BEFORE WEIGHT : 340
AFTER WEIGHT : 228
POUNDS LOST : 113
WHEN DID YOU START DEVELOPING A WEIGHT PROBLEM?
I have always struggled with my weight. I was an over weight child. I was never really obese though until after my third child. Shortly after my third pregnancy my depression was very severe. It wasn’t post partum, I was living in a very toxic abusive marriage. I turned to food and alcohol as my coping mechanism. My size and inability to function normally. I.e, run and play with my kids, bend down to tie my shoes, further drove my depression and anxiety. I was 28 years old and found myself at a whopping 340 lbs. I didn’t even know who I was anymore, I even had been an athlete for many years as a competitive basketball player. I knew it was time to change.
HOW DID YOUR WEIGHT AFFECT ANY ASPECT(S) OF YOUR LIFE?
I would hide from people. I went to work but that was about it. I didn’t even want to walk through my neighborhood because I didn’t want people to see me. I hated myself. I hated how I felt physically. I felt exhausted and sick all the time. Just bending over to tie my shoes was taxing. Playing with my kids was truly exhausting.
WHAT WAS THE “TURNING POINT” THAT GOT YOU STARTED ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY?
I knew I needed to change things and take control of my life, I was contemplating gastric bypass but the uninsured portion was more than I could afford. One day I had a sinus infection, I went to an urgent care before work to get a prescription. The doctor came in, gave me my script. He then sat down and said, has anyone spoken to you about your weight? I was kind of stunned at first, then I get embarrassed, then I burst into tears. It was like a flood gate opened and I laid out my whole life to him. He looked at me and said you can do this and I am going to help you.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
I began my journey July 25, 2011. I began eating better and going to the gym after work. Starting at 340 lbs just a slow walk on the treadmill was taxing. I had great support from friends that would go with me. I dropped 21 lbs in 11 days just by adding mild workouts and healthy eating.
HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DID YOU BEGIN TO SEE RESULTS OF YOUR WEIGHT LOSS EFFORTS?
Because I was living such an unhealthy life, I saw results right away when I made the right changes
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART?
6 months after my weight loss journey began, my marriage ended. I went through a very awful year long divorce. Raising three children alone and going through all of that was very difficult. Finding time for myself was hard. Most days I wanted to chug wine curl
Up and cry, but I knew I was strong and pushed myself through it. I was very fortunate to have a great support system in my life
DID YOU EVER WANT TO GIVE UP? WHAT KEPT YOU GOING?
Yes! Of course I’ve wanted to give up and I have given up a few times. Eating well and working out I feel great! Sometimes my life as a single mom of three kids who are very active in sports, I forget/stop taking care of myself. But then I feel awful and get back on track. I have to remind myself that taking care of me isn’t selfish, it will benefit my kids.
DID YOU HIT ANY WEIGHT LOSS PLATEAUS? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
I have had a hard time losing and keeping weight off since I have worked third shift. When I worked days and had a more normal sleeping pattern the weight came off much easier.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO LOSE MOST OF THE WEIGHT?
Most of my weight was lost in the first 1 1/2-2 years
DID YOU HAVE ANY NON-SCALE VICTORIES?
Yes! Being able to buy clothes off the rack at any store vs only at plus size stores
WHAT DOES YOUR DAILY DIET LOOK LIKE COMPARED TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER?
I eat portioned meals. I weigh and measure everything. I can stop myself from eating something I crave just by reminding myself of how I will feel after I eat it.
HOW DOES YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COMPARE TO WHEN YOU WERE HEAVIER?
When I was heavier I could barely move. Now I run, I do HIIT, I weight train. I play everything with my kids! We even workout together!
MY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS & TRICKS
Drink lots of water!! Cut out/extremely limit any other beverages Learn to love your coffee black. I was a coffee creamer addict and gradually weaned myself. Creamer has soooo many added calories, sugar and carbs. Anywhere you can shave some calories do it!! When you start and you have a substantial amount of weight to lose, ditch carbs and sugar. I only recently began learning about a ketogenic diet and love it. I would definitely suggest it to any one getting started. Get your body moving. No matter what. Dance around your living room. Walk around the block.
Take the stairs. Every bit helps. Just get moving. I suggest cardio at least three times a week and at least 3 strength training sessions a week. Start off light and with what you feel comfortable with. I learned to lift by watching people at the gym and by doing some research. Bodybuilding.com is a great resource for learning about strength training!
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The post Weight Loss Before and After: Megan Dropped 113 Pounds And Went From Obese And Depressed To Healthy And Happy appeared first on The Weigh We Were.
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