2 yrs. at Buddy Slim

It doesn’t seem like it was 2 yrs. ago that I first joined Buddy Slim.
I am so grateful for all the support I’ve received here and all the friends that I’ve made.

Crazy how fast time flies.

I’ve gone from a size 3x to a size small / medium

From a 24 to a 6/8

From shopping in plus size stores to regular department stores.

Losing weight has changed my life in more ways than I ever imagined it would or could.

I am a much more confident woman now.  I carry myself differently - taller and with pride.
I speak up for myself  and I am eager to try new things and embrace life.

I swim, I hike, I enjoy finding new ways to have fun while getting exercise.

I love to sweat.  LOL
Yup its true.
That was not the Lori of 2 yrs. ago trust me on that.
Sweat - ewwwwwwwwww
But things change - THANK GOD

The Lori of 2 yrs. ago avoided physical activity at all costs.
She knew every excuse in the book and she used them.

The Lori of 2 yrs. ago dreaded social engagements because of her size.
I hated HAVING to get dressed to go out.
Now I use it as an excuse to buy a cute new outfit and maybe to show off the new me just a little bit.

I am a much  more outgoing person now.  I just love life and I love being around people who also love life.  Life’s fun and we all deserve to enjoy it.  It’s way too short not to.

I no longer worry about what others think of me (for the most part anyway).
I know I’m a good person and that’s all that matters.

I no longer need to please everyone all the time.  That’s HUGE.

This is the new me and the me that is here to stay.

My new confidence has affected all aspects of my life in a positive way.
It’s not something I expected at all.
I wanted to lose weight to fit into nice clothes and now I do.
I wanted to get thinner to be healthier and I am now.
I wanted to be able to go to a restaurant and not worry about having to cram myself into a booth.  No more worry there.
But there are so many things that I didn’t expect to gain from losing weight.

I’ve lost 120 + pounds but I have gained so much more.

This weight loss journey is a tough one, there’s no doubt about that but like I have said before it is all worth it.
Every painstaking step is worth it.

Yup there’s days when I don’t feel like exercising (thank you to my buddies who help push me when I need it).
Yup there are days when the sweets are calling my name LOUDLY.  UGH
I am sure this is always going to be a struggle for me.
But it’s one challenge I am up for.

I hope that my little blog here, my little story about how things have changed for me in 2 short yrs. will help to motivate some of you that are struggling and some of you that might be feeling overwhelmed by how much weight you have to lose.
I started out at 265 pounds.
I am now somewhere around 140-145  (not getting on the scale right now - PMSing and I’ve learned my lesson about that).
It took me just over a year to lose 100 pounds.
I had days where I felt like I could never do it.
Like that was far too much weight to lose.

But I had to just keep chugging along.  Plugging away.  Persevering.
The best advice I can give you is to just take it one day at a time and one pound at a time.
That’s how to get through this and when you slip up you shake it off and you start over and you keep moving forward.

I wish everyone could find success at weight loss.
I know how painful it is to be big, obese, a plus sized woman whatever you want to call it.

I guess my  message is that it can be done.
I am just plain old ordinary Lori and if I can do it so can you.

Much success buddies!
Lots of love
Lori

27 Comments so far

  1. staceycapps @ January 8th, 2009

    Yay Lori, good for you!!!! I started out about 265 too, and hope to reach 140 or less. I thank you for posting this as it does give me so much inspiration. I used to be the one who looked at the people who did not lose weight and who went around complaining that no matter what they were going to be destined to be fat forever. I even was that person! I don’t feel that way anymore! I know I will lose better and I am getting healthier. I am doing this for life!!!

    How about do you have any pics of you so we can see the new you, in your new clothes???

  2. staceycapps @ January 8th, 2009

    Sorry, it’s 2:29 am and I meant to point out that I used to believe that weightloss was not possible for me, and I got caught up in believing that people over 200 pounds generally “couldn’t” lose the weight unless they had bipass surgery. Being in buddyslim I have found that this is not true. Anyone can lose weight with a good diet, good friends and support, and an exercise plan.

    I figure it may take me at least 2 years to lose this weight too, but it’s better than taking 2 years to do nothing towards making a better future for myself. Size 6 must be soooooooo cool to wear!!! I haven’t ever been in a size 6 since jr hi.

  3. Maria @ January 8th, 2009

    thanks for posting this. it was really motivating. you have done amazingly well and you should be so proud! im glad you are enjoying life!

    Well done
    :)

  4. Wishestobethin @ January 8th, 2009

    Wow! You have done wonderful!

    Thank you for posting your story, you give us hope when we think we should throw in the towel.

    Congratulations!

  5. astrongnewme @ January 8th, 2009

    Congratulations! You accomplished a lot. I have lost about 70 pounds, and far more changed than just my body. You are right, life is too short not to make changes to enjoy it.

  6. LaTina @ January 8th, 2009

    All the things I TRY to convince myself… but you’re living proof. Thanks for this blog, makes my 3 dives (I don’t just fall, I take a flying leap!) of the wagon seem like just bumps in the road. I can do this!

  7. LaTina @ January 8th, 2009

    that’s OFF the wagon

  8. harleygirl @ January 8th, 2009

    I am so proud of you Lori! I celebrated one year just the other day so I know what it’s like to look back at how far you have come and how much you have changed. What a great feeling! Thanks for being a wonderful buddy to me :)

  9. leahmarie @ January 8th, 2009

    Ok I have to give you a standing ovation girl! What an inspiration….your story really does make me feel confident that I can join you in the winners circle of life, and its already starting, the number on the scale gets lower and lower and I am just so happy and confident, more so than I have ever been….
    Bravo girl, you are an amazing, beautiful and strong woman!
    Truly an Inspiration!
    Peace Always,
    Leah♥

  10. coolbird30 @ January 8th, 2009

    Awesome Lori! I’m so pround of you, and can’t wait till I’m there with you! Thanks for being a great friend and for all the pushes when I need them!!

  11. khmerbeauty @ January 8th, 2009

    I am doing my boootie bounce for your success!

    Lori! You and Kama are my biggest inspirations.

    You amaze me! WOW 2 years and 121 lbs later….you are doing it ma!

    Look at that list of changes!!!!!!!!!! I am so humbled in your presence.

    LOVE YA LOVE YA LOVE YA!!!!

  12. JustJane47 @ January 8th, 2009

    Your story brings tears to my eyes Lori…happy tears. What a journey you have been on. Look at the amazing amount of weight you have lost.

    I couldn’t be any happier for you. You are truly an inspiration to us all :) Another Hero of BuddySlim.

    Hearing your personal thoughts, the fear of parties, fear of fitting into a booth at a restaurant, all hit home for me. I only hope I can become a new Jane, just like the New Lori!!!

    I’d love to see a before and after picture. PLEASE PLEASE!!
    Hugs
    Jane

  13. easybreezy @ January 8th, 2009

    Wow thanks for the blog for all of us out here that think we can’t do it all we have to do is think of you and what you’ve accomplished! Congratulations!!

  14. readytoemerge @ January 8th, 2009

    Inspirational!! You and the blog! The “old” Lori sounds alot like the place I am leaving behind…not far enough away yet but reading your story helps my eyes look FORWARD and reminds me it is so very possible.
    Thank you! :)

  15. kamaperry @ January 8th, 2009

    Oh Lori, so proud of you, You made me sure mist up. What a change, I was like you and used to hate to sweat, now I hate it if I don’t.
    You are beautiful inside and out, and now the whole world can see the real you!

  16. polishmaximus @ January 8th, 2009

    Thanks for the motivation!

  17. buttercup @ January 9th, 2009

    I don’t think I’ve ever read a better blog. Thank you so much for sharing with us. This blog brings hope to so many, including me.

    You are my hero today. Well, Jesus is my hero, but you know what I mean.

    Hugggggggggggggggggs,
    Shan

  18. thrive @ January 10th, 2009

    YOU YOU YOU YOU!!! I am SOOOOOOO inspired by you and i just love this blog. gave me goosebumps! you really are doing it and you keep doing it - which is so incredible. you and kama have been my rockstars since i started here and int he cardio forum. thank you for your dedication and determination plus all those wise things you say. Many congrats!!!

  19. jschott4402 @ January 11th, 2009

    WOW what an inspiration!! I LOVE BUDDYSLIM!!

  20. appoloniadawn @ January 12th, 2009

    Wow thats so cool.. I hope I can do the same… U are amazing.. Congrats

  21. stayroxy @ January 12th, 2009

    that is a very inspirational story ! buddy slim really does wonders doesnt it? i know it helps me a lot !

  22. Jennifer @ January 12th, 2009

    Beautiful and an inspiriaton YOU are. Thank you so much. I am so very proud of you!!! *hugs*

  23. marathoner @ January 12th, 2009

    Do you know how long it took to upload this page so I can leave a comment? OMG, it seemed forever! Hahaha!!

    Congratulations!! AND THANK YOU for wring this blog, as I sit here yet again, contemplating skipping my workouts! I dunno if it’s the weather or what? But I don’t wanna! I don’t wanna do this!! I don’t want to count calories, track, exercise, I just don’t wanna!! LOL!! C\

    Of course, reading your blog reminded me of the pledge I made myself—ONE DAY AT A TIME…ONE POUND AT A TIME!!

    Thank you once again! I remember you e-mailed me some “during” pictures before, in my private e-mail…any chance you can send me some before/after shots for a little extra THINSPIRATION?

  24. callmestella @ January 13th, 2009

    Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I know it’s been said many times, but you truly are an inspiration.

  25. monkeycrazygod @ January 13th, 2009

    Your story is soooo amazing, its sooo inspiring. I swear I am you two years ago!! I want to get to where you are….I have to remember that one day at a time one pound at a time. Thank you soo much for this…amazing

  26. yani @ January 14th, 2009

    lori, what a great sucess, u have accomplished, is so true what u written about,,,,u are an inspiration for me, as well as others here in buddyslim……keep it up… H5 girl

  27. Jennifer @ January 17th, 2009

    Just fantastic Lori! That is the best success story I have read and in only 2 years. I am so proud of you. And you know, I never new what you looked like. I always imagined you as a brunette, isn’t that funny? Hehe… You look so fantastic and healthy. You are and will be such an inspiration to many! Have a great weekend.

    Thanks for sharing your pics AND the tip that all movement is good exercise. *hugs*

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