I'm DONE! (yes, pics!)

HI! I'm Jennifer and I have been a MFP addict since January 2010...I think! I'll be turning 40 in April and I can't believe what a journey I have been on over these past years!

First, let me say that two years ago I finally realized that I am Codependent (I just finished a 12-step program for it through Celebrate Recovery). I've had severe self-esteem problems my entire life too. Let me also add, I'm tall. (5'10"), which means I never really looked as heavy as I was...I hid the fat well.

I came from a great family....unfortunately they do not live long. My father died of a heart attack at age 47. My grandmother died in her mid 50's. Everyone else died before I was even born. Who I have left, are all overweight and have numerous health issues. It's safe to say there are a few alcoholics in the family too. My father had high blood pressure and my mom's side of the family deals with high cholesterol. My husband, on the other hand, his family lives forever....even with a degenerative disease. My daughter is 10 years old and I want to be around for her and my husband (while he deals with his illness) for as long as I can!

I think it was Jan 2010 that I started finally exercising and counting calories. I had no idea how much I had been eating and was shocked to see how many calories I would consume in a day! I wore a size 14 in jeans....but really needed to be in a 16! I didn't leave the house much either. And sat on the couch most of the time in boxer shorts.

I've done a variety of exercises over the years. I like to change things up. I started with the Wii Fit in my living room. Then I started training in Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I moved onto New Rules of Lifting for Woman (GREAT confidence booster ladies!) to start building muscles. Then it was onto C25K. Even though I never really "completed" any of them, I learned a lot from each and every one.

In May I went to my doctor and asked her what my highest non-pregnant weight was. She said 192lbs. Wow! I had no idea....never weighed myself until after I started getting healthy. I'm now holding between 150-155 and happy with how I look. I still have some fat....and lots of curves...but I like it. There are some muscles in there too. I'm am the best shape, physically and mentally, than I've been my entire life. I'm stuck between a size 10 and 12 jeans....I have that awful problem of tiny waist and big hips/butt that always leaves a gap in the jeans at my back.

OK, so here are some pictures. You can see all of them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaybirddesigns/sets/72157635040111267/

There are not many of me "before" because of the shyness and self-esteem issues. But I had my daughter take some of me today.

This is the first photo I could find. Look at those thighs!

11.2008 by jaybird*designs, on Flickr

My daughter is actually the one who got me into MMA. This is us at one of her belt testings.

5.2010 by jaybird*designs, on Flickr

And yes, when I first started loosing weight, I rewarded myself with some sexy pics! Here is a tame one.

5.2010 by jaybird*designs, on Flickr

A year ago...I used to not be able to button these jeans!

6.2012.2 by jaybird*designs, on Flickr

And Today!

8.2013.4 by jaybird*designs, on Flickr

It was a long slow journey with lots of mistakes. And I kept fighting those last 10 pounds over and over and over again. But it was so worth it!

Jennifer