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Here is the submission I turned in on thanksgiving:
I had excuses, full time student, two kids, deployed husband and 3,000 miles from my family. I decided instead of feeling sorry for myself, I was going to make a change. I started working out more and eating healthier, but I felt like I was still missing something. In August 2017, I set up a doctor’s appointment, to talk about diet and exercise. The lobby was filled with really happy people talking about weight loss. Turns out a bariatric support group was meeting. After a very short conversation, my doctor asked, “Have you thought about Weight loss Surgery?” I had not! I was shaken and discouraged. I saw a dietitian, who encouraged me to go to a bariatric support group. I talked over the reality and risks of surgery with some close family and friends, everyone asked the same question, “Do you think you can lose the weight, without the surgery?” The women at the bariatric support group asked the same question. At the time it seemed like it would take forever. Almost hopeless. I knew I needed to change to get healthier for my kids, for my husband and for myself.
I had seen the local No excuse Moms at the park, when I would take my daughter for walks, but I had been too intimidated to join. After my Doctors appointment I figured it wasn’t as intimidating as surgery. I was so sore the next day. Worth it!
I knew I needed to keep busy while my husband was deployed. I decided to use the time that he was deployed to start healthier eating habits. Habits that were hard to employ with him home. He said, that I inspired him and he also changed his eating habits. He healthily gained 15 pounds working out more and drinking protein shakes while overseas.
I’ve lost 56 pounds this year and 30 pounds in the last 12 weeks. I’ve lost inches on my thighs, arms, waist and even 1” on my neck. Total inches lost 27 1/4”. I feel better, my confidence is up and I’m inspiring others to make healthier choices. A year ago, I had given up! I had moment where I thought I will always be the “fat mom”. I will never fit in the clothes my husband buys for me. Bless his heart he underestimates my size. Now I fit in the clothes he has purchased for me and soon they will be too big for me. I shaved a minute off my mile and I can do 20 more sit-ups in a minute than when the challenge started.
Turns out what I was missing was NO EXCUSE MOMS. My leaders have been so encouraging. Lina challenges me and keeps me accountable. The best NSV is that my kids are healthier and have a healthier role model. Excited for my husband to return to see the new me. He’s never seen me this small. I was able to lose the weight without bariatric surgery, no excuses!
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