My Extreme Makeover
Have you ever looked at a picture of yourself and didn't know who you were looking at? Well, that's what happened to Eyegal. Seeing a picture of herself at such a heavy weight was horrifying, but now it’s a constant reminder of just how far she’s come after losing over 110lbs.
She contacted us through our Share Your Story feature, and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time?
For my Mom's 60th birthday, I planned an "Extreme Home Makeover" style party for her. My siblings, along with my cousins and myself, worked all weekend to remodel and paint her house. Pictures were taken throughout the work to create a scrapbook. I saw a picture of me, holding a hose outside, and broke down crying. I knew I was fat, but I didn't realize "how big" I had become. My weight was something I had carried around, but I had avoided looking at. I was forced to confront my size when I saw this picture. I knew I had two choices: I could give up and stay an unhealthy size, or I could get to work. I decided that day that I was going to conduct my own "personal" extreme makeover.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
I had the perfect excuse for being fat. I have a disability. On all of the diet themed shows, I have never seen a contestant featured with a non-obesity related disability. I have an amputation. I rationalized that I wasn't able to work-out. I suppose I used Snickers bars to soothe the pain of losing my limb.
I tried to monitor my weight after my amputation, but I was never successful. I needed to discover exercises that would provide me with success, and that wouldn't hurt my residual limb. Trying it on my own, and hiding my diet aspirations, was not successful. I needed to declare my intentions to my family and friends.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I've changed every aspect of my lifestyle. I replaced starchy potatoes and salty chips with brown rice. I eat fresh vegetables and salads every day. As a Mom to a young child, I knew that it was imperative that I raise him with healthy eating habits. I found it ironic when I realized I was giving him vegetables to eat with his meal, while my husband and I ate chips and Doritos with ours. The junk food has been thrown away.
I no longer use my amputation as an excuse for not exercising. Rather, my disability has become a challenge; something that I strive to overcome. I am now always trying new activities and testing the limits of living as an amputee.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Calorie Count helped to keep me accountable. I love the research aspect. I am able to quickly locate the caloric information for all of the foods that I eat. I am also a fan of the exercise calorie converter. All in all, Calorie Count has helped to keep me on track and to not lose sight of my goal.
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
The most challenging aspect of losing weight has been releasing the blame and anger that I held against myself for gaining the weight. I realized that I was hampering myself with negative feelings. It was difficult, but I have learned to accept the weight gain as a phase in my life, a physical symptom of the loss I felt over losing my limb. As soon as I began to forgive myself, the weight started to shed away.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
I saw the scale start to move within the first week. Unfortunately, being so large, I couldn't see a physical result for about 2 months. This was discouraging, but I tried to "keep my eye on the goal."
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
I went to an amusement park after I lost approximately 25 pounds. While waiting in line, I saw a sign detailing all of the ride restrictions. I noticed that the ride had a 250 pound weight capacity. I was appalled that, just a few months earlier, I would have exceeded that weight. Because I lost weight, I was able to ride with my family. This event solidified that I was on the right track.
8. How do you prevent relapse?
I monitor my food intake daily. I am now a fan of exercising, and that in and of itself is amazing! I know that I am gaining weight when my leg starts to get too tight. Staying at a healthy weight is imperative to my health. It is also important because it puts less strain and pressure on my stump. I keep a picture of "fat Peggy" on the refrigerator. Whenever I need motivation, I look at my little boy. I can't do anything about him having a Mommy with one leg, but I am determined that he will NOT have the one legged fat Mommy.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I have more energy. I am a healthier, happier person. I am a better Mommy and wife. I am becoming the person I dreamed I would be. After I lost my leg I never dreamed that I would see this person again... and now she is looking back at me in the mirror.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Forgive yourself.
- Set small goals.
- Don't hide your diet from your family and friends. They will be
supportive if you let them. - Discover non-food ways to treat yourself.
- Find something that you love to do and get busy doing it. You
don't have to be great, or even good. It just helps if you are having
fun.
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
Congradulations! A great result..Glad the leg issue doesNt show you down..you look great!
Congratulations! I'm glad you came to terms with the anger you had with yourself and reached your goals. You look great!
wow, you look great! you had an especially difficult challenge and you figured what you needed to do out. thank you for sharing your story.
Your tip about finding non-food ways to reward yourself is something I need to do. Anyone have any ideas that are also not expensive as my ideas cost too much to be useful (ie manicure)??? please help
Good job. I greatly respect what you have done and your attitude through it all. It is quite admirable.
Sweet. Way to Go. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what we can even think or imagine. Thank God for your successful journey to a fantastic you. God bless you as you continue to live a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Be Encouraged
That is remarkable! I do not even know you but, I am so incredibly happy for you!
Thank you for writing your story. I have my own weight issues but I am also a therapist. I think what you said about forgiving yourself and then moving on is very important.
Thank you. Good for you. Your attitude is a wonderful role model for your son.
I love the 'forgive yourself.' I think my biggest battle is being angry with myself for gaining the weight. I am truly working on forgiveness for a lot of things in my life. I love to workout but hate 'driving' to the gym. I am getting a recumbant bike for Christmas from my son, in the mean time I am making 'small goal', eating less, eating only things I love, but less. I also keep saying 'I don't need a lot of food' just enough to nourish the body, not the emotions. I personally don't even think of you as having a disability. That only implies you are unable to do something, which you have shown, is that at all what you are about. Starting with the makeover for your mother, (a lot of people would have used that as an excuse) to helping yourself and your family. You are fantastic! Congrats and God Bless!
"After I lost my leg I never dreamed that I would see this person again... and now she is looking back at me in the mirror."
I love that... I am now down 30lbs, and I love who i see in the mirror. When my son was diagnosed with Autism, I ate my self to 240...lbs I lost it then got pregnant 2x, I am now down to 191lbs... and I am so happy! You are worth it no matter what! Congratulations!
God Bless YOU!!
What an inspiration you are to all of us.
Love and positive energy to you and your family!
I was really moved by this story and found out that she has a blog that you can follow... I'm already signed up for it... It is great.. Everyone should check it out
This is fantastic. I'm so happy for you. I have knee problems--nowhere near as cumbersome as an amputation, but enough to get in the way quite often. I do ballroom dancing so when I work out, I need to be so careful not to strain my knee since or I'll be out of the studio for weeks because I went a little too fast on the treadmill or lifted too much weight in squats. I'm on crutches several times a year, and I know how difficult it is to exercise when you only have one "good" leg. I usually just give up working out for the times I'm on crutches, but this has inspired me to find something I can do during those days or weeks. :)
Someone asked about "little treats" that aren't related to food but also aren't expensive--here are what I do:
- Jewelry... nothing expensive, but little shiny earrings or a necklace pendant, from little no-name stores at the mall that never cost more than $10.
- Go on a little mini-trip... someplace 45 minutes or less away that's a change of scenery but will feel like a mini-vacation. I've gone to a little man-made beach 30 minutes away and spent 3 hours there just relaxing by the water, to a museum in DC I hadn't visited before (I live in MD right outside DC, so it's about 25 minutes to get into the good part of the city), even to my old college campus which is only 5 minutes away but went to all my favorite spots--like a hidden little garden near the media library and a little wooded path behind my old apartments.
- Art supplies.... though with me, I have to be careful, because it can *turn* expensive rather quickly. :) But I tend to do a LOT of crafts, so taking a trip to Michaels or JoAnn's is a great treat for me. I'll buy a new ball of yarn to make winter accessories or some wire to make some jewelry or a new color of paints or new paintbrushes or some new beads... or something. But it's not food related, and it makes me so happy to have new craft supplies, and if I'm careful, it's also not expensive.
- Smelly things! I love things that smell pretty... I'll get a new Glade plug-in for my room, a new body splash at Bath & Body Works, or, if I've reached a bigger goal, a nice perfume oil from a little Egyptian store about 20 minutes away from me. (I spent a lot of time in the Middle East, and Egypt makes the BEST perfume oils! Better than any French perfume by far. And nowhere near as expensive since they're not so name-brand.)
- Spices. I love cooking with spices, so I'll treat myself by going to a nice spice store and buying an exotic Indian, Thai, or Turkish spice, then go home and make myself a healthy stir-fry or vegetable curry with it... okay, so it's food-related, but it's for a meal, not a snack, and it makes eating healthy taste so great!
Those are what I do as my treats so I don't splurge on white chocolate (such a weakness or mine--specifically the Hershey's Cookies and Cream) or something worse. Hope those help! :)
I am so happy for you. You are awesome. I have a friends who is an amputee too, and he always inspires me cause he never feels sorry for himself, is so outgoing and unlimited in the things that he does. I have seen him take stairs while overweight people take elevators up on flight.
You look great!
You are really a tough woman! I admire your strength and determination.
It reminds me of a guy I knew in college who had a full leg amputation as a result of a childhood accident. He was on the swim team and in one swimming meet won both the Butterfly (?) meter and diving competitions. An opposing team coach wanted him disqualified because they couldn't "judge the form on someone with just one leg." He and the coach challenged the ruling and they awarded him the win!!! He was an amazing swimmer and diver, not to mention a really great human being.
What a powerful testimony! Thank you for sharing your story. I am always inspired by those who are successful in this weightloss journey. I can do this, if you and others have done this! You look marvelous!
I can't get over how sexy you are in your after picture. Fantastic. You are truly an inspiration.
Sheila - what a fantastic story. One of the most inspiration I have read anywhere about weight loss. When I lose my exercise incentive, I think of a dear friend who has MS and is confined to a wheelchair. I think about how she'd give anything for just a walk in the park, and I walk for her, usually even farther than planned.
Also, ratanoff, great suggestions for the days when exercise is just not physically possible.
"I am becoming the person i dreamed I would be"
I'm adding this my list of reasons why I'm working so hard to lose weight. This is one of the best, most motivating sentences I've every read. Thank you!
Congratulations to you! What an inspiring story!
Thanks to Calorie Count and to Peggy for sharing - Cheers and best wishes!
Great job dear, God Bless you and family, your are a great encouragment to us and to your family that is the most important to you!
smile Jesus Loves You :)!
This is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story. I can really relate to the anger at yourself over allowing weight gain. It is awesome to see how you look as if you have always been thin in your after picture.
wow-- an amazing story----
lost 110 myself and what you said about forgiveness and sharing our thoughts and feelings with those most near and dear to us (I my case my husband) were the keys to success!
it must feel great being the Fit Mommy!!!
congrats!!!
Peg,
Thanks for sharing your story. It is very inspirational. So much for excuses!!
Peggy
You are amazing! Congratulations on your new you.
Your family are bless to have someone as positive as you.
Thank you for sharing your story.
You really are an inspiration even with only one leg you are determined to exercise, there is nothing wrong with me and I think of every excuse not to exercise. I will now think twice thank you you inspired me, so far I have lost 3.8 kg but still have 15.2 to loose and this time I am going to do it.
Congratulations! You look great.Your story is highly inspirational.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Now u go girl this but the icing on the cake for me!!!! No excuses u just did congrats!
Peg!!! You do have a beautiful...heart!!! You are someone...to admire so much! IT DOES take......encourage to make the right decition in our lives! Recognizing our mistakes and our blamings..is something that has no value!
You are brave! and also beautiful!!! Enjoy this life Peg! You are a winner!!!
Namaste.
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Fantastic story. I think I read your whole story on your blog. Read more at aumputeemommy.blogspot.com
Congratulations!