Setting a goal and actually reaching it
 

Hi chicks,

Me again! I have a scale victory to share and I knew that not only would you allow me to do so, but you'd get it and understand. As many of you know, I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago with sarcoidosis. It's affecting my skin, joints and eyes. I've tried so many meds with such little luck - either it doesn't work at all or the side effects are too dangerous to stay on it. I walked away from SBD to wallow for a long while. I have been on prednisone this entire time and many know what it does to one's weight, especially long term.

On January 4th of this year, I hopped back on the beach. I didn't want it to be a New Year's Resolution because those never really stick for me (except for giving up biting my nails in 2009). But I had two motivating factors for starting when I did - they lowered my daily dose of prednisone to 15mg daily and my brother's wedding was set for October. 10 months.

I set the goal to be what I weighed at my sister's wedding in 2009 - 225 pounds. Still the biggest gal in the wedding party but not huge like I was last July for my friend's wedding.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...12&oe=568A504D

See?

Well, I am happy to report that the wedding is this weekend and I made it to goal of 225!!! I don't know that I've ever reached a goal like this before. With so many obstacles and excuses, I was pretty strictly on plan and while my exercise still isn't where it should and needs to be, I lost 53 pounds in 10 months! I went to the first dress fitting two weeks ago and while I don't find the dress particularly flattering on me, they had to take it in 4 inches (everywhere) which was a good feeling. I went from a size 3x shirt and 24 pants to a 1x 18/20.

I plan to stay on the Beach and have amended my next goal (ticker soon) to get down to a post wedding weight (10 years ago, 208 pounds) by April 2016 (1x shirts will probably stay as I never lose in my boobs but I'd like to get into 16 or 18s, no "w" again). I will be happy there, I am sure, for a while as I think I've only reached ONEderland once since 1995, lol. Plus, next week I will be put on new meds in addition to going back on prednisone after a month being off of it entirely.

Thanks for always letting me share here! I appreciate it!

That is so great! I am so happy for you! I have been losing more on SBGluten than I ever have on any other diet. I plan on staying with it for a long time. It's very inspirational to hear. :)

:cp: :bravo: Congratulations, JENN! You look wonderful! :hat:

Congratulations!! Hope we get to see pics from this wedding too!

:cheers: Jenn! A bit early for booze but, hey, let's do it.

Congratulations Jenn! Way to go and keep up the good work!

Congratulations, Jenn! You have had so many difficulties put in your path and you have faced them all! I admire your determination!

I am with you Ruth!!!

Thanks for all the wonderful words. Yes, you will get the full effect of the dress on Monday :lol3: Again, I don't find it flattering. aww what the heck, here's a sneak peek - remember, they are taking it in 4 inches!!!

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...17&oe=56173FE6

Awesome job!

Looking good Jenn, great job!!!

Actually, the dress looks great on you, Jenn, and the color is flattering!

Darn, I can't see the dress pic. I've been following your progress on facebook and on the blog. You are amazing Woman! Congratulations on reaching the goal and taking such good care of you.

Here is the dress, for those who wanted to see it. Wish I had more of a full length one but that will have to wait until the professional shots I guess. Everyone had armpit and back fat so I felt more comfortable in the dress myself :) It was also still too big on me so the back was more braided than corseted. I will take it!

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...83&oe=5685B0F7

Jenn you look absolutely beautiful!!! Is the girl next to you a relative? You look like sisters! Congratulations on your success!!!! Always remember your accomplishments. Especially with everything you are dealing with, you are truly an inspiration! Don't ever forget that.

Yes, she's my sister :)

Thanks for the kind words Jekel! I am so nervous for Friday's doctor's appointment - I know that they are going to put me back on prednisone :(