Over 130 lbs. lost! A few pics...

I used MFP in 2012 and lost many, many pounds. And from Christmas 2013, when my dad passed away unexpectedly, until Dec 2015, I ballooned up to 385 lbs. At least 60 pounds was swelling/edema. I was admitted to ICU Dec 19, 2015 and watched around the clock to make sure I breathed. I was almost put on a ventilator. I was pumped with IV lasix and began using a bipap. The water came off and I went home 6 days later and about 50 pounds lighter. Thanks to the bipap, I felt better and started losing weight slowly without too much effort.

In June of 2016 I found out I was pregnant. At my first OB appointment, I weighed in at 311.8. Not surprisingly, I was pretty much immediately diagnosed with gestational diabetes. By the end of the 9 months, with my strict low glycemic diet and walking and swimming laps, I was down to 261 lb. after delivering my healthy, beautiful daughter in February 2017. The healthy part is miraculous to me considering the risk factors-morbidly obese, advanced maternal age, prior health issues plus GDM.

I was nursing so I figured I would continue to lose easily, but no, by May 2017 when I went to the endocrinologist to hear I was next in line for diabetes, I was up to 271. I came home, logged back into MFP for the first time in 5 years. I was happy to see some of my old friends still active!

By August I was down to 230 and the follow up with my endocrinologist went great. A1C 4.9. No diabetes, No prediabetes, no return visit for a year. I continued to lose and in October I started circuit training. I love it and currently do a 40 min workout of either a cardio or strength focus 4 times a week. I also walk often and swim laps when I can.

I have logged 250 days this time, I'm down 130 pounds from that OB appointment. I try to eat clean, but I still have pizza and desserts occasionally. I choose lower carb versions and whole wheat/grain and sugar free products. I try to and usually get at least 100 grams of protein daily, drink A LOT of water, and usually don't eat much breakfast, only maybe a protein shake and some milk in my coffee for breakfast. Lunch is usually small too, but I cook a family dinner every evening and that's usually where I get most of my calories. NO food is off limits, and I will eat back some or a lot of exercise calories.

I would like to lose 10-15 more and be in an optimal BMI, but I'm feeling pretty good about my size 12. In the first pictures I was a tight size 24/26. I feel better than I ever remember feeling. I am flexible, strong, and have endurance. My family is proud of me, and my husband, who has lost 35 lbs himself, thinks we're newlyweds again. If you struggling or just need a boost--Look at those first pictures! My goodness, I was miserable.