One year ago today, I started IP and was lost, desperate, nervous, hopeful, and excited all at the same time. My weight was out of control...I did not even recognize the person I saw in the mirror not to mention my weight had impacted my self-esteem tremendously.

I found TFC, read, posted, lurked, posted, read, and read some more. It was a very hard journey for me...emotionally coming to terms with why I used food to soothe and how to cope without it.

There were weeks of big losses, days when the scale didn't budge, and the challenges of staying OP BUT I did it!

One year ago today I started at 172lbs...today I weight 132. December will celebrate my year of maintainence (with a few days of Phase 1 and a recent two week reboot).

I am looking forward to December and 1 year maintaining because I am healthier, stronger (physically and emotionally!!!!) and feel like I have finally put myself on the list of priorities and taken care of me.

A year ago today, and the chaallenging weeks that ensued were tough but worth it. In fact, there are better than worth it (whatever you call that).

Wishing I could go back to that day last year, give myself a hug, and instill the confidence I have now that IP would work and to trust the process. I was so fearful of another failure.

Point is...IP worked for me...it saved a hopeful person desperate for change.

Everyone who is OP now, think about one year from today seeing your old self and knowing that this journey you are on will be worth it and then some.

Have a happy Friday everyone!

Your story is very inspiring!

Congratulations on making your goal, maintaining it, and learning to make yourself a priority!!

Congrats! Thanx for taking time to verbalize this...esp the self appreciation piece. Everyone who has started this journey should recognize how important that is.

Congrats - and yes, thank you!

Congrats on one year of maintenance! I'll be posting something similar to this on October 12th! I can't believe it's been a year already! I love the self appreciation piece.

You story is inspiring, regardless of the weight loss journey we are all on.

I think we need to take your words, and apply it to ourselves. Heck I know I do.
Good job! Congrats and thanks for sharing!

What a great narrative! Such an excellent reminder to all of us to remember how far we've come, no matter where we are on the plan right now.

This is awesome. Maintenance is so scary to me, and your story gave me hope that it is possible. I cringe everytime someone posts about how they lost a bunch of weight on IP only to gain it back within a few months. I don't want to be that person. Your story inspires me.

You are truly amazing... And even more amazing that you have maintained and not gained it back like so many of us have!
Congrats to you and thanks for sharing
Really helps us all

Well said, and will do!! Happy for you!!!

Thank you for the post. I am inspired by your words.

I so much like this post!

Happy 1st anniversary. I am so looking forward to be able to post results as great as yours!

Inspiring!

Your post was just what I needed to read this morning. I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself lately. Then I remind myself that it's just food. There are so many other things to enjoy in life! Sometimes looking a the big picture can be so daunting! I try to take it one day at a time and seek motivation and confidence from those like you who have been there and done it! Congratulations on your success! Thanks for giving me something to strive for!

Thanks for the inspirational post and congrats on one year.