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

Schwiggity · May 2011

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 · May 2011

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

pjrisher · May 2011

Congrats! That's so fantastic!

eeeekie · May 2011

amazing job! keep it up!

melaniecheeks · May 2011

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 · May 2011

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

funfitfoodie · May 2011

AMAZING!

SaraTonin · May 2011

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

effthisdiet · May 2011

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

Brandicaloriecountess · May 2011

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

P90XCertifiedCoach · May 2011

Way to go KEEP IT UP.

Kellee_76 · May 2011

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

tree1984 · May 2011

WOW!! Congrats!!!

gabbygirl37_2001 · May 2011

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!