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

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joyzy
joyzy Posts: 97 Member
in Success Stories
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.
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AFTER: August 2012, 170lbs, size 10.

Hiking in the Badlands, South Dakota
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Hiking and camping in Glacier National Park, Montana
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(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
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Replies

  • BreeLopez94
    BreeLopez94 Posts: 38
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    wow thats amazing! Great job! & You look fantastic!!
  • vtmoon
    vtmoon Posts: 3,436 Member
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    A totally different person, Congratulations!!
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
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    WHAT THE @#$% IS THIS REAL LIFE?


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

    REMARKABLE work.

    Bravo.
  • wendygutie
    wendygutie Posts: 156 Member
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    awesome! congrats....you look great!
  • retrobaby
    retrobaby Posts: 613 Member
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    Thanks for posting your pics and story. You have worked hard and it shows!!!
  • jennifleurb
    jennifleurb Posts: 97
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    Joy - thanks for sharing. Your story is very inspiring! :) and you look amazing :D
  • bohonomad
    bohonomad Posts: 171 Member
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    holy crap thats amazing!
  • mishelerenee
    mishelerenee Posts: 14 Member
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    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
    silvergurl518 Posts: 4,123 Member
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    you look CRAZY FIT!!! but more than that, truly HAPPY. :) mazel tov!
  • chezileigh
    chezileigh Posts: 255
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    That's a motivational story well done. You look fab, and your holiday looks wonderful x
  • BlessedandBeautifulBrown
    BlessedandBeautifulBrown Posts: 464 Member
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    Wow .. amazing.. that for sharing..
  • unlocke
    unlocke Posts: 149
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    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
    utahgirl247 Posts: 370 Member
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    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
    Jude1064 Posts: 83 Member
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    You have given your girls a wonderful gift! Your vacation looks amazing. Congrats!
  • stsung1979
    stsung1979 Posts: 2
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    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
    2012asv Posts: 702 Member
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    omg! you look AMAZING!! congratts on your success:) what an inspiration
  • sunny_smile5
    sunny_smile5 Posts: 91 Member
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    Congratulations! You are a true inspiration to all of us.
  • Romes08
    Romes08 Posts: 114 Member
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    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!
  • megsi474
    megsi474 Posts: 370 Member
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    Well done, you!
  • Brandon74
    Brandon74 Posts: 453 Member
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    That is awesome! Complete transformation.

    Congratulations. You look great!

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