what was your "a-HA!" moment?

This is embarrassing, but I knew I was obese and was in the whole "I'm fine with myself" stage of life. My husband was happy with how I looked, I was comfortable with myself. I knew I needed to lose weight but it just didn't seem possible. Went to Louisville this summer and went to the Slugger Museum. I couldn't fit in the seats to watch the short film when you first go in. I was kinda wedged in there sideways. The most embarrassing moment of my life. I was so utterly humiliated. I decided then something had to be done. Didn't know what. About a month later decided to purchase a treadmill and joined up here. One of my best decisions ever.

I stopped looking in mirrors, a friend said that a new years party was a good enough reason to 'break-diet' and followed that sentiment with, "You're on a diet, too, aren't you?" I wasn't. Then I had a dream that my face was getting so fat that all the recognizable features and bone structure had melted away.

I've lost 55 lbs since then.

Never going back.

When I had to decide between investing in size 14 clothes or maintain at size twelve. I chose the latter and today I bought size four, fully expecting that it will be my new size.

Looking at pictures of myself that my friends took at our holiday parties this year. I really didn't like the way I looked and I untagged most of them on Facebook hahaha. But I realized that nobody should be embarrassed about how they look or about their body and in order to change that, I have to change myself

Hubby took a photo of me when we were out. I didnt know he took it till we got home. I saw it & cried. Next day was Feb 8th 2012.... I started working out that day.... every day since I have worked out.


I've now gone from 95kg to 61kg in 11 months today. From a size 22 down to a size 12. I can run 10km without needing to stop once, I could barely walk 1km without having to stop because of my back. Now my back is stronger & in less pain. I'll never be able to work again.... back is not cured, just less pain.

I've put 10 years on my life, I look younger than what I am & even ppl I grew up with don't recognize me. I'm fitter than they are & they hate that. That's all the motivation I need to keep it up.


Oh that & the fact I don't even have to try the clothing on in-store. I walk in, see a size 12 & walk out knowing it will fit.

I had two really.
1. A few months ago, I was flying to the US to visit family. Because i had an infant, we were placed in the bulkhead seats so she could be put in a bassinette. Those seats are significantly more narrow and the arm rests don't do up, so I had no choice but to wedge my fat *kitten* into it, for 16 hours, and I thought my hips would crack from the pressure. It was the most painful experience of my life, and I've given birth. Twice.
2. I've been trying to get health insurance for months, and have been denied again and again. Reason? I'm too fat. That's all. No pre existing conditions, no blood pressure issues, nothing. Just too fat. When the very last place I applied turned me down, i got really angry. How dare they discriminate against me? But then I realized: I AM a health risk. I could die at 50 like my own obese mother...or I could do something about it and live to see my kids grow up and have kids of their own and set a good example for them.

That's why my kids are my avatar on here: Seeing their faces reminds me every day why I can't quit and I can't say "I can't".

Good thread! :-)

Being mistaken as pregnant, pictures of myself, realizing I've gained back all the weight I lost in high school (and then some), and having to pay the extra fee for a 'big size' when getting a bridesmaid dress for my best friend's wedding!

My "ah-ha!" was seeing a friend after 12 years and with tears in his eyes he asked me who the fat girl was that ate his Kimmy. It was harsh to hear ... more harsh to accept ... and even more harsh to agree.