This is my story...

815 rep

Like many of the conversations I've been reading, I too have been overweight most of my life. About a month ago I steeped on the scale, and when it read "E" I told my self that I have to do something about this, and like some, I did nothing. Two weeks ago I was called for a woman down in the middle of her farm and it required a mile hike to get to her. You see I'm a paramedic and had to carry all out our 100 lbs of equipment just to reach my patient, and I couldn't. When I was done with my patient in the ER, I stepped on their scale. 378 lbs. I was in complete shock. I'm 30, I can,t keep doing this to my self, my family, or my patients. I started eating right; watching my calorie in-take. I went and joined AF and just completed my first week (5 one hour workouts). And I feel great. My goal is to get back to the 220-250 mark. What keeps me motivated is the love I have for myself, my children, and my patients. Never again will I be unable to reach my patient because of my weight. Whats your story and what keeps you motivated to go the extra mile?

6.6k rep

MemberFraser, MI

Here is my story, I have had weight issues since my mid 20's. My weight went up and down. In 1996 I had a work injury that required me to have extensive knee surgery and it took 6 mths to recover. My weight ballooned during this time and I tried losing the weight and I was not very successful, I also really didn't think I was that heavy, at that time I think I was weighing about 250 and I'm only 5'2" My weight continued to climb and I no longer would get on the scale. I still didn't see my self as a "Fat Person." Then one day in 2009 I was with my 19 year old daughter and we were coming out of a store and I saw a very obese woman and I asked my daughter to be completely honest with me, even if it hurt me, I asked her if I was as big as that woman? I was shocked when she told me that I was bigger than that woman! That was what I call my ahh haa moment.

I decided to do something about my weight, I didn't want to be obese any more! I went to a local program in my area and join their weight loss program that would teach me how to eat properly and help me lose the weight. When I stepped on their scale for the first time I was completely shocked with the number, I tipped the scale at 339lbs!

I have done a total lifestyle change, with my diet and exercise. I eat only fresh fruit and vegetables and lean meats and I stay away from processed foods completely. In December of 2010 I joined Anytime Fitness and started exercising.

May of 2011 I hit my goal weight and have lost a total of 187lbs. I still can not believe I have lost that much weight or that I even weighed so much. I do know that I will NEVER go back to being that obese person ever again!

I hope my story helps to motivate other people to get healthy and realize that they too can lose the weight.

31k rep

MemberPort Washington, WI

Congrats on making the decision to change your lifestyle-sounds like you are off to a good start.

I was always a skinny, active kid, a little chunky as a pre-teen, but lost that before high school and was probably too thin in high school. I gained the freshmen 15 in college, and a little more. But lost it before my wedding.

I went through a bad depression when I lost my first pregnancy at 23 weeks. I had always wanted children and was thrilled to find out I was having twins, it nearly killed me when I went into labor at 23 weeks and the babies were too small to save. I spent a year depressed and just not giving a sh*t about my health, I gained too much weight, then got pregnant with my now 4 year old, the stress and anxiety of possibly losing that pregnancy caused me to gain more weight, I lost some of it after the birth, but got pregnant again and again gained too much weight while pregnant. When my son was 10 months old I just decided one day that enough was enough. I joined AFT and 8 months later I was down to my wedding day weight and in a size 4/6 (smallest I have ever been). I've lost over 70 pounds, to date.

I am motivated by my kids. I don't want them to struggle with their weight. I know that they watch and do everything that I do. I am motivated by the fact that I feel better and look better than I ever have before, and I am 35 years old. I changed my lifestyle and will never go back to the "up and down" battle with the scale.

Good luck with your journey!

Sarah

350 rep

MemberPierre, SD

Richard, you and I are in the same boat. See while I'm not a paramedic, I was very noticably overweight last year. I got on a scale one day and it told me 354.4 and I was in shock. I was greatly blessed to get a job at GNC (General Nutrition Center) and THATS when I made my commitment to weight loss. I started taking a daily multivitamin and OxyElite (a fat burner) I started exercising regularly and watching my diet. As I type this I am happy to say that I've been able to maintain my healthy lifestyle and just recently hit 100 lbs lost! Today I'm at 251.8 and have anywhere from 30-50 lbs I'd still like to lose. You CAN do it Richard, I believe in you and everyone else on here does too! Let me know if you have ANY questions ok?

223 rep

MemberSheboygan, WI

Hi Richard, congrats on making that decision to lose weight and get healthy. A lot of people depend on us and in your case its your job that is important to be in better health. Like you, I was shocked when I stepped on the scales. I had no idea that I weighted as much as I did. I think we are in denial about what we weight, our self image is rarely realistic until we are faced with the facts. What is keeping me motivated to go the extra mile is a new self respect and the fact that I can do this as long as I believe I can. I use to tell myself that I'd lose weight someday and I'd postpone it longer and longer until years passed. Nothing gets done when you put it off so for me it was NOW or never and since I don't want to die of a heart attack or stroke, I have to lose weight and eat right. You can do it that's the beautiful thing about it and each day you accomplish a small goal it gives you confidence and motivation to keep improving and moving forward.

671 rep

MemberHastings, MN

My story??? I never really thought about having "my story" until recently. Where do I begin. I got married in 1990 weighing 180 maybe...Next time I weighed myself was the day I found out I was 6 weeks PG at the weight of 212...April 1992 at 265 delivery day...then in May 1996 I was 265 when I found out I was PG...285 on delivery day...Lost some weight here & there over the years...The most I had lost was in 2006 my starting weight was 320 I lost 60 lbs...My highest weight was 335 which was recently in the last few months & now I weigh 320...I have 130lbs to lose to get my OUT OF THE 300s & 200s...I would feel AWESOME at 190 lbs. My motivation at this point is TO STAY ALIVE. I am a walking time bomb & it scares me. I started AF in Jan 2012 I have been there 10xs now & feel good. Next month I hope to be there even more. I wish each of you luck. I am grateful for this site because I can "vent" and share "my story"...Thanks for listening. It feels great to know "I am not alone." "Thank God for new days,new beginnings."

815 rep

aams,

I too joined this mounth. As of to day, I am down 17 lbs and like you said new days, new beginnings.

671 rep

MemberHastings, MN

great job Richard...keep up the great job

67 rep

MemberApollo Beach, FL

I'm new and joined AF this month and have been going about 4-5 times per week and also working out with a trainer 3 x's a week and just started a kick boxing class 2 x's a week.
I feel great and have been sleeping like a baby, but really need to get my eating habits in line so that I can see some weight loss so I won't give up and quit like I've done so many times before.
I have three kids still at home and things are always rush rush rush when it comes to meals and with me the quick and easy always prevails.
I also like having a trainer to tell me what to do on the machines, but I really can't afford to go another round when my 12 sessions are up ???? How in the world do you know what to do with what machine and whats good with what?

I currently weigh 228.00 and want to get down to 180.00 and sure do hope that this is the time.

2.3k rep

when i was 18. got pregnant and lost a baby boy when i delivered him at 23 weeks old. not only did i gain the weight during his pregnancy, i got depressed and ate more. i didnt lose the weight. i got pregnant with my now 11 yr old daughter only a few weeks after i lost my son. i got up to about 250 during the pregnancy. after i had her i never really lost the weight. i got pregnant with another girl and gained about 20 more pounds. she is now 9. and my last pregnancy with my son who is now 8, my weight jumped up to 306 pounds. in 2006, my ex and i split up. he cheated on me. the truth was he found someone younger and prettier and thinner. he didnt see me as the same person i was when we met because i gained so much weight. i was taught beauty comes from within. its the truth. but i wanted to lose weight for me. i wanted to be the skinny woman that has no problems taking care of and playing with her kids. i tried diets before with mild success.the failure of those diets were due to the fact that i wasnt ready to give up my friend, food. my "ah ha" moment was when my middle child asked with her loving honesty. asked me "mommy why are you fat?" all i could tell her was "i dont know". the truth is i did know. it was my fault and the only person who can gelp me was myself. so i joined afc. and i was happy to find out about this website. i love the diet tracking. i also love how you can type in what you weigh and your activity level and your weight goal. it calculates how many calories you can consume and how to put the foods you eat on the charts. so i can watch my food intake and i have been planning my meals out. the first 2 days i ate like i normally did because i wanted to see how many calories i normally consumed. i was horrified when i realised i was consuming around 3000 calories each day! for my weight goal the website calculated i shouldnt be eating more that 1500 calories per day, but if you have a good workout you can add the calories you burn to the calories you can consume and it gives you a little wiggle room just incase you cut it close to your goal. im happy so far. when i joined i was 292. and now im 285.6 its a start. my goal is id like to get to 190. with support im sure i'll get there.

1.2k rep

I've been battling the scales for the past 10 years or so. Yo-yo'ing up and down as I tried small diets, get bored of it and fall off the wagon. I did have a good year in 2010, where I lost 40lbs in 4 mths with some healthy eating & joining ATF. I felt like a new person. Unfortunately with my weight loss, i gained a bf, and that ended up having me slack off like no tomorrow. I have now regained almost all that I lost. I got very mad at myself last week. I looked in my purse, and noticed I have adopted over the year: allergy pills, 2 puffers now, Advil for my arthritis in my feet, and I can't breathe properly on top of the weight gain. I re-joined the gym a week ago, and just going the few times that I have, has made me feel happier, knowing i'm getting back on the horse again.
I learned my lesson, to put myself first, don't accomodate for other people's lives. I have a 60lb road ahead of me, and i'm a bit scared and nervous but more excited and happy than anything.

Kudo's to all of you who made the decision to make your lives healthier. I hope all of you succeed in your goals!

724 rep

AlumniSpringdale, AR

You all have such incredible stories. You have to be so proud for wanting to be healthy for yourselves and your loved ones. For the ones that want to lose the extra weight - it is so so worth your time, effort and dedication. For the ones that have reached those amazing goals - WOW! You have to be incredibly pleased!

My story is pretty ordinary but I do feel very, very blessed to have my health and fitness at age 60. Working at staying fit has been possible for me most of my life - nothing extreme - just healthy. Reaching those weight-fitness goals that you have set will reap such awesome rewards to each of you. I am able run a 5K or 10K with my girls and keep up with my 9 grandchildren. As I have gotten older, I have had to adjust my diet and exercises for the arthritis, osteoporosis and slower metabolism. I struggle with doing the right things just like you all do. Being a part of a gym community is wonderful motivation and support to help you feel like you are making progress and can reach those goals.

Thank you for sharing your journeys with us. Please know I am thinking about each of you and wish you the BEST of success! You all are truly remarkable!

27 rep

MemberBeloit, WI

I have never really thought about my story. I guess my story has to start when I was in third grade. I was on a medication that was causing weight gain. I have been heavy pretty much my whole life. In 2005 I weighed about 421 and I knew that I had to do something. I could not even walk a block without having to stop and catch my breath. I put myself on a strict diet and started walking alot. I ended up losing almost 80 lbs. Since then my weight has gone up and down. In October of last year, I found out that I had gained 30 lbs in one month and weighed 382. My doctor put me on a water pill and I lost most of that weight. My primary doctor says that I am a good candiate for weight loss surgery. Right now I am on a 2000 calorie diet through Mercy and so far have lost 20 lbs from that. I want to lose about 100 to 180 lbs.