I'm doing it!!!! (Pics!)

Geloza · June 2014

Hello, first post but have been using My Fitness Pal on and off for years. Wanted to tell my story in hopes it might help someone else!

I have always struggled with my weight, even as a young adult. I am 5'3", 32 years old and married to the best man ever! I had my first child when I was just 16. My second child at 25 in 2007, which I then weighed up to around 180 lbs.

In Jan 2010, I tragically and unexpectedly lost my 10 year old son to a firearm accident. After he passed, over the next few months, I dropped 50 lbs from depression, heartache and stress alone - no dieting and exercise. It was the thinnest I had been in over 10 years. This was by far, the worst thing I had ever been through and it's still very hard. I was devastated but I lived on for my daughter and my husband, doing the best that I could.

Naturally, all the weight went back on and then some very fast. Within, 8 months, my highest point became 203 lbs. I was still depressed, although I was hanging on. The guilt I carried from losing my boy was all I needed to stop caring and I let myself go, finding solace in fast food, soda and sweets. This is me at this point in my life, 2011-2014. The weight fluctuated between 180 - 203 for 3 years and I was miserable.

In January of this year, I didn't realize it yet but I started a journey that's been changing my life. There have been so many ups and downs but I haven't given up yet! It's hard, mentally more than physically for me but I have lost over 40 lbs and still going strong! As much as the lbs are dropping, I'm also losing a lot of the guilt and depression I have. I'm still not where I want to be but I'm soooo much happier now and I can only see it getting better!

Hopefully, my story can help someone else to persevere with their weight loss journey when they need encouragement. I'm so proud of myself for overcoming the endless mental battles in my mind, guilt and negativity in my life. My husband has been my biggest supporter and has loved me unconditionally through this all. I want to lose another 20 lbs and be at 140 lbs hopefully just in time for our 6th wedding anniversary this Sept.!!!

Geloza · June 2014

Hmmm, looks like I need to figure out how to add pics... >.< If anyone can help, that'd be great! Tried resizing and using all links from Photobucket but none are working!

Saw the help post so I'm working on it now lol

saraj9999 · June 2014

I am so sorry for your loss and so glad that you are doing the HARD work of pulling yourself out of it for the sake of your daughter. Keep up the good work!

Romyarts2014 · June 2014

Damnnnn! Way to go, your looking fantastic!!

Off topic, how do you guy post pictures on here?

Geloza · June 2014

Thank you a ton!

Geloza · June 2014

Damnnnn! Way to go, your looking fantastic!!

Off topic, how do you guy post pictures on here?

It was challenging lol but there is a post at the top of the Success Stories that explains a good way, the way I used.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1041112-need-help-adding-pictures-look-here-tutorial-with-pics

And thank you also!

Geloza · June 2014

So far, since January, got rid of 8 inches off my hips and 6 inches off my waist!! Can't wait to see 29 on the tape!!!

mandybear014 · June 2014

Great, great, weight loss! I admire your courage to share your story here on MFP. I couldn't even image going through something like that but you are the definition of how to bounce back. Congratulations on your hard work. :drinker:

Geloza · June 2014

Thank you so much. It's def made me a strong person and to become strong, one must first become weak. I want other people to know they also can have the same hope I have, hope for better days, no matter what you go through.

I miss my son and think about him every single day but time does still, inevitably, go on. I needed to make a choice.

MFP has helped me a ton too, even though I haven't used it consistently. Just now, I am starting to venture into the community side of it. Hoping for warm responses, understanding and acceptance while I'm here. We'll see how it plays out! So far, so good though.

Cerakoala · July 2014

You look wonderful! Awesome!!!

and you look so happy

Geloza · July 2014

You look wonderful! Awesome!!! and you look so happy

Thank you and I can say I am def happier than when I started. Not all the way there yet. It's easy to smile for the camera but real life is still a daily grind and can be really challenging sometimes. Surrounding myself with positive people helps a lot.

Geloza · July 2014

You also look great Cerakoala! And happy too

Koofers · July 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss, your story brought me to tears. You look beautiful and you've done an amazing job, congrats on your weight loss

sinistraltyger · July 2014

Great job on fighting through the depression! Keep going, Do this for yourself, for your body. We are all proud of your accomplishments! Keep working hard, and you will find your goal. Hugs to you and yours.

georgiagreeneyes · July 2014

So far, since January, got rid of 8 inches off my hips and 6 inches off my waist!! Can't wait to see 29 on the tape!!!

Congratulations on your weight loss. Your loss is unimaginable, I hope you continue to heal as you achieve your health and fitness goals!

Nicolee_2014 · July 2014

Firstly, sorry to hear about the loss of your son and secondly congratulations on your weight loss! Amazing :flowerforyou:

christhenix · July 2014

Hun, as a father I can not imagine losing a child in those circumstances, and my heart goes out to you.

You will never forget your son, or the tragedy of his passing, but you deserve to be happier and to be able to replace some of that guilt / grief with happier memories when you think of him.

What I do see is a brave woman on a new journey, and I hope you continue to be positive and reach your goals.

You are doing an awesome job, and long may it continue! xx

2dare2dream · July 2014

For me your story shows me how strong you are. Even with the loss of your beautiful boy you found the strength to carry on for your daughter and to make a better healthier life for yourself. It brings to mind the quote, "women are like teabags, you never know how strong they are till you dip them in hot water". And you ? well you let yourself mourn and got lost a little in that grief[unsurprisingly] , but then you took control, you made a choice and now you are here.
I wish you well sweety on your journey, and applaud you on your journey so far.

Geloza · July 2014

Wow, thank u all for the kind words, it brought me to tears

bizgirl26 · July 2014

Sorry about your loss, you look fabulous and I hope you have the strength to continue your weight loss journey

my2kin04 · July 2014

Im sorry for the loss of your son, I couldn't imagine the pain and heartbreak you've been through, just reading it makes me tear up.

It is so inspirational ( your weight loss story) and you should be very proud. Keep up the good work you look amazing.

Geloza · July 2014

Thank you ladies, means a lot. I'm stronger mentally than ever before and only getting stronger so yes, I will def continue. I want to be a better person for my boy too. I can hear him tell me "Mom, what's wrong with you?! Why are you SO sad? I'm in heaven and I'm HAPPY, I want YOU to be happy too!" So, for him, my daughter and husband, I've come too far to go back now. If all I can do for him now is be happy, then for him, I will do that.

rieann84 · July 2014

You look fantastic, and i'm sure your son is proud of your accomplishments and determination.

Beccas_Life · July 2014

Your story has truly touched my heart this morning, and I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss... I give you all the credit in the world (and then some!!) for being determined in your journey. You look incredible and congrats on your many successes!

Geloza · July 2014

Thank you girls sooo much for that. Trust me, there were a few times, the tears were flowing while I was working out because a certain song came on or a certain thought entered my mind. It's hard still, no doubt! But honestly, speaking from the heart, if I can do this, you guys can too.

We all have diff struggles and we're all in this life together!

kittenkris · July 2014

Awesome job! My heart goes out to you. I loved reading that you know that your son is in heaven watching over you. I am sure that he wants you to live the best life that you can. My family has gone through similar loss. We take comfort in knowing that families are forever and we can be with those brothers, sons and grandsons again some day. My best to you. Keep living your best life.

Geloza · July 2014

Thank you.

At our core, if we have no hope, then we have nothing. And like you said, for you and I, our hope lies in knowing we'll see them again. Until then, we must make the best of things now. I believe we will be held accountable in the end and I NEED to make him proud.

Gonna start my warm up right now and do arms. Gotta keep it moving!

CassieR6 · July 2014

Wow you look amazing! And are a great inspiration. I haven't been through anything as you have but I have my own mental issues I need to over come! You look stunning!

Geloza · July 2014

Wow you look amazing! And are a great inspiration. I haven't been through anything as you have but I have my own mental issues I need to over come! You look stunning!

Thank you and your issues are just as important as any others. Good luck! You can do it. :flowerforyou:

Watch_Me_Rise · July 2014

I am very sorry for your loss, I lost my dad and brother this year so I know how devastating a loss of a loved one is, although losing a child is a level on its own.. Keep up the good work

mcneilnomore · July 2014

Thank you for your story. I am moved beyond measure. I am in awe of your strength and perseverance. You look great and more inportant, you feel great.

I'm doing it!!!! (Pics!)

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