In March 2008, I weighed in at my doctor's office at 360 pounds (I'm 5'4"). Although I had been very active throughout my life, swam competitively for more than 10 years, joined the USMC, etc...I allowed myself to go after I gained 100+ pounds with my first pregnancy in 1992. Since 1992, I had been over weight, actually, more like morbidly obese. It didn't help that I LOVED food (still do) and that I found comfort in food (who doesn't). It wasn’t before long until I was modifying my entire life around what I could and couldn't do with my body. Example: I would/could only eat at restaurants where I could sit at a table (no booths!!!) and could fit in their chairs.

Needless to say, I was also diabetic with a blood sugar that usually ran around the 300's.

I'm not sure why or what happened at that doctors visit in March 2008, but something clicked. While my doctor blessed me out about my weight, it was not something I was not used to during visits. Maybe it was just divine intervention and about time for me to take back control. Whatever it was, it has kept me on the right track since March 2008.

From March 2008 to March 2009, I had lost 180 pounds! No drugs, no surgery, no tricks, etc.. I just lost the weight by the "old fashioned method"....watching what I ate and exercising. The weight came off a bit faster once I lost the first 100 pounds, because it was then I could start exercising (before the weight loss it was too painful).

It's now November 2011 and I have lot a total of 200 pounds. Well, actually, I lost 220 pounds, but due to a recent surgery and some minor complications, I put on 20 pounds. However, now that I am back to my 'ole self and ready to hit the gym again, I'm starting out today to re-lose that 20 pounds. So, here I go....