So, on March 7th, I started my journey. It sure has been a journey! I'm only half way to my first goal, but I did it in the exact time frame I wanted. I am very pleased. I have had some hard times emotionally-my husband is coming home from Navy basic training due to medical issues even though he so badly wanted to be in the navy, which was heartbreaking for both of us; him because he wanted to be there, and for me because I saw him work exceptionally hard to get there. So, he'll be coming home in a few weeks. But, you know, after I get this 100 pounds off, maybe I'll just join the Air Force or Navy so that one of us could at least serve.

In this six months, I went from doing zero exercise , smoking more than a pack a day (not completely kicked, but on it's wayyyy down, to like less than one cigarette a week on average), emotionally I was rock bottom. Now, I am the complete opposite in all these aspects. My first post here was a pathetic cry for help to myself. It was so hard, the first few months. I started running. My first big goal was 1.5 miles, and I completed it in the first month through diligent hard work and crazy effort. I can now run like 7 miles, but I maintain a long run of about 5-6 miles because I decided that I should probably run a lot before I start working on doing a marathon like I originally planned. Before, I couldn't run for more than 30 seconds at a time, and all 268 pounds of me cried out in pain every day. I also started doing kettlebells, which have helped me feel more toned and make me more strong. I am now on my way to pressing a 44 pound kettlebell regularly for my workout, and I can use the 44 for swings. I did start with the 35, but I've made a lot of progress. I can also do snatches with my 26 pounder, and that's a real accomplishment as well. Anyway, this forum also helped a ton. I haven't been around a ton the last month, but I thought I'd let you all know where I am at.

Here are some pics!

Before: Around January of this year. I'm in the middle of my cousin and sister in law

Here's a face one that is from last summer, around 260 pounds or so, maybe more.


Now, at 50 pounds loss today:

And one of the face. No makeup, sorry all. But, you get the idea.

WTG you should be very proud!!

WTG GIRL!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!! Thats amazing progress in 6 months!!! What food plan are you following???

I just reduced my cals-for the first few months, I stuck to about 14-1600 cals, but these days I eat nothing less than 1500 and am usually around 1600-1800, and stick more toward a protein based diet with lots of veg, but I'm not opposed to carbs within my calories for specific things.

Your double chin has vanished! I bet you don't miss it! Sorry about the hubs, you know what they say though, one door closes and another opens!

I totally don't miss that double chin. ^_^ I am so glad that it's gone! And yes, I am looking on the bright side. He really wanted it, but you know, we're both extremely excited to see each other in the near future.

congrats! I bet you feel SO GOOD!

congrats - you look great and I'm super impressed by work out desciptions!!

Thank you very much! The workout was initially hard, but it's nothing I can't handle now, only now I can do more!

That is so fantastic! Congratulations. It's a real inspiration to see that people can get fit and slim down without starvation. Thanks for sharing the story! Enjoy that new bod!

That's great! Congrats

Congrats girl!! You look awesome!!!!!

Bravo! Encore!

Amazing job. And just LOOK at the difference in those pictures! WoW! Keep it up ^^

We joined this site at about the same time and I've read a lot of your posts. I'm so happy for you. You look beautiful and I'm loving those new cheekbones! Congrats on all the good work. You look stronger and a lot happier.

Thanks, guys. And Steph, you have lost quite a bit yourself!! Pat yourself on the back for being awesome, and thank you for the wonderful compliments.