Awakening: A Work In Progress

Sarah_Wins · October 2012

I’ll go ahead and tell my story for those of you interested. The rest can skip ahead to the pics as you will.

It was a year ago today that I got back from my dream trip around the UK, and hours on a plane made more uncomfortable than necessary (for me and the poor souls around me) by my obesity. Parts of the holiday that I had so looked forward to and carefully planned for months were all but ruined by my size 24 frame, and at a time when I should have been incredibly happy, I was so disgusted and despondent that I could think of nothing but that this must end and it would end today! If I did nothing else with my 34th year on this earth, I would rid myself of this burden once and for all, and never look back.

“To live meant feeding my former self to my current self.” Cameron Conaway

Having tried and failed at many balanced diets in the past, I thoroughly researched more extreme solutions. I discussed it with my doctor, and together we chose a carefully supervised Dr. Atkins plan. Throughout the year, she poked and prodded and tested me, adjusting and tweaking as she saw the need. And through it all, my doctor was my biggest cheerleader, despite the stigma of that way of eating.

In December, I started walking and received a Wii Fit Plus for Christmas. In January, I got bored and moved on to The Firm. February came and, bored again, I met Shaun T and started dancing. By summer, despite the warnings of those around me who thought I couldn’t handle it, I dove head first into P90X.

Once I got over the 100 lb mark, with a goal of roughly 125, I was ready to start transitioning to a more balanced diet. After P90X, I chose the exercise/diet combo of New Rules of Lifting for Women. I cleaned out my game room and filled it with gym equipment. Since then, my weight has stalled; however, there are noticeable improvements in strength each week! Clothes are getting loose again (<-please note the proper use of this word, thanks) and I’ve found I dearly love the feeling of a strong, fit body [insert dirty joke here]. Another thing that I love? (Young ladies, in particular, take note…) The CONSTANT feedings! It’s exhausting and expensive, but food still makes me happy, just for different reasons. So, for now, I’m a size 8. And this is the indescribable sweetness of my life today.

MFP is my Facebook, and many of my friends here are real friends that I have genuine love and affection for. Could I have done this without you? Probably. But I wouldn’t want to. Thank you for everything you’ve said, done, and been for me. :flowerforyou:

“I feel like a butterfly emerging from her cocoon, drying her wings in the warm sun before flying off to explore this wonderful new world that awaits her. What does life hold in store for her?” Susan Ashleigh Thatcher

Nikki31104 · October 2012

Unbelievable. You look absolutely amazing. I have lost 13 pounds since my journey here has begun but I don't feel any different. I don't know how much I will have to lose before I start to feel different. One concern I do have though is excess skin. What did you do to get rid of all the skin? Tomorrow I am going to start Zumba and I really hope that works. I am terrified of the flappy arms and sloppy stomach skin.

snarf432 · October 2012

What an inspirational story. So sorry that things had to get crappy for them to get better...but that is how it seems to work. I love MPF and think that you have bolstered my resolve. Thanks for sharing...you look amazing!

janeelizabethhoff · October 2012

Congratulations! You look Emazing! I am just beginning my journey, but your story inspires me. Thank You for sharing!

prism6 · October 2012

Awsome job!!!!!

Minnesota_Nice · October 2012

Sarah, all seriousness here, you deserve This. You have worked your *kitten* off and look where you are? My idol! I admire you and adore you from the north woods, you're my be tie on Mfp and my ***** on the streets.

You ****ing rock!

Sarah_Wins · October 2012

To answer the skin questions, and I apologize for not anticipating them in the original post, I do still have these issues and will be dealing with it for a year or maybe more, according to doc. This is probably not a bad thing, as it may be the only thing keeping me from getting arrested for indecent exposure.

I seriously DO NOT CARE that people see sagging skin on my arms - I bare them anyway! My belly and upper thighs? Let's just say I'll be ready for the next bikini season. Bet on it!

verptwerp · October 2012

Thanks for sharing your story with us ........ and you look phenomenal ....... enjoy your healthy new life !

GrandmaLynn1 · October 2012

Wow, what a great post and you look fabulous and it sounds like you have a new lease on life. What happened to all the extra skin on your tummy and arms with this drastic a weight loss in the past year, if I may ask? I will continue on, I have a similar story as yours, but just started the program on the 5th of this month. Kudos to you!

wimeezer · October 2012

You are an inspiration...not letting anything get in your way. Congratulations on your success. You look fabulous!

OkieinMinny · October 2012

amazing!! Great Job!!

bushidowoman · October 2012

Fantastic! Congratulations on your success!

Minnesota_Nice · October 2012

And your waist is soooooo tiny! I just want to pinch your butt! *pinch* oh I just did!

kelseyhere · October 2012

this is a great story. i hope you are happy now, you should be so proud of yourself. now you can conquer any trip with confidence!

fitsin10 · October 2012

Fantastic!!!! You look FANTASTIC!!!! Your a very beautiful girl! Your story was very well written and surely an inspiration to a lot of us. Keep up the good work.