So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

[Brook]

This is me a year ago and me today. Unfortunately, I'm the me in orange today. This is what 15lbs on me does, and I've done this to myself in the last 4-5 months.

Ugh. I'm so disgusted.

The next picture of me y'all see will be better. Much better.




I look smiley - but it's a lie. I'm feeling many things today, but smiley ain't one of them.

Back to induction for me. Ugh. I hate induction.

~Brook

[LosinTheBabyFat]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Brook,

I know how frustrating it must be to deal with a gain, but please please know what an inspiration you are to me as I am starting out this weight loss journey. I just gave birth to my first child, Colin, five months ago and went from 155lbs. pre-pregnancy to 230 lbs. the day I delivered him!! This 230 is just FAT on my 5'7 frame. I am dedicating myself to getting back into shape and looking at your pictures and reading what you have done are such great motivation for me to keep going. Do you mind if I ask how many days a week and for how long you were working out? What was a typical day's menu? I know you are down about your gain, but please know that you are really making a difference in people's lives.

Bridget

[Becky Sue]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

You are strong, you know this WOE like the back of your hand, you will get those 15 pounds back off.
Brook, you have inspired so many of us thru the years. Thank you for showing us how this WOE is done.
I am so glad you came back to ADBB, we have missed seeing your beautiful face and reading your posts.
Welcome Back!

[Brook]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Thank you, Bridget. & Congrats on the new baby! Aren't they the best?!

When I'm being good, I work out 6 days a week...and that's what I did to get to goal. When I'm being half hearted - I work out 2-3 times a week...and look where that's gotten me. Blah. Of course if I'd adjusted my eating to compensate for the reduction in exercise I'd have been fine, but........ I didn't. Add to that all of the garbage that's been thrown my way in the last 4-5 months and yep....it = 15lbs.

Menu wise? I tend to keep things really simple and I'm a creature of habit. I'll be posting my menus in the STAC daily thread for the coming weeks, so look for it there if you're interested


Thank you, Becky. The truth is that I need you guys and missed you all too.

~Brook

[iyamamaschke]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

You'll do it Brook you have done it before and darn it you'll do it again. It takes a really big person to post that they gained weight and show a picture you in this way have delt with this reality and know what it take to get to where you were. I'm cheering you on cause YOU ROCK!!!

GO BROOK GO, GO BROOK GO!!!!

[fawn]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

You will do it again Brook. And you know what I love? That you are a stong enough woman to post this and not say "whaaa how did I gain this weight"? "poor me"
You have taken responsibility and for that I commend you. You're still a hottie

[mirna05]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Hi Brook, you also look great in the orange one, I am sure you are going to be that thin again. What happened? Were you in maintenance? I have been in Atkins for one year and six months, I am in maintenance but I am afraid of eating more things because I dont want to wake up the carb monster inside me.

[Brook]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Mirna, do you have access to the women's forum? I posted "A window into my soul" in there yesterday. That'll give you the run down on what's been going on and what bit me.

I called goal in July of last year. I maintained that loss until March of this year - and that's when the proverbial ship hit the sand in my life.

It's okay though. I know what I did (or rather, didn't do), and I know how to fix it.

The funny thing is that my dh tells me that he prefers the way I look now, and so have a couple of really close friends. They gave me heck last year for being "too skinny". LOL I like how I look much better 15lbs ago - and more importantly, how I feel. Give me 6 weeks and I'll be there again and back on the road to maintenance.

I will NOT be one of the 95% that fail to handle this in the long term. I won't be.

The truth is that I'm embarrassed and really frustrated with myself, but I'm handling it.

Thank you *so* much everyone, for the support. You're amazing and I appreciate it more than you know.

~Brook

[Bren]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

this new board will only let me do some many applauds or I would fill the WHOLE page. I have more respect for you then you can imagine. You have become an icon of lo-carb and yet you have the character and strength to admit being human and faltering. DAM BROOK..... you rock!
and personally I think you look FANTASTIC! But, I also know just what you mean about being happy with your self.

Now, do I get to tell you to drink your water yada yada yada yada???

[Elsie150]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

we are all rooting for you!!!

[cruiser gal]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Being successful means being able to recognize faults/mistakes and doing something about them to improve the situation. So in my eyes you are doing exactly that, and therefore you will be successful in your quest! Way to go Brooke!

[Iapetus999]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

You still look great in my book

15 lbs is a piece of cake (or 2). Just remember to ramp up the exercise...don't try to do it all at once or you risk injury.
If there's any decent hiking near you I recommend it...bring the kids!

[AllieCat0817]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Uh, pardon me Brook but you are HOT TO TROT in BOTH pix. I don't care what no one says. You are beautiful. Rock on momma.

[cmcole]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Brooke, are you sure you aren't wearing "fat googles"?
I think you look stunning.
I know you think there is a problem, but with others saying they like you this way, perhaps it isn't nearly as bad as you'd like to think.

I don't see fat - I see a wonderful woman.

Could be just the "junk" in your life giving you a distorted view of everything, including a minor weight gain.

[AllieCat0817]

Re: So this is what almost 15lbs looks like. Ugh.

Brook, I understand where you are coming from-- you do have to maintain vigilance and stay on top of the game at all times. And if you slip a little then just get the grip back, which you are doing. I know I'm not saying 'oh it doesn't matter', cause you know how I am- you KNOW. BUT you do NOT LOOK FAT, you look absolutely fantabulous. YOu'll get back to where you want to be, but you are gorgeous now.

Thanks for being a mentor, in many ways.