Week 55 - Whoops!

 

I actually gained .8 pounds this week. I let my emotions get a hold of me this week. I got myself kicked out of fat burn, which is always a bummer because then it takes four days to get back in. But it's all part of the journey - and the journey isn't perfect. I'm working now to get back on track. Six pounds to go!

Week 54 - Another Pound Bites the Dust

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 156.6

Total lost: 80.2 (139.9)

The photo on the right popped up in my Facebook feed this week. Photos like this always catch me off guard. My whole life I've wanted to look the way I look now. I love how I look and how I feel. It's such a blessing. I have energy, I'm not sore, my clothes fit, and I feel self confident. It's a lovely way to live.

I've been very stressed getting ready to start school in this time of COVID. I second guess my choice to have the kids and myself go back to school face to face instead of virtual. There are no easy choices when it comes to that. I'm so grateful to know that I am healthy. I know that should I get sick, my body is as healthy as it can be in order to fight back against the virus. There's peace in that.

Six pounds from my goal!! It's so close, I can taste it! (Pun intended.) I'm now toying with the idea of trying to get to 135. I don't think I will make it my actual goal, but when I start to transition, I think I'll still try to lose a little. I'm so excited about my future.

Week 53 - Inch by Inch

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 157.8

Total lost: 79 (138.7)

I lost a half pound this week. I know that if I will focus more on staying faithful to program, I will lose faster. I've gotten kind of lazy when it comes to counting my condiments and free snacks. Yesterday I was super focused on it, and I dropped a pound from the day before. I'm ready to hit goal and go into transition!!

Week 52 - 1 Down, 8 to Go

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 158.2 

Total lost: 78.6 (138.3)

Soooo close - 8 pounds to go! This was a great week with a pound loss. Monday is my Optavia anniversary. I thought it was today, but it's Monday. I can't believe how much my life has changed in just a year. I could have never imagined a year ago that I would look like this today. I wish I had found Optavia a decade ago, but I am so grateful to have found it now.

Let's Talk About Skin

One of the questions I get asked a lot when people find out I've lost over 100 pounds is whether or not I have excess skin. Why, yes. Yes, I do! I'm 52 years old and weighed almost 300 pounds. You can't come back from that without stretching your skin out. So here are some gross pictures of my excess skin.

In looking at these, you need to realize that I am currently only 8 pounds over weight. That means these pictures are not of fat, they are of excess skin.You also need to realize that excess skin is not pretty. But then, neither is excess fat. And given the choice, I choose the skin. It is not comfortable for me to post these pictures, but I think it is valuable information to share with others who are seeking weight loss.

This is the excess skin on my arms .

Excess skin on my thigh.

And - worst of all - excess skin on my belly.

The good news is, that unlike fat, skin can be compressed into clothing. So no one needs to see it, but me. I'm proud of my body. It has been through a lot. It is healthy and it is strong. It is not perfect, but it is a gift and being healthy is even more so.

Week 51 - So Close and Yet So Far!

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 159.2 

Total lost: 77.6 (137.3)

I lost half a pound this week, which based on my calculations last week is about my average. At that rate, it will take me two more months to hit my goal. I'm hoping to get there before then, but as long as I'm headed in the right direction, I'm good.

The best part about my Optavia life right now is my dad. I was really worried about him this summer because he was having trouble getting around and he has heart issues. I don't ever push Optavia on people so I was super excited when he asked me about it and I could share. I was thrilled when he decided to join.

I wasn't sure he would be satisfied with the food and giving up some of his habits, but he has ROCKED it. In two weeks, he has lost 18.6 lbs. and his belly is already disappearing. I am so happy to see him getting healthy.

I never planned on being an Optavia coach, but coaching has really been a blessing - especially because it holds me accountable on my own health journey. Being able to coach my dad is awesome.

Week 50 - Home Again!

 

Highest weight: 296.5

Starting Optavia weight: 236.8

Today's weight: 159.8 

Total lost: 77 (136.7)

In the past 50 weeks, I have lost 77 pounds. That averages out to a little more than half a pound a week. It has seemed so very slow week to week and yet it has been life altering. So many things in life are that way. The things that really matter take time to happen. They seldom happen as quickly as we would like them to, but if we keep pressing forward slowly and surely miracles can happen.

I am so grateful for this change in my life. I feel like a different person.

As I looked through the pictures of our trip. I noticed how many pictures I am in. I'm no longer afraid of the camera. I went back and looked at our road trip from two years ago. There are not many pictures of me. And in most of them, I'm hiding in the back. I love that I am more actively present in the lives of my children. I love the memories I am building with them.

This summer, three of my family members decided to join me on this journey. I love working with all my clients, but having family members join me is especially moving. I can't wait to see the changes in their lives.