[KaylaG]

I was a little nervous about posting about my personal weight loss. I worry that I might jinx myself. But it's time to hold myself accountable! I want to tell everyone what I'm doing. I'm happy to have a weight loss counselor at the IP clinic. I cannot even begin to tell how excited I am. I was overweight as a child, then during my eight grade summer I decided to try weight watchers. My aunt had done it and lost so much weight. Even though I was young at the time, I knew I needed to lose weight. I didn't have any concept of calories or reading labels- looking back to when I did the point system, I didn't necessarily measure out how much tuna went into my sandwich. I lost 30 pounds. It brought me from overweight to healthy. I was 170 and went down to 150 by the time I started high school. Soon after I was down to 140. It doesn't seem like a lot, but its a huge difference and a confidence boost. I remember I put on a pair of pants that I had bought new at the beginning of summer(yes I wear pants in summer occasionally ), then when I went to try on my school clothes none of them fit! I was surprised at how baggy they were. It was the first time I had ever lost weight like that... I was completely shocked. I never really expected results. I hadn't been weighing myself all summer either. I believe I was wearing stretchy shorts which is why I wouldn't have noticed.


Flash forward a few years: I was able to keep the weight off all throughout high school. I got married and had children young. My first pregnancy I "blew up". I was so sad at what had happened to my body. I tried to diet but lacked the motivation. Any new mom knows it's hard. I was also working part time as a nanny and we were always out and about. Six months after having my first son, I became pregnant with my second. This time around, I decided to go hardcore with veggies and whole grain. I began to educate myself on healthy eating. I knew I couldn't diet while I was pregnant, but a few simple lifestyle changes made a huge difference. I didn't weigh as much as I did with my first child when I gave birth. I began weight watchers after and the weight came right off. I was back to high school skinny! I maintained it for a few years, then became pregnant with my daughter... I gained an average amount while I was pregnant, but after I gave birth my weight went up. It's been steadily increasing ever since. I tried doing weight watchers again. I would drop a couple pounds, then fall off the weight watchers wagon.


Finally, I'm at the end of my rope. I developed sleep apnea. I breathe heavy after going upstairs. I've never been nor felt so fat. I constantly feel like the "big girl" in the room. My weight is constantly on my mind, and for once I'd like to think about something else. A coworker looked at my wedding picture on Facebook and was shocked. In a kind way, they said I was still beautiful but I should think about going to the gym, that I looked healthier and a "10" in that picture. Of course, every woman tries to be a "10" on their wedding day. But that coworker was right. And that was all it took. I went to my local gym and said there can't be a price placed on my personal happiness- this is a lifestyle change that will affect me and my children in a positive way. That's when I noticed the Ideal Protein clinic right next door.


I immediately asked about it. I had never heard about it. I liked everything they had to say. Of course the price is on the high side, but when broken down, it's totally worth it. Like buying a house- $350,000? But when you break it down into mortgages, totally affordable and absolutely worth it. And necessary. I met with my coach yesterday and was measured. She made me feel comfortable and positive about the journey. I am honestly so excited. I saw pictures of some of the local residents in my town with before and after and how long it took and I want to do that. The biggest thing is that it teaches you how to maintain. There are so many wonderful things I can talk about with this diet but I need to wrap this up!


It's day two and I feel totally fine. Yesterday I started to get hungry, then I cut up a cucumber and put some salt on it. Unlimited cucumbers!! Love it!! I heard the first few days are the hardest, and if this is what I have to deal with then I am sooo going to be able to keep up with it. My first official one week weigh in is on Tuesday and I can't wait- I can't wait to get on a scale? AWESOME FEELING!