270-170lbs in under a year. Pics from my dream vacation

joyzy · August 2012

We just took a vacation that even a year ago I could never have imagined. We drove from PA to Montana and then backpacked for miles and miles. I felt strong, fast, and healthy. What a truly wonderful feeling.

BEFORE: August 2011, 270lbs, size 24.

AFTER: August 2012, 170lbs, size 10.

Hiking in the Badlands, South Dakota

Hiking and camping in Glacier National Park, Montana

(this is my background, from my profile:)
I'm a 5'8", 32 year old, stay at home mom of three girls, ages 2, 4, &6.

I had a spinal cord injury in June 2011 at 270lbs. Emergency spinal surgery, and temporarily paralyzed from the waist down. Regained sensation and mobility over the next few months. At my discharge appointment in August 2011, the neurosurgeon said the best way to prevent reinjury is to lose weight. The next day I started really slowly daily exercise and tracking my food on MFP.

I began my exercise SLOWLY. Like really really slowly. The first day, I walked around my block. 0.25 miles in 25 minutes, with a CANE. The next day I went a little father, the next day a little faster, just doing what I could, getting out there and moving and sweating every single day. After many months, I added in 30 second jogging spurts. Then I just tried to run more and walk less, gradually introducing faster speeds as my body could tolerate it. After a few months, I was able to jog for my whole workout.

Currently during a typical week, I run 6-7 days/week and lift 2-3x/week. I've done five 5k races this spring and summer, and hope to train for longer distance events.

The key to my success: Consistency. Just get out there and DO it. Watch your portions. Sweat every day. No excuses.

:-)

Joy

BreeLopez94 · August 2012

wow thats amazing! Great job! & You look fantastic!!

vtmoon · August 2012

A totally different person, Congratulations!!

Sidesteal · August 2012

WHAT THE @#$% IS THIS REAL LIFE?

This is some Ed Davenport stuff going on up in here.

REMARKABLE work.

Bravo.

wendygutie · August 2012

awesome! congrats....you look great!

retrobaby · August 2012

Thanks for posting your pics and story. You have worked hard and it shows!!!

jennifleurb · August 2012

Joy - thanks for sharing. Your story is very inspiring!

and you look amazing

bohonomad · August 2012

holy crap thats amazing!

mishelerenee · August 2012

That's awesome! I just started (this is week #2), but hope to have have a similar story in the fall of 2013

. Keep up the awesome work, and wish me luck!

silvergurl518 · August 2012

you look CRAZY FIT!!! but more than that, truly HAPPY.

mazel tov!

chezileigh · August 2012

That's a motivational story well done. You look fab, and your holiday looks wonderful x

BlessedandBeautifulBrown · August 2012

Wow .. amazing.. that for sharing..

unlocke · August 2012

Phenomenal job!! This gives me such hope. I've had 3 knee surgeries in the past 2 years. My recovery, along with my weight loss, is going at a snail's pace. But seeing your determination and the end result really helps. Great job!!

utahgirl247 · August 2012

i am so, so, impressed. you look fabulous and have to feel like a million buck!! such an inspiration. thank you for sharing. keep up your healthy lifestyle, it looks great on you!!

Jude1064 · August 2012

You have given your girls a wonderful gift! Your vacation looks amazing. Congrats!

stsung1979 · August 2012

You are a true inspiration and you rock! What a great example you've set for your children, too. Thanks for sharing your story!

2012asv · August 2012

omg! you look AMAZING!! congratts on your success:) what an inspiration

sunny_smile5 · August 2012

Congratulations! You are a true inspiration to all of us.

Romes08 · August 2012

WOW! This is fantastic! You are doing amazing and are such a motivation!! i am almost the same weight and the same height! I love seeing success stories like this, they make me realize that my UGW is in reach I just have to try, and push and i will succeed!

Thanks so much for the post!