Straw that broke the camel's back

My health had been geting worse then one day when walking the kids to school I couldnt breath very well, I have athma and this just made me so sad that even after a 10 min walk I was so unhealthy.

health reason's .... the main point that sticks out to me was looking at the pic on my profile and thinking to myself thats discusting!

My mom has loads of obesity-related health problems at just 51 (heart disease, strokes, breathing problems, the lot) and I just don't want to end up like that as well.

My jean size--I was at the highest size that my favorite store for jeans carried.

I was ashamed of seeing myself without a shirt on and it almost got to the point that even with a shirt on I was feeling down on myself.

For me it was a build up and a snap. I was getting sick more often, my knees and hips hurt all the time, I got sciatica from walking up the stairs and tweaking my left hip - I was having to crawl up the stairs to get to my bed room. At a dr visit with an ENT for my 8th sinus infection in a year, my blood pressure was high. It had never been high. He checked it three times, all three times - still high.

But that didn't even do it... what did it was vanity. My cousin-in-law married his longtime girl friend in October a year ago. I had bought a dress from the fall collection of Lane Bryant that December (a 90 dress for 30 bucks). When I went to try it on, I couldn't get it zipped. Spanx w/a minimizer bra and I could get into it. I said, that's enough - the dress was a 22 and too tight! That night, we went out to dinner at a nice Mexican place.

The next day, I found MFP. I had already lost 15lbs by their wedding and the dress fit.

Now, I don't even feel the need to wear spanx and I wear dresses and skirts at least once a week.

I saw a picture that my boyfriend had taken during a hike, and I looked so squishy and squat. Ick.

I was almost 400 pounds and hated myself, but did nothing about it. I had resigned to the fact I was going to be 400 pounds and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I bought larger clothes and just kept eating. I had Yo Yo dieted all my life and figured I just did not have the will power to do it.

One day my dad calls up and tells me that I am going to start walking with him since he is diabetic (and thin I might add) and needs to walk. I found out later that his real reason was me. He was worried about me. I was having boat loads of health issues and was probably headed to death.

Once the weight started coming off it was like a jump start. Through the Lord and MFP I have lost a lot of weight. I plan to keep going since it has been easier then I thought!

I am tired of the shame and jokes and the simple fact I could not do anything but eat and sit in a chair, but praise the Lord he is setting me free and I am aiming for 150 pounds in the next 2 years.

A picture. It was taken in May and of course I was sitting next to two skinny friends and I looked like I could easily crush them both. I started running after this, but no changes to my diet. I started eating better and tracking calories in August after my 28th birthday. I realized I didn't want to completely waste my 20s being overweight. That was enough motivation for me. 22 lbs lost and 8 lbs to goal!

Joked about losing weight when the challenge was 'big' enough.

My sister encouraged me to log my calories one day, 'just because'.

I think it was the 26th August last year.

The totals made my eyeballs pop out and that was a day that I thought wasn't 'that bad.

Things have changed a lot since then!

Watching my Mom go thru a very long and painful death from Diabetes this summer. I vowed I would never put my family thru that.

A combination of feeling so uncomfortable, not being able to get a good night's sleep and seeing a picture of myself on my sons 21st birthday

I needed to get my act together so I could look after my wife better

My doctor said I was diabetic and needed to take meds ...... at the same time I saw a photograph of myself that pushed me right over the edge :sad:

Joined the South Beach Diet website and lost about 35-40 lbs over 18 months ....... it's not fast, but I was very satisfied ....... they don't stress calorie-counting ....... a year ago SB had a bit of trouble with their website, so I stopped & tried to lose on my own ....... I did manage to maintain, which was good !

Then some former SB pals of mine suggested I try MFP ....... the calorie-counting takes a little getting used to, but I really like it now ..... and of course, we all try our best to exercise each day ...... a little friendly competition works wonders !

So, the bottom line is ....... over the last 4 years I've lost 45 lbs ...... am off diabetes medications ....... joined a gym ...... and "met" a whole bunch of great people online, both on the SB website & here ........ this has been a great adventure !

Wishing you great success !

when my bf couldnt touch his hands together when he hugged me.. Very embarrassing.. But now he can very easily.