When I started this weight loss journey (can it be an epic journey? I think I’ll refer to it that way from now on….) I weighed….well, I’m not sure, my highest recorded weight was 276 lbs. My BMI was well into the morbidly obese category (above 35).

But I know there were times were I stepped on the wii saw the weight went up and turned it off.

This morning I weighed in for WIW and the scale said 173.7 lbs. Well, I was thrilled of course cause that’s a 1.7 lbs loss.

Then I entered my weight into the app I use to track it and this came up:

Normal.

Normal….

Holy crap.

Normal?! I started jumping up and down. Never in my adult life have a had a normal BMI, the last time I did, I was 18 and anorexic.

I would much rather look like me now then me then. I’m strong now, not skinny fat. AND the stretch marks & extra skin are badges of honor from my epic journey.

There’s less than 10 lbs separating the picture on the left from the one on the right.

But I couldn’t lift a 5 gallon bottle of water back then. Heck, I was too exhausted from only eating about 900 calories a day to even move, let alone make all my own food, study and work out. I would much rather be the girl on the right. I’m proud of the girl on the right. She’s worked hard and is legitimately happy. Not fake happy like left-Sarah.

A normal BMI…..who. would. have. thought?

I barely even recognize the person in those pictures anymore. It’s like it was a dream or something and I woke up with this “new” body.

But that’s not the case, this has been a 2 1/2 year fight. I clawed my way here, it was not easy. I had month long plateaus and moments where all I wanted was a giant greasy burrito….and gave in. I haven’t been perfect on this journey, there’s no such thing.

I was… blessed? cursed? I don’t know what to call it, with two different eating disorders to get to the person in the pictures above, they weren’t to the point where some people get, but an eating disorder is an eating disorder. I spent my senior year of high school eating about 700-900 calories a day, binging occasionally (I lost 30 lbs that year). Then I spent the first year of my marriage binge eating like it was my job. (I gained 60 lbs that year) I would eat a plate full of waffles with syrup, an entire bag of tortilla chips, an entire medium pizza, order of bread sticks and 1/2 order of cinnasticks, plus lunch. What is that like 3500 calories? And that’s just one day.

I have always used eating food as a way to control my life. The summer before my senior year of high school, my band director died suddenly, it was like the world was ripped out from under me. So, I hyper-controlled my food. My freshman year of college, a friend from middle school committed suicide. I started hiding food from my room mate and mini-binging when she wasn’t around (I gained 30 lbs that year). I got married when I was 21, and I guess maybe all the new responsibilities just got to me, so I ate. And ate. And ate. And wound up at 276 lbs. Maybe more then that, I shockingly avoided the scale.

Do I wish that I had never gotten that big? Of course. Would I give up the experiences that I’ve had over the last 2 1/2 years? Not on your life.

The weight gain was a mental thing. And I needed it. I really did. I’m not ashamed that I was fat. I’m not ashamed of my extra skin or stretch marks. Does the extra skin frustrate me sometimes? Sure. But I’m not ashamed of it.

It’s a reminder. I have 10 lbs to my ultimate goal weight, but honestly, I don’t know how much I care if I get there now, I’m healthy. I’m active. And I want a baby. Stay tuned ;)

So. Let’s make it official.

M E A S U R E M E N T S —

Weight:
highest - 280 lbs.
starting - 275 lbs. 276 lbs.
now - 175.3 lbs (-100.7 lbs)

Total Inches lost: 73.625”
Total Pounds lost: 100.7 lbs
Total Percent Lost: 36.5%

(Picture just for good measure. I look ridiculous and I kinda love it.)

I guess it’s time to pierce my nose!

P.S. I feel like I’ve joined a super secret club!

ERMAHGERD!!!

Hello 170s, it’s been a long time….like since senior year of high school long time (class of 2005)….

That means I’m 3.8 lbs away from the 100 mark (and a normal BMI). What a crazy freakin’ number.

*Image stolen/borrowed from frombridgettocarrie*

M E A S U R E M E N T S —

Weight:
highest - 280 lbs.
starting - 275 lbs. 276 lbs.
was - 187.9 (July 25th)
now - 185.8 lbs (-2.1 lbs)

Total Inches lost: 63.25”
Total Pounds lost: 90.2 lbs
Total Percent Lost: 32.7%

90 lbs. I honestly can’t believe it. That’s the average weight of a 3rd grader. I used to have a 3rd grader attached to my body. And 32.7% of me is gone?! Seriously?

This also means that I’m only 10 lbs away from my goal weight.

Never in my life did I think that when I started this journey a little over 2 years ago would I actually end up having lost 90 lbs. Not that I didn’t have any faith in myself, but because I just didn’t think it was possible for me to lose weight like this.

I’m still in shock.

(I’m 5’10” for the record.)

*Image stolen/borrowed from frombridgettocarrie*

M E A S U R E M E N T S —

Weight:
highest - 280 lbs.
starting - 275 lbs. 276 lbs.
was - 190.6 (july 5th)
now - 187.9 lbs (-2.7 lbs)

Total Inches lost: 63.25”
Total Pounds lost: 88.1 lbs
Total Percent Lost: 31.9%

I haven’t done a WIW in a while. And I was considering now doing one today since it’s almost that time of the month. But then I weighed in and changed my mind haha.

I know I haven’t been around much. But I’m trying to get as much of the bridal shower and the bachelorette planned before school starts (my best friend is getting married and asked me to be the maid of honor, in case you missed that tidbit). Plus the gym. Plus my regular meal planning/making/grocery shopping efforts. Plus trying to get my dad into some form of routine which has become impossible.

Anyway. Enough whining.

I need to go figure out how to roll my hip flexor which hurts like a mo (thank. you. mountain climbers.) then go to training.

And I just realized I haven’t mentioned the fact that I am slowly making my way solidly into the 180s. But, I’m thrilled.

*Image stolen/borrowed from frombridgettocarrie*

M E A S U R E M E N T S —

Weight:
highest - 280 lbs.
starting - 275 lbs. 276 lbs.
was - 193.0
now - 190.6 lbs (-2.4 lbs)

Total Inches lost: 58.75”
Total Pounds lost: 85.4 lbs
Total Percent Lost: 30.9%

Forgot to post this yesterday. Oh well.

It was great seeing my family. And while validation of my weight loss wasn’t necessary. It was great to finally get. I was asked to be in pictures and had more conversations and was told how great I looked repeatedly.

The difference between yesterday and when I saw my family last December (sad) was staggering.

It was nice though. And it rained. And after a rainstorm it’s paradise here. And I got to hold a baby. And I didn’t eat any chips or dessert. Not cause I “couldn’t” have any, but because I really didn’t want any.

Cha-cha-cha-changesssssss

Holy cow!!! I’m almost out of the 190s!

Upped my calories (cause I never stop moving now) and lost weight.

Calories = fuel. Not fat.

Just sayin.

*Image stolen/borrowed from frombridgettocarrie*

M E A S U R E M E N T S —

Weight:
highest - 280 lbs.
starting - 275 lbs. 276 lbs.
was - 197.8 (May 28th)
now - 193.0 lbs (-4.8 lbs)

Neck:
starting - ?
was - 14”
now - 14” (-0”)

Chest:
starting - 48.5”
was - 40.5”
now - 40.25” (-.25”)

Underbust:
starting - ?
was - 36.5”
now - 36” (-0.5”)

Waist:
starting - 44”
was - 34.75”
now - 34.5” (-0.25”)

“Gut”:
starting - 54”
was - 43.75”
now - 43” (-0.75” )

Hips:
starting - 50”
was - 40.25”
now - 40.75” (+0.5”)

Thighs:
starting - 29”
was - 23.25”
now - 22.25” (-1.0”)

Calves:
starting - ?
was - 15.5”
now - 15.25” (-0.25”)

Arm (bicep), unflexed:
starting - ?
was - 12.5”
now - 12.5” (-0”)

Arm (flexed):
starting - 16”
was - 13.0”
now - 12.875” (-.125”)

Body fat:
starting - ? (I know it was at 43% at one point….)
was - 33.1%
now - 31.1% (-2% body fat)

Inches lost in the last 4 weeks: 4”
Total Inches lost: 58.75”
Total Pounds lost: 83 lbs
Total Percent Lost: 30.1%

I’ve never had measurements change so quickly! Even though I haven’t lost a ton of weight in the month, it’s a lot for me, generally I only lose about 3lbs a month. And I’m gaining muscle! How awesome is that?

All that being said. I am glad that I didn’t stress myself out until this point in my journey where workouts where concerned. Don’t get me wrong, I love working out….now. I just don’t think I was ready before now.

I was leg pressing 80 lbs today (we’re slowly working it up to make sure my knees don’t freak out), and I realized that “holy crap, this is how much I’ve lost. Damn this takes more effort then it should.” And Amy added that I was just walking around will all that weight too.

Crazy.

I never saw myself as that big. I was seriously in denial. So that fact that Icanlose almost 60” and still have some to go isfucking. staggering.

Less than 20 lbs left to my goal weight.

It’s OFFICIAL!

M E A S U R E M E N T S —

Weight:
highest - 280 lbs.
starting - 275 lbs. 276 lbs.
was - 197.5 lbs (March 21st)
now - 195.5 lbs (-2.0 lbs)

Inches lost October 1st-January 15: 9”
Total Inches lost: 61.5”
Total Pounds lost: 80.5 lbs
Total Percent Lost: 29.2%

And then!!!!!!

In the middle of finals week.

Trig final, lab reports, lab quiz, lab presentation, chem module (all due by Thursday). Chem final Sunday.

Then I’m free.

I don’t believe this post accurately displays my excitement.

This will help.

80 lbs gone. Or the weight of the Worlds Largest Ball of Tape.

Now you have that image.