5'1" / 220 lbs
Las Vegas, NV
"My top weight was some point over 400 lbs (black and white photo of me here). I was diabetic, my knees hurt, my depression was out of control, it was hard to breathe and I was physically miserable. I attribute the weight gain as a physical barrier to keep others away from me, as I was molested as a young adult (12). It was a way to keep myself from feeling things as I self- medicated with food. After my divorce, I went to college. Then I was engaged. He committed suicide. I found that I had a drive in me that was greater than my depression and so I started to lose weight. The moment it clicked in was when my daughter said to me that she was proud of my efforts, as I’d been fat all of her life. She was 21 at the time. I thought to myself, “Wow, I’m ready to release this weight.”
I’ve been a server, giver all of my life and it seems such a strange concept to care for myself. However, I do think that this is a societal pressure for women to be and do all, to the exclusion of self. I had a gastric bypass on 10/1/2013, and currently I am "my own thin," as you call it, but it's been three years and I'm not yet to my goal weight. I started eating on small plates. Eating on small plates is great for me. I like to get the children ones they sell. I LOVE Hello Kitty, so that makes it playful. I also think eating with the children utensils is good as it slows us down.I exercise and I try to eat “clean” foods, but I do not restrict myself. If I want something specific, I’ll eat it in moderation. Exercise is quite essential. I do know that as I get older, I’m able to manage my food intake better. it is not SUCH an obsession for me. My self-image in regards to my body is more accepting. However, I do get a lot of teasing still, mostly from men about my large hips and butt. But, I think you can tell by the "after" photos here that I'm feeling pretty good. I'm hoping I can be an inspiration to others dealing with similar issues. Stay tuned for more of my success!"
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Photo Credit: In Her Image, Petaluma, CA.