody else would be happier in the home for it. He was right. I haven't had this much energy or felt so happy in years. I'm in love with life again. I actually work out for the pleasure of it, now.

My friends on the site have been awesome as well. I am a firm believer in having a strong support group. It makes a world of a difference! Really, it does. You guys and gals are RAD, and I highly doubt I'd have stayed quite so committed to this without all of your support. :drinker:

Without further ado, here's a visual of the changes I've wrought.

September 2012 - My mother's house, then the first Detroit Alternative Fashion Show



New Year's Eve 2013


June 2013 - A month after I began on MFP


July 2013 - Where my friends started noticing my weight loss


September 2013 - The second Detroit Alternative Fashion Show


April 2014 - Fast forward to now, this is my most recent picture

thatjosiegirl

Wow! You look amazing! Fabulous job!!!! :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

Super_Amy

Awesomely amazing!

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bltrexler

fantastic work!.

lauraashley09

You look amazing!!!! You have so much to be proud of!

_KitKat_

Amazing and love the hair!

kittenful

Thank you all, I'm feeling the love. :smooched:

Tinatot125

Well done, you look great

navygrrl

You look great! Love the alternative fashion show!

Happymom83

Awesomesauce!:flowerforyou:

KokowithaK

OMG you look fantastic! I also love the fashion show photo! Great job!

kittenful

Thanks! The DAFS is so much fun! I only posted a couple of photos from them since I made a blog for it last year, but I tend to go crazy each year and walk through all four runs (quick change MASTER over here). It's chaotic every time, but oh, SO worth it.

Here's the link if anybody would like to see the rest. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/kittenful/view/the-detroit-alternative-fashion-show-two-years-running-580975

FromHereOnOut

Awesome!!

I love it because I can relate to the whole post-pregnancy gain (mine was due to ravenous hunger during breastfeeding--who knew?!) and feeling of defeat and finally the wake-up. I'm thrilled for you! Way to go!

Thanks for sharing.

soberlicious

amaaaaaaaaaazing job and i love your funky style!!

odusgolp

Dude... well done.

loriemn

awsome work!!! you look fabulous! Love the hair colors!

ianthy

Just amazing! Love the hair colour too!

believeinme0430

You look amazing! Awesome job!

bebeisfit

Stunning photos!

PJPrimrose

Good job!

lilaak007

just wow!!

kittenful

Thanks, everybody! :blushing:

That breastfeeding hunger, though, no flippin' joke! Gah.

Nice2BFitAgain

FWIW - you were beautiful in the first fashion show photo but you have done amazing job and you look the bomb now too. Good for you!!

kittenful

Thank you. I was okay with how I was before, but I'm ecstatic with how I am now. I'm back to where I wanted my weight to be, with the added bonus of strong muscles and a healthy cardiovascular system. I worked hard to get to this point, and it feels fantastic!

qtgonewild

so incredible!

hmaddpear

You looked awesome before, you look amazing now! Well done!!!

And I *love* that black and red corset. Lovely!

StacyRenee77

Holy wow, you look amazing!!

mcneilnomore

You are beautiful. Congratulations on your success. But....I have to ask.....do you miss your bubbies? I ask because I got mine when I gained weight and I know they are on their way out. And that corset. Wowzers! What an awesome job you've done!

knucklesammie

INCREDIBLE transformation! Hot then and HOT now! Babe town! hubba hubba!!!

kittenful

Thank youuuuuu!!! Babe town, hehehehe. ^_~

I miss wearing that black and red corset, but it went to a good home (to a best friend, who bought it for me in the first place).

I do miss my rather large bust on occasion, but that's happening less as time goes on. I take comfort in the fact that bras and shirts are now a LOT easier to shop for. It's definitely worth it.