I figured I'd make one of these (progression pics)

Schwiggity

So I've been incredibly obese nearly my entire life. I always thought it was normal to gain 30-50 pounds a year as I was growing up. I was 12 years old the last time I was under 200 pounds. I was about 13 the last time I was around my current weight (~255 pounds).

This is me in my Junior year of high school:



I could barely fit into most of the desks at school. Walking from class to class made me start sweating (and living in Florida doesn't help either).

I continued to gain weight throughout my senior year.



I remember going to get my senior picture taken, and them having to cut open the back of a tuxedo for it to fit me. I loathed myself, and I just wanted to go home and be done with the picture. It didn't matter what they did. I hated how I looked and how I felt.



While going to community college to get my A.A., I rarely weighed myself and avoided getting my picture taken like the plague. I remember stepping on a scale at one point and being nearly at the 400 pound mark.

What made me want to change my life wasn't a single event, but there is one that stands out in my mind as the breaking point. I was walking to a music store in the mall to get a CD (I hated the mall, but I really wanted the CD). While I was walking by some cell phone kiosk, the guys behind the counter were giggling. As I walked back past it after I got the CD, they said they could "put me in a drawing" if they could take a picture of me. I was fat. I wasn't stupid. I remember being angry and utterly sad when I drove home. I was tired of being treated like a freak show for being obese. I was tired of it being an ordeal just for me to walk outside. I was just f***ing tired.

I had half-assed the Weight Watchers program before. I knew how it worked roughly, and when I got home, I looked up where to attend a meeting. Early October, I weighed in for the first time at 384.6 pounds. These pictures are the ~30 months that have followed.














I've hit some plateaus throughout the past half a year, and had some gains as well. My lowest weight has been around 240 pounds. I'm currently at 258 and on my way downward again.





I still have a ways to go, but my life has changed dramatically now. I used to barely be able to walk a mile. Now I run 5Ks like nothing. I used to be afraid to leave the house because I'd have complete strangers laughing behind my back. Now I actually enjoy going out with friends. I didn't mean for this to get so "bloggy", but it's been pretty cathartic. I hope this can give someone a kick in the butt who needs it, and to know that it's not impossible, and it is worth it!

elephantmeg

great job! It's def a process not a one shot deal!

pjrisher

Congrats! That's so fantastic!

eeeekie

amazing job! keep it up!

melaniecheeks

Do you know what? I'm wiping away a tear reading that. Thank you for sharing, and wow, what a great job you're doing! Go you!

mangos4music

the change is remarkable! you are doing great keep up the great work!

funfitfoodie

AMAZING!

SaraTonin

I almost shed a tear too. Your dedication is so inspiring!!! Congrats on such amazing progress!

effthisdiet

Your progress pictures are amazing. I see a huge difference. Congratulations!

Brandicaloriecountess

Awesome! You did GREAT! Totally keeps me motived to see/read these stories

P90XCertifiedCoach

Way to go KEEP IT UP.

Kellee_76

Terrific! You should be so proud of yourself! I'm proud of you

tree1984

WOW!! Congrats!!!

gabbygirl37_2001

YOU are an inspiration....keep it up, you look great and you have worked hard to get to where you are! thanks for sharing your story and your pictures, it is really helpful to me!

taso42_DELETED

Really excellent progress! Congratulations!

Jorra

You've come so far, it's amazing to see what you've accomplished! You, sir, are an inspiration.

Xaspar

Wow ... Congratulations on your stick-to-it-iveness! Your hard work, patience and determination are certainly paying off.

Sherry1979

Congratulations on your determination & your success!! You are such an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing.

MissAnjy

the change in you is incredible!!! Keep up that hard work & keep that smile on, it suits you!!

Great job!

Karenvonw

Congratulations! You are such an inspiration! Keep up the great work!

MeliciousMelis

SUPER PROUD OF YOU. You are an inspiration! THANK YOU.

Annik06

Amazing!! great job.. you sure are the definition of determination

McBower

WOW! Great job!

damonmath

I'm so proud of you for sharing your story... You look fantastic... I bet you feel like a million bucks!!! Great Job! Keep it up!

4lafz

Now THIS is a success story. You may not know this but YOU are an inspiration to MANY. Think of how many wonderful years you just ADDED to your LIFE! AMAZING! Congratulations!

swissmardi

Thank you for sharing your story and pictures. It's a story so many of us have and I am always touched to see that someone else is speaking (writing) my words for me. You did this today. Thank you, again.

finafilms

Keep at it! You look amazing and all your hard work is an inspiration.

mfkfoster

You are such and inspiration! I here I was thinking of giving up because I was having trouble losing weight this month! You are doing absolutely fabulous!

Coco_Puff

You have done sooooo great!!!! Thankyou for sharing!!!!

2bFitNTrim

Bravo! Thank you for sharing your story. It brought a tear to my eye too. You've done a great job, and I'm glad you are able to enjoy life like never before. :flowerforyou:

janesmith1

You look great! Keep on down that scale! You'll get there!