Thursday, January 19, 2012

The hardest blog I have had to post, on a very, very, special day. Happy birthday my love. This is for you.........

I am sitting here as nervous as can be knowing that these photos will soon become public. I have kept private for so many years now these images, just a few that remain of my days when I let myself go and became a person I do not recognize. Most of the photos I deleted. I begged my husband to get rid of them as I hated seeing them. We have years and years of our marriage that was not documented because I did not want photos of me. I regret this more than you know. But now is not the time for regret, but rather rejoicing!!

Today, January 19th is my husband's 36th birthday. I wanted to get him something special to commemorate his first birthday here in Norway but I could not think of anything. I shopped and looked around, yes, I found jackets, sweaters and such over here but he already has so many of these things and it was not want I wanted.  So for today, I celebrate you. I celebrate the man you are, the man God has blessed me with. Since we met back in 1998, you have changed my life.  I know you feel at times shocked at how you did not see just how far gone I was with my weight. Last night as we viewed my photos, I noticed the look on your face. It was as if you were looking at a stranger, in many ways, you were. It was your love for me that blinded you....blinded us both. I want to thank you for your devotion to me all these years. Your love, your support. Remember all the funny things I used to do trying to lose the weight? Remember the seas weed soap? I must have rubbed my thighs raw thinking that this soap would magically cure of me of my weight problem. Forget the fact that I was stuffing my face with food, the soap would work!!! I tried everything under the sun and it was not until we moved to Russia that for once in my weight loss journey everything CLICKED! You were there beside me through tears of joy seeing the scale going down, you were there helping me measure my body fat with the calipers, counting my pushups in P90X, making charts to help me track my progress, listening to me pour my heart out to you as I felt so lost, so worried I would not be able to lose the weight. You were there when I first posted my before photo on Sparkpeople and the journey began. You were there........you were there........you were there.......every step along the way. I could not have done this without you. Thank you for your support, your commitment to me. Thank you for every green drink you toasted with me, every crazy phase of my weight loss, for every plateau we had to break through.........everything.

So after years and years of hiding, I am posting these before and after photos for you! The journey is not over! I guess you could say, we have only just begun :)

Happy Birthday My Love.

Then and Now.....The journey that has made me who I am today.



This photo was taken December 2005, compared to December 2011.


This before and after is 2006 vs 2011 


Trading in frumpy plus size clothes for new running clothes!!! 




I remember in 2006 when we were living in Russia, after seeing my before photos in Paris...and a bad highlight job, I changed my hair color. I think I was trying to mask over the pain and be someone else. It was a struggle to see myself in the mirror each and ever day. 2006 vs 2011 





These two jacket before and afters are a comparison of Jan 2006 vs 2011. In the before photo I was wearing a mens jacket. I tried to get a good winter coat for Russia but nothing fit me. We were heading to Canada for a ski trip prior to leaving for Russia and I had nothing to wear. I went to Target as I was able to get a mens coat there which fit. It was embarrassing, especially once we moved to Russia and all the slim Russian girls where wearing fashionable coats. Years later, as we were preparing to leave for the US, I gave this coat away along with several other things. I will NEVER forget seeing this old man put the coat on and smile sitting on the bench in Russia. He gave me a thumbs up and said Thank you! I broke down and it still touches my heart to this day. Now, I am wearing XS and Small coats and it still feels like a dream but the sting of the memory from buying the mens coat is still with me and truth be told, I pray it never leaves. 



For me, these two photos speak volumes! Here I am in Paris, May 2006 vs December 2011. What a difference nutrition has made in my life! You ARE what you eat! Treats are fine every now and then.... but day in and day out what you eat WILL have either a positive or negative effect on your health. 


 I think this photo says it all....the after photo I am holding my jar of Vitamineral Green I mix up and drink!



I hated this before photo so much. It was taken in Paris in 2006. Recently we went back in May of 2011 and I was able to take photos along the same bridge! I thought it would be my after.....little did I know I would lose even more weight from that point.  Now, I have to go back and do another one! Do I hear another trip to Paris? I think so! :) 



The location where my journey began! Outside of Buckingham Palace May 2006 vs September 2011. I have lost about 11 or so lbs since this after photo......time for another trip! I will always hold a very, very special place in my heart for this fountain for it was seeing the photos taken on that trip which made me take that first step and start what has been the most amazing journey!



 I have a few more before and afters I will be posting soon. This has taken a great deal of strength for me to do this, it is hard but if seeing these can help motivate just one person, it is worth it.  If you are stuck in a life that you do not recognize and you want more, start today! You CAN do anything you set your mind to. It will be hard, very hard, but with patience, consistency and hard work, anything is possible!! It took me years to reach my goal, but it was worth it.  Do not wait for another year to pass by, do not wait for more memories to be lost because you are ashamed at what you have become.

I have this posted on my spark page. I wrote this back in 2007 when I started my weight loss page......

I will leave you with this.  Every person who has made a change in their life remembers a specific point in time where something just clicked and they knew this was the moment to change.  This is that moment for each of us. Now - today - is the day for change. Forget what happened yesterday and focus on the daily changes you can make that will bring you closer to your goal. If you are thinking, "Well, it is too late, I am too old or too overweight" I want each of you to remember this - post it somewhere you can see it daily -

"It is NEVER too late to become what you might have been!" - George Eliot

You have been given today as a gift  - MAKE IT COUNT!!!







116 comments:

Anele @ Success Along the Weigh said...

I am sitting here in tears, so proud of my beautiful friend. My friend who was beautiful no matter what her weight. You will be helping many people out there discover an inner strength they thought they never had by bravely posting these pics. I am forever grateful to know you and call you my friend. You are truly one of the most amazing people I know.

Love you!! <3

Unknown said...

Wow!! What an amazing journey!! Thanks for sharing.

Carolina said...

Jen, I just wanted to let you know that I'm very happy for what you've accomplished, which most people can NOT do! You are awesome! When I met you back in 2002, you were such a sweet and caring person- that's what I saw! Your husband truly did see past the men's coat! I hope I get to see you one day, the skinny girl that you are :-) XO

RobFather said...

Thank you for sharing. Curious..did you keep stats on your weight loss? How much then vs today?

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous Jen!!! You truly are an inspiration. I lost 45 lbs 2 years ago and stalled...I was almost where you were in your beginning stages. I have maintained these past 2 years...but I need to push forward as you have and become the "ME" I dream of...the me I know I have inside. I check on you frequently for inspiration. Thank you for showing me that the journey is worth the perseverance thru the hard times.
You are wonderful!!! Happy birthday to your wonderful hubby ♥
Jortay99 (Spark)

Mer and Mo said...

What a most wonderful gift you have not only given to your husband on his birthday, but to yourself in what you have accomplished!! I am applauding you for the hard work, determination and that you have kept track of your progess in pictures!! What an amazing transformation!!!!!!

TRULY EVEN MORE MO-TIVATED MO (thanks!!!)

Deidra said...

Oh Jenn! I am so proud of you for posting these. Happy Birthday to your love! I know how incredibly hard these were to post and thank you for sharing something so deeply personal with us. You are beautiful, amazing and a completely new person!

Anonymous said...

I love your website! I read your blogs daily to keep me encouraged and plugging along. Thank you for this very special one!

Troy Produce said...

Absolutely LOVE this blog!!! Congratulations and happy birthday to your hubby!

MrBeachBum said...

This is simply amazing! What an accomplishment and what a beautiful marriage you two have!

Oh and I can attest to trying the sea weed soap too, ugh!

Becca's Dirt said...

I am so proud of you Jen. Great before and after photos.

It's really what's inside that makes a person what and who they are. I battled my size 22 and I lost a lot of weight and now am a comfortable size 12 now. I could go on and lose more weight but I am comfortable and am tired of diets. I eat healthier today than I ever have. My daughter is very much overweight. She is very self conscious about it. I raised her though to never think that her appearance is what makes her the person she is. I raised her to have self confidence and she does. She has dieted and lost weight - actually she lost about 60 pounds recently. I tell her I am proud of her weight loss but then it becomes something we don't talk about. I do wish she could lose more and maybe she will when she is ready. I love her just the same no matter how much she weighs.

I just want to say Jen that while you are very successful at your goals you were and are a very special person just because of who you are and your weight really doesn't matter how people love you. I know it's that self image we have of ourselves and we all have one that pushes us onward to our goals.

You are so encouraging and inspiring to other people. Don't be embarassed about sharing these photo's. I bet your husband loves you as you are. He fell in love with the person you are and not how you look. Remember it is what is inside that really counts and you are way on up that ladder sweetie.

~ said...

What a courageous woman you are! And what a wonderful husband you have! Your post is inspirational! God bless you both!

~ said...

oh and Happy Birthday Mr. Jen! ;)

Hey There Carole! said...

Happy birthday to your husband and congratulations on your hard work. You look amazing!

Anonymous said...

Amazing journey you should be extremely proud of yourself no one understands unless they have gone thru this you look awesome thank you so much for sharing your story I'm sure this will help many women are in the same place as you once were.

Unknown said...

What in inspiration you are! I am in the beginning stages of my weight loss journey and it is SO hard to stay committed! It is so nice to see the affirmation that hard work DOES pay off! Way to go girl!

Jennifer King said...

I remember briefly meeting you in Lulu one day and learned a little about your journey. I remember how great you looked, but more importantly how you "shined". You had this glow about you that was beautiful to see. You have done amazing things for your health & I really think this blog will help others do the same.

Lisa Bolling said...

First, Happy Birthday to your husband!
Second, I read your blog all the time and we are SP friends, so I try to keep up with all your adventures - you have a lot of those.
But, mostly, I am trying to learn from your experience. I am at a point in my life that I can't stand the thought of going on in this shape. I want to be healthy and fit. So I am trying to learn what is best for me, such as, nutrition, exercise, etc.
Thanks for sharing. You are a real inspiration.

Unknown said...

You know you will get from me that you are absolutely amazing. You are a true woman of God. A huge inspiration to me and so many others. Today someone will stumble upon your blog or share it with a friend.....and today that person's life will change forever. I am truly blessed to have stumbled on your blog a few years back on Sparkpeople. Although you don't see it I've been cheering you on through each step of your journey. I'm so excited for you in what is to come!

Thanks for sharing your journey everyday!

Unknown said...

I love this post, Jen. Congratulations on your success! Keep sharing your accomplishments. You are a great inspiration to others! :)

nicolegruet@gmail.com said...

As always your photos and words inspire women like me the world over. I can't tell you enough how meaningful it is for you to share your story. You have accomplished so much and it makes the road to weightless and overall health seem manageable no matter how far away from your goal weight a person is. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a wonderful entry to share on your husband's birthday.

Trainer T.s Fitness said...

Love you Jen, and for sharing something so personal. I have followed you on Sparks for a long, long time.

Its amazing the gift of health you are giving your husband and your daughter today.

Hugs

Gigi said...

Happy Birthday to your DH and thank you for once again posting to this blog a golden nugget that will keep me inspired for days! 11 pounds down, 64 to go! Thank you, Jen, you are AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

I did almost the exact same thing as you and It makes me feel great that I am not the only one. People dont believe it can be done. I have had a man stand by me from day 1, and have been struggling with appreciating that and not searching for something else. This meant a lot to me because the people around you really matter. Congrats! If you dont mind, did you have to have any surgeries to remove skin? I did.

Becca's Dirt said...

You changed the header and I love it. You are awesome Jen.

Lori Lynn said...

Wow!! That is such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

you are so inspirational! I know it may be hard for you to post those, but for those of us who struggle, you stand for what IS possible! Thank you for sharing!!

Kimmie Young said...

Amazing transformation. Photos & stories like this make me believe that if you really work for it & want it bad enough...it will happen!
Thanks for the inspiration...off to the gym!

Shayla said...

What an amazing accomplishment! I'm so glad that I found your blog and I'm so inspired by your journey. Thank you for having the courage to share!

Czesia said...

You are so amazing you made me cry. Really and truly. I'm so glad you had the strength to share these pictures because they really do inspire me. YOU really inspire me. I want to be just like you in all aspects. Thank you so much.

Enid said...

Love this Jen!!! Oh I do!!

Anonymous said...

Hi there, Jen!

I have followed you on Spark People when I was on last year and since have followed your personal blog. This post was amazing--what a special gift to give your husband and to many others. This marks yet another 'step' in your journey to health for life!
Thank you for your honesty and humbleness, it definately shows in your blogging!
God bless you and yours--keep on keepin on! :)
h.

Rach said...

Hi, I'm Rachel and I'm a new follower. Congratulations on all your success. As I was reading your story about the men's coat, I started crying a little bit because I also remember never being able to find a winter jacket that fit. I'm still not where I want to be, but just the realization that I get to wear size Medium in most things is enough to bring a tear to my eye.

And it's so amazing that you gave that man your coat. What a wonderful and symbolic way of getting rid of it.

Anyway, congratulations! You look wonderful.

Jessa said...

a new follower as well.. I just wanted to say that you were beautiful then and you're beautiful now. Congratulations on losing all of the weight. You worked HARD and it shows!

hollyp said...

I saw your post on sparkpeople, and had to follow up here. Your transformation is amazing, congratulations!

Mark said...

Wow! Incredible story!! Very inspiring!

Anonymous said...

I am in tears. Thank you for sharing your story. Clearly, you have a beautiful spirit, and that shines ever so brightly now, in the hard work that you have put forth to take care of yourself physically.

Please continue blogging!

XOXOX

Debbie Schutz said...

Happy birthday, Micah, from your uncle and aunt. Jen, God is using you in a powerful way. Everything you post is inspirational and encouraging to others. Thank you for being brave enough to share your triumphs and setbacks so that everyone can learn from them and take inspiration!

crazyjules33 said...

Congratulations for posting those pictures. It's hard to look back and see where you were but it is also extremely important to remember where it all began. You are beautiful and inspiring. Those of us who have kind, and supportive husbands are the lucky ones. Happy Birthday to your hubby and cheers to you.

Unknown said...

You are amazing Jen, just amazing.
You are such a beautiful person!
Thanks for sharing these pics - it gives me hope that I too can one day show before/after pictures with such success.
You inspire a lot of people like me.

DebbieS said...

What an amazing journey! I found you on SP through someone else's post and followed through to here. You are such an inspiration. Your husband is a lucky man as are you to have found each other.

Lisa said...

Hi Jennifer...I had a lot of reading to catch up on. So glad to see all the pictures you posted and reading the stories of your daily adventures. I am so proud of you. You are an inspiration...not just regarding your weight loss but because of your character and your positive attitude. I tell everyone you need to see my FRIEND'S blog. What an amazing person she is....Thinking of you everyday. Lisa

Unknown said...

Jen.. that was beautiful. I am writing this with tears streaming down my face. you are such a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you for sharing your life with us strangers. BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Lots of love to you my friend.

Anonymous said...

I am sooo happy that I found your blog----you are such an inspiration to me. I began my weight loss journey June 2010, and I have lost 76# so far. I might have lost weight, but I have gained so much more...confidence and a zest for life!!! I still have 24# to lose to meet my goal, but I know I will get there. Thank so much for posting these pics; I know it took a lot of courage to do so. I used to cringe when someone saw one of my "before" pictures, but I am learning to accept that that girl in those pics no longer exists, but instead she has been replaced with a confident, healthy, and adventurous lady who has learned to love herself!

MC said...

WOW. So inspirational. I posted your blog on my facebook. I am very impressed. I love your food pictures. I feel very inspired. I've just started a running challenge for myself and I would love to clean up my food habits. I am with in 10lbs of my dream weight but my level of fitness is nothing close to where I want it. I LOVE your food pictures. I am going to be combing through the blog and making a shopping list. WOW. Thanks again. I feel fortunate for finding this blog. I feel it helping me already. Congrats to you. You are amazing.

Sandra said...

Just wanted to drop in and say that you have readers all over the world...you are amazing and I have been reading your Blog now for a year. You have re-defined your life and your body, but the beauty of your soul was there even in your "before" photos.
You have inspired me to run! Did my first day yesterday and I am hooked!
Bless you, and thank you for sharing.
...all the way from Australia :-)

On Emerald Isle said...

Jen you are truly amazing! And such an inspiration! I knew you had a story to tell the minute I met you at the salon - and was drawn in by the sweetest personality and friendliest smile that you possess. I had no idea the extent of the "journey" you have been on until now. Thank you for being so brave and sharing - I know it's not easy but you are changing lives by doing so. May God continue to bless you Jen and your family! And ps - When did you move to Norway?? I had no idea! Look at us both living in Europe at the same time! Hope you are well! I bet that little girl of yours is growing fast! xo
-Julie

Anonymous said...

Sitting here crying over a complete stranger I would do anything to do it just finally do it and not look back I am in awe thank you so much for sharing!

lisa h. said...

I can't even believe these pics! Incredible. You are a whole new person, congrats!

Monica said...

You are so inspirational Jen! Thanks for sharing your journey with us <3

Wiwille said...

Thanks for sharing your story. It's an amazing one.

Debbie said...

OMGosh! I just found this post on Facebook! What an inspiration you are! You are BEAUTIFUL! You have so much to be proud of. Thanks for sharing. Those who need motivation, like moi lol, are very thankful!

Fitgirl76 said...

Wow, what an amazing beautiful story! I can't wait to have my story match yours:) Thank you for posting your before pictures. I actually was looking for some of your before pics and then found this blog! How cool is that! You have helped me big time! Thank you SO much!

Heather @ The Unsophisticated Kitchen said...

Congratulations on your incredible success! You have motivated and inspired me! Congrats, congrats, congrats! You are a beautiful person!

Marcelle said...

My word what changes.
You look amazing today and know u will never go back to that girl that made u so unhappy.
Thanks for sharing your amazing journey

jander7 said...

I came across your blog today and I can't tell you how much encouragement it has given me. Reading your story and how you felt. The fact that you said you didn't have pictures from certain parts of your marriage because you avoided cameras. I have a 4 year old daughter and I have few pictures of us recently because I hate how I look. I looked at your pictures and they truly give me the strength and encouragement to finally take the step to make a healthier life for my daughter and I. Thank you for sharing your life.
J

Stace_a_base said...

My cousin just introduced my to your blog, and I have a lot of reading to do. I just had to tell you what an inspiration you are to me. I'm in week 2 of what seems to be my millionth time starting on my journey to get fit. I read this post and just cried. Cried for your achievement, and for my desire to be where you are. Thank you so much for sharing. I know I am not alone, there are people blazing the trail for me, and people walking right beside me. Thank you for sharing your journey. Looking forward to reading your blog.

Anonymous said...

So inspirational! Keep up the good work :)

Susan said...

Thanks for posting your before photos...last year I went to Italy and France with my husband and I love looking at all the scenery and hate looking at the photos of me...I have just started trying to get this 50 lbs off and every day is a struggle but seeing your progress has given me hope... even if I am 50 yrs old now. Thanks again,
Susan

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and I must say I am so inspired and motivated because of YOU!!! Thank you for posting the before and after pictures...it shows me that I can also be successful. I cannot thank you enough!!!

Love and HUgs from the USA

Mrskendle said...

You are so adorable! I almost came to tears reading your stories of each of the pictures! Happy belated birthday to your husband!

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful you had the courage to share this.

My journey just started, three days ago, to be exact.

And here I am, sitting, praying to God that he helps me excersice my self discipline, so that I can get back to myself.
I am engaged and well I want my lifestyle to change before I get married to be able to add more value to my spouse and future family, career and ministry.

But thank you so much. One day I wil follow in your footsteps put my ego on the shelf and share my story.


Thank you , thank you , thank you.
These are visuals that my pain is not in vain.

Happy birthday to your husband & may God bless you both and continue to keep you for many more years to come!


God bless!

-Gisela Villalobos from US

Liz said...

Wow! Amazing! Hard work and disciplin pay off for sure. I have been fighting this battle the majority of my life. Just started blogging about it www.fit-n-clean-blogspot.com you are an inspiration! I have about 75 pounds to lose and it just seems daunting. Trying to focus on health and fitness and taking it a pound at a time! Thanks for posting your story, it's such a motivation and shows me yet again, that it CAN be done! :) Hope you have a great day!

Anonymous said...

This is so amazing and inspiring! I am in my own weightloss journey and I, too, haven't documented many years of my life as it is too embarrassing to see what I used to look like. Looking back I really wish I had so that I could see the awesome results. You are very courageous to share this with the world wide web! But I'm very glad you did. I found this today on pinterest and I just got over a 3 week nutrition/workout slump, I desperately needed the inspiration! Thank you.

JBumpus said...

Awesome!! Thank you so much for posting and sharing! What did you do with your stretch marks? I have so many for my kids. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Wow! Amazing! I am beginning my journey to get to my goal weight and be healthy! I'm so glad I found your story on Pintrest. I will follow you now :) What an inspiration.

Jen's Journey said...

Thank you all so very much!! Your support means the world to me!!

Someone asked about the stretch marks. I am sorry to say that I have used oils, creams etc...and I still have them. I do not know if there is anything else I can do.

Marina M M said...

Congrats!!!!!
What a amazing journey!
Very happy for you even though I don't know you...
Hope you are very happy and proud!

Jaimie G said...

Just found your site an i absolutely love it. Brought me to tears. I am trying to lose weight myself, been yo yoing for several years now. I have alittle over 100 lbs to lose. My husband an i have been together over 9 years now, but have had trouble getting pregnant. After several years of trying, i finally just gave up an figured it was never gonna happen. So i tried getting my life together, got over my depression of probably never having a baby, an got my health in order. i became a vegetarian in February 2010. In February 2011 i found out i was PREGNANT!! Our healthy precious baby boy was born in Oct 2011. For the year i became vegetarian i lost bout 80- 90lbs. I gained 45 in my pregnancy. I still have alot to lose, so tryin to get my motivation back an your blog has helped alot. You look amazing an congratulations to you on your beautiful baby girl an getting healthy!

Danielle said...

You look gorgeous, so proud of you :)

Anonymous said...

Boy oh boy can I relate!! I am on my own journey and have lost 70 lbs with about 50 to go. It is easy some days and so very hard on others. Thanks for posting your pictures--I have not been able to look at mine yet. Guess I'm still waiting for my "after".

Unknown said...

What an amazing journey... I cannot believe the differences I see in just your pictures. you have really encouraged me to step up my fitness and nutrition habits (good ones). Thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jen! Because of pinterest, I was lucky enough to run across your blog today. It has been just the positive, motivating thing I needed this morning! I'm on my own weight loss journey and it was so nice to read something from someone who has been there and is as positive as you are. Thanks!

Tania Tebbit said...

Amazing journey you have been on - I am on mine at the moment - and I think it is great when you have a partner that supports your efforts, but still loves you for who you truly are, just a shame that we don't see the same thing at the time.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I'm going to show my mom your blog...she is in a similar situation and I think this would really inspire her. Thanks for sharing your story.

Anonymous said...

Jen! I am speechless! Found your blog today via Pinterest, and wow, what an inspiration! It is always so motivating for me to see others who have succeeded on the journey I began just a few months ago - not through quick-fixes, but through honest-to-goodness hard work and major lifestyle changes. Thank you so much for sharing - it takes a lot of courage, but make such a difference for people like me to see what IS possible if you are willing to put in the effort!

Rena said...

I think that you are amazing and your blog is so encouraging :)) Thank you for sharing everything

LiLi said...

THANK YOU for posting this. I've been on my journey since March 2011. I've lost 75 and have 75 to go. I am on a plateau right now and this particular blog post has spoken volumes to me. This week has been super depressing seeing pictures of me running a 5K recently. The pictures made me cry, I look so fat and unattractive. I feel like I've come so far, but have so far yet to go... I don't want to fail. I haven't hit under 200 lbs yet and I know it is my fault... I'm not sure what I am scared of... I just know that I have stalled my journey. If I need to read this everyday to help me, then I will! You look amazingly healthy and beautiful. I want these same results. Now it is time for me to take control and make it happen! 75 is so much less than 150... I CAN I WILL!

Jasmine W. said...

Wow you look amazing. I started back on my journey, had fallen off and ended up gaining more than I had lost. Biggest challenge is eating right and sticking with the gym. Thank you for this article. Hopefully this will motivate me to keep at it.

Erin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I just accidentally found this blog today...what a blessing! You are such an inspiration. I am so proud of you!! You are truly beautiful inside and out! You have worked hard and deserve all this happiness!! (:

Stacey said...

Congratulations! I hope you never lose the memory of that man's coat. While I have never been in that particular situation, I have been asked when my baby was due when I was in fact not pregnant, and it is equally as embarrasing!

A few years ago, I lost about 50 pounds, then over the last 3 years, I have gained about 40 of it back.

I too have looked at my before and after pictures, and what bothers me the most is the clothes. I know how it feels to go in and everything I tried on would fit.

Now, as a confirmed yo-yo dieter, I am looking to making some changes that will last. So looking forward to my journey that I just restarted this week. Your pictures could not have been posted at a better time!

Thank you for sharing. I know it was difficult! Keep on doing what you are doing!
Congratulations again!

Anonymous said...

It appears to me you have finally allowed yourself to love yourself as much as you have always loved your husband. What a beautiful story.

Anonymous said...

I hope you know how much of an inspiration you are! I had a similar "moment" for my 30th Birthday, and day by day I try to make better choices, keep motivated and press on. While I have yet to get to my ultimate goal, many little goals have been met. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation! (BTW down from a 22 relax to a 12-14 its a start!) Bless you

jesuslover said...

Very awesome! You are an inspiration. God is so mighty!
I weighed 225 lbs back in January of this year (2012) and now I am at 193 lbs. Praise God! I have been reading a book by Sheri Shepard called, "Fit For My King" It has been such a blessing to my life. I am so grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ for saving me from myself.
Great job to you Jen! Thank you for the blog. Many blessings to you both.
Sally (California)

Denise said...

Found you through pinterest and I am very happy about this. Your journey is amazing and I want to thank you for posting your pics and telling about your story!

Reckless said...

This whole story, this person I do not know in any shape or form makes me want to push myself even more!
Thank you!

Nhan Pham said...

Only thing I can be so sure that your husband loves you very very and very much. You do whatever you love, and I believe he will love you for no matter shape you are. But you did the unimaginable. For anyone, in your shoe at this very moment, would be one of the very best moment to never be able to forget for the rest of their life.

Sara said...

You are so inspiring! Thank you for being so open with us. I don't know you, but I don't need to, I am so extremely proud of you!

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing you have done such an amazing change and inspire me to start my own journey to start a healthier life and you showed there is hope thanks so much

laura said...

So inspirational. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This is truly inspiring. Coming from a 19 year old in the service who has struggled with her weight most if not all her life thinking I could never attain a body like that really goes to show how anything is possible if you really set your mind to it and work for it. It wasn't until about 5 or 6 days ago that I decided I need to be the skinny girl I've always wished of being and start working out again. I grew up in sports but never lost enough weight to be completely satisfied with myself and I think this is a sign that today really is the day to go for it and really get there this time. Thanks again for posting this and congratulations on your amazing success. I can only hope and will definitely be working hard to be as successful one day.

IsabellaSky said...

i just stumbled across your blog while looking on Pinterest. I have a surgery date on Feb 188 2014 and I'm excited. You look absolutely stunning and you are an inspiration, Thankyou for sharing your story:)

IsabellaSky said...

i just stumbled across your blog while looking on Pinterest. I have a surgery date on Feb 188 2014 and I'm excited. You look absolutely stunning and you are an inspiration, Thankyou for sharing your story:)

Anonymous said...

what is the green drink you have?

Anonymous said...

I do not think you should be ashamed of the before pics. I think you were very pretty in those pictures too. Congrats to you on your healthier lifestyle, and for just feeling great about yourself.

Wanda - Craftymule said...
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Wanda Maria said...

You look absolutely fantastic!!! Good for you!!! Congratulations!!!!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful story you have to tell!! You should be very proud :-) Do you have a facebook?

Licha said...

I am just started my journey, and your story inspired me to finally right a blog... I don't know where my story will take me, but I hope it will be somewhere as positive as yours. here is a link to it: http://journeytoabetterlicha.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Wow! I'm impressed by how great you look! You are an ispiration!

My blog: http://perfect-mystery.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Your transformation is amazing, but even more importantly were the words you spoke about how love is truly blind and still yet he was by your side the whole way and you dedicated this blog to him. I thought you looked like a great girl before but I know it doesnt matter what anyone says, you need to feel good about you!

patricia moreno said...

I have to tell you that you just inspired me to lose my weight and i just want to thank you for doing suck beautiful thing for your husband,

MARICELA BETZABE Certificated Waxer & Sugarer said...

God bless you! I'm inthat prosess, looking for motivation quotes and found your blog. Thankyou for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I seen you on Pinterest! I am totally encouraged! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I seen you on Pinterest! I am totally encouraged! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

you are amazing!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. I'm speechless. You have come so incredibly far - I've just recovered from a back injury and am trying to get back into exercise. This has done it. Motivation found. Well done. :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your transformation and this inspirational post. I know how scary it can be to post before and after photos. Focus on how proud you are of yourself and how far you have come rather than the shame of where you were. Each day we are given a gift. Thank you for sharing yours!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! You look beautiful! Inspiration for me to continue my journey.
Crystal :)

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Hi there can you tell me what you put in your Vitamineral Green mix?
well done on ur stunning results

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this! What an achievement.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Your journey and results are so amazing. I noticed it took you years but you did it. You have encouraged me to continue and not expect an over night result. God bless you and God bless your wonderful husband who has been with you through it all!

Anonymous said...

wow! such an inspiration thank you so much for sharing!!

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