Need post-turkey motivation? Look here!

GreenGettingLean · November 2011

Hi everyone! I wasn't going to post my before and after pics until after New Years, but it seems like many are struggling after Thanksgiving to find motivation to lose weight and get healthy. So I thought I'd try to help :flowerforyou:

Some background on me: I am 23 and 5'3 on a tall day. I was born with a dislocated hip which has been fixable after several surgeries; however, it has left me unable to participate in contact sports or running (or even wearing heels!). It has also left me with arthritis at the ripe old age of 23, particularly in both knees. I also have IBS and I'm lactose intolerant, and I have struggled with disordered eating tendencies. I tell you all of this so that if someone out there is reading this - like I once did several months ago - and is thinking, "oh, I could never give up (insert food here)" or "I can't exercise, I've got a bad (insert body part here)", that they know it IS possible with will power, determination, and planning!

I joined MFP in July 2011, a few months after being involved in a fairly serious car accident. After numerous doctor appointments and seeing that unfavorable number on the scale over and over, I finally decided it was time to take control of my lifestyle. I was always rather small in high school and college, but after graduating, the desk job weight packed on and I was at an all-time high weight of 140. I was uncomfortable, I felt unsexy, and most of all, I was scared of the impact that extra weight would have on my already fragile body. So I joined a local gym with a friend, found this website, and made one little change at a time.

Here's me around April 2011 at 140 pounds:

Slowly but surely, those little changes paid off and I became healthier and healthier. My IBS symptoms have all but disappeared now that I've cut back on processed foods - and those of you with IBS know how valuable that is. To get around all of my limitations with exercising, I tried out a spin class and found that I have a passion for it. I also swim at a local pool and I love that too! Once I hit my goal weight of 122 at the beginning of November, I tried out weight training at the gym. It was intimidating, but every time I go, I'm more comfortable.

Here's me at 120 pounds, my lowest weight since high school!

I'm still working on some things - I want to keep getting stronger and lose 1-2 more pounds. But hey, it's a lifestyle change, right? My boyfriend and I have made plans to bike the C&O Canal near Washington, DC next summer, so I'm excited to start training for that. Every once and a while I have to take a step away from MFP and logging to regain my sanity and keep my obsessiveness in check, but MFP has been an invaluable tool in my weight loss journey. I could not have done it without all of the support and knowledge I've found here!

Thanks for reading, and I hope this inspires someone else just like I've been inspired by these posts!

Jay0hwhy · November 2011

i find this so motivating! thanks for sharing! it makes me want to continue, especially since i am close to your height and my goal weight is your goal weight!

ashleighjoy2007 · November 2011

Wow, I thought you looked good before. You look amazing girl! Congratulations, you deserve that bangin body after all your hard work! Consider me inspired =]

Amber82479 · November 2011

Hi there,

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with a rare form of arthritis at 14, so I completely understand where you're coming from. Some days, working out is a huge challenge. I have also suffered with some addictive eating patterns and it can be very frustrating. Being diabetic on top of that makes it even more painful. I'm so glad I read your story and found some inspiration to get off of the binge eating cycle I've indulged in for the last couple of days. Congrats on meeting your goal weight and finding ways to workout that you're passionate about and accommodate your physical limitations. It was really nice to find someone who deals with some very similar issues. Always good to know that there are others out there who can relate

blazergrad · November 2011

Great story! Thanks for sharing and Congratulations!!! :happy:

GreenGettingLean · November 2011

aww thanks guys :blushing: Feel free to add me if you'd like!

GreenGettingLean · November 2011

oops I accidentally made my pics really tiny. here they are again at the right size (I hope):

BEFORE:

AFTER:

fye9835 · November 2011

THANKS FOR SHARING,MAY BE YOU CAN ADD ME AS YOUR FRIEND.
HI MY NAME IS ANNIE.TRIED LOT OF WAYS TO LOOS E WEIGHT FOR SO MANY YRS.I JUST HIT 37,WHICH MAKES IT MORE HARD.I HAVE LOT OF BACK PAIN.NOW DIAGOSED WITH BULGING DISC ON MY NECK.HAVE 2 LITTLE KIDS.FEEL LIKE
I HAVE NO TIME FOR MYSELF.I WOULD BE GOOD FOR 2-3 DAYS,THEN I WOULD GO BACK TO SQUARE 1.MY WEAKNESS
IS SWEETS-CHOCOLATE,ICECREAM,CAKE,ETC.I NEED HELP.IF SOME ONE CAN HELP ME.THKS

GreenGettingLean · November 2011

just make one little change at a time! you will get there

Creiche · November 2011

You've been such an inspiration and have done an amazing job!! You look awesome and I can't wait to join you near 120 lbs.

lupa01 · November 2011

THANKS FOR SHARING,MAY BE YOU CAN ADD ME AS YOUR FRIEND.
HI MY NAME IS ANNIE.TRIED LOT OF WAYS TO LOOS E WEIGHT FOR SO MANY YRS.I JUST HIT 37,WHICH MAKES IT MORE HARD.I HAVE LOT OF BACK PAIN.NOW DIAGOSED WITH BULGING DISC ON MY NECK.HAVE 2 LITTLE KIDS.FEEL LIKE
I HAVE NO TIME FOR MYSELF.I WOULD BE GOOD FOR 2-3 DAYS,THEN I WOULD GO BACK TO SQUARE 1.MY WEAKNESS
IS SWEETS-CHOCOLATE,ICECREAM,CAKE,ETC.I NEED HELP.IF SOME ONE CAN HELP ME.THKS

I used to think that it was harder to lose weight over the age of 30 but I have since changed my mind, considering that in the last year I have lost more weight than I had in a very long time. You just have to be very focused and committed to losing weight. You have to eat right and exercise, that's it. Keeping a food diary is the key to changing your eating habits. You have to find alternatives to the things you like to eat, like any of the weight watcher's ice cream is delicious, and fiber one bars taste like candy bars to me, but I wouldn't go overboard on those, but just letting you know there are lots of options out there. If you stick with MFP and you really want this and are willing to dedicate yourself to it, you will get where you are trying to go. By the way, I am 39 years old, have been on MFP since October 1 and have lost 19 pounds, so it can be done. Good luck to you!:-)

lupa01 · November 2011

Awesome job young lady, very inspiring story!:-)

gonzalezmona · November 2011

I am truly inspired to keep forging ahead!! Can't wait to join you at 120lbs!!

Keep up the excellent work!!

robinogue · November 2011

you look great!! congrats on your successful journey!

GreenGettingLean · November 2011

aww thanks everyone! I know 20 lbs is nothing compared to some of the superstars on here that have lost 100-200 lbs, but 20 lbs makes a huge difference on my small frame and more importantly on my mindset that weight loss and being healthy IS possible!

summer827 · November 2011

Great post!! Thanks for sharing. I do need post-turkey motivation. Lol. I'm also on the short side (5') and I know that an extra 20 lbs makes a huge difference on me! I go up a pants size for each extra 5 lbs!

You look great!! Keep up the good work! I'm sure your body appreciates it!

GreenGettingLean · November 2011

Great post!! Thanks for sharing. I do need post-turkey motivation. Lol. I'm also on the short side (5') and I know that an extra 20 lbs makes a huge difference on me! I go up a pants size for each extra 5 lbs!

You look great!! Keep up the good work! I'm sure your body appreciates it!

Thanks so much! and yes I know alllll about what a difference that 5 lbs makes. It's just not fair for us shorties!

kimtpa1417 · November 2011

You look great and thanks for posting. This proves that even with hurdles it is possible to live a healthier lifestyle. I also have IBS and have suffered from it since I was a teenager. And notice that since I have changed my eating habits I have not suffered from the symptons but maybe once here or there and to me even if I never get to my goal that is all worth it for me.

mleoni092708 · November 2011

Thank you fir sharing your story. You faced odds much harder than most people and have come out on top. I hope you give yourself all the credit you deserve for being so strong. I am very inspired by your success. Great job!