Growing up I had always been overweight. It has been my ongoing battle. Although I played sports in elementary and high school, I was the “heavy girl” on the team. Over the years, I tried all kinds of diets, exercise programs, eating plans, books, pills, doctors, etc.

As the years went by, my weight crept up and other health conditions began to take hold and get worse.My doctors increased blood pressure medicines, ordered a c-pap machine, and warned I was Pre-Diabetic. They continued write more prescriptions as more conditions were diagnosed for severe jointpain, migraines, etc., I was still not ready to get serious about confronting my severe morbid obesity.

Sometimes things happen in Threes and when it comes to my weight loss journey, three life events brought me to the decision to finally get serious about taking control of my weight once and for all. 

Finally, I decided to have weight loss surgery and scheduled a consultation with a Bariatric surgeon in June of 2013. I had a follow up appointment with the Surgeon on Dec. 7, 2013. At that visit, I weighed in at 393lbs. By the end of December, I was approved for surgery and had a pre-op appointment set up for
January 28 th , 2014. My surgery date was Feb. 11, 2014 and from that time until July 2015, I have lost over 200lbs and now maintain that weight loss.

I wish to share my lifelong battle with weight and finally achieving my weight loss goal. I’ve been able to maintain it all while handling life’s daily challenges and stresses without using food. In sharing my story, I wish to give hope, motivate, inspire, educate, offer advice, and tips as well as discuss the struggles and
successes.

I love to cook and have always had a real passion for food, so I now channel that love and passion towards developing healthy and delicious recipes. I’m always on the hunt for new products or food items to help mix it up a bit and add new textures and flavors to my dishes. 

Another amazing discovery throughout this entire experience has been a love for fitness and exercise. I’ve learned amazing ways to get fit, and enjoy lifting weights, water aerobics, rowing, and HIIT training among other things. Since being diagnosed with advanced arthritis, it’s taught me how to re-structure exercise so that I am able to still workout, strengthen my joints and decrease inflammation and pain. This journey is ongoing, it’s not a final destination. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth and improvement. 

Please join as we learn from each other and share our experiences.