Halfway there 43 down /40 to go

So I started MFP more than 2 years ago, but only got serious last November. I had a bout of sciatica that really scared me - I could barely move. I've had sciatica since I was pregnant for Boy#1 21 years ago, but NEVER this bad. I attributed it to my size. I was 234, am 5'4" and wore size 22.

I said, enough is enough - went and joined a gym to strengthen my core and the rest of me to try to prevent that from happening again. I also stopped eating bread, flour, rice, sugar and potatoes. Protein and salads. Protein shakes. I have treated myself occasionally but no longer eat the entire 'family size' bag of potato chips in one sitting.

It has been a long slog - I often get frustrated when the scale doesn't move, but I persevere, one day at a time. Am battling aging as well as perimenopause symptoms (OBGYN issues finally resolved). I fluctuate between 1200 cal/day to 1650.

I go to the gym 3x week, 2x with my trainer, and walk 5k on the non-gym days.

This time next year I hope to post my FINISHED success story. Sorry the pics aren't great, but I hope they serve to tell some of my story.

Feel free to send me a friend request.


SW - 234 (or larger, stopped weighing)
CW - 190

Ssize - 22 or 2XL
Csize - 14 or L/M

BMR 1480
TDEE 2060

Daily calorie goal ~ 1650. 1200 on occasion.

This time last year:






This summer: