Everybody loves to see ‘Fat’ pictures … or before/after pictures. I prefer to call them before and ‘right now’ pictures … because ultimately, aren’t we all just a work in progress anyway? But nonetheless … here we go … pictures from my former life when I weighed a whopping 325 pounds … and a progression … until now. Throughout the journey I have lost over 170 pounds. That’s like a whole person, yikes! It took a long time and there was NO magic pill or gimmicks, no tricks, no potions. Just a whole bunch of hard work, diligent effort, consistent attention to the millions of tiny choices I make every dang day. And before you ask me, just let me tell you: YES I have saggy skin and YES I have cellulite and YES I have stretch marks. They are just souvenirs of the many seasons of my body.
First of all: I was not always morbidly obese – this is me (below) as a teenager…
However; by the time I got married at age 23, I was already quite heavy –
probably 250 pounds-ish. (FYI this is my 1st husband not my present husband, but he’s part of the story)
These pictures below are with co-workers, a year or so after we were married,
and I had already started gaining more weight.
I remember hating these photos when they came out.
These pictures below are on vacation in Indiana, wearing a size 5X t-shirt;
I remember being humiliated to buy a shirt that was size 5X
This picture was classic ‘Deb’ as I would hide behind things in photographs.
The shirt I am wearing in this photo is a size 5X
The pictures below were taken in Virginia on a hike – I remember getting winded very easily and was very frustrated by my lack of stamina.
So I Joined
a Gym !
I started going to the gym – off and on – I was not consistent – but I went when I could – and I made an effort – it definitely helped me start forming habits.
and I started working out with FRIENDS – it makes a big difference
It also helped a lot when I realized I needed buddies
and accountability partners.
This is mid-progress I guess – I was very nervous to have my daughter take this picture of me in our front yard. I hated my arms (still don’t love them) and that outfit was way beyond my comfort zone but I was making progress and I knew I should have some pictures.
SO, I got outside a LOT more and learned to love climbing hills and exploring parks and camping…
and I got out of my comfort zone – like climbing into a big rubber floating tube and having fun in the river…
…and I seriously had to enhance my kitchen skills –
cooking at home is critical
…and I learned to cook
…and I learned to eat better, and make smoothies,
and pay attention to what I put into my body…
and I learned to use iTunes and headphones to enjoy music while exercising…
and I started taking selfies – and getting more confident – and talking about the journey online…
and I had to STOP the negative self-talk, and the ‘all or nothing’ mentality …
and I utilized the support of good friends and family – both near and far
…and I got the kids involved in this new lifestyle…
September 2014
Fall 2015
Spring 2016
Summer 2016
March 2019 – Feeling Fab
To GOD be the Glory – because without Him, this would not have been possible.
Phil. 4:13 has been my mantra for quite a while now.
As always, make champion choices,
The Healthy Habit Lady
The Healthy Habit Lady 
Amazing story Deb. You have much to be proud of!
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You are an inspiration. Congratulations on your success!
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You are absolutely amazing!!!!
Such an inspiration my friend.
Congrats on the healthy new you!
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So very proud of you! Love you lots!
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You are amazing!!!! Thanks fur sharing your story!!!
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Thank you for sharing your what a blessing and so encouraging.
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GREAT blog, Deb! I particularly love that you start out with that you aren’t in “after” mode, you aer in “where I am now” mode. Heaven knows you never get done with this journey. And what an honor it is to have you include my photo!
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You are a part of my success my sweet friend. And thank you.
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You are an inspiration to many people. Awesome!
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Awesome journey. Great story and inspiration to those who are now taking up the challenge. Congratulations on your great endeavor.
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Thank you Meggi
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Thanks for sharing that! God is so good!
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Thank you for sharing! Very inspiring. You wrote you started going to a gym but you didn’t write about what you did with your food and eating… of course I’m curious what changes you made!
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You are an inspiration! You look wonderful. Thank you.
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I love this story too. I can feel it more in my bones, that I’m going to get there one day. I really am! Thanks, Deb!!
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Deb, you are an inspiration and your storytelling is remarkable! You have given me the oomph I needed to get out of a slump after losing 90 pounds. I have 35 more pounds to get rid of in the next 4 months! I have to stop making excuses and get moving. Thank you for showing me that despite some setbacks on your journey, you did it! I WILL DO IT!! Seeing your blog has been very timely for me. Thanks, Deb!!
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you are so welcome, keep me posted.
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