8 months on, 5 months off
Well, OK, two years and five months, but whatever. As of this morning, I am back to the weight I was when I got pregnant. Three years ago.
This goal is only sort of a mid-point to me. A good goal. An important one. One that I’m proud to have achieved. But far, far from the end.
Five months ago, I weighed 226 pounds. Two hundred twenty six. There, I said it. It’s out there. You know. I can hardly describe how ashamed I am of that number, not to mention how long I sat there. And how long I looked like this:
August 17, 2009. That’s me. HUGE. Horrified. But however long it took, a switch flipped. Time for a long overdue change.
Weight Watchers, EA Sports Active, Jillian Michaels, my gym’s childcare room, the Shredheads, Twitter, and Couch to 5K. Five months. Twenty-six pounds. And now I am here:
The thing is, I still weigh 200 pounds. I am still, by all objective measures, fat. Obese, even. I’m way, way heavier than I ought to be. I am not proud of my weight. My body is distributed completely differently than it was the last time I was at this weight. So much more belly, now. And the loss of volume is revealing some rather alarming “twin skin.” I am not happy with where I am right now.
But.
While I’m not setting any speed records on weight loss, but it has been steady. In the 20+ weeks I’ve been counting, I have lost something all but about three weeks. I am proud of that. This weekend, I finally was able to buy some new jeans. It took more than 20 pounds, but I went down a pants size. I am proud of that. I am stronger, happier, more in control. I have not purchased a pint of ice cream since August. My kids see me put on my sneakers and say “you have on your exercising shoes!” I am proud of that.
I am proud of this:
And this is why you take a “before” picture. I hate mine. It makes me want to cry. But you know what? If I didn’t have it as a comparison, then today’s picture would also make me cry. Putting them together lets me see progress, however gradual, however slow.
Onward.
I’ve already written about my current exercise/fitness goal, but I also need a new weight-specific goal. So here it is: I want to have a BMI that is simply “overweight” instead of “obese.” That’s 21 more pounds. For a rough timeframe, I think I should be able to do it by June.
Bring it.
Tags: exercise, goal, pregnancy weight, weight loss, weight watchers
January 13th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
I feel like my comment is either going to be paragraphs long or super brief. I will keep it brief. I am so incredibly proud to call you my friend. For posting the before and after. For being honest. For getting up each day and making a commitment to health. For setting such a good example for your kids. Please feel no shame. What matters is what you are doing NOW and what you are doing now is kicking ass.
I see your tweets. I know how hard you are working and it is not going unrecognized.
LauraC´s last blog ..The New Year’s Eve post that was five years in the making
January 13th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Congratulations! I am SO happy to read this post. You look fantastic at 200 pounds and I love all the reasons you listed for why you feel great today. Can’t wait to see your June pic
(btw, orange complements your coloring very well. I love orange, but I simply can not wear it without looking sick…)
January 13th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Congrats! This is my first comment, although I have followed your blog for a year now. Seeing your progress has motivated me, too! You should be very proud!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Wahoooooo!! You rock my socks. Do Daniel and Rebecca want to come to my house and help me dust of my “exercisin’ shoes?”
jane´s last blog ..Sometimes you get it wrong
January 13th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
so very proud!!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Great work! Very inspiring!
Mommy, Esq.´s last blog ..Using My Blog as a Self-Indulgent Pity Party – Care to Join?
January 13th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Congratulations! This is so awesome…you are really making a life change and that is something you should be so proud of. What I notice is the difference in your expression in the before vs. after. Not only are you thinner, but you look so much happier. Good work and keep it up!
Erin´s last blog ..Mike Tyson’s Punch Out
January 13th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Awesome job! You look great and your hard work is paying off. I agree with the other commenters than you’re an inspiration!
January 13th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Hi. I have only begun to follow you on twitter, and this is the first time I’ve seen your blog. But I wanted to tell you how proud of you this stranger is.
I was overweight my whole life and at my heaviest weighed 225 lbs (actually, maybe more than that, I wasn’t weighing myself at that point). So I KNOW how hard it is to shed the weight. It takes so much dedication to stick with the plan and not give up or cheat. And so hard to celebrate the victories without seeing the long distance you have to go. But you’re doing it. And that is so kick ass, and I just look at those two pictures and am impressed. And, take it from me–you’re well on your weigh* to a different body fat percentage! (I say body fat percentage because I hate the BMI scale.) YOU CAN DO IT! That is all
*unintentionally typed that pun but I’ll leave it in
January 13th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Good for you! I see all your tweets and you definitely are a movtivator for me to keep going with the exercise and not just the diet. The two go hand in hand and I tend to just get lazy about the second part. Thanks for putting yourself out there. Your success is real and it is encouraging. Good for you!!!
January 13th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
You know the very first thing I noticed about your picture #2? The smokin-ass SMILE on your face. You look so happy, even if you’re not at your goal yet. Awesome job. Keep it up!
January 13th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I think you are doing an amazing job. It is so much easier to not go to the gym, to not exercise while your kids nap, to eat the carrot sticks, etc. Congratulations on your great accomplishments and here’s to you achieving more new goals!
Susan D.´s last blog ..How Susan got her groove back
January 13th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
This is such a happy post! SO good to see you smiling in picture number 2. I am constantly fighting the battle of the bulge myself, and it is nice to see someone winning for a change!
YEAH pre-pregnancy weight!
January 13th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Way to go!!! I think Krissy has it. The best part is the huge grin in your current after picture. I can’t wait to see what that grin looks like in June. You can do this . . . one day at a time, one step at a time.
Awesome job!
January 13th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Congratulations on all the changes you have made! Your weight loss is awesome, never mind all the healthy changes you have made. You are an inspiration to me. Thank-you for writing about the CT5K plan. I am on to week 2 tomorrow and feel good about how I have been doing. Now I need to make more changes in my eating.
Amy´s last blog ..Adult Connections
January 13th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I’m sitting here, crying, because I’m happy for you and proud of you.
Maybe I’ll take that before picture tonight. It’s shallow of me, but I want my husband to think I look good when he gets home. (It’s easier to please him than myself, so that’s a nice manageable goal.)
Sadia´s last blog ..The good, the bad, and the ugly
January 13th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
That. Is. AWESOME!! You should be really proud of yourself. Keep up the good work.
Karen Chatters´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
January 13th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
That is an awesome achievement! You look so happy in the “after” picture. Good luck on the next challenge!
[If I'm repeating myself, sorry! I attempted to post a minute ago & got an error message]
January 13th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
U look fabulous! I completely understand about admitting your weight…I started
at 226 too and I’m still my journey. I’m glad we met on Twitter and can
encourage each other!
January 13th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Congrats! Wahoo!! You must feel great. I need to do the before picture thing and then work towards my pre-preggo weight. The twin-skin definitely changes everything but getting the weight off must feel terrific. Way to go! I love following your blog because your b/g twins are a bit older than mine and its nice to see where we are headed. Plus you make me laugh. And now you inspire me. Thanks!
Pam´s last blog ..Potato Heads
January 13th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Awesome! You’re amazing! Keep up the good work…I’m joining you in the weight loss goal–just can’t seem to shake the pregnancy weight, and I’m getting annoyed that none of my pants fit
Can’t wait to see June’s picture!
WhatACard´s last blog ..Just like those 9 legged octopii
January 13th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Yay, I am so happy for you! I am also doing WW, this was my first week and I am down 3lbs). I need to start a work out regimen and SOON! Your dedication and success are inspirational and you should be proud of that.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Well done.
So brave to post this, I admire you. Very inspiring! Bring on June’s photo and that happy smile. 
Helen´s last blog ..Christmas Mail.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
You look fabulous!! I’ve been a reader of your blog for a while from the twins club but I’ve never commented before. I just wanted to say you are doing an amazing and inspiring thing (maybe I’ll even manage to get off my couch!). And the best thing ever is being such a great example for your kids. Way to go!
January 13th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
What an inspiration!
January 13th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
You are a hot mama and are showing your kids the importance of setting goals and working towards them one step at a time. I too noticed your big grin and can see how proud you are of achieving your first of many goals. Keep blogging about them as you’re an inspiration to all of us and it keeps us motivated….
January 13th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Go you! What amazing progress! I’ve definitely been inspired by the goals you set and your high expectations. And what a great example you are setting for your kids- healthy eating and physical fitness. You have much to be proud of. Bravo!
reanbean´s last blog ..B-bye!
January 14th, 2010 at 12:10 am
congratulations! i totally relate. i was 224 lbs in april 08 and was down to 185 when I got pregnant in january 09. Now, I’m at 197 and my new goal is to move out of overweight (I’m just barely not technically obese) and into the normal range. That means I need to lose approx 30-35 more pounds. You’re reminding me of how good it felt to lose the initial weight and get me motivated to keep going!
January 14th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Yay!!!! So very impressive! I know how hard it is to get yourself to exercise regularly with two toddlers—-and you’ve done it for months. Seriously, so impressed!
January 14th, 2010 at 7:43 am
Congratulations! You know what the most telling thing is in the pictures? The smile on your face in the recent picture. You should be happy and very proud of yourself!
Heather´s last blog ..Movie Time!
January 14th, 2010 at 11:20 am
WOOT!!!!!! So proud of you
I seriously have tears in my eyes for you. I, too, follow your tweets and have been super impressed with your dedication (especially since my own has been, well, nil.) You look awesome, lady! Can’t wait to follow the journey to June’s pic!
Nancy´s last blog ..Way Back When-esday
January 14th, 2010 at 11:47 am
AWESOME! What an encouragement to so many women that they CAN DO IT after seeing YOU. You look GREAT! What an inspiration!
amy o´s last blog ..Reese Abigail
January 14th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
YEAH!!!! I am so impressed. Good job working toward your goal! That was so smart to take a before picture. Makes your progress all the more clear, and it’s just amazing to see the transformation. You are doing great!!
January 14th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Congratulations. I am very impressed with the progress! Really! That is very inspiring for me as well.
January 14th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Happy De-lurker Day! I meant to comment yesterday but then my toddler knocked over my glass and the baby needed a new diaper and… yeah. Your results are just awesome. Congratulations on all your hard work paying off. Go Mama Go!
Mary´s last blog ..Happy Delurker Day!
January 14th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Congratulations! What an amazing example you are setting for your kids. And I agree, the smile is nice to see.
You’ve turned me on to the Shred and motivated me to get off my butt and get exercising again. So thank you.
Erin´s last blog ..Wrong side of the bed
January 14th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Woo Hoo!! Congrats on your hard work paying off and super congrats for posting it all here. I’m sure its hard to post such personal things (easy to talk about our kids though) and you should feel very proud that you did it. I think it will help reach your next set of goals. Good luck! And keep the before and afters coming
They must the best motivators of all.
Nicole´s last blog ..Toddling Times Two
January 14th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Congratulations! Good for you. You look fantastic. Thanks for sharing and being so honest:)
January 14th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Great job! You aren’t just looking great, you are obviously feeling great. With that you can do more! So impressive you can stick to your plan with 2 toddlers. GO!
January 15th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Wow! Congratulations on ALL your success! You are a true inspiration to those of us who are trying to adapt to healthier lifestyles! I have been anxious to see an update with photos because I just KNEW you’d look great with all the hard work you’ve been putting in!
Marie´s last blog ..Day 1
January 15th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Liz,
You look amazing, congratulations!
Brooke
January 16th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Awesome post, and awesome job! You are brave, and cool, and wonderful, lady
Jungletwins´s last blog ..Things You Learn on 5000 mile Journeys
January 16th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
hi Liz, I met you today at the Steaz event Isis Maternity. We talked shop: going from blogger to wordpress, headers, hiring designers…I stopped by to check out your site and it’s awesome! You go! And also this post is awesome. What an inspiration, dude. Twins and exercise. Jeez, I can’t even find time to shower! Big ups to you!
Kami Lewis Levin´s last blog ..Girl Talk Thursday: Favorite Body Part
January 18th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Oh you are doing AMAZING! You are losing weight the healthy way and it shows. It takes time, I know, but you’re getting there Mama!!! My son was born Aug 6th 2007 and my daughter a year later — so having my share of baby weight – I’m 100% with you — keep it up!!!
mamajoss´s last blog ..Week 11 :: Weigh-In :: Weight Watchers & New Goal Weight
January 18th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I found you through your post on Loser Moms. Great work! Such an inspiration!!! I’m so glad you signed up for the Disney 5k too. You rock! Keep going!!!!
Vicky´s last blog ..Confessions of a Cheater
January 21st, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Liz, that is awesome. Really. CONGRATULATIONS! I am impressed not only by the weight loss itself, but even more so by your attitude about the weight loss. You’ve really taken control, as you’ve said, and you’re being so practical and levelheaded about it. That’s really not easy to do! I know you can do the rest. I think you look great, btw, and what a big DIFFERENCE in those before-and-after pics. I bow down to you! Also, I think you’re setting a great example for Daniel and Rebecca, both on healthy eating/exercise and on how to achieve goals.
Beverly´s last blog ..Yup, They’re Growing
January 24th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Hey, thank you for stopping by my blog to offer support, followed you back to see your pics. You have made a big difference! I can totally tell how much thinner you look, congratulations!!! So amazing!!! Keep up the great work!
Missy @ The Marketing Mama´s last blog ..On my way to getting fit…
January 26th, 2010 at 7:38 am
I have been reading your blog on and off for over a year and I don’t think I’ve ever commented before … but I wanted to say … OMG you look so happy in the new picture … you should have those photos posted side by side where you can see them often for inspiration.
Congratulations on your great progress.
January 27th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! You are looking wonderful. Very inspirational.
)
January 31st, 2010 at 11:51 am
Congratulations on the weight release! I loved reading your story! I am inspired to do a before shot as well. Though I’m terrified of posting on my blog! lol I’m sure this was a very hard for you to post as it was for me. http://www.andreabakerdesigns.com/?p=1469 I loved that you said it took however long it took for that switch to flip! it was the same for me. I knew i wanted to do it, I just needed that switch to flip!
Again Congratulations!
Andrea Baker´s last blog ..Sunday Stills {Texture}
January 31st, 2010 at 7:20 pm
[...] blog about their journy of weight release. It was like she took the words from my own head. Goddess In Progress – “However long it took, a switch [...]
January 31st, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Congratulations!~~ This is my first time seeing your blog. You can bet I will be following you from now on! I have a very dear friend (Andrea) that has just started her “Confessions” series about her weight journey. I too have an absolutely horrible struggle with weight loss. She is my inspiration and motivation! when she mentioned your blog and after reading this post, I see so much “awesomeness” (if thats a word lol). Thank you so much for sharing. I think that tomorrow morning when I do my weigh in that I will do my “Before” pic. Cant wait to see your next pic!
Mary´s last blog ..Sunday Still Challenge…….(Sports)