Why are YOU here?

[Maerow]

Re: Why are YOU here?

1. My single most motivating factor:


I knew I was really getting bad, but I ignored it. My picture id at work was awful, but I just didn't think about it. I had started a job that had me sitting for 8 hours, and I got no excersize, and everyone around me was bringing in food. I would eat fast food breakfasts from McDs in the morning, have a sandwich or ramen noodles for lunch, both breaks I would eat candy bars, and then fast food (bean burritos) for dinner, three of them.

Finally I really looked at myself in the mirror while getting in the tub...and I was shocked. Then I saw my reflection in the mirror at work...and that was IT. It was time to do something about myself.


2) Describe that "ah-ha" moment that brought you to this WOL:
Well, my mom is diabetic and has controled it with Atkins for years. So I already knew what worked from watch her. The hard part was taking the plunge. After I committed I knew it was for life...you can't get off Atkins once you start or you will regain. I have no choice but to remain on it now that I worked myself down to 134 lbs (ya I have to update my sticker).

I knew going into it that it was a lifetime deal.

[chase_white_rabbits]

Re: Why are YOU here?

1) What is your single most motivating factor?
Health is my number one factor. WARNING, may be TMI for some: my doctor and I could not figure out why I hadn't had my period in 3 years (from age 21-24). It just stopped. He tested me for everything possible, beginning with diabetes. Although I was pre-diabetic (fasting level of 111), he didn't think that was nearly high enough to stop my period. I spent thousands of dollars on expensive screenings for a range of cancers, and nothing came up. Finally, my doctor was out when I went to visit him and a new doctor said that maybe I stopped my period because "I was just too fat."

I didn't think this was it either - although I was overweight at a size 20, I didn't think it could cause that. When I started Atkins, after only THREE DAYS, my period started again and my fasting level went from a pre-diabetic 111 to a very healthy 82, where it's stayed.


2) Describe that "ah-ha" moment that brought you to this WOL.
In another post, I described my "ah-ha" moment as a time when I saw a picture of myself slim. Although that was the last, big moment, there were a number of mini-moments leading up to it:
1. Not being able to have a carnival ride close over my chest and having to get off the ride in front of all those people.
2. Going shopping with friends and have them make fun of the giant pants they came across (though I know these friends truly didn't realize I was that big - they just saw me for me, and didn't know it was hurtful).
3. Having a number of people (often, complete strangers on the street) come up to me and tell me how beautiful I would be if I lost weight - I'm not sure if this is normal or not, maybe for some reason I just attract those people, but I think that is really stepping over the bounds.
4. A very intereting one I think - when you're fat, people don't talk about "fat people" around you or anything "fat related". Now that I've lost weight, I've noticed how many people around me will comment on celebrities gaining weight, themselves feeling "fat", etc. - it's like when you get to a normal weight, you're in the club and people feel comfortable talking about "fat" around you.

[choeve]

Re: Why are YOU here?

1) What is your single most motivating factor?
I want to live to see my 2 year old daughter grow up, get married, and have a grandbaby or two. Or atleast see her settled in her own life before I leave her.

2) Describe that "ah-ha" moment that brought you to this WOL.
Getting on the scale at the Dr. and seeing 334!!!!!!!! Yikes I knew then I HAD to do something.

[Quitstretchin']

Re: Why are YOU here?

1) What is your single most motivating factor?
I have a lot of health issues that would only benefit from a healthier lifestyle. But for the real reason... Vanity! Fat rolls are so unbecoming! I was tired of having "such a pretty face" and then the rest of me referred to as "what the H-E-double hockey sticks happened to you...you were so skinny before (Yeah, someone actually said this to me once!)...

2) Describe that "ah-ha" moment that brought you to this WOL.
The very first time, it was how quickly I was growing out of clothes. Most recently, it was realizing how I was headed back down the wrong path after falling off the wagon!

[vJosie]

Re: Why are YOU here?

1) What is your single most motivating factor?
Overcrowded classrooms. As my classes grow, I need to be thinner to fit between desks. There is nothing as embarassing as making students get up so you can get past their desks.

2) Describe that "ah-ha" moment that brought you to this WOL.
None really. I just set a date and did it. I hated being so big in Peru. I deliberately pushed myself ahead of everyone so nobody would see me lagging behind because the physical exertion was so great. If you coulda seen me fly up Machu Picchu! But coming down hurt my knees sooooo bad.