What a difference a year makes...with pics

Today marks my 365th day of logging on MFP...

I am 44 years old. I am 5'5" tall.

I was not an overweight kid, I was always athletic. Then something happened.

I got myself into an emotionally abusive relationship which progressed to an even more emotionally abusive marriage. I turned to eating and drinking to try to cope. Fast forward through 15 years and then 2 kids later, I was 220 lbs. I would venture to guess that I was heavier at certain points, but I didn't go near the scale much. I was in a size 18 pants (which were quite tight) and a 2X or 3X shirt.

Last July, I got dragged to my 25th High School Class Reunion. I was miserable, I didn't want to be there, which shows in the picture. I was mortified and completely humiliated. Yet it still took me almost 1.5 months to do something after that. In August, I met a friend at a wine festival and was telling him about how much I turned out like my mother. She was obese and had extremely high, uncontrolled blood pressure. So did I. She died at age 32. I don't remember her at all. I have 2 boys, ages 13 and 10. I stated to him that I was worried that if I died they wouldn't remember me. He asked me...how old do they have to be before it is ok for you to die? Because you are killing yourself just like she was.

He was right and I knew it. The next day I joined a gym and started on the bike. It felt safe, I knew what I was doing. Then I progressed to the treadmill and started the C25K. Much to my surprise I did it. I dropped most of my weight quickly. I lost 60 lbs by January of this year. Now I have been fluctuating the same 5 or 6 lbs ever since. I am renewing my commitment to getting the rest of the weight off. I had originally set my goal weight at 135 lbs. I am a bit more realistic at this point. My body seems to be stuck between 160 and 165. My new goal is 145 lbs.

In the year that has passed, I have lost 62 lbs. (now I am at 55 lbs lost), I have lost 8.5" off of my waist, 6.5" off of my hips and 5" off of my chest. I have gotten down to a size 10 (some 8's but not many) and a large top. The most important thing for me has been that I went from uncontrolled blood pressure on 3 meds...to no meds and normal blood pressure!!

I am still considered overweight, but I am still working on it.

I have (re)met the man of my dreams. We have known each other since high school. We have since gotten married. He is the most supportive, loving man. My life couldn't be better right now. Well, until I lose the rest, then I may take that back!



25th High School Class Reunion 7/7/12


Before-workout pic


Before