5/04/2011

Before & After

I mentioned that I had been making some positive changes in my long absence from blogging. I thought I would elaborate on that today. My weight had gotten to my highest point ever by the end of last year. I was miserable and tired all the time. I was completely desperate for something to change. My Mom introduced me to a woman she volunteered with who is an HCG consultant. Mike and I talked with her for a long time. It was primarily him she had to convince because I was ready to try anything at that point.

So, on January 1 I started my HCG journey. For those of you that think it's taking the easy way out I strongly disagree. Yes, you lose weight fast but it's definitely not easy. I had hunger at times, annoying rashes, weakness, occasional headaches, and nightmarish periods for the past 4 months but I've also lost almost 60 pounds in that time. HCG is certainly not for everyone, and if you just have 20 pounds to lose I wouldn't even think about it. But if you are like me and you have over 100 extra pounds that you are dragging around it is a very effective way to get things under control fast.

There are risks but gastric surgery has a lot more, which I was starting to think was my only option to get off of this roller coaster ride. I have at least 2 more cycles to do to finish losing the rest of my weight but I'm going to take the summer off to just maintain. I also need to prove to myself that I can keep it off and that I have control over what I put in my mouth. I'm hoping that by the end of the year I will have lost 100 pounds but I will keep you updated about my progress come the fall.
The top shot is from last week when I finished my second cycle in a new outfit, although not much of a departure. The second shot is after my first cycle when I lost over 30 pounds in 40 days. This bottom shot is my before picture. Before shots are always unhappy which wasn't that difficult for me at the time. I can't believe how puffy and swollen my face was looking back. It was only a few months ago that I was seeing that face in the mirror every morning.

11 comments:

brokenteepee said...

Congratulations on your weight loss. It is not easy to do and now you know the hard part truly begins. I hope you have a very successful summer.

Goat hugs

Anonymous said...

Wow, you are looking not only wonderful, but so, so happy! I'm glad you found something that works for you!
When you get around to maintenance, you might want to look up Alton Brown's Live and Let Diet on You Tube. It's basically just a list of foods to eat daily, 3x/week, 1x/week, and never. It has helped me keep myself in check and it's not a diet:)

Ann said...

Looking good. That's a nice big smile in that first picture there. Best of luck to you, I know you can do it.

Lin said...

I noticed the sparkle in your eye and the smile on your face immediately!! Look how unhappy you look in that last photo. :( I'm glad it is working--whatever it is!!

Weight is such a tough issue to overcome because it is incessant and never-ending. And we are tempted everywhere and by everyone. It's such a struggle, both emotionally and physically. I'm glad you've had success, and I hope you continue on your path. :)

Be strong and happy, pally! You look GREAT with that smile on your pretty face!

LiPeony said...

congrats and keep on going. From the two before and after pictures you can really see how your attitude changes =D

Sandy said...

You look faboo pal!!!!

Kristin said...

Paige, You look wonderful! Congrats!
What a difference, I look at the expressions on your face and the sparkle in your eye, I am so happy for you!

libbyBH said...

Paige,
Congratulations on your success!

Libby

AngieMallery said...

Soooo proud of you!

elsie said...

you are awesome amazing and awesome I am so happy for you!

hcg diet plans said...

Congratz. I'm really happy for you.

Ryan, Utah

 

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