It might be a long road, but it's so worth the journey!

katapple

I started my struggle with weight after I got married in 2002. We moved to a new state and I didn't work right away. I sat on the couch, played video games, ate whatever I wanted, and drank a LOT of beer. Next thing I knew, I weighed 170lbs. I wasn't happy with my body, but I wasn't about to do anything about it.


I got pregnant and had a miscarriage in 2005, which brought my weight up to 180. I never lost that weight before getting pregnant again, and gained 40lbs with that pregnancy. Finally after weighing in at a whopping 220lbs on my small 5'3" frame,


I decided enough was enough! I was determined to lose weight before the next baby. And I did it! I used Weight Watchers and breastfeeding, and got down to 150...30lbs below pre-pregnancy weight! I got pregnant with my second child in 2007 and quit weight watchers and breastfeeding. Bad idea, gained 60lbs with that one!


I got back on track again, and breastfeeding got me back down to the 170s.

I started 2009 at 171, I started 2010 at 161, and I started 2011 at 145. It has been a long long journey, but I think I have finally figured it out. This is a complete lifestyle change. I get the grumps if I don't get my daily exercise in. I make better choices, but I also allow myself to live a little. I'm still trying to go down one size, but I am finally happy with my health and mostly happy with my body (2 c-sections are not good for the belly!). Best thing is I have the energy to keep up with my kids and I am a happier person.

Here I am today, hover between 140-145, and I've been the same weight since April of last year! This year my goal is to get toned and strong, and maybe go down one more pant size. I would also like to run at least 2 half marathons. I went from a tight 16 to a comfy 10, my dress size is either a 6 or 8!

just finished my first half marathon:

LisaZaugg1976

Great job!!!!

VintageBeauty

wow! you have made amazing progress.. you look great!!!

dlaplume2

Good job!!! I'd love to see that quilt when you are done.

Best wishes.

Capucine72

You look so beautiful and what a dramatic change. You give me hope as my starting weight is the same as yours and I'm 5'3 also.

morningstarluv

Your story touched my heart! Congratulations on all the hard work! You must be so proud of yourself. Keep on running :happy:

sroseber

Great job and way to stick with it even though the road is long. Congratulations!

You look fantastic (and your boys are adorable!)

jamiesgotagun

You look awesome!! Thanks for sharing!!

Candothis

What a great story! Thank you for that and Congratulations! I wish you continued success in the future for you and your beautiful family!

mezmez73

u look fabulous!!!!

NicolePatriot

You look amazing! Good job

Hemis_mom

You look great thank you for sharing your inspirational story!! Some days I just think I can't do it--then I see someone on here who did and it gives me hope that maybe I can too!!

Thank you
Kendra

12skipafew99100

It just goes to show, its NEVER over. You always have to keep trying. Good for you. You're beautiful!

courtrptr13

Thank you for the inspiration! Baby number three was born 7.5 months ago and it's time to get back into shape! I've lost weight before and I know I can do this, but it's hard getting started. I, too, want to run a half marathon this year so I'm going to focus on reaching that goal along with losing weight. You look great BTW!

AydensMom528

WTG You look AMAZING and you are such an inspiration. Keep up the great work.

OH and BTW Your family is beautiful.

nextrightthing

What a wonderful story of success. You know I had to just think about how different my life would have been if I would of dealt with my weight issues a long time ago and not drug them around for so long. Good for doing this while you are young and your children are young..........so totally impressed with your tenacity.

katbass

Katie, you know Im one of your biggest fans I love your dedication and determination, and the fact that you enjoyed the process even when it wasnt easy! You are so inspiring, and I think of you often when i want to stop running. Your success is contagious! I will credit you when I meet my goals someday soon Keep up the awesome work and thanks for sharing your journey
xoxo

katapple

Wow, thanks everyone! I honestly didn't realize it had even been 8 years since I started gaining weight, or that I was even that big. I remember looking at a picture from before kids a couple months ago, and I was like, I was big before kids? LOL

Dlaplume2 ~ Well, I might take a few more years, I just started racing so I only have about 6 shirts right now LOL

Kat ~ You are way too kind! But I'm glad I can inspire my friends that live in my computer ;-P

Court ~ Good luck on your training and half! I am by no means an expert, but if you're looking for support, add me as a friend!

KatieM7

Katie AMAZING!!! You are doing so great keep up your hard work.

wvmom30

You look so good!!! WTG!!!

DJJW

WOW! Great job!!

jamie78

Great job! you also have some handsome little ones.

sgreene87

Wow, incredible and motivating story. You look wonderful!

emmyvera

Wow! Thanks for sharing your success! You look incredible!

Sugar_Apple

You did great!!! Awesome story...you are such an inspiration...

Sasha_Bear

Congratulations you look awesome!

RunConquerCelebrate

Wow!!! you look beautiful what a change you made your family must be really proud. Thank you for sharing your story it is always a great motivator see people succeed in their goals and it keeps me motivated to know that it can be done.

Loribell23

What an inspiration you are! I am so touched by your story too. I have 3 kids- so I've had 3 c-sections. It's hard to get your belly back for sure!! You look amazing.

ajbeans

WOW, you look amazing! What a fantastic story. Thank you for sharing.

svgaedtke

Congrats!!! you look great, and way to go with the half Marathon!!!

katapple

What an inspiration you are! I am so touched by your story too. I have 3 kids- so I've had 3 c-sections. It's hard to get your belly back for sure!! You look amazing.

It is so so hard! But I'm hoping to at least make it improved. I know there will always be a 'flap', but maybe, just maybe, I can make it smaller

Just remember, keep going! Even if you allowed yourself to stop for months, when you come back, give it your all. One day it will click. Honestly, this site has helped it click for me. So hopefully all of you won't have to struggle as long as I have!