Saturday, July 14, 2012

Before and After (almost)

Have I mentioned that I lost some weight, haha? I had a couple of goals in mind when I started Medifast on September 2, 2011: 1. Lose enough weight to be out of the obese range, 2. Lose enough weight to be out  of the overweight range, 3. Be a healthy "normal" weight and maintain that weight. 

In order to get to a "normal" weight range I needed to weigh 158 according to the BMI charts. That would put me on high end of normal for my 5'7" frame. But I don't want to just be on the high end, I want to have a little room for those times when the scale dips up a few from a weekend of too much social living. Not to give myself room for bad eating habits, but just room for when my weight fluctuates a bit, I won't beat myself up. So, I still want to lose a few more pounds :)

September 2011 - Before - 251.6 lbs

June 2012 - Almost done - 155

I think I can lose another ten pounds and still feel good. The next phase for me will be strength training. I don't think there is much I can do about some of my saggy spots, but I want to try and replace some of my flabby with a little muscle. Being a certain size doesn't really matter to me, but my mid-section doesn't match my ever-thinning legs :)

I feel so much better having lost this weight! I want to tell everyone that is in a diet or wants to lose a few: It is a gift you must give yourself. Try to think of it this way - that you are giving yourself something (a body)  that will help you feel better and move more. Words can not really express what I'm trying to say. It's just a freedom that you may not have realized you were missing. Yeah, freedom.

You know, it takes a village, as they say, and I just want to say that all the support that I've received by blogging has been a key element to my success. On days when I felt myself wanting to give up, I'd read someone's blog and realize that I wasn't alone in this fight. We all have to do what works for us, but sometimes hearing how someone else is doing it, helps.



(The almost done picture isn't the best. It was taken by my mom and there is a shadow behind my head making my hair look bigger than it actually is, haha.)


24 comments:

  1. Somehow I just wasn't getting this until now. Yes, you'd mentioned you'd lost weight but OH MY GEE! You look wonderful and I'm glad to hear that you feel wonderful - that's the most important thing. Okay, now, girly - where are we going on that bike tour, hmmm? It's time and you are ready. HIGH FIVE!

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    1. Thanks, Roxie. I'm looking into a road bike and then I'll really be ready to tour!

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  2. Slapping you a virtual high five. WTG!!!

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  3. Awesome results, Tena! You have indeed given yourself a wonderful gift!

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  4. Wow! Nice going - you look fabulous...what a wonderful transformation!

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  5. Wow Congrats on your achievement. You look fabulous!

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  6. Amazing. I've been catching up on your posts. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  7. Holy moly. Be very, very proud!

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  8. Wow...! You look amazing, and what an inspiration!!

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  9. Thanks, everyone! It was so nice to hear from you all!

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  10. You look fabulous! I transitioned through a 72 pound loss using Medifast in Jan-feb 2012 and I'm now 5 .5 months into maintnence I encourage you to shoot for the lower weight, like you said so you aren't at the top of your BMI. I did that and I feel more comfortable at the middle of my BMI. It took me 2 extra months to get there but so worth it IMO. Awesome transformation photos. Love them.

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    1. Thanks, Karen! I agree with you about the lower weight thing. I've lost a few more now and I can tell the lower weight will be do no harm, haha. Congrats to you on your loss and keeping it off!

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  11. Hi Tena, Thanks for stopping by my blog. With so many mutual blog friends, I can't believe I'd never discovered yours. Wow, what a story - can't wait to learn more about you. As I approach goal weight myself, I've found myself seeking out blogs of those who will be walking this maintenance journey with me. Can't wait to get better acquainted. Sharon

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    1. Thanks Sharon! I am looking forward to getting to know you as well.

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  12. Congratulations! I lost 158 pounds and have kept it off for 14 years. You have done the hard part and now on to the fun part of living at a healthy weight! You look wonderful!

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    1. Thanks Diane! I have read your blog often admire you for how you lost it and have kept it off.

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  13. Whoot!! You look so amazingly healthy and happy! I'm so proud of you. Holler when you're ready for the bike tour...I'm game!

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    1. Sweet! Thanks Angela. I'm checking into bikes worthy of touring :)

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  14. Congrats! You look amazing lady and what a great accomplishment :)

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  15. I thought for sure i had stopped by here to offer my congratulations but apparently not! Woman you look amazing! I noticed one commenter stated that the hard part is over and now the fun begins...OOoohhh i beg to differ! Maintaining that weightloss is no easy chore! I know...i failed miserably! You on the other hand have willpower of steel! I know you can do it! Just stay ACTIVE as much as you can and say 'No' more often than you say 'Yes' to treats! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting on my blog sweety! Its always nice to hear from you! Hugs! deb

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  16. TENA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I am crying tears of joy hear! I had no idea as I've been "away" for so long.
    You DESERVE this so very much!!!
    I am overjoyed for your success! Dayum, you worked so hard for it!

    ♡ Always.
    Karen

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  17. Wow!!!! What a great accomplishment! You look fantastic! I have stated using Fullbar in the past 3 months to help assist me with my weight loss and so far I am down 25lbs and 15lbs away from my goal! You inspire me!

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    1. Thanks, Paige! And congrats to you on your loss. Keep it up and you'll be at goal in no time :)

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