One Year, Baby!

One Year, Baby!

     This is my one year post.  Yeah, I'm a little late, but by now, you have all probably come to understand that I'm not on time very often.  But, here we go, Folks.  Back in December, 2012, I weighed 232 lbs, my blood pressure was 190/140 and I was having migraines and nose bleeds.  My schedule was crazy - literally 5:30 am - midnight pretty much every day.  When I wasn't working, I found something to work on.  I felt heavy physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I felt ugly and like a football player next to thinner women.  I ate waaaay too much, easily 2500 - 3500 calories a day.  Spaghetti was my weakness and I ate it at least once a week.

     I had been on diets before, of course.  Those high protein diets make me sick.  Invariably, I get stomach pains and for some crazy reason, my period will start up out of the blue.  THAT can't be normal and goodness knows, I only want THAT once a month - not TWICE!  Eating salads just made me want a cheeseburger.  Who gets full on a salad?  Diet drinks, fat pills, binging/purging, massive working out were all things I tried.  But, in December, 2012, I decided to take control.

     Now-a-days, I am eating 1500 - 1800 calories per day.  I've lost 21 lbs in the pictures below, but honestly, I've lost a couple more since these pix were taken just a few days ago.  I drink about 6 glasses of water per day and if I drink soda, it's diet and I generally, can't finish one.  I eat spaghetti about once a month now and ironically, have found that if I over-eat on it, I get sick and have to throw up.  So, my body is forcing me to keep control of that vice.  I've always struggled with dinner - and eating too much at dinner.  I'm doing better with that weakness.  I've concentrated on trying to make my meals more even as far as calories go.  I don't always succeed, but I try.  I used to eat a lot of fast food.  I've definitely reduced that and try to make better choices I can deal with when I find myself at a Mac, Jack or Carl's. I am on blood pressure medication and it's normal - no more migraines or nose bleeds.

     From October - December, I kind of fell off the wagon and gained back 8 lbs.  Man, was that tough.  I almost gave up and felt like a failure.  But, something about the New Year kicked me back into gear.  I've lost 6 of those 8 lbs and moving forward.

     When I took the original pictures below (that's the ones on the left), it was a spur of the moment - here, take these pictures kind of thing.  I'm really glad I did.  I haven't looked at them really, all year until I took the next set (those on the right).  I look at them now and see a tired, bloated woman who looks older than the woman next to her.  I feel like my face just looked like I was dragging where now, I look much more perky.  Not my boobs, but at least at 42, my personality can be perky. LOL sorry, I digress .... I did have to buy different shorts and tank top but I tried to make them consistent with the originals.  Here's my progress at 21 lbs down...

Starting Weight: 232lbs

Current Weight: 211 lbs

Starting Size: 20/22

Current Size: 16

Neck: -0.75"
Bicep: -1.25"
Chest: -3.5"
Upper Stomach: -3.25"
Waist: -5.5"
Belly Button: - 3.5"
Lower Stomach: -3.0"
Hips: -3.25"
Thigh: -2.25"
Calf: -0.5"
Total: -26.75"

Front View

Side View

Back View - My Favorite

Turtle Neck View

(original is on the right in this one, and the newest is on the left)

Side note: I took the pic on the right thinking I looked pretty hot until I saw the picture and went, OMG, THAT's what my chin/neck looks like?  Really bothered me so part of this journey of mine is to restore my neck and chin as two separate beings instead of one long, turkey neck.

     So, how are you, doing, my friends?  Are you inching forward?  I am proof that small changes in "your reality" can make big differences.  It's not a get thin quick scheme.  I can't promise you will be in a bikini by summer, but I can promise you that you'll feel better about yourself if you keep going.  Take measurements and record them - take photos and be accountable to yourself.  Find the nutrition path you can live with, that allows you to feel and look the way you want.  I have more to go ... really want to be down another 19 lbs by the end of the year. Today, I weighed in at 209.6.  10 more pounds and I'm under 200 for the first time in years.  That's my next goal.  I want to encourage you all to keep your goals and to never, EVER give up. Until next time, my fellow Fat Chicks .... love ya!