I figured I'd tell my story. So here goes...
The first time I decided to lose weight was my junior year of high school (Fall of 1999). I know, it was a while ago. I had already been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember. I joined Weight Watchers with my mom that September (or October, I don't really remember). I lost 40 lbs by April, just in time for prom season. I look back on those pictures and wish I was that small.
Throughout college I gained, lost, gained, lost and gained again over 5 years.
I joined Weight Watchers again in 2007, again with my mom. I lost some weght but got bored with tracking my food. I felt like I was eating the same things every day.
After a few more years, and some more weight gain, I knew I had to do something again. I joined WW yet again in November 2010 (alone this time). I was starting at 50 lbs more than I had the very first time I joined when I was 16. From the end of Nov '10 to the beginning of Sept '11 I lost 50 lbs. I was exercising and eating better than I ever had. I started dating and felt good about myself. Over the 6 months following this, I was again getting bored and felt like I had been depriving myself again.
July '12 I met a great guy, and slowly started gaining weight yet again. We all know the story, you meet someone and start letting yourself go, blah, blah...
I gained about 30 by Oct '13.
In Oct '13 (a week before my 30th birthday) I severely sprained my (right) ankle. Two weeks later I ended up in the ER with 3 blood clots in my (right) leg and one in my lung. I spent 4 days in the hospital. They put a (removable) IVC filter in me and sent me on my way on some blood thinners. A week after Thanksgiving I went in to get the IVC filter removed, a 30-minute procedure. After 3 hours on the table I was rushed into emegency surgery. The filter broke, migrated and they almost lost it. I was cut open like open heart surgery.
Let's just say it changed my life. I felt like I was trapped. I couldnt' drive, I couldn't even sit in the front seat of the car for 3 months. I gained 35 lbs in 2014.
I made the decision to change my life for the better. I told myself that for once and for all I was going to get healthy, I was going to lose weight once and for all. I made the decision that no matter how long it takes I will reach a healthy and attainable weight through exercise, and eating better foods.
On January 5, 2015 I weighed myself at the highest weight I have ever been. At this point I have lost 50 lbs so far and I'm not going to stop. I know I will struggle, I know I will have ups and downs, hopefully more downs.
I know the more public I make this, the harder it will be to fall off the wagon. I started a page on Facebook for friends and family to follow my healthy journey. I try to eat as healthy as I can and I juice when I can afford it.
Hopefully I can inspire someone to do the same and be a heathier version of themseves!!