The day this blog launched, I sent the link to a weight-loss support group on Facebook that I’m a part of asking for suggestions. The ladies replied with many things, including success stories. This one belongs to Erin Pena, a former Jacksonville resident who recently moved to California. — Amanda
Before
“I decided to lose weight because of my health, I almost died from a blood clot and I was scared.
The doctor told me that I wouldn’t live to see old age if I kept up the way I was going, so that was my first motivation. I was also really sick of struggling to shove my butt into two pairs of spanx so I could go out in public.
I was disgusted with myself. I had tried South Beach, it was not for me, so I joined Weight Watchers — I love it because it is a lifestyle change, not a deprivation diet. I love food, and I don’t want to eat a carrot and a head of lettuce every day to be thin.
In my first five months of Weight Watchers, I lost 60 lbs. and felt confident to join a gym, so I joined Courts Plus. One of the instructors there was really amazing and supportive, which kept me going. I had weeks where I gained, and weeks where the scale didn’t move — but I never gave up.
I started posting my weigh ins on Facebook, and that kept my accountable. As I hit the 125 lbs. mark, I started getting messages about how inspiring I was.
I was proud of my accomplishments and I kept my ultimate goal in mind while setting small goals. I started WW at 312 lbs. and in August 2010 hit my lifetime member goal of 155. I gained 10 of that back when I moved to California, because I missed the amazing friends I had in Jacksonville and my family, especially my two nephews.
I, again, turned to Facebook and made an album with my before pictures. Since February 2011, I am down 30 lbs. and now weigh 135.
People think there is some secret to weight loss, some special formula or magic pill — there isn’t. You have to want it, want it bad and be willing to work hard for it. I exercise five times a week and track my points religiously. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke, and I eat tons of fresh fruit. I know that I will always have to work to stay thin, but it’s so worth it.”
After
