209 to 153 in 17 months w/pics

I got pregnant with my son in 1998, he was born early 1999. I gained 60 pounds and lost maybe 10 of it, over the next few years I got lost about 20. In 2006 my daughter was born, I gained 40 pounds with her. When I was 9 months pregnant I was 215 pounds.
My daughter was born with a birth defect that effected the way her skull was growing. The stress of knowing my baby had to have a major surgery to fix it when she was 10 months old was so overwhelming. I ate my way through it, over the over the next couple of years I knew she was not healing properly, then I found out she needed a second surgery when she was 4 years old. I was devestated and again, I turned to food to deal with it.
She finally healed and everything was perfect with her. I decided I needed to change my life. I was 209 pounds and depressed. I had no life, I was ashamed about letting myself go. I was always the skinny one in high school and in my early 20's. I lost some friends from shutting myself off from the world. My life was all about my children and not about me at all.

On January 18 2012 I was on facebook, someone had mentioned MFP, so I googled and found it. I was excited because I had no clue how to get started with my life change. I started off with walking everyday. I weighed all my food, started making better choices. The weight started coming off. I was so excited. I started brisk walking and a little bit of jogging. In September I decided to join a gym. I started weights, less cardio. I go to the gym 3 times a week, I try to do something active everyday, even if it's just going for a walk.

My goal weight is 150. I'm at 153 today. I'm 5'6" I went from a size 20 jeans to size 8. I bought my first pair of skinny jeans in April. I cried in the change room, I never thought I would be able to fit in skinny jeans.
I'm a pear shape, I have curves. I will never be the size I was in high school, but honestly I don't want to be. I love my curves.

I'm 39 years old, I feel more alive now than I did when I was 29. I'm happy and losing this weight has changed my life.
I've had a rocky relationship with MFP over the past 17 months, but if you stick to it, it works. I have met friends for life on here, and I couldn't have done it without their support, especially my girls Kim and Allie

So here are the scary "Before" Pictures, hope I do this right!







Now:







Thanks for reading my success story, and if you want to add me as a friend, please feel free :drinker: