50lb gone (pic heavy) - My journey so far.

Hi. I'm Hazel. I'm 26 years old, engaged to be married next October and have a one year old daughter :flowerforyou:

In March of this year, I was the biggest I've ever been. 258lb (18st 6lb), a size 22 (US size 20) and miserable. I didn't want to be a fat bride wearing a plus size wedding dress, my fiancé deserved a happy healthy wife and I didn't want my daughter to have a fat mother. :sad:

This was me.



I joined MFP and set myself a goal weight of 174lb, a healthy weight for my height of 5'10. I started going to the gym, counting my calories and doing as much as I could to be active and sensible. My fiancé, who is a healthy 180lb and 6'1, gave me his full support and encouragement, and reassured me constantly that he loves me, regardless of whether I'm big or small. The weight started to come off. :bigsmile:







I've hit plateaus along the way, and made mistakes too. But I learnt you haven't failed because you've fallen off the wagon, you fail if you don't dust yourself off and get back on it. People who would never have complimented me in the past started to notice and say nice things.

I've had NSV's along the way, and some amazing MFP friends and friends IRL who have never failed to support, encourage and motivate me to keep going, not give up, and do my best. I really feel that having a good support network can make all the difference.

This is me now:



My BMI has changed from 37 (very obese) to 29.9 (overweight). I've lost 50lb (over 3.5 stone) and am a large UK size 16 (US size 14). I am the smallest and healthiest I have been in years. I can push my daughter up a hill in her pram without getting out of breath and it feels great. I have lost over 40" across my body. I want to hit my goal weight by July/August for my wedding dress fitting, but if I don't make it, I know it's not the end of the world because I WILL GET THERE EVENTUALLY.

I never thought I would be able to post one of these success stories, but even though my story isn't finished yet, I hope it gives someone else out there the motivation to do it. You will make mistakes, you will hit plateaus, you will feel like nothing is happening and it will be tempting to give up. DON'T. I promise you can do it. All you have to do is start. :flowerforyou: