Aww thank you, Kitsey!! :hug:

Yes, it can be done and you can do it! We are cheering you on :D :hug:

That is quite a list - your quality of life has improved so much, you deserve health and happiness and it is inspirational that you have made an active choice to pursue it.

130 pounds is a big friggin deal! You've lost a person off your body :)

Thanks so much, Arctic Mama :D :hug:

Happy Anniversary Chic! :D

I loved reading your list! Thanks for sharing all the big changes that have been going on in your life!

You are a weight loss diva for sure!!

Oh, btw I love your avatar... I can't wait till my pants look that big!! :carrot:

akacutie -

Awww, thanks so very much!! :D :hug:

SunshineCA -

Thank you too!! :hug:

Congratulations, chic!

Your list has got me thinking about my own journey - which started one day after yours! :lol:

I am inspired by all you have accomplished!

:cheer2:

Peace, Heather

Hi Heather!

Thank you so much and congrats on your success!! :hug:

WHat an inspirational list! You are amazing!

That's for sure! Your results are amazing! Congrats and keep up the hard work. I'm new here but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for getting rid of those last few pounds?

Congratulations, what a year!! It must feel just incredible to reflect back on... imagine what the next year will bring, too!

The weight loss and the rest of that list are impressive but throwing in that you quit smoking too? Holy cow! You're truly an inspiration to us all. Happy Anniversary Chic!

Thanks very much ya'll!! :D :hug::hug::hug::hug:

I just remembered another change. One that may not seem significant to some but was probably most challenging for me or one of the most anyway.

For years, probably more than 12 or 13, I was addicted to BC headache powders. If you don't know what they are just let me give you the active ingredients

Active ingredients (per powder) Purpose
Aspirin 650 mg................................................ ....Pain reliever
Caffeine 33.3 mg................................................ Pain reliever aid
Salicylamide 195 mg..........................................Pain reliever aid


That said.. I was taking up to 8-12 of those every day for years. Not because I had headaches just because..well, honestly I am not sure. I used them much as I did food back then, for comfort and destressing me...crazy now that I think on it.

But the good news is, I have not had a BC in over 8 months so I am very proud of that. It was harder for me to give those up than to give up my 21 year, 2 pack a day smoking habit :o

Okay, the end for now :D

Wow it's hard to believe you could take that much BC powders without having some serious health issues. Last year while I was working my lousy convenience store job, I started becoming hooked on Goody powders. The caffeine in them did more for me then those energy shots ever could, and I would take at least 4 powders a day to help me get through my 10 hr. work day. Since quitting that job I've not taken one powder even though I know I have several packages still in the purse I used for work. I guess I should throw them away, huh? ;)

You are such an inspiration! I love your list, and in a year I plan to start a thread just like you did.

Well, I had a lot of stomach troubles that I am sure the BCs either brought on or added to. My daddy was addicted to them as well and out of 8 siblings, I have 2 of those that are addicted :shrug:

Yes, toss those Goody's out! We are stronger and don't need that stuffs anymore :nono: :D

Thank you very much and I can not wait to read your list!! :hug: :hug:

OMG you are one of my biggest inspirations on this web board. You are AMAZING. You are totally beautiful inside and out...and I know you (and I, and our other 3FC friends) will NEVER go back to the women we used to be. You are totally fabulous and amazing and SKINNY!!! :D Congratulations, happy anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was the quitting smoking the hardest part? For me, looking back, that was far more remarkable than me losing this 120 lbs.

Wow, DCHound, thank you so very much. I can't even express how your words have made me feel :hug:

Honestly, quitting smoking was pretty easy for me. I had a way worse time with quitting the BCs which is just odd, I know. When I quit smoking, I did it cold turkey and I never had an cravings or withdrawals. My boyfriend still smokes but he does it outside. Not for fear I'll want one but because the smell truly disgusts me now. When I stopped the BCs, I did it cold turkey as well and it was very difficult for me. But I just fought through it all and will never take one again. And you are right, I will never revert back to any of my old ways.

Congrats on your successes!!

Hugs
Michelle

Wow. I'm just seeing this thread now and boy oh boy am I glad that I did. You have no idea what a HUGE smile I have on my face.

You are an amazing, strong, incredible, fascinating, determined, awe-inspiring woman. There really are not enough accolades to accurately describe you!

What an incredible amount of things to overcome. And in doing so, you've transformed your life. I don't even know you, but the joy I am feeling for you right now is overwhelming.

I hope you will print up this list and whenever life gets you down, you'll take a peek at it and marvel at all you've accomplished and your wonderful self.

Congratulations!

rockinrobin -

You are one of the people's whom posts I always look forward to reading. You always have such down to earth, sage advice for everyone. For you to compliment me so, it swells me with pride, really. I am so grateful for your comments. Thanks so much :hug:

This is beyond wonderful. Congrats!!!

Quick question, you said your insomnia ceased. Do you recall roughly how much weight you lost when it had stopped? Even on days I exercise I still have insomnia.

better health3 -

Thank you so much!

I am not exactly sure but I am certain it was after I had lost a significant amount..I would say around 70 or so.

Good luck with your goals and I hope your insomnia ceases soon. You're in my prayers :hug:

congrats! Great job...

now on to the part where I hate you. ... lol

you are four inches shorter than me, and when I weighed 190, I was a size 18. *confusion* AUGH! :(

lottie63 -

Thank you.

I am not sure what contributes to who can wear what size. I like to believe it is the hard work I have put into exercising but I could be wrong. I now wear 16 in jeans but they are getting baggy. I can wear 14s in some brands.


Hugs
Michelle

It's stories like yours that keep me going. :) Congratulations!

I have big hips. I"m very hourglassy when I lose, I lose in my waist, it might be cuz i need to buy a bigger pair to fit over my hips. :P

but now that lane bryant makes those right fit jeans I might be in a different size. I know I wear a 24 in regular sizes, which are big in teh waist and fit in the hip, but I wear a size 4 in size 'blue circle' (which translates I think to a size 20.)

I have never heard of the Right Fit from Lane Bryant but I will check it out. Thank you! :hug:

Thank you so much :hug:

Incredible! WTG!

Thanks for the inspiration. :)

Michelle I think you're too small for right fit...I am a 16 in some things, 18 in others, and the right fits are just too big.

OMG right fit are great.

size yellow square is for people straight from hip to waist
red triangle is for people moderately curvy
and blue is for people very curvy (I have a 10 inch difference between my waist and hips, so I am blue) finding jeans has always been SO awkward for me.

Anyhow, once again, congrats. Soon you will be out of those sizes anyhow. :P

You're welcome and thank you so much :hug:

Well, I have to say, that is great to know then. Thanks :carrot: :hug:

Hehe, thanks again :D :hug:

Michelle, you just out right ROCK! That's the closest word I could come up with to describe you and it STILL doesn't do you justice! :D

The weight you've lost so far is awesome and you are still losing! You are a constant inspiration to me, I love reading your posts about how your pants are too big. :dizzy: I hope with all my might I will get there one day and that I will be able to stick to my lifestyle change for over a year like you have. Keep up the amazing work, chickie pie! :hug:

Thank you very much. It really means a lot to me.

You will get there :D And you got me and everyone else here cheering you on :cheer2: :hug:

I have to add that I have kicked the hard candy habit. It has been well over a month since I have had a piece and I am glad for it :D


Okay, that's it for now :D

Michelle, you are one amazing WonderChic! The gift you have given yourself is nothing short of a miracle. I didn't realize this, but you and I started our journey on the very same day. I didn't think I could do it either in the beginning, but like you, I just kept chugging along. You have been my inspiration many times when I didn't think I could do it anymore. Please know that I'm always your biggest cheerleader!

Wow, I am very touched. Thank you so much! You have done so wonderfully too! Congrats :D :hug::hug: