Well, guys...here you go. I finally have the guts to publish these photos. :-$
I promised myself (and my mother) that once I lost most of the weight, that my big reward would be my dream trip to St. Louis. I started this weight loss/get healthy journey 2 years ago after seeing how I looked in that red shirt photo. Yuck!! :bored:
It has not been easy; I have had every trigger in the book to jump back on the "pig out bandwagon" and "stay lazy" bandwagon, especially after this last year of utter hell!! (My sick parent, one of my best friends dying at age 50, my daughters "ordeals", watching cancer kill my father-in-law, watching cancer eat at my mother-in-law, watching cancer attack my JackJack, etc...etc... stupid cancer!! :pissed: )
But, I promised myself that I WOULD NOT ever succumb to my triggers and temptations to fall back into destructive, unhealthy patterns, no matter what was thrown my way. And I have stuck to it. And I will continue to do so. I did it the hard way; I changed everything I ate, and started exercising. It was the best and most rewarding way that worked for me. I have been off of ALL medications for over a year now. No more diabetes pills, no more cholesterol pills, no more stomach pills, no more heavy arthritis pills, nothing sans Ibuprofen when needed. It feels so good to be able to wear "cute things" again!! It feels good to shop again at Victorias Secret!! B-)
It felt even better loading up all of my "fat clothes" into a huge black garbage sack and giving them all away, and being able to buy tennis shoes one size smaller! (Apparently your feet also shrink when you lose weight.)
I feel so much better than I have in 20 years!! 😀 :clap: :party: :hi5:
It's very embarrassing to see that I let myself get to where I was, but also very inspiring to see where I am today.
AND MY BIG REWARD STARTS WEDNESDAY!!! YIPPIE!! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
And on that note, I just want you guys to know how much I appreciate what all of you have contributed on here and what you guys have done for us just as normal people, and continue to do so. I feel like I have neglected you guys here for the past year; but now you know why. And I will be back more often after my trip.
I'll see ya in St. Louis. :-$
:good: Wendell likes this.
Congrats, Angel, on achieving your goal. Although there's no single formula that works for everyone, the combination of a reasonable diet, regular exercie, and a renewed perspective is always a healthy approach.
Have a great time in St. Louis!
Way to go!
WOW~!~~~ So happy for you (and for Wendell! 😉 ) More than just looking great, you ARE so much more healthy. You should be incredibly proud of that effort. I can't wait to hear about your trip, even though I bleed Cubbie blue, in your case, I will root for a huge win for your Cards and an incredible trip of a lifetime!
Andy
:good: Congratulations!! Have a ball for us all!
Very very happy for you (and Wendell).
Once you reach your ultimate goal we might even try to work on that next big change in your life. You know, Go BRAVES rather than those silly old Red Birds. 😉
Larry P
Holy Snit!! o.O Way to go girl!!:-D Now you need to pick up a riding crop to keep Wendell at bay!! :whistle:
Will this work?? B-)
Wow! It takes a tremendous resolve to stay on track when you make major changes in your day to day life. Congratulations!
That's so cool!!
It's inspiring that you recognized an issue and handled it for yourself. I wish more people had that kind of fortitude.
I can relate. In the last 2 years I've lost about 40 pounds. Mostly from lack of work. Turkey and tuna at the house instead of junk food on the road will melt it right off 🙂 . I give myself treats on the weekend, but am very aware of what I'm eating during the week. For me, it keeps the cravings at bay.
How much fun is to run into a friend who knew you at your old size?!!
You look great, and it looks like you FEEL great.
Nuthin' better!
"I feel so much better than I have in 20 years!!"
When you look great you feel great. And sweetie you look great. Has Wendell turned into a Jackrabbit yet? 😉
Congratulations! Well done.
:good:
I'm impressed....I think I will try to start to shed some of my unpleasant weight.
Angel,
Good job!
You have always been a wonderful, GORGEOUS person to us. We are so glad you feel so much healthier and alive. The change in your pharmaceutical needs is HUGE.
GO Card's
Love, Jean and Joe
In my opinion the #1 priority in a person's life should be his/her health. Unfortunately, many of us surveyors have bad habits. We smoke, eat poorly, etc.. More of us should have the willpower and determination you've displayed, through tough times as well.
Congrats to you and thanks for being a role-model for the rest of us.
-V
Well done!!!!
> It feels so good to be able to wear "cute things" again!! It feels good to shop again at Victorias Secret!! B-)
Have a ball in St. Louie...
> Wow! It takes a tremendous resolve to stay on track when you make major changes in your day to day life. Congratulations!
Ain't that the truth!!! 😐
But I am so glad I stayed on track, even on the days that I wanted to sit on the couch and eat ice cream and junk food, I resisted and didn't. 😀
> Very very happy for you (and Wendell).
>
> Once you reach your ultimate goal we might even try to work on that next big change in your life. You know, Go BRAVES rather than those silly old Red Birds. 😉
>
> Larry P
Hahahahaha Will never happen. 😛
