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Name: Michele B.
Age: 38
Height: 5'6"
Before Weight: 387 pounds
How I Gained It: My story begins around late 2008. I was enduring a bad marriage and a very sick toddler with kidney and bladder problems. Food was what comforted me through these dark times, especially pasta, sweets and anything chocolate.
Breaking Point: I decided to change my life for the better and put myself on a path towards becoming healthier. It was especially important to me to do this for my children. The "new" me was about to start.
How I Lost It: I began eating better. I cut out all sugar, junk foods and foods that were fried. I focused on foods that were baked or grilled only. I increased my intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole-grain foods.
I also started walking three to four times a week for about 30 minutes each day. As months passed, the scale was looking better and better. I knew that if I could get down 10 or 20 pounds, I could keep going... so I did. And I kept going... and going!
I joined a gym, and walked on the treadmill, used the elliptical and did strength training twice a week. Today, I still walk outside and go to the gym. I enjoy exercising, although most of my peers try to avoid it at all costs. It’s a stress reliever, and I feel so good after I am done.
It was not easy. All I can say is that anyone trying to do it the right way should put themselves into a routine of eating better and committing to exercise on a daily basis in some form.
By the middle of last year I weighed in at 197 pounds -- 190 pounds lighter than where I started a few years earlier. I had lost a whole person! After my separation, I began dating an old flame from my teen years who stuck with me and had faith in me to help me along. He has taken "progress photos" of me all along the way of this journey. I know he is proud of me.
I did run into some obstacles. Around the holidays, I lost my father, with whom I was very close. I ate whatever and without care. My weight increased about 25 pounds. I am back on the horse and determined to keep going again. What is important to realize is that time is not a factor. You cannot expect to lose it overnight, and a great deal of patience is needed. The scale will show mercy if you can wait it out and make the right choices in what you eat.
I had made short weight loss goals throughout this journey – first 30 pounds, then worry about the next 30 -- but am now reaching for my ultimate goal to reach 160 pounds for my upcoming wedding next March. I know I can do it. I have come a long way from being almost 400 pounds, and I am proud of the results. For me, it’s not about being the skinniest person, I am doing this for my health. If I can do it, you can, too! All the best on your journey.
Current Weight: 220 pounds
Goal Weight: 160 pounds
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