Proof that you can all do this!

[missaec]

Hey guys! Okay, I've been a somewhat absent member of the TDC for awhile, but I'd like to let you all know that you can do this! I'm not posting this to impress anyone. I'm posting this in hopes of motivating someone out there.

My LC journey has been bumpy. Since February 2004 I've jumped on and off the wagon countless times. Even this year I was off for almost all of it with the exception of the past few months and one other attempt a few weeks in the summer. Regardless of my obstacles, I've lost weight. Even when I fell off, I eventually came back--and with vigor.

I am 76 days cheat free. I have lost 76 pounds. I went from a size 20 to a size 8. My blood pressure has gone from 144/94 to 112/65. I started this when I was 20 years old and will be 23 in a few weeks. Had I stuck with this straight through without falling off the wagon, I probably would have met my goal a year and a half ago, but I'm still plugging away.

It can be done:

Measurements Loss March 10, 2004 (a month after I started) - October 21, 2006

Body Fat %: Started at 48.17% and currently at 23.11%
Neck: -1.75 inches (Current: 12.5in)
Shoulders: -8.50 inches (Current: 37in)
Chest: -10.00 inches (Current: 33.5in)
Waist: -12.00 inches (Current: 27.5in)
Abs: -13.25 inches (Current: 28.25in)
Hips: -13.50 inches (Current: 35.5in)
Thighs: -11.00 inches (Current: 19.5in)
Knee: -5.00 inches (Current: 12.25in)
Calf: -4.25 inches (Current: 13in)
Ankle: -1.37 inches (Current: 8.13in)
Arm: -3.25 inches (Current: 10.5in)
Forearm: -2.75 inches (Current: 8.25in)
Wrist: -1.25 inches (Current: 5.75in)

For the first time in the last week I looked in the mirror and was able to say:
- My legs are hot!
- Wow, I actually look good with my shirt off.

I'm actually in awe of being able to do that.

[rightnow]

Congratulations!! That's awesome!! And thanks for the encouragement.
.

[Mousesmom]

That's amazing... I wish I had the measurements from my highest weight to compare to. What an inspiration!!!

Julie

[John3:16]

:cheer::cheer::cheer: Keep up the Great Work. ::wiggle: You are an insperation to all. :agree:

[MicheleK]

Awesome!!! :daizy: :daizy: :daizy:

You are indeed an inspiration to us all!!

[LattéLover]

Missaec - wow, congratulations!!!! THanks for sharing! Hope you feel so proud for what you have done for yourself - that IS amazing. I'm doing my last 12 pounds and reading your changes really inspires me. Wish I had checked body fat before, but I did do measurements and it's true, it is so motivating to see the concrete changes.

I also like your realistic attitude about going on and off and look, you still accomplished so much so fast!!!! I work hard at being gentle with myself and using true positive self-talk (ie - I didn't cheat, I had an extra or treat I needed that day), so that I won't fall into the negative self-sabotaging trap like the past.

Good luck !

Latté Lover

[Judynyc]

Congrats!! :thup:

I always love it when another TDCer has reached success....we work so hard and for a very long time....we so deserve it!!!

[missaec]

:) Good luck everyone! If anyone needs someone to talk to or bounce questions off of, drop by my journal or e-mail or whatever.