What inspired You?

[HockeyKat]

I have struggled with weight most of my life. When I graduated from college 10 years ago, I put on 40 lbs in the first year. My brother's wedding and the prospect of being the fat bridesmaid inspired me to go on Atkin's, and I lost the 40 lbs.

Fast forward 5 years to 2003. Now begins the crazy roller coaster....

Met my husband, and promptly started eating and drinking like nothing mattered. Put all of the 40 back + 10 for an all-time high of 190. Dec '04 went holy crap, wedding is coming up, and lost 15 of it for the wedding in May '05 and was at 175. Put back on 25 by Dec '05 for new high of 200, lost 20 by May '06 to go back to 180, then put back that 25 and 12 more by Jan '07 for a yet another new alltime high of 217.

What finally did it for me this time was a few things... one is somewhat TMI. Stretch marks on my stomach. I am 31 yrs old and have never had children, and I think that really drove home to me how overweight and out of shape I was getting. I am somewhat like one of the previous posters in this thread... I am tall and carry my weight, even at 200 lbs I fit into a 14/16. At 217 I had outgrown most misses 16s, and having to go to 16W and probably 18 (refused to try) that was just too much.

I started a calorie-counting program + exercise on Feb 6 and am down to 196.8. I started playing ice hockey again, and my incentive is to not only get thinner but also be competitive enough to play in a beginner men's league with DH at the end of June.

I really need to get off the roller coaster once and for all. I need to allow temporary lapses to not turn into months of lapse. I need to get back down to 150-160 and stay there.

 

[Evil Genius]

I'll share. I was a size 12 when dh and I met. By the time we married 2 1/2 years later I was a size 14. I just grew and grew until I was wearing size 22/24W clothes. We talked many times on how we really both needed to lose weight. Dh had developed diabetes, but we knew it was controllable with diet. We never really stepped up and did it.
February 19, 2007 my dh was diagnosed as having a heart attack on Febraury 12th. He had an angiogram on February 21st that included 2 angioplasties and two stents. He came home the following day. He passed away on February 24th of a massive heart attack. He was 43 years old.

It took losing my husband to realize what I was doing to myself. So I have taken up the challenge alone to lose the weight and live a healthier lifestyle.

You guys are my inspiration and my boost when I think I'm failing. Thank you

 

[HockeyKat]

EG, I am so sorry for your loss. I read through those threads a few weeks ago and ached for you. I don't know you at all, I know, but tears were streaming down my face.

I worry daily about my DH. He is also overweight, and his dad had his first heart attack at his age (36). He has also gained 50 lbs or so since we met, and he does try, but it is harder for him somehow. I guess he just hasn't reached his ah-ha moment yet, and I hope that he does before a dr does it for him.

 

[mikamah]

Evil Genius- My sincere sympathy to you on the tragic loss of your husband, far too young to die. My heart goes out to you. God bless you. Good luck to you in living your healthier lifestyle. I'm sure there's an angel above you cheering you on. Take care.

 

[lorli]

EvilGenius - I'm sorry to hear about your husband. My thoughts and prayer are with you. Good luck with your challenge, You can do this.

 

[Evil Genius]

Thanks everyone for your kind words.

I certainly didn't mean to stop this thread. Anyone else want to share their inspiration???

 

[crystalcml]

My wake up calls

1. This semiester I was in a classroom that has those old fashioned desks (most of the other rooms have long tables and pull out chairs.) well on my first day of class I chose my spot and sat down. Well the fit was snug, I felt like I hardly had room to move. I was really quite embarrassed by this but did nothing. Well a few months later I noticed I was becoming quite winded while walking up the stairs to get to that same class (the class is on the 3rd floor). I absolutely hated that feeling. I am 24 yrs old and am too young to feel like that.

2. Another wake up call for me was when my little brother (9) wants me to go out and play with him and I get so tired and fast. So now here I am trying to make the changes in my life that will allow me to be a healthier more active person for me and my family.

My inspiration stems from hearing your stories and thoughts. Knowing that we all are going through something similar makes me think that I am not alone in this. I wish everyone health and happiness along their journeys.

EG- My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.

 

[twotoohappy]

I was just wondering if anyone would like to share-- what inspired you to lose weight/get/stay healthy?
this was the first time I'd seen myself in a photo in a very long time, and I was shocked at what I saw. I knew I looked bad, but I had no idea I looked that bad.

That's exactly what happened to me. I'm always the photographer so I'm never in many pics. Well, we went to Jellyrolls and I had my pic taken with one of the pianomen and when I looked at the pics. I hit the gym the very next day and haven't stopped. When I went back 3 months later, and had my pic taken again it was very cool. I had my pic taken 2 more times just to track the progress (ok and to see the guys at JR ) My sig pic was at my bday last year. It was a lot of hard work, but worth it. Right now I'm at goal at 125, which is about 15 pounds less than that pic.

Good luck everyone! No matter what your reason is or what your wake-up call was, just work hard and don't give up and you'll get there