A new lifestyle indeed!!

TamTastic

I just had a realization. I have been doing this and keeping it up for TWO years now.

I started my journey on September 6, 2007 at 270 lbs. I got through the holidays of that year unscathed and kept it up. I also got through the holidays of last year and kept it up. Add to that Super Bowl Sundays, girls nights out, birthdays (including cake) and BBQ's. And still lost 135 lb in 16 months.

And to be quite frank, this year has been one of joy and hope but also one of stress, uncertainty and sadness as well. I hit my goal weight in January...the same week I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd child. And then in June, I asked for a separation from my husband. Things were at a bit of a standstill for a bit there due to the pregnancy...but divorce proceedings are now underway again.

My point in being so honest here..is that despite everything(what I call life getting in the way), I didn't return to my old habits. I have kept up my new lifestyle...as though I have been doing it forever. It's like the years of yo-yo dieting and being miserably overweight never existed, even though the photos exist to prove it!

I kept up my healthy living through pregnancy. Wow! I didn't use it as an excuse to eat more than I needed.

I guess we all have our "wow" moment from time to time. I was never confident that I could keep this up in the past. This time is different. While I am not PERFECT 100% of the time, my way of thinking is so different that being less than perfect is OK....and I have trust in the fact that I won't let myself down again.

I just want everyone to know that truly changing your lifestyle is VERY possible. No need to be afraid or doubt yourself. You know you can do this...and I know you can do this. Just keep on, keepin on!! You may not be perfect 100% of the time....but just trust yourself to do this..and you'll be OK. The bigger picture is the important thing. You may lose a battle here and there...but you will still come out victorious in this war!!

Channing

You are truly an inspiration. Not only because of the weight you've lost (although, wow! :noway: ) but also because you are a strong empowered woman! Congratulations and thank you for the motivation!

barbiecat

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
Tam,
Thank you for sharing this. You are so right that it is possible to create a new lifestyle and stay in it no matter what. Too many people blame life's circumstances for returning to old destructive behaviors. i am so sorry to hear about the end of your marriage but I believe that there are better chapters still to come. Never, never, never give up.

You have inspired me since I started MFP and I am further inspired to know that you are continuing with healthy behavior. Thank you for all you have added to my life.
Barbie

mmnichol

I wish you well with your life changes Tam, hang in there, better things are coming!! :flowerforyou:

Amy_B

Thanks for uplifting us! :flowerforyou:

m2kjenn

Congratulations!!! It is so great to hear of such a success, you have done an amazing job through all the trials and stresses this year and a new baby to boot - WOW. So nice you can enjoy your healthy life with your two sons and be a great example to them of a strong, empowered woman.

ckholmes

Wow, You are Tamtastic! Your motivaton to keep so strong through all that has gone on is absolutely incredible. Staying on top of your lifestyle changes and not giving up is powerful and youve done it to goal. You have inspired me to push and not give up, you kind of gave me a different look at the journey
I need to make, I need to lose 115 lbs after gaining it all in one year of intense nursing school , I just feel my energy is so in the dumps I have hard time to keep motivated .

You have done a great job! Congratulations

Georg

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
Tam,
Thank you for sharing this. You are so right that it is possible to create a new lifestyle and stay in it no matter what. Too many people blame life's circumstances for returning to old destructive behaviors. i am so sorry to hear about the end of your marriage but I believe that there are better chapters still to come. Never, never, never give up.

You have inspired me since I started MFP and I am further inspired to know that you are continuing with healthy behavior. Thank you for all you have added to my life.
Barbie

:flowerforyou:
ditto!
You have helped me so much. You & the others here who have changed to healthier lifestyles really are so inspirational to the rest of us.
I wish you all the love & luck in the world as you continue to grow & be stronger.
:flowerforyou:

TamTastic

Thank you all for the great responses. I love hearing that my success has inspired you and I hope it continues to.

:flowerforyou:

arewethereyet

Tami, my friend, you were my thinspiration. Tamtastic is the perfect handle for you!!

When I started here and ran my numbers they said I needed to lose 50 pounds:noway:
I mean, I knew I was overweight, but that number slapped me in the face. I thought, "No way, no way I can lose that much weight"

Then I read your profile. At that time you had lost 98 or so pounds. I thought WOW if this girl can lose almost 100 pounds, without pills, gimmicks or surgery, I can certainly lose 30-40 pounds!!

And so it began.........our friendship and my new lifestyle.

Thank you for inspiring others to DO...........not just think but to DO!!

:flowerforyou: Jeannie

TamTastic

Tami, my friend, you were my thinspiration. Tamtastic is the perfect handle for you!!

When I started here and ran my numbers they said I needed to lose 50 pounds:noway:
I mean, I knew I was overweight, but that number slapped me in the face. I thought, "No way, no way I can lose that much weight"

Then I read your profile. At that time you had lost 98 or so pounds. I thought WOW if this girl can lose almost 100 pounds, without pills, gimmicks or surgery, I can certainly lose 30-40 pounds!!

And so it began.........our friendship and my new lifestyle.

Thank you for inspiring others to DO...........not just think but to DO!!

:flowerforyou: Jeannie

Thanks sweetie!

You have done such an amazing job. I am so proud of you!! :flowerforyou:

dragonfly81

Tam,

I love to see you post! It always reminds me that no matter what has happened in the past year, month, week or even day, I can straighten my back and do what needs to be done to get back on track. You've done so much for so many here just by sharing.

Thank you. I hope you have everything you wish for and more.

skinnydreams

You are an inspiration to so many Tam!!! Thank you for being here!!! This last year has had its ups and downs for me...the sleep deprivation and hormone fluctuations have taken there tole on me, but I still come here to remind myself, that when I am ready I will again reach great success! I've set another goal for myself, by Christmas I will reach my goal weight and the baby will sleep through the night, right!!!:laugh: Keep being a strong and powerful inspiration!!!

mindi_lou

Tam~ You are a great inspiration and motivator for me. Congrats on being able to keep it up during trying times. Keep up the great work! You look great!

threeupthreedown

I applaud YOU.
YOU are totally awesome!!!
What you have been through has made you the person you are today.
Congratulations on your weight loss.
YOU inspire ME!!!
God bless.

TamTastic

Tam,

I love to see you post! It always reminds me that no matter what has happened in the past year, month, week or even day, I can straighten my back and do what needs to be done to get back on track. You've done so much for so many here just by sharing.

Thank you. I hope you have everything you wish for and more.

Thanks for that! I hope I can help people to know that despite everything going on in their lives, that staying on track is very possible. It's just about making it as much of a priority and "habit" as anything else.

:flowerforyou:

TamTastic

You are an inspiration to so many Tam!!! Thank you for being here!!! This last year has had its ups and downs for me...the sleep deprivation and hormone fluctuations have taken there tole on me, but I still come here to remind myself, that when I am ready I will again reach great success! I've set another goal for myself, by Christmas I will reach my goal weight and the baby will sleep through the night, right!!!:laugh: Keep being a strong and powerful inspiration!!!

Hey you!

I hear you on the sleep deprivation!! haha...it's tough!

This site is great for keeping on track..and just give yourself mini goals. Thinking of the end result can be a bit daunting..so just focus on smaller, more reachable goals and before you know it..those smaller "losses" add up! :happy:

Take care! :flowerforyou:

TamTastic

Tam~ You are a great inspiration and motivator for me. Congrats on being able to keep it up during trying times. Keep up the great work! You look great!

Thank you! Best of luck in reaching your goals! :flowerforyou:

TamTastic

I applaud YOU.
YOU are totally awesome!!!
What you have been through has made you the person you are today.
Congratulations on your weight loss.
YOU inspire ME!!!
God bless.

Wow! Thank you for that. :happy:

You are right..everything that happens to us is what makes us tick. I guess the important thing is to look at all of it (especially the bad) as a test and as a source of wisdom for the future.

Best of luck to you!! :flowerforyou:

Kath712

Wow - thanks for sharing your message! It's very inspiring to see you've been here for over two years... it truly is a lifestyle change. Congrats on your weight loss, but even more impressive is your courage and resolve. You are a very strong woman! You have very much to be proud of.
Kathy

MOMOFTWO29

Tam,

Thank you so much for sharing this great story. You are an inspiration to me. I have been struggling for over a week to eat healthy, my computer went down and I had to wait on the phone company to send me the Modem box that I needed to get it up and running again, I did horrible, but I know that I can do this and I am getting right back on it. Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for always being so positive.

DeeDeeLHF

Tami,
Your honest sharing was amazing. Thank you!

My goal is lifestyle change!!! Sometimes when I get down to that next size I am afraid to give away my bigger clothes...."what if I gaint he weight back and need them again?" We do not have much money and purchasing clothes that fit has been a challenge for me.

Everytime I am tempted to put something bad in my mouth, I ask myself..."will this help you reach your goal? Is this what your REALLY want?" and 99 times out of a 100 I put it down and don't eat it.

I am a firm believer in the fact that this loooooonnnnngggg journey towards true lifestyle change is made up of minute decisions every moment of the day!

What gives me the courage and resolve to do all of that? It is people like you and banks and arewethereyet!!!

Thank you for being you!!!

DD

arewethereyet

OMGoodnes I was mentioned along with Tami and Steve!!

I am truly honored to encourage and inspire others.

I am humbled.:flowerforyou:

DeeDeeLHF

Jeanie,

It is very true! You inspire me everday with your postive attitude and encouraging spirit. For you and Tami your success in weight loss pales in comparison to the gift you have made of yourselves by your honesty, sharings, and encouragement.

Thank you!!!!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

DD

TamTastic

Wow - thanks for sharing your message! It's very inspiring to see you've been here for over two years... it truly is a lifestyle change. Congrats on your weight loss, but even more impressive is your courage and resolve. You are a very strong woman! You have very much to be proud of.
Kathy

You're welcome. And thank YOU!!! :flowerforyou:

TamTastic

Tam,

Thank you so much for sharing this great story. You are an inspiration to me. I have been struggling for over a week to eat healthy, my computer went down and I had to wait on the phone company to send me the Modem box that I needed to get it up and running again, I did horrible, but I know that I can do this and I am getting right back on it. Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for always being so positive.

You can definitely do this and reach your goals despite some setbacks now and then. Just try to move forward and don't let them derail you completely.

Good job in getting back on it! :flowerforyou:

hotdiggitydogs3

Wow! What an inspiration you are! Your honesty is refreshing and helpful as begin my journey today. Thank you for sharing your success. Congratulations on your success - not just on the scale, your success in life!

TamTastic

Tami,
Your honest sharing was amazing. Thank you!

My goal is lifestyle change!!! Sometimes when I get down to that next size I am afraid to give away my bigger clothes...."what if I gaint he weight back and need them again?" We do not have much money and purchasing clothes that fit has been a challenge for me.

Everytime I am tempted to put something bad in my mouth, I ask myself..."will this help you reach your goal? Is this what your REALLY want?" and 99 times out of a 100 I put it down and don't eat it.

I am a firm believer in the fact that this loooooonnnnngggg journey towards true lifestyle change is made up of minute decisions every moment of the day!

What gives me the courage and resolve to do all of that? It is people like you and banks and arewethereyet!!!

Thank you for being you!!!

DD

Thank you!!

I am sure that anyone here who has lost a significant amount of weight or is on their way to losing it can understand that fear. I think the important thing is to gain confidence while losing the weight. You know what you are capable of....how strong and determined. There is no reason you can't feel confident that you can keep this up forever. I know it's easier said than done but I can honestly say that is what I have gained this time around. That doesn't mean I never have a fear..but it just means that I feel sure that I can do this forever despite not always being perfect.

And I am so happy to help you to feel more confident and to have the courage to keep this up.

:flowerforyou:

TamTastic

OMGoodnes I was mentioned along with Tami and Steve!!

I am truly honored to encourage and inspire others.

I am humbled.:flowerforyou:

You are awesome Jeannie!! :happy: :flowerforyou: :drinker:

Porscher

I am so proud of you!! I will be praying for you--a healthy pregnancy, delivery and continued success!!

havingitall

Tami.... you continue to be an inspiration to so many. I know that looking at your success spurs me on when I am feeling it is all to hard. These past few weeks have been diffficult for me. First we were away on vacation and eating out for all meals and then I had meetings at work where we had breakfast and lunch brought in and then out for dinner for 2 days. Throughout all that I continued to work out hard and although I didn't lose, the only weight gain was through sodium and it is all gone now.

This posting of yours was the kick in the butt that I needed. Thanks for putting me back on track