I am a stay-at-home mom, happily married to my Army husband. While stationed in California, I experienced an extreme amount of stress and ended up gaining a lot of weight. I truly believed I would never again be a size 8. It was a really low point for me.
One day, when I was in the park pushing my young son in his stroller, I got out of breath and had to retreat to the house. That was my turning point. So I made the mental decision to kick myself back in gear. I slowly started eating less and moving more. Over the course of five years, I lost 130 pounds! I am almost overwhelmed with my success and regret ever letting myself go in the first place. However, I focus on the fact that I changed my whole life for the better and I don't beat myself up over it. I'm off all blood pressure medication and other health issues have gone away with the weight loss.
I'm now active, and play with my grandkids. I play basketball, softball, run, ride my bike and walk whenever possible. If I'm not moving, then I must be sleeping! I want everyone else who may feel like I once did to know that it is not hopeless and not a lost cause! If I can do it, then anyone can, if they're willing to put in the time and effort.
Thank you for pushing the fact that in most cases, being overweight is really a choice, and if you put the work in, you can lose all the extra weight. I've heard you say there's no excuse for being obese, and now I know you're right. I am living proof that a total turnaround is possible, and I feel like a brand new person.
Jolene
