I am a success story, 58 lbs down (Who knew?)

kittenful · April 2014

I was overweight for 5 years. That may not seem like a very long time to some, but it was for me. It was pregnancy weight that first dropped off over 6 months and then suddenly came back in 2 (with a vengeance). I made a cursory attempt at getting rid of it, then just gave up. My heart wasn't in it, and I accepted that I was doomed to weigh more than I did at 9 months pregnant. I affected awesome self confidence when I was out and about, but refused to go out without a corset on. My friends didn't know that I hated having my picture taken. It never hurt me until I saw them after the fact. A year or so ago, I realized that I was done wallowing in depression and self pity. I had to do something, ANYTHING. I did a web search and discovered MFP. Best. Decision. Ever.

I borrowed my twin's Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD and started working out with her. I logged my food dutifully (the recipe calculator is my FAVORITE tool!) and was pleased when my husband, who I refer to as Beard-o, supported me by helping to make healthier dinner choices. We've found that we love cooking together and now include our minion where we can (she's 4, she gets to help mix, measure and pour things). His belief was that if it made me happy, everybody else would be happier in the home for it. He was right. I haven't had this much energy or felt so happy in years. I'm in love with life again. I actually work out for the pleasure of it, now.

My friends on the site have been awesome as well. I am a firm believer in having a strong support group. It makes a world of a difference! Really, it does. You guys and gals are RAD, and I highly doubt I'd have stayed quite so committed to this without all of your support. :drinker:

Without further ado, here's a visual of the changes I've wrought.

September 2012 - My mother's house, then the first Detroit Alternative Fashion Show

New Year's Eve 2013

June 2013 - A month after I began on MFP

July 2013 - Where my friends started noticing my weight loss

September 2013 - The second Detroit Alternative Fashion Show

April 2014 - Fast forward to now, this is my most recent picture

thatjosiegirl · April 2014

Wow! You look amazing! Fabulous job!!!! :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

Super_Amy · April 2014

Awesomely amazing!

bltrexler · April 2014

fantastic work!.

lauraashley09 · April 2014

You look amazing!!!! You have so much to be proud of!

_KitKat_ · April 2014

Amazing and love the hair!

kittenful · April 2014

Thank you all, I'm feeling the love. :smooched:

Tinatot125 · April 2014

Well done, you look great

navygrrl · April 2014

You look great! Love the alternative fashion show!

Happymom83 · April 2014

Awesomesauce!:flowerforyou:

KokowithaK · April 2014

OMG you look fantastic! I also love the fashion show photo! Great job!

kittenful · April 2014

Thanks! The DAFS is so much fun! I only posted a couple of photos from them since I made a blog for it last year, but I tend to go crazy each year and walk through all four runs (quick change MASTER over here). It's chaotic every time, but oh, SO worth it.

Here's the link if anybody would like to see the rest. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/kittenful/view/the-detroit-alternative-fashion-show-two-years-running-580975

FromHereOnOut · April 2014

Awesome!!

I love it because I can relate to the whole post-pregnancy gain (mine was due to ravenous hunger during breastfeeding--who knew?!) and feeling of defeat and finally the wake-up. I'm thrilled for you! Way to go!

Thanks for sharing.