My story w/pics

Like many others I was waiting to post after I got to my goal but I am 10 lbs away & while looking at my MFP pics decided I'd share my journey (so far).

I was skinny as a rail until I had my first child at 19. After that I teetered and really didn't struggle much afterall, I had a little one to chase around. In 1989 I had a partial hysterectomy (sp?) and started to gain. But I went on WW and lost most of it until 2003 when I lost my dad, my daughter got her license, my son got married, I turned 40, got a divorce, moved twice, started a new job, and fell down some stairs and blew out a couple of discs in my lower back. I think that's all. I fell into a very deep depression. I would hardly leave the house, cried all the time, stayed in bed as much as possible, stopped existing, wouldn't socialize and walked around like a zombie. As much as I'm not sure I want to admit it here, I tried suicide but an angel saved me 2 times. After much counseling, trial & error medication and HUGE amounts of support from my family (noodleheadgal). I started to come out of it. But I was at a whopping 244 lbs (maybe more). I'd look in the mirror and see a big YUK so I avoided it as much as I could. I started WW again and got down to 195 lbs. I started working again and socializing.

Then I entered a new relationship (bad) and slowly put on about 20 lbs. Relationship ended, I wasn't going to let myself fall again. I had the tools to make it through anything now. Then I met the man of my dreams and in 2009 we were married. I weighed 214 lbs (he loved me like I was). Since the fall down the stairs, I've had surgery and although it improved my mobility I was still very limited. In April 2010 I was going to the orthopedic doctor regularly and trying to get better but suffered a spinal headache after a test they'd given me I was in the hospital for almost a week. In November I started seeing a chiropractor (my 3rd angel). I've been getting better ever since. January 10, 2011 I knew that it was up to me to be healthy and strong. I started MFP and was hooked. I've lost 41 lbs since starting my healthy me. I could barely get in & out of the car before. Yesterday... I rode 9 miles on my stationary bike, did home yoga and walked 2 miles on the track.

Other than this post, I try not to look back and see only the future where I am healthy, strong and confident. My hubby loves the new body, but he loved the old one too. I've went from a size 18-20 to a 12 in most things. I feel younger, I look younger, I am soooo much better.

If you are here and you don't think it's possible to get where you want to go... think again. We all have issues of one kind or another. I think the trick is to see them as obstacles and find ways to put them behind you. I log every day, no matter how many bad choices I've made. I exercise at least 5 days a week and I eat most of those calories back (fuel). It's been a long journey to this point but everyday that I sign on MFP I feel empowered by the friends I've made and the accountability to myself that I have mastered. I won't stop when I get to maintenance, I need to SEE how I treat my body.

I start each day with a stretch before I get out of bed and 3 very deep breaths where I say positive affirmations " I am strong, healthy, happy, capable, kind, fulfilled, positive....." you get the point. I live each day one at a time. I try not to let others problems become my own. I try to be kind and respectful to everyone.

I am a changed person - you can be too! Add me if you'd like but beware I am honest and a little sassy - LOL

10 lbs to go then we'll see where I go from there... All I want is to LIVE HEALTHIER EVER AFTER

Comparison

Wedding 2009

2008

Me & Noodle Easter 2011

32 down

Now! 10 to go