This is probably one of the hardest posts I’ve written. I’ve shared a bit about my weight loss here, but not very much and I’ve been very careful to be guarded with specific details, such as my exact weight. But I’ve come to a point, that no matter how scared I am to share these details, I feel that I must.
I’m sharing my personal weight gain/weight loss story because I need accountability. I’ve thought about this post a lot this week and finally I’ve taken a deep breath and decided to put myself out there. All myself.
On January 2, 2009, I wrote the following in a blog post (on my old weight loss blog):
Right now I weigh 357 lbs, which is about 30lb less than my highest weight. In February of 2008, I weighed 380 before having an emergency complete hysterectomy. The operation was quite scary due to my weight and it was the nudge I needed to do something about my weight. So since February 2008, I changed my eating in small ways and it brought me down to my current weight. But I realized I needed to do more, so here I am.
Yes, you read right. On January 2, 2009, I weighed 357 lbs.
A year later, on January 3, 2010, I had lost 80 lbs. I was so proud of myself. And everyone who knew me was proud of me too.
I wish I could say that the year continued well as far as my weight loss. But it didn’t. I lost here and there, but becoming a food blogger can sometimes take it’s toll if you aren’t careful. And I wasn’t careful. I was more sedentary that usual and started gaining back some of my weight. We moved across country, I was stressed with that and work, and I gained a bit more. Emotional eating at it’s finest.
My lowest weight was 274 lbs in May 2010.
By November 2010, I was back up to 290 lbs.
The gaining and losing — but more the gaining — continued in 2011. It probably appeared to some that I gave up, and while it’s probably seems that way, and while yes, there was days that I didn’t care, I wouldn’t say that I had officially give up at that point.
In November 2011, my sister died. Two months later, my dad died. Almost five months later than that, another sister died.
And it was along that time that I officially stopped caring.
And I’ll be honest, food made me feel a tiny bit better, even if people want me to say that it didn’t.
I weighed myself on July 6, 2012 — one month after the 3rd death — and I weighed 336 lbs.
Today I weigh 351.2 pounds.
I’ve went right back to where I was at. Right back where I said I wouldn’t be.
Right now, I do feel ashamed. I’ve said this to a few select people in my personal life and they’ve told me to not feel this way, but honestly, I don’t see how I could feel any other way. I feel that I let all of my closest family and friends — the ones who cheered me on before — down.
For those who have read some of my previous blog posts, you already know I’ve actually been taking baby steps towards healthier choices. I’m continuing those things, but turning them up a few notches, such as more regular use of my food journal (this is a huge key for me) and keeping to approximately 2100 calories. I’ve started juicing and blending for some of my meals. And I’m moving my body more and more.
Valerie says
I am always and will always be your biggest fan. There is nothing you can do that would make me feel let down, on account of you’re not responsible for my feelings. 😉 I know you can do it. You’ve been through an emotional roller coaster and I am so very proud of you: that you are putting you first! You rock. except when you rick roll.
Richard Thompson says
You can absolutely do it! You have a wonderful community that is behind you all the way. Recognizing all of the factors that went into your journey up to this point I think is what’s going to make the difference for you. You know you have done it before, and you know what needs to be done. You have our support!
Geri says
You can do it Brandie! I feel like we are in the same boat, we need to stop feeling ashamed of ourselves and just worry about today. Today is a brand new day and it is a “start over” button. I can’t wait to see what is in store for your “challenge”.
Melly says
I loved your honesty! It all starts with you making up your mind to make better food choices, it sounds like you have done that. And any women I know that makes up her mind is unstoppable! I’m happy to be participating in the Mango Challenge with you & good luck on your personal journey. So excited to see your results in 10 weeks!!
truDERMA says
We believe in you Brandie! Keep up the hard work!
Becca H. says
Cheering you on, Brandie! You live in one of the greatest food “meccas” of the world, and as a recovering emotional eater myself, I can’t imagine the temptation of what it’s like to live in Vegas and learn how to cope with emotional eating. You can do this… one healthier choice at a time…
Christy says
Proud of you for your honesty and transparency Brandie! Cheering you on from my little corner of the world. Great job on taking the first steps to get back on track. 🙂
Christa Schueler says
Great post!!! I’m know all about emotional eating and it’s a very hard to break away from it so you have nothing to feel ashamed about! Your family and friends are right. Good luck to you but I know you’ll do well in the challenge 😉