I’ve been struggling with my weight all my life.

As a kid, I was always picked on for being fat. Coming from a 3rd world country where 90% of the population was thin (due to malnourishment or scarce food resources) made all this teasing even more stark and hurtful. I stuck out like a sore thumb and was criticized by society. There was nowhere to hide.

When I graduated college, I permanently moved to the US to start a new life. Freed from all the torments of my past, I was able to start focusing on myself. I ate healthy, exercised regularly and ultimately lost all my excess weight --- over 70 pounds. At 170, I had finally become desirable and people would constantly comment on how good-looking I was.

I thought I would never go back to being fat and ugly. But then, something (great) happened. I actually found true love and got married. And from there, my priorities shifted. Looking good no longer was top of mind. Instead, I focused on providing for my spouse and living life to the fullest. That meant eating out 5 days a week, going to every movie/festival/event we could, partying with friends non-stop, taking amazing vacations, spending every fun moment together, etc.

Over time, this lifestyle became my undoing. Unhealthy habits enabled my weight to slowly creep back up. And now 12 years later, I have not only gained ALL the weight lost back but I’ve added another 10-15 pounds on top of that. While I couldn’t be happier my marriage, I am unfortunately unhappy with myself once again.

In 2012, motivated by increased body pain and rising health costs (my insurance plan will go significantly up if I fail my next physical), I decided to stop this downward spiral and refocus back on myself. So my journey begins here. I hope to become again that ‘good looking’ person that my spouse fell in love with so many, many years ago.