Another NOT the Biggest Loser (guest post).

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Please to welcome Katie. Another NOT the Biggest Loser…

In the beginning…

When I first started this journey I weighed 315 lbs. I did not really have much quality of life. I was taking 7 different medications for various ailments including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux and Type II Diabetes. I also was doing insulin twice a day and sleeping with a CPAP machine. My doctor had suggested WLS but I was very hesitant because of the risks associated with surgery. I told her that I would try to lose weight on my own and would do the surgery if I was unsuccessful. I was at my breaking point and knew I just HAD to do something or I was going to die. Literally.

D-I-E. Everybody has a different bottom and that was mine. I had to make some lifestyle changes QUICK or ELSE! I was desperate and depressed. I had a pretty grim outlook on life.

First Year

I had to make a plan. I had to do something that would be sustainable for the long haul so I tracked the calories I was consuming and the exercise I was getting through my bodybugg.  I adjusted my portion sizes and aimed for more fresh fruits, whole grains and fresh vegetables.  I had a very warped idea of what an actual portion was. I managed to lose 60 lbs. the first year of my journey. I started walking, riding my bike and doing belly dancing and Zumba. I wanted it be fun! I maintained the 60 lb. loss but did replace 15 lbs. of fat with muscle.  To be honest, I did think the weight would come off much quicker but you get out of it what you put into right? Exercise is where I falter. I have not been consistent about it and would probably have lost more had I been but I won’t make excuses. I will tell you that now at 250 it is a WHOLE lot easier moving around then it was at 315. I am making an effort to incorporate it into my daily life now and I am doing better but there is still a whole lot of improvement needed here.

Second Year

Last year was a whirlwind on the emotional front for sure.  I found out in July that I have biological siblings that I never knew existed and that my biological mother was deceased from an overdose. My niece Candace and I met 8 days later as she is the one who lives closest to me. Dave and I moved out of a chaotic living situation shortly thereafter to a quiet complex and I got to go on my second Alaskan Cruise with my mom. I managed not to gain any weight on the cruise this time either! 😀 I met my biological Uncle Steve in August, met Tess and Michael my siblings in September and then found my biological father in October .We met once and communicated by phone and I sent him cards and a picture of me and but he died the day after Christmas due to complications from catching on fire while smoking. He will be interned on Feb. 23rd.  The entire year I maintained the 60 lb. loss and bounced up and down with the same 5 lbs. As much as that stinks, it also taught me that I could choose constructive ways of coping with my emotions other then food. I did a whole lot of deep soul searching and feel like I have come to terms with a lot of the emotional sources of my morbid obesity. It’s all about progress not perfection right? It was a life changing year.

Today

I am feeling that I am on my way again even though I had the flu and then kidney stones over the last 5 weeks LOL! I really do feel like this really is my time to shine!  I am a third of the way to my goal.  I have lost 19% of my body weight and I have lost 29″ as of today. I have reduced my insulin dosage by 80%. I am only taking one of the BP medications and hope to be off that by the end of this year. My doctor is very pleased with my current stats and looks forward to seeing my continued progress.

I still have have a lot of weight to lose but I you can rest assured that I am going to reach my goals!

 

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Comments

  1. Katie, that is awesome and inspiring. If anyone had an “excuse” to emotionally eat and put it all back on, it would be you. (But, you didn’t – wow!) That’s a lot of emotional stuff to take on!

    “As much as that stinks, it also taught me that I could choose constructive ways of coping with my emotions other then food.”

    I like the awareness of “choose.”

  2. Kudos to you for making the changes and sustaining during such an emotional time in your life! So inspiring! I’m looking forward to reading about the rest of your future success!

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

  5. WOW, what a story & honesty about you too! I know you will be able to accomplish your goals & it shows that you care enough to want that! Congrats!

  6. that is really awe inspiring! I’m so impressed. Well done well done! You will reach your goals because you truly are enough and have enough to reach them.

  8. I know you will reach your goals Katie! Great guest post! I’ve always loved your positive outlook and determination. You’ve been through a lot this year. *hugs*

  9. You’re a rock star! I started at 320 and am slowly (so slowly) but surely getting it off. Loved reading your story, thank you for sharing 🙂

  10. You are amazing!! It is hard work but it is so worth it – you can conquer anything!!

  11. What an inspirational story! I love your positive attitude, especially with all the crazy stuff you’ve been through lately (how have you not been on Oprah yet??). I have no doubt you will achieve your goals!

  12. Love ya, Katie J – It’s good to know more about you!
    And I love that we can all keep cheering each other on!

  13. Thank you SO much everyone! I hope by sharing my story I can give hope to those who are struggling. Even at 44 I have faith that I can change and I will get to goal!

  15. Katie, you’re doing great! I’m all for losing/maintaining cycles. As much as we would like to burn up the scale on our way down, I think the best way is to lose a bit, maintain and get used to that weight, then lose some more. It takes longer, but by the time you get to goal, you’ve sorted out a lot of issues and you’ve learned to maintain, something that trips up 93% of weight losers!

    Thanks for sharing your story and good luck!

  18. Great story and truly inspirational.

    I really love hearing stories like this one. Weight always just seems impossible to lose until you hear about how someone else did it.

    Great post!

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