I Lost A Person, But I Found Myself: Leaky's Story

teamstanish · April 2013

Simply amazing!

luckyshilling · April 2013

Thank-you for sharing your story. It is so inspirational!

LisaY76 · April 2013

You look amazing. I am shocked by your before pics. It doesn't even look like you. I never would have guessed that were almost 300 lbs. WTG on all your success. I know you hate to be an inspiration so I won't say it but you have my utmost respect and I am so lucky to have you as a friend on MFP. Thanks for FINALLY sharing your story Lea. YOU ROCK!!!!

JBearsMom21 · April 2013

Holy moly girl you look freakin' amazing! You're story was so very inspiring and I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you so much for sharing!

Crankstr · April 2013

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

did I mention

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY?

oh and

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

MindyG150 · April 2013

What a journey! You are awsome!

pandorakick · April 2013

Awesome! :smooched:

ironmonkeystyle · April 2013

What a great job! you're the best!

Otterluv · April 2013

You look AAHHH mazing!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story :-) I was wondering though, did you ever have down weeks? where you just couldnt find the OOmph to continue? I'm in that kind of slump and I was hoping you might have some encouraging words?

Quoting so she'll definitely see this as I'm sure she has some encouraging words because she's THE most motivational person. Ever.

QFT

She's always all up on my wall, saying things like "Remember, if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten", or "nothing tastes as good as thin feels!".

RedHotHunter · April 2013

Holy Sheet!
So glad I came across your post today. Our stats are VERY similar and strech marks about match also (although yours are from a better reason than just laziness like me lol) Your story and photos have really touched me. Thank you so much for posting this. It's slow going but someday I'm gonna make my own post like this!
Congratulations on your confidence!!!
:flowerforyou:

jodymammahenhinesroyals · April 2013

YOU ARE AN AHHHHMAZING INSPIRATION!!! Thank you for your success story! I have been obese my whole life and have been up and down the scales starting the yo-yo'ing at 6 years old. At 13, I lost 80 pounds but never reached goal, still lacking 25 pounds; at 25, I lost 217 pounds but still lacking 75 pounds of that almighty 160, that stupid number I have been trying to reach that would make me "beautiful." But, every time I lost, I never got "strong." I am now 46 years old with the most wonderful athletic 15 yr old son who, as his best friend, wants me to do sports with him. I am 220 pounds from that horrible 160 number, but I am determined to get there this time. My son works out with weights and running every night and my desire is to do all of this with him. My journey is beginning AGAIN today, but this time I am going to make it! Thank you so much for your story!!! I would like to be friends, I would love to have such inspiration in my life to cheer me on to that finish line!!! Keep getting strong and, whether you know it or not, you are being strong for us who want to be you one day!!!

Cr01502 · April 2013

Lea, I'm so glad that you chose to share this.

It is a tremendous accomplishment and I think it really represents just how strong of a person you are.

I am so proud to know you.

:flowerforyou:

allisonrozsa · April 2013

Bravo!

xMonroeMisfit · April 2013

Such an amazing success story Lea.

SO very proud of you.

aNewYear123 · April 2013

That is awesome

HiKaren · April 2013

Thanks Leaky... Thanks for telling your story. And a great one at that. Its hard to believe your the same person from the lady who had given birth in the before picture. I liked the part about the stall and gain. And its nice to know theres the explanation for it. And just goes to show, how important the kick-*kitten* workouts are, when it comes to getting to our goals. And just goes to show that we don't need to be sooooo low on the intake to lose it, and shrink it. I was wondering about your story. Now I have it. Thats how you got soooo barney bad-*kitten* looking!

Wonderful "JOURNEY"

nextrightthing · April 2013

bump

iBreatheMusic88 · April 2013

Omg... Ive never read a story I would just look at the pic and comment on how awesome someone looks, I loved your story and you do look AMAZING!!!! i LOVE WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT YOUR HUBBY AND BEING ABLE TO FINALLY SEE WHAT HE SEES, THAT IS SO SWEET! And you are right, there is no after! Your story isnt over girl! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL BEFORE AND BEYOND!

jennylee133 · April 2013

Incredibly inspiring story...thanks so much for sharing it!

Mainebikerchick · April 2013

I was really moved by your post, Lea. When I got to the part about seeing youself thru your husband's eyes, I actually cried and I'm not afraid to admit it! I think you have come such a long way and have so much to show for it...DavPaul hit the nail on the head when he said you were the most inspirational Mommy on MFP! I'm so glad to be your friend and I'm so proud of all you've accomplished...you make me realize that I will be strong and leaner someday soon if I keep up with lifting. And then maybe I'll post my own success story!

:drinker:

:flowerforyou: