Why do you do it?

I do it because I want to see my kid grow up. One of my friends died in February, she was only 41. I'm 25, but I don't want that to be me. The thought of dying when my daughter is young scares the hell out of me.

I do it because I want to feel beautiful. I've been overweight my entire life. I don't remember being thin, I was probably thin when I was a newborn, that's it. I don't care what anyone says, I won't feel beautiful until I lose weight. I have a wonderful husband who loves me no matter what, and I'm grateful for it, but I need to love myself as well.

I do it because I want pretty clothes. Any plus size woman knows how crappy it is to go clothes shopping. I want to be able to walk into any store and know they'll have something in my size. I don't want that anxiety anymore, I hate it.

I want to prove people wrong. I've had mean things said to me my entire life. My 10 year high school reunion is in two years (oh god). I want to lose weight so I can prove to the bullies that I rose above their teasing.

To be healthy, stronger, have more confidence and look better. Being flabby and unfit was getting me down, i was tired of trying to cover my mom tum, sick of not bringing my kids swimming because i would need to wear a swimsuit in public.