First photos of me at 280 pounds and now at 232
Hanfordrose
Posts: 688 Member
In November of 2011, I weighed more than 280+ pounds. I stopped looking at the scale at the VA hospital, when it said that I was more than 280. I don't know exactly what I weighed on the day this photo was taken. I only know that I was in a lot of pain. Both my knees were screaming, and I was only weeks away from living in my wheelchair with only a few painful steps on my walker to the bathroom.
I gave away that jacket on the day that I saw this photo. I hated how I looked. My belly was barely covered, and my butt was pushing the back of the jacket outward. I literally filled that jacket from front to back. I could barely get my pants up over my butt. I was almost splitting out the seams in the area of my inner thighs.
One year later...November 2012, my weight was down only slightly to 270.9 pounds; and my doctor and my surgeon both said that I should NOT BE STANDING OR WALKING...and certainly never without my walker. The risk was too great.My x-rays showed that degerative arthritis and years of carrying my weight had destroyed my knees. No cartilage or cushion remained in either knee. The bone heads had dozens of small fractures, just waiting to spread through the long bones. I could not afford to fall again.
My surgeon set me a goal. "Lose 70 pounds, and I will give you 2 new titanium knees." That meant...no more wheelchair, no more walker and I could walk freely again. I could run, if I wanted; but I was somewhat doubtful that I could pull off that challenge. I hadn't weighed less than 200 pounds in more than 30 years. Most of my life, I had weighed more than 240 pounds.
I ruled out gastric surgery for fear of complications and permanent 'damage' to my stomach, but I finally decided to 'give dieting a try'. In December, I decided to start counting calories. That's when I found MFP.
This morning, I weighed in at 232.0 pounds...almost 40 pounds down since my surgeon asked me to lose 70 pounds.
I had my hubbie takes some photos of me today. Clothes that really fit me are not in my closet. Everything is loose, but I am not going to buy any newer, smaller clothes...until I reach Onederland. New clothes and new knees will come at the same time.
By the way...I am wearing the same size pants in my photos today; and they are so loose that I may have to take in the waist, if I plan to wear them much longer. All of my tops are now baggy. I have no 'tight' clothing left.
I gave away that jacket on the day that I saw this photo. I hated how I looked. My belly was barely covered, and my butt was pushing the back of the jacket outward. I literally filled that jacket from front to back. I could barely get my pants up over my butt. I was almost splitting out the seams in the area of my inner thighs.
One year later...November 2012, my weight was down only slightly to 270.9 pounds; and my doctor and my surgeon both said that I should NOT BE STANDING OR WALKING...and certainly never without my walker. The risk was too great.My x-rays showed that degerative arthritis and years of carrying my weight had destroyed my knees. No cartilage or cushion remained in either knee. The bone heads had dozens of small fractures, just waiting to spread through the long bones. I could not afford to fall again.
My surgeon set me a goal. "Lose 70 pounds, and I will give you 2 new titanium knees." That meant...no more wheelchair, no more walker and I could walk freely again. I could run, if I wanted; but I was somewhat doubtful that I could pull off that challenge. I hadn't weighed less than 200 pounds in more than 30 years. Most of my life, I had weighed more than 240 pounds.
I ruled out gastric surgery for fear of complications and permanent 'damage' to my stomach, but I finally decided to 'give dieting a try'. In December, I decided to start counting calories. That's when I found MFP.
This morning, I weighed in at 232.0 pounds...almost 40 pounds down since my surgeon asked me to lose 70 pounds.
I had my hubbie takes some photos of me today. Clothes that really fit me are not in my closet. Everything is loose, but I am not going to buy any newer, smaller clothes...until I reach Onederland. New clothes and new knees will come at the same time.
By the way...I am wearing the same size pants in my photos today; and they are so loose that I may have to take in the waist, if I plan to wear them much longer. All of my tops are now baggy. I have no 'tight' clothing left.
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Replies
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great job...=)0
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What a difference already! You look great. I bet you are feeling much better. Keep up the great work :flowerforyou:0
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You look younger and happier, too! Keep going -- your story is very inspirational!0
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Awesome! Way to go!
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Phenomenal job and I have no doubt you'll reach your goal. And I'm sure your knees are "thanking you" for each pound lost. Keep up the good work and hopefully the much wished for knee replacements let you dance, walk, play and even run if you choose to do so!0
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Way to go! You are doing so well! :drinker:0
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Wonderful! Love your big smile. You'll be successful; I have no doubt!0
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Awesome!! Congrats to you!!0
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You look super gorgeous! Thumbs up! xoxoxox0
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Wow awesome job!!! You look wonderful. I'm sure your knees feel a lot better already
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Lookin' Good, Lady! Congrats on the loss!! Great momentum0
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Congrats! You should be very proud-your committment and hard work are paying off:bigsmile:0
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Great job!!!0
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Outstanding.. keep up the good work, and you will get there and beyond....:flowerforyou:0
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Looking good! You do look younger, and I just love the smile on your face! Keep up the great work. It is really paying off! 0
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Great job!
I got my new knees in Jan of 2012 and it was the best thing I ever did. Yes, recovery was tough, but I did what they they told me and never looked back.0 -
That is amazing! Congrats on the new life...and you will make onederland so good luck in knee surgery new knee for a new you!! so inspiring!! 0
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great job! yeah for putting your health first!0
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Very impressive. I know how tough it is to have to lose weight before surgery, I'm in the same boat. The motivation that one day I won't have a hip that hurts and may be able to walk a 5K is what keeps me going. Good for you!!! Keep it up!!!0
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Congratulations on your success -- and thank you for sharing your powerful and compelling story. Very inspiring.0
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Excellent you look amazing!!0
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Terrific to see your progress and great smile. You've put a lot of effort into this, and it shows!0
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Great job! Keep going. 0
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Way to go!!! 0
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How inspring! You've done so great, and it's amazing what a difference 50 or so pounds can make. Congrats!!0
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That is super great!0
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Excellent!!!!!!! You are doing awesome!0
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Congratulations...you look wonderful!!0
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You're rockin' it! Nice!0
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Congratulations! You're doing a great job, I know you will keep on til you reach your goal.
Hope your surgery goes well, you will feel so much better with your knee replacement
and being able to be more active and mobile will inspire you even more.
Good Luck!0
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