Lexi’s Difficulties Due To Obesity
Meet Lexi, a young woman who has battled obesity for a long time, a huge obstacle in her life. Her bad living patterns continued to hold her in their tight grasp despite her repeated attempts at different diets. She’d come to terms with the truth that there wasn’t much hope left, and that hope materialized in the kind and loyal Danny. The scale registered a startling 177 kilos by the time Lexi reached her mid-thirties, which was a worrisome 100 kilograms over her optimal body weight. But then Danny entered the picture, bringing about a deep metamorphosis that sparked a passionate desire to start a life together. Still, her desire for happiness was severely hampered by her obesity.
Lexi’s Difficulties Due To Obesity
Her Moment of Revelation: A Turning Point
Lexi took control of her own fate, and Danny realized that something had to change as well. Collectively, they mustered the courage to choose a committed and moral way of living, which was not without its difficulties. Rather of following diet fads that promised instantaneous changes, they chose to concentrate on making better food choices and adding exercise. A few months later, Lexi started to notice the first noticeable changes in her body, and her journey became well-known. Their tale of change quickly became an example to others, proving that their love was genuine!
Her Moment Of Revelation A Turning Point
Saying Goodbye to an Unhealthy Lifestyle
They had been grappling silently for some time with an unresolved matter. Throughout their life together, food had dominated their joint existence and had a constant influence on them. Danny and Lexi, unwavering in their quest, concluded that a shift was necessary. They were excited about the challenge of facing the possibility of change. They both understood that significant changes were required and yearned for a future characterized by energy and movement. Their comforting habits of ordering takeout and chowing down on buffets had now caught up with them, forcing them to face their obesity. The shift to a better diet was the first step toward a significant metamorphosis that promised not just bodily rejuvenation but a whole makeover of their existence.
Saying Goodbye To An Unhealthy Lifestyle
The First Time Love Beckons: A Journey Begins
Danny bringing up the subject of changing her eating habits caused Lexi to have an unexpected epiphany. At first, the thought of a whole food overhaul made her a little uncomfortable. But she realized how powerful it might be to say goodbye to junk food. Her gut told her to take a promising turn. Danny’s support gave Lexi the drive to start her path toward a healthier way of living. They explored the realm of wholesome food preparation together. Little dietary changes, including cutting back on sugar and carbohydrates and adopting a diet high in fresh vegetables and low-fat milk, were the first steps in their joint endeavor.
The First Time Love Beckons A Journey Begins
Change Was Inevitable for All Aspects
Lexi wanted the rush of teenage experiences and the warmth of love, but she also wanted a more satisfying existence. Sadly, it appeared that her own body was getting in the way; her weight had become an unwanted hindrance, causing pain in her muscles and joints and making simple things like riding a bike and taking leisurely walks impossible. Danny, on the other hand, was used to a comfortable existence and could sense Lexi’s repressed needs and longing for more. After suppressing her feelings and dreams for a long time, Lexi eventually gave in to one fateful evening and opened herself to her loyal lover. She yearned for the taste of novelty and actively pursued unique experiences. Even though they still had a lifetime to live, Lexi was aware of Danny’s unwavering support would be the catalyst she needed to ignite her motivation.
Change Was Inevitable For All Aspects
The question of all questions
As an unbreakable pair, Lexi and Danny had developed a bond so strong that it took precedence over everything else in their lives. During a seashore outing, Danny made the touching gesture of getting down on one knee and asking the question that would change their lives. This was the moment when their path took an unexpected turn. With great excitement, Lexi accepted his proposal, feeling as though she had been given the opportunity to start a new chapter in her life. She appeared to be floating on air. She felt ready to take on the exciting journey of raising a family, finally realizing the long-cherished goal she had nursed for so long, with the love of her life by her side.
The Question Of All Questions
A Day She’ll Never Forget
The couple’s ultimate happy moment was their special day, which was full of love and spent with their closest friends and relatives. But there were obstacles in the way of their ideal wedding, especially for Lexi, who struggled to locate the ideal wedding dress because of her weight issues. Still, she was determined, and the result was a garment that exuded beauty. As they reveled in their post-marriage joy, they turned their attention to their mutual desire to begin a family and embrace motherhood. However, Lexi’s weight problems posed a danger to these goals. Her fear of perhaps endangering their unborn child’s health as well as her own was a strong motivator for her to start a path toward a better way of living.
A Day She’ll Never Forget
The travel plans are a no-go
Lexi had been driven for years by her unwavering love of the magical realm of Harry Potter. Her weight had kept her from being able to take a trip, thus her ambition of entering Universal Studios in Florida and losing herself in the magical world of wizards and witches had gone unrealized. The hard reality of weight limits on many rides would have crushed her ambitions, even if she had made it over. She felt completely powerless as the weight of disappointment crushed her. She thought about the direction of her life and her goals for the future throughout these difficult times.
The Travel Plans Are A No Go
Life-Changing Choice Made
Danny and Lexi realized that they needed a happy metamorphosis in order to live fulfilling lives. As their discussion progressed, they both realized how important it was to let go of their victim mindset and embrace proactive change. They chose to abandon the boring routine, fostering self-confidence and setting off on exciting adventures together. Every day they welcomed the sun and made grand plans that promised them a world of exploration, more exercise, and a bountiful supply of energy.
Life Changing Choice Made
Pure-hearted Goals
As 2016 eve approached, Lexi and Danny were full of resolve to make a joint New Year’s resolution and follow through on it. They understood how critical it was to put their own and their family’s health first. Danny was receptive to the concept of adopting a healthier lifestyle, but Lexi’s desire to set out on a road toward better health was now her greatest passion. They resolved to become more physically active and make better nutritional decisions together. Danny, who was just as committed as Lexi, stood firmly by her side as she took the lead and prepared to completely transform her life. Together, they joined a gym for the first time, marking their first official step into the world of fitness.
Pure Hearted Goals
Great support
Lexi steeled herself, gathering all the bravery she would need to face the upcoming obstacle and fulfill her lifelong goals. She accepted her choice totally and without hesitation, having no regrets. Danny, her lifeline, gave her the encouragement, understanding, and support she much needed. Lexi was resolved to overcome the challenges impeding her pursuit of a more joyful and healthful existence. Together, they started the process of calculating calories and established their first goals for losing weight. Lexi had made individual attempts at weight loss before, but her drive eventually flagged. She was getting closer to her ideal weight target and felt invincible with Danny as her journey partner.
Great Support
Finding Your Inner Spark
Power couple Lexi and Danny set out on a life-changing journey in the entertainment industry, fully knowing of the obstacles that would lie ahead. Their covert tool? An approach to motivation so novel it would disgrace the most committed achievers. The dynamic pair devised a scheme to place friendly bets and pledged their hard-earned money as security. They had an unambiguous agreement: anyone who broke the agreement would pay a fee, which would go into their family’s savings account. With this clever reward, they felt themselves revitalized every day, and in just a few months, the results of their effort started to show. But the tale doesn’t stop there.
Finding Your Inner Spark
Putting an end to the lazy lifestyle
The foundation of Lexi’s path towards a more active lifestyle was her self-confidence. With her husband’s resolute assistance, they relished each little accomplishment along the road. Encouraged by her bravery and tenacity, Lexi started going on strenuous treks and long walks, getting more strenuous every day. Even though it wasn’t easy, she now had a beautiful smile on her face. There was nothing that could stop Lexi from her goal. She sweated and she persisted, and slowly those obstinate pounds started to drop off. It was an unmatched source of delight for her, but it was also a test of her determination.
Putting An End To The Lazy Lifestyle
Deciding Between a Personal Trainer and DIY Fitness
Danny and Lexi had decided to take no short cuts when it came to their fitness journey, and they were even thinking about getting a personal trainer. Sadly, their intentions were swiftly derailed by the skyrocketing prices. Still, when they happened onto the ideal gym, their luck changed for the better. This fitness sanctuary has an amazing selection of bodyweight training tools in addition to a committed group of fitness instructors on hand to provide constant support and direction. They both joined up with much anticipation, which laid the groundwork for their incredible change. With unwavering resolve and self-control, they were almost at their target weight and perfect body, and the waiting game was almost over.
Deciding Between A Personal Trainer And DIY Fitness
It All Started
Luxuriance was never Lexi’s goal while searching for her ideal gym; rather, it was finding a place where she felt like she actually belonged. She found the “CrossRamp,” a mild but useful companion in her weight reduction quest that prevented unnecessary stress on her joints, in this modest fitness sanctuary. With careful planning of her diet and a steadfast commitment to her exercise regimen, Lexi was able to lose the first few pounds. Her metamorphosis was greatly aided by the motivating environment of the gym, which not only helped her lose weight but also rekindled a sense of self-confidence she had been lacking for years.
It All Started
A new diet plan
Their commitment to fitness extended beyond the gym, completely changing their nightly routines. The days of binge-watching beer and fried appetizers while watching TV were long gone. Now, working out was the major attraction! Their new routine consisted of weekly trips to the park or winter ice skating expeditions. The other evenings, they gathered close to one another, watching inspiring YouTube videos, exchanging exercise tips, and being inspired. They prioritized this new way of life, keeping each other informed about their accomplishments in burning calories and tracking their advancements in their fitness quest.
A New Diet Plan
A Dramatic change
Although Lexi had a very specific goal in mind, getting there would need a marathon rather than a sprint. She completely changed her lifestyle since she was determined to change her life. Her persistent hard work and devotion eventually paid off, as she saw a discernible improvement in her general fitness and attractiveness. Danny and Lexi continued to follow their diet plan religiously. But there was a worrying worry hanging over them like a heavy cloud: the yo-yo effect, a possible enemy that may ruin all of their hard work. Rather than giving in to hopelessness, Lexi welcomed her favorite healthful meals as partners on her path, which helped her get closer and closer to her goal.
A Dramatic Change
Their Combined Efforts: Together, They Are Strong
This dynamic team took things one step at a time on their amazing path to a better lifestyle, and boy, did they succeed! Through steadfast affection and sheer willpower, they became into each other’s strongest allies. Their waistlines weren’t the only thing that changed in an absolutely amazing makeover. Their accomplishments lit up their social media accounts, and they not only lost weight but also attracted a sizable fan base. Their support from the internet community gave them even more inspiration. They traveled into the vast outdoors and started unforgettable experiences with their lovely canine friend as they embraced the world of fitness and clean nutrition. They had become fully committed to their new, active lifestyle.
Their Combined Efforts Together, They Are Strong
The fun begins
Lexi’s dedication to adopting a better lifestyle has brought about a welcome transformation in her life. Her improvement is becoming more and more evident every day, which is a continual source of inspiration. Along with weight reduction and increasing muscle mass, Lexi’s careful exercise regimen and well-balanced diet have also produced a host of other favorable outcomes. Beyond the physical change, Lexi has discovered at the gym a welcoming group of like-minded people who encourage her to reach her fitness objectives. Her social network has grown considerably as a result of her enthusiastic enrollment in dancing courses, which liven up her exercise regimen. Lexi’s consistency in her fitness journey has not only improved her physical health but also illuminated her life with an undeniable aura of positivity.
The Fun Begins
Unbelievable successes
Lexi never wavered in her will to follow her path, which was meant to be an encouragement to a great number of others. Surprisingly, in the span of a month, she witnessed incredible changes. Although Lexi had some reservations at first regarding the outcome of her weight loss efforts, her unwavering determination kept her going. In just four weeks, she showed off an impressive nine kilogram weight loss. Her social media accounts eventually served as a platform for displaying her development, complete with eye-catching photos of her now-loose-fitting wedding gown. Lexi’s tenacity served as inspiration for others on comparable health journeys, highlighting the challenge of maintaining motivation along the road.
Unbelievable Successes
Danny has reached his destination
Danny’s life changed dramatically as a result of his unrelenting commitment. Together with Lexi, he committed to a regular diet and exercise program, and together they accomplished an amazing change that included weight loss and muscular growth. He didn’t start off very overweight, but he made rapid progress toward his goal weight. But Danny had no intention of resting on his laurels. He continued, working out beside his spouse and training partner, Lexi. After two years, Danny achieved his target weight of 86 kg, and he was quite proud of the fact that he now regularly exercised and ate a nutritious diet.
Danny Has Reached His Destination
145 kilograms Shedded!
Lexi’s incredible road to fame is eloquently depicted in the stunning photographs she regularly shares with her burgeoning fan following. Lexi’s perseverance and confidence were evident in each new post, which was evidence of her personal growth. Many others who were looking for their own route to self-discovery found inspiration and confidence in her photos. Now that she could dress up in long-forgotten clothes and walk boldly in front of the camera, Lexi had really recovered her sense of independence and freedom. Not only did she rediscover her own self, but she also had the bravery and vigor to tell her loved ones about her incredible accomplishment.
145 Kilograms Shedded!
Lexi became an influencer
Over this time, Lexi’s journey has been a source of motivation for a great number of people who are overweight. After a protracted journey to change her physique and live a healthy lifestyle, she has completely transformed her life and entered the world of social media influence. She constantly inspires men and women to adopt better lifestyles by adhering to her own road map for success. Once a well-kept secret among acquaintances, her Instagram page, “Fat Girl Fed Up,” now has an outstanding following of around 1.2 million users. How she’s developed into a well-known personality in the fitness influencer scene is really amazing!
Lexi Became An Influencer
She reaches her destination
After years of steadfast effort, Lexi finally reached her goal weight, proving that her and Danny’s long-term approach paid off. Her remarkable metamorphosis did not go unnoticed, garnering her the respect of her inner group as well as propelling her into the media spotlight. Before long, Lexi was receiving requests to talk about her amazing transformation and fitness journey. She loved being in the spotlight and eagerly accepted invitations to different gatherings. She even excitedly performed on stage on a TV show, showcasing the visible effects of her unwavering work ethic.
She Reaches Her Destination
The retrospect
At one point, Lexi and her companion had to shoulder the heavy load of 360 kg together. Their path from that moment to the present is evidence of their persistence and steadfast devotion. They both realize, though, that this is only the beginning of their journey since they have completely embraced mindful eating and healthy living as essential elements of their new way of life. Their path is unique because they came to the knowledge that their amazing change was not possible for them to have accomplished alone. On their regular walks, they stroll hand in hand and look behind, seeing in Lexi not just a physical transformation but also a significant increase in her self-assurance. Her sustained commitment is motivated by her newly discovered confidence. For Lexi, the gym has become into a beloved second home where she thrives on her incredible fitness journey, rather than just a place to work out.
The Retrospect
Finally Going For The Dream Honeymoon
Now was the time for the pair to start a new chapter in their life, one that would be full of experiences that their weight had prevented them from having in the past. After years of planning, they could finally go on their much-anticipated honeymoon. After obtaining their tickets, they excitedly boarded a flight to Florida in order to see Universal Studios. After entering the park, they eagerly enjoyed each attraction, savoring every moment of it. Time flew by, strengthening their relationship even more as they developed from a passionate couple into an impeccably synchronized pair.
Finally Going For The Dream Honeymoon
Lexi is now in great shape
Everyone is in awe of Lexi’s incredible path of self-improvement. She has defeated her inner demons and lost those extra pounds thanks to her steadfast dedication to her fitness objectives, which are driven by strenuous gym sessions. Despite the many obstacles on the way, Lexi’s fortitude was evident. With the encouragement of her devoted husband Danny and a passionate following, she challenged herself to reach her ideal body. Lexi is a very different person now, hardly recognisable. She has seen a remarkable physical metamorphosis, but what’s even more noticeable is the renewed happiness and energy she gives off!
Lexi Is Now In Great Shape
Adventure is part of their lives
Lexi and Danny have made a decision that will change their lives: they are leaving the TV behind and embracing a world full of thrilling experiences and new people. These days are now occupied with exhilarating kayak trips, difficult mountain treks, and activities that take them away from the monotony of the gym. But for them, living a vigorous and healthy lifestyle is more important than merely looking good. They actively seek out new everyday experiences, thus time is no longer squandered. Danny and Lexi have created a very fulfilling and active life together that makes them both incredibly happy.
Adventure Is Part Of Their Lives
Never going back again
The gym provided Lexi with a secure environment where she could approach her extra weight in a logical manner while juggling her hectic schedule, making it the perfect venue for her to start her weight reduction journey. The gym was a no-nonsense place where Lexi could work out without excuses, so she could continue her regimen even when the weather wasn’t ideal. Over time, Lexi used her newfound energy and body to explore all the things she had previously been unable to do because of her weight. Participating in these outdoor activities not only energized her but also helped her to transcend her prior fitness goals, opening up a wealth of unrealized potential in her.
Never Going Back Again
They are strongest together
Lexi has every right to be proud of her tremendous accomplishment, which is truly exceptional. But, she acknowledges with humility that without Danny’s unwavering support, her internal struggle would have been unwinnable. Without Danny’s constant push, the drastic change in her eating habits and the demanding exercise schedule would have been difficult obstacles to overcome. Lexi’s story is a real example of the transformational power of support and cooperation, after years of battling weight concerns. Their greatest reward? A happier, more active life together, together with the exciting possibility of growing their family soon. We send them our best wishes for a successful and fulfilling future together!
They Are Strongest Together
New Weight, New Challenges
Few people understand how difficult it can be to maintain motivation while trying to lose weight more than Marlon, 33, and Camille, 31. Ultimately, they made the decision to support one another on their weight loss journey. The Atlantan couple had a sharp increase in their weight after getting married in 2017. With Marlon weighing 475 pounds and Camille weighing 210 pounds by 2020, they had both attained their highest weights to date and were included in the 41 percent of American people over 20 who are classified as obese.
New Weight, New Challenges
Embracing the Mindset of Making Small Changes
“Each of these health conditions significantly impacted our weight-loss journey, posing additional hurdles and intensifying the already difficult challenge we faced,” Marlon said. Nevertheless, the couple embarked on a strenuous fitness journey without faltering from their goal. They started out modestly, performing high-intensity, 20–25-minute workouts at home three or four times a week. Camille made light of the fact that she has virtually tried “every diet out there” in an interview with Newsweek. This time, what actually drove them to their destination was customizing their journey to meet their unique requirements—both as a pair and individually—instead of trying to fit into a preconceived notion that had gained popularity online.
Embracing The Mindset Of Making Small Changes
‘We Had To Overcome Challenges’
Even while it would seem simple to just make extra meals and work out a few times a week, the pair admitted that there were moments when they wanted to give up. Their action plan was customized to meet their unique demands, which allowed them to persevere. Our lives have truly changed as a result of this experience, and they go far beyond weight reduction. We now appreciate so many things in our lives, like having the energy to enjoy life more, being able to exercise our bodies, eating wholesome foods, and so much more.
‘We Had To Overcome Challenges’
She Couldn’t Take It
Alecia Patranella was exhausted and in discomfort from daily activities by the time her weight had reached about 300 pounds. Going to the dentist meant going up a flight of stairs, which added an extra layer of worry. Her back and knees ached. She was depressed. Jason, her husband, battled his own weight and fatigue all the time. His weight had reached 245 pounds, and he was having trouble breathing just tying his shoes. The 44-year-old pair claims that despite trying numerous diets and spending thousands of dollars on fitness courses and personal trainers, nothing was sustainable over the long run. The tipping point was reached in 2022 when they attended one of their favorite events, an Astros baseball game in Houston, Texas. Alecia Patranella noticed she was having trouble going inside the stall when she went to the restroom.
She Couldn’t Take It
Doing Her Research
On the drive back to Huntsville, Texas, she began reading up on weight-loss surgery, and she quickly informed her husband that she had made up her mind. To her amazement, he decided to get the procedure himself. “I knew we needed something. We needed a swift kick in the behind, I guess you could say,” Jason Patranella tells TODAY.com.
Overweight Asian Woman Show And Use Hand To Squeeze Fat Belly.
Getting Surgery
Together, the pair has shed 190 pounds one year following their sleeve gastrectomy, which was performed by a bariatric surgeon at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center in Texas. Even though they were scared to go through with the surgery they knew that it was time, and that they needed to change, not just for themselves but also for their own future.
Getting Surgery
Celebrating
Alecia Patranella rejoiced in November when she lost weight for the first time in 17 years in comparison to her spouse. What they would like others to know about their weight-loss experience, the reasons surgery is not “an easy way out,” and how their perspective on eating has radically altered are as follows:
Celebrating
Weight gain
She gained roughly 50 pounds after the Patranellas’ 2005 marriage because she was misdiagnosed for nearly a year with PCOS and an underactive thyroid. Before becoming pregnant with the couple’s now-11-year-old son, she also struggled with depression and infertility. Jason Patranella claims that because of her tough pregnancy and gestational diabetes, he turned into a “symbolic eater,” indulging in things that were off-limits to her and that he typically didn’t like, such cakes and pies. “I probably ate a whole pecan pie every week while she was pregnant,” he recalls.
Weight Gain
A Difficult Time
It started the couple on a years-long weight gain and futile weight loss roller coaster. They ate fast food, drank sugary soda, and rarely cooked at home, making poor dietary choices. Alecia Patranella claims that she was an emotional eater who would overindulge in cookies or chips when she felt bad about herself. By the time her 5-foot-7-inch frame struggled to fit into the restroom stall at that baseball game, she weighed 294 pounds.
A Difficult Time
Weight-loss success
In September 2022, Alecia Patranella had weight-loss surgery. Jason Patranella postponed his operation for two months in order to ensure that one of them could always hold his three-year-old daughter, as patients are limited in their ability to lift weight after the treatment. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, during a sleeve gastrectomy, doctors remove around 80% of the stomach, which reduces the quantity of food that a person may eat, decreasing appetite and boosting satiety.
Weight Loss Success
Success Story
After a year, he has shed roughly 70 pounds and she has lost over 120. Now that they are both about 175 pounds, Alecia Patranella is happy that, for the first time since they were married, she weighs a little less than her husband. They have to prioritize eating food that nourishes and fuels their bodies because of their smaller stomachs. They emphasize eating a diet strong in protein and low in carbohydrates and getting their daily exercise from three miles of jogging or running. They still go out to dine, but they now choose salads and grilled chicken instead of junk food.
Weight Loss Success
Doing It Together
Alecia Patranella wants to shed an additional twenty pounds, but she has invested in a body fat-indicating scale so that she can track her progress toward her goal weight even if her weight loss plateaus. She has started posting travelogues to Instagram. The couple claims that having weight-loss surgery together was the key to their success. Without her, I could not have completed the task. According to Jason Patranella, “she has been my inspiration and driving force.” We’re experiencing the same thing, so it’s been a blessing,” Alecia Patranella continues.
Doing It Together
Not A Worry
I never gave my weight any thought. I started playing curling when I was eight years old; it’s similar to shuffleboard on ice. I felt comfortable about myself in my size-8 pants and weighed a healthy 135 pounds in my 20s. I lived in Arizona with Duncan, my partner. I had dated my boyfriend, Duncan, since high school, and we enjoyed walking, biking, hiking, and golfing together. After working out, I always felt amazing, which motivated me to keep going.
Not A Worry
Cracks Started To Show
In 1998, having finished my master’s program to become a learning-disabilities specialist, Duncan and I returned to our Canadian hometown, where we bought a house together and began discussing marriage. However, I secretly harbored grave worries about our connection. We had started arguing every day about little stuff like Why hadn’t you asked me how my day was going? Besides, Duncan traveled a lot for work, so we didn’t get to see each other too often.
Cracks Started To Show
Stress Eating
Neither of us wanted to acknowledge that we might not be in love after 16 years of dating. I stopped taking care of myself and got depressed. I did nothing but sit on the couch and eat my cravings for salty foods like nachos and chips. Duncan and I tried not to spend too much time together while he was home because we would always argue. Together, we used to love making nutritious dinners, but when things went apart, we started cooking whatever was easiest, which usually involved frozen entrées that were fatty or pastas with cream sauce.
Woman’s Hand Spreading Nachos On A Cream
Taking a Toll on Her Body
I could feel the weight starting to creep on, and my discomfort level increased as I put on more weight. And our relationship degraded even more as a result of my self-deprecation. We carried on in this manner for three years. I had been vivacious and fun-loving earlier, but now I was miserable and unhappy and didn’t know who I was anymore. Going into stores to buy larger sizes proved awkward.
Taking a Toll on Her Body
It Was Getting Embarrassing
Because of my excess weight, I didn’t feel like I could wear fashionable clothing. Duncan would still compliment me on my appearance. In spite of my disbelief in him, I still gave a damn about what he thought. I thought I was losing both my partner and myself. My family and I traveled to Hawaii in March of 2003. I was mortified to see pictures of myself in shorts and a tank top later. I was aware that I had put on weight because I was now a size 16, but the images provided more striking evidence.
It Was Getting Embarrassing
Talking to a Therapist
Simultaneously, I began visiting a therapist, who identified me as having situational depression, thus validating that my personal life was causing me to descend into despair. The therapist advised me to focus on improving my self-esteem before attempting to mend my relationship. She suggested that in addition to therapy, an antidepressant would be helpful, but I wanted to try not taking any medication.
Talking To A Therapist
Starting to Change
Mom advised me to sign up for Curves. She was a member of Curves and praised the program’s simplicity of use: the 30-minute exercise circuit mixes machine-based strength training with aerobic activity. I was weighed when I went for a consultation and almost toppled over because I was 179 pounds! How had I allowed myself to put on forty pounds? Even so, I was eager to start the mending process.
Starting to Change
Time to Sweat
I began going to the gym six days a week. My mental health was my main motivation for working out; weight loss followed in second. Even though we were still living together, Duncan and I had become as distant and seldom spoke as strangers. I used to do the circuit while crying whenever I thought about my relationship. But exercising became a compulsive way for me to let go of all my tension and melancholy, and it helped me clear my thoughts.
Time To Sweat
A Positive Outlook
I shed seven pounds and one pant size after two months of weekly self-weighing. I was energized! Though I was getting better at exercise, reducing that weight provided me the confidence to take care of my physical health as well. At that point, I decided to lose weight in order to return to my starting weight of about 135 pounds. “I needed to get back to basics.”
A Positive Outlook
Breaking Up
Duncan and I formally ended our relationship shortly after I shed those seven pounds. At last, we acknowledged that our love had faded and that there was no turning back now. Even so, I was devastated by our split. Being by myself was daunting as I had been with Duncan since I was fifteen. Even though it was difficult to get out of bed every morning, I knew I had to either keep moving toward my healthy objective or fall further into melancholy.
Breaking Up
Picking Herself Back Up
I so convinced myself that going to work and the gym were the only things I needed to accomplish each day. The one thing I felt in control of was my health, and taking responsibility for it was liberating. I started reverting to my previous, healthful eating routine. I made sure to eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables, starting the day with yogurt and granola, followed by a salad or sandwich for lunch, then rice, veggies, and protein for supper. Since I had spent the most of my life eating that way, it wasn’t difficult to accomplish.
Picking Herself Back Up
Doing Better
Over the next eight months, I lost half a pound to a pound a week, very slowly. The Curves staff inspired me to persevere, and my confidence was enhanced when I realized that friends, family, and the gym’s trainers had noticed that I had lost weight. I also started going for walks with my friends Debi and Cindy in the mornings on Sundays. Those walks turned become our personal time to talk and vent about the unpleasant things going on in our lives—Cindy had recently received a cancer diagnosis, for example. For the following three months, I would go to work, spend the evenings and Saturdays at Curves, and then meet Debi and Cindy on Sundays.
Doing Better
Life is Good
I kept working out at Curves and power walking after the half-marathon, and I was still losing half a pound to a pound per week. The scale reached 140 pounds in the summer of 2005 and remained there. Even though it had been two years since I began, I had gradually reached my goal weight. I felt good for the first time in a year and a half, even though I knew I looked amazing. I felt like I was myself again, both inside and out. I was full of energy and had a fresh enthusiasm for life. I used to enjoy going into stores and putting on tight jeans and tank tops.
Life is Good
Living to the Fullest!
I’ve lost weight and kept it off for the past three years. I still go to the gym four times a week and power walk, but I try not to overindulge too much. I’ll add a few more minutes to my workout if I go out with the girls and eat a platter of chicken wings or if I see that my jeans are going a bit tight. In addition, I have backpacked around Southeast Asia and Europe. If I weighed 179 pounds, I never would have had the stamina to make those trips! I’m not afraid to go back out on the dating scene, but I’m content to carry on with my life without a partner or without one. I thought I would never be able to return to normalcy five years ago. I adore my life right now, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead for me.
Living To The Fullest!