Who Am I?
Hello, my name is Anne. I’m a single, 43-year old, currently unemployed quality engineer (in the automotive field). I’ve returned to school as I have good experience, but little technical training. This is something that doesn’t bother me, but seems to bother potential employers. 
I’m continuing an interrupted weight loss, started back in February 2004. It goes something like:
- lost 127 pounds
- ended up in the hospital (pleural effusion)
- slowly gained 76 of it back
- back at it again….
(from my initial post)
The really long version:
I don’t know the actual date, but it was late January 2004. I was getting a quote on calibrating the floor scales at work. The guy giving me the quote hopped on the scale to ensure there was nothing inherently wrong with the scale. He was more than 250 and the readings were the same no matter where he stood. It got me thinking, and a couple of days later I braced myself and very early in the morning stepped onto the scale.
412 pounds.
Holy shit. Later on I would decide that safety shoes plus clothing added to about 5 pounds, but it was a hell of a wake up call. Depending on my mood I use somewhere between 400 and 407 as a start point. I owned a scale that didn’t weigh over 330, and I’d convinced myself that I was only a few pounds over that. I mean, I got up and went to work each day. I spent a fair amount of time on my feet. And I was even slightly more fit than I had been when I started. This is scary since it probably means that the number was even higher at some point.
My mother was leaving the country in February for a month so I decided that would be the start date. I was actually down a few pounds at this point. I have to admit I chucked anything bad that had been left in the house just hours after she left. I didn’t follow any real plan for that month, but when asked about it later I just joked “no meat, no fat, no sugar, no alcohol”. I denied myself nothing, but stuck to a low-fat vegetarian plan. In the first month I dropped about 20 pounds, without feeling hungry. Once a week I would sneak over to the scale (very early in the morning) and check my progress.
By the end of the year I was 100 pounds lighter. People at work had noticed, with some really supportive ones coming from the most surprising areas. The most helpful was the body-builder guy (Dave) who quietly pulled me aside and told me how great I was doing. He was actually the first to notice and say something. He also bugged me about not getting enough protein (which I ignored), and offered to help me start an exercise routine whenever I was ready. I went off on a South American cruise at Christmas of that year and even came back weighing two pounds less.
So back at work I took Dave up on his offer. We went upstairs into the gym and went through the equipment. He suggested a combination of things, but I decided to start with cardio. We had treadmills, and elliptical and a recumbent bicycle. I tried all, but eventually decided the treadmill was it. After a short ramp up period I was doing a solid hour of walking (about 3.5mph, with eventually a 10% grade). My weight loss slowed for a bit, but the inches came off. I would get up at 5am, be at work by 5:30 and work out until 6:30. A quick shower and I was ready for work at 7am.
Over the next 5 months I may have only lost 25 – 30 pounds, but I felt great. I was toning up; people noticed more than they had before. I started back to eating a little meat, but kept it under 1500 calories. Early June I had a rough weekend and (long story short) Monday I ended up in the emergency. I’d been walking around (for probably 5 weeks) with fluid in my pleural cavity. The average person has about 15ml of fluid, when they eventually tapped mine it was about 900ml, with more drainage later. Oh, and it was infected as well. So I spent 18 days in the hospital (and in Canada, although the care is good, long stays are rare), and another couple of weeks at home. I’m nuts, but I actually went back to work with a drainage tube in my back. Hey, I was bored at home.
So after a discussion with the doctor I was told to hold the weight loss until I was well. He also said something had to give. I was eating too little, exercising too much, and not sleeping enough. Isn’t 4 or 5 hours enough? He did suggest, if nothing else, that I make sure I got more sleep. I did buy a treadmill to use at home.
I thought I’d be back to it in a couple of weeks. Honestly, it was the fall before I really felt halfway decent. Although I’d lost 15 or 20 pounds in the hospital it came back very fast (no surprise). By late fall I was still under 300 pounds. Then I left my job for another one. Gone were the wonderful supportive people who knew me 100 pounds heavier. Although the job paid more, had a better title, I wasn’t happy there. It was within the same company, but I would have to wait at least two years before I could post somewhere else. Considering I wasn’t happy, working an afternoon shift, and not really watching what I ate it’s no surprise that the weight slowly came back on. I was back flirting about the 330 point when I took advantage of something I had a chance to do.
I left the country and spent 5 months on a freighter (as a passenger) travelling around the world. I had originally got information for my mother (we share ownership of a home), but decided I wanted to go. It was insane, but I’ve never had problems finding work, and I wasn’t happy, so what the hell. I had a wonderful time. I even lost weight during part of the trip. I hadn’t taken a scale, and someone else was cooking for me, but with lots of exercise it wasn’t hard to lose a little. I was surprised that even some of the guys noticed (although I think they were just surprised that the first time we were walking together on shore that I had to slow down for them). The last part of the time was spent crossing the Pacific (cool) and then spent sailing down the west coast of the US and through the Panama Canal (back to Houston, via New Orleans). With not being ashore much, I didn’t exercise as much and probably overate in San Diego, New Orleans, and on the drive home. In the end I was 321 when I got home. Not great, but not bad.
I spent the summer doing yard work, and started looking for work. Let’s just say this wasn’t really a success. Originally my old place of employment had offered to give me a leave of absence. However, not being happy in the job I decided to decline it. On the face of it, this was a mistake. Although going back to a job I didn’t want may not have been a good thing. As the summer waned and I was still not employed I became slightly depressed, and again, no surprise – started overeating. The real danger is where you’re past the upper limit of the scale you own. You can be 330, 331, 332, or 358.2 pounds (yikes).
So, back on December 7th (the day I bought the scale that goes up to 400 pounds) I started again. I’ve wavered back and forth, trying to judge my energy levels. I’ve decided that for the moment I’ll aim for between 1800 and 2000 calories. This is combined with two, 45-minute sessions on the treadmill in the early afternoon. At the moment this is at a much lower intensity than I used to do. I find that the days I was only eating 1500-1600 that I’m completely without energy the next morning. At the moment, this higher calorie routine gives me a weight loss. If/when it stops I’ll reassess.
I have hand weights and resistance bands (which I rarely use). I will get better at this part (I do know that strength training is important). So for the moment my goal is to not eat too much as well as not eat too little. As well, there will be 90 minutes on the treadmill each day, and eventually some strength training.
I was on 3fatchicks before. I’m the first to admit that I’m not a joiner, although I found it helpful. I was around in the fall of 2005, before I changed jobs. After that I drifted away (from the board and the diet). This time I will try and do better (with the board and the diet).
– Best to all - Anne
Anne….I so enjoyed reading about your story. You have had a few years of ups and downs, but the one thing constant is your desire and determination to succeed with your weight loss and your optimistic attitude which I love! The trip on the freighter sounds awesome. I wish I could do something like that. I know what you mean about the scales not going high enough to weigh you. I too had to go out and buy new scales. I love coming to this 3fc site. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs…
susan
I think the one must every person who wants to lose weight is a scale that gives your current weight. Unless you’ve only gone over the max on a scale a week ago, not knowing is a very dangerous position to be in. Congrats for figuring that out. It took me way too long to do that.
wow your story is amazing. I really enjoy your postings. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Debi, although the story would be more amazing if I wasn’t taking the some of the same weight off again!
does dave’s last name begin with a ‘b’? just wondering. i know a dave who’s a body builder and a trainer and i see you mentioned healthcare in canada.
I answered this one by email as well, but no, it wasn’t a B. He’s got a day job, although I think he’d like to train for a living. I always figured if I won the lottery I’d try and convince him to give it a shot (I could be his backing client).
Anne, thank you so much for sharing your story! I wish you best of luck in your journey to a healthier you.
Please tell me if I’m not minding my own business but…..I see you are drinking 20 cups of water a day? I was told by my doctor that anything over 8 or 9 cups could be too much and damage my kidneys by over working them!
Just a thought
Again, stay strong and be proud of youself!
Tammy
I had a tendency to create kidney stones, found out during another illness. At the time I was told to drink enough liquid that my urine was fairly clear (ie. not too yellow). I don’t drink anything else (coffee/tea) so I started working on what that level was. I was taking in about 16 cups before I started the more vigorous exercising. I did bump it up a bit because I sweat quite a bit.
So for me the level I take works well. That doesn’t mean that it’s good for everyone though. I notice when I cut it back that my urine will darken and I’ll retain water.
I’ve also seen intake calculated based on bodyweight (your weight/2 = ounces), so on that I’d be looking for 150oz which is almost 19 cups. Who knows, for the moment I’ve had no more symptoms of kidney stones (and that’s what is more important)
I love water. Actually, I love fluid… so that typically ends up being Diet Coke… But I’m going to try to get to the water.
As for your story… You’re a wonderful fluid writer. I really enjoy what you have to say… And I am so impressed that you keep up your weight loss while you are without a job.
Depression is my Achilles’ heel. So to imagine getting motivated… Well, I find it really inspiring.
Added you to my blog roll.
Thanks for the comments. I’m not sure if it was the change in diet, or the dropping of the diet soda, but my hunger levels are much lower than they were. Since I’m obviously running at a deficit in calories I suspect either the higher protein levels, lower diet pop levels, or a combination of both has helped.
And yes, it has been hard at times with me being home all the time. Although in the fall when I’m starting school there will be the other temptations - fast food and junk food. I’m sure by then though I’ll be ready for the challenge.
I just Read your story after reading your comment in my blog and I really like your story, though it is different it reminds me of my own journey in weight loss,… you are succeeding, remember if you never give up you will never fail.
I will keep monitoring to see how you are doing, keep us posted!!!,
- Elliott
Elliot - it really isn’t easy, but I’m really beginning to think that it can be done. If you are back reading this I’m heading into very scary territory this week. I’m doing a planned maintenance break where I will attempt to eat enough (still of good food) to not lose any weight. The theory behind it is that it let’s your body normalize when you have a lot to lose. We’ll see how it goes!
It’s much harder when we have lots to lose; I sure noticed that for myself. My main goal is to maintain at least, and just eat as healthy as I can in between. Best wishes Anne for your return to school and your health journey too. Rosebud
I’ve pretty much decided that I will take a maintenance break every 12 weeks. It makes sense, and so far it hasn’t affected my rate of loss (so far). I suppose I’ll make the final decision in another 10 weeks!
This is a great story. It really gives me hope. I’m just starting my “journey” and I’m quite heavy, but if you can do it without surgery, only on willpower, maybe I can too! Great job!
Surgery is just another tool that people use. Although some use it very well there are also people who lose the weight with surgery and eventually gain it back. I’m hoping that a slower progress will allow me to become comfortable with a new way of eating that I can maintain once I’ve reached a more healthy weight.
Good luck with your journey.
I just had to comment with a tear in my eye that you are an inspiration, keep on with your journey and never forget that you have a come a long way! I just happened to stumble on this site while learning about nrolfw. YOU GO GIRL!
Thanks for the kind words. And I will say that I do love NROL4W.
Anne, thank you for sharing your story here. I’m so glad I found it. Thank you also for sharing the pictures of your recipes.
You look so happy and friendly in all your pictures, but you look younger and healthier in the more current ones.
Please take care of you and best wishes on your continued journey.
Beth
Thanks for your kind words. I hope that by sharing maybe someone else will get something out of it.
Hi Annie,
I found your blog by reading a forum about the NROL4W book. You and your story are really inspiring! I enjoy reading about your workout stats and your meals.
Keep up the great work! Your story I think really helps alot of people. I know I don’t feel so alone when I read your blog and your training log.
I have to lose about 120 more pounds and at times it seems daunting. I can’t wait to get my copy of NROL4W in the mail and get cracking. I go to the gym and had a personal training for awhile but I think this book will really help me bump up my success!
Take care and good luck on the rest of your journey!
Thanks for the kind words and best of luck with NROL4W. You need to eat enough to not completely zonk out, but still keep a deficit going. Some people find that hard to do, but I did not. Best of luck!
wow anne, I am a new blogger, I was inspired by your story. I, too, have had a pleural effusion. Mine was the first noticeable sign of lupus. I feel that you story is an inspiring one for me.
Thanks. I’m sorry that your pleural effusion was something more serious though. Mine was just not understanding that I need to eat more to lose weight. It’s a novel concept but one I seem to understand better, and probably one of the reasons I was never successful before at losing weight.
Anyway, welcome to the blogs!
hi Anne,
Just found your blog and added it to my favourites!! Love your story,, you are very inspiring.
I am once again trying to get healthier, after losing 60 pounds and gaining all and then some back last year.
I am also pregnant and very overwieght and so its much harder to find something that works but is safe.
Thanks for blogging!! I will be back often to check in on you:)
jayme31 - honestly, most of weight loss comes from the kitchen. I enjoy making myself more fit and active, but I really think I could lose weight strictly with diet. As you’re pregnant though I would assume that ‘not gaining’ is more your goal, but that’s something to discuss with your doctor. Good luck, and all the best!
Hey how are you doing? Love the updated full body pics you posted in Nov! You are doing such a wonderful job! Awesome inspiration! Hope all is well for you and school! Hugs
I’m doing good. I did send you an email, but just thought I’d say hi back (here) in case the email wasn’t a valid one. School is good, and I hope things are good with you. I’m thinking in the spring (after exams) of trying to get together with SusanB and Tomato again, which would be out in your direction. I’ll PM you if that’s going to happen to see if we can pick a date that’s good for you.
Your grit and determination inspires me to keep going, no matter what! You Go Girl ;~)
-Kelly
Thanks, although I’m once again losing a little weight that I regained. It’s never easy, is it?
You are such an inspiration! Keep up the hard work!
Thanks