Friday, August 13, 2010

What a difference 8 weeks can make

Start of competition
8 weeks later
Before I started Win, Lose or Blog...
I weighed 268 pounds.
My waist measured 49 inches.
I was labeled "morbidly obese."
I often had lower back and knee pain.
Exercise was a chore
I ended every day feeling bad about myself and my choices
I "couldn't" resist treats
I ate all day long
I ate a lot each night while watching TV
I never felt comfortable in my clothes
I was frustrated at my lack of "will power"
I was optimistic that I would one day lose weight, but hadn't made a complete effort to do so.

I found Win, Lose or Blog on a message board that I frequent. I debated back and forth on whether or not to submit an application and decided to do it the last night possible.  Looking back at the "before" picture I had my husband take I remember feeling miserable and embarrassed.  I hate the fact that I look so terrible. I used to feel pretty, but haven't felt that way in a long time.

I was ecstatic when I found out I was chosen from 57 applicants. Even better was the fact that I didn't have a few days or a week to "prepare" for my diet. Usually my preparation means eating as much crap as I can before I won't be able to! Terrible!  When I first saw my picture and weight on the internet I was humiliated.  But as I worked hard and kept on at my tortoise pace I felt myself becoming empowered. I can do this, I can do this!  I read supportive words from new friends, I examined calorie intake and switched things up.  At the gym I became a regular, my workouts became more intense, my desire to workout became a habit.

Eight weeks have flown by.  I did my final weigh-in and pictures.  This is the first time I've done "before" pictures and WOW are they awesome! If you haven't done it before, I totally recommend it.  I didn't feel like I looked that different from the beginning, but looking at the two pictures side by side I see changes that make me feel accomplished.  I'm nowhere near done with weight loss, but I feel like I'm steadily on the right path.

After Win, Lose or Blog-Season 1
I weigh 243 pounds.
My waist now measures 40.5 inches (5.5 more inches to go to reach a "healthy" waist size for women)
I am only obese. Ha! That doesn't sound great but glad to see that "morbidly" go!
I haven't had back pain for many weeks! My knee is mostly better.
I can honestly say I love going to the gym!
I end every day with my muscles feeling worked, and proud of myself.
I make great food and portion choices.
I eat when I'm hungry.
I have a small snack, or no snack at all in the evening. (Depending on where my calories are, and if I am actually hungry).
While I'm not flaunting my body, I feel much better in clothes. I've gone down a size and a half in pants,  one size down in shirts, and two dress sizes!
I'm so proud of what I've accomplished in 8 weeks, and ready to keep on going!
I know I can reach my goals and am excited to get down to my goal weight.

 Even though Win, Lose or Blog is over for me, my weight loss journey will continue on my new blog See Steph Lose. Please follow me there! And please be patient while I get it looking all fancy (I'm on vacation and do not have the best internet connection).

Congratulations to all of the other contestants who lost weight, it was fun to get to know you and I look forward to keeping in touch with you and cheering you on. A BIG thanks to the ladies who organized Win, Lose or Blog your work helped me so much! And of course, thank you to everyone who cheered me on, especially my husband who was the best support a girl could ask for.

Don't forget to apply for Season 2! I'll be reading and cheering!

Steph

9 comments:

  1. Steph, you look so pretty! I am totally proud of you and all the efforts you are making. Great job getting healthy!

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  2. Congrats Steph! You did AWESOME so proud of you and all you accomplished.

    Maria

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  3. WOW I can see a huge difference in your pics. You are beautiful (in both!). What a fantastic job youve done Stephanie. I look forward to following your blog

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  4. Stephanie you look fantastic!

    I am so glad that you are keeping on going!

    Im really happy for you :)

    Joyce

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  5. way to go, steph! you did so great. i'm glad i posted about the challenge on babycenter eve if I was mad they didn't pick me!

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  6. You can tell you lost so much!! ~applaudes~ you are so pretty!

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  7. This is very awesome. You look wonderful! You deserve a HUGE pat on the back! *hugs*

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  8. Yay! So glad to see some pics! I can really tell the difference! :o) You are the only one I followed from the very start, I have no idea what it was about you, but something stood out to me. It's great that you stuck with it, and I hope you will keep going! Us 5'9 girls have to stick together...ha!

    Hope you'll follow my blog, too. I'll go find you at your other one! :o)

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  9. Congratulations, Stephanie. You look amazing. Good for you! Keep it up!

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