My journey has been up and down.  In my teens and early twenties I ate whatever I wanted without regard to the consequences.  Then eventually I had to visit the doctor and step on the scale, to find out I weighed 264lbs!  Facing reality was the kick in the pants I needed to take better care of myself.  I started exercising and counting calories, although I would still say I did not eat that healthy.  That time, I lost almost 100lbs and was up to running 5 miles several times a week.

Eventually I backslid and crept up into the 190's, although at least I was still active.  This time it was a visit to my parents that gave me the reality check.  My mom is severely overweight, has had both knees replaced, is diabetic and in congestive heart failure.  Her health has debilitated her for several years.   I realized that I carry her genes and that I was looking at my future if I did not shape up.  After that I joined Weight Watchers online, got down to 135, and ran two marathons.

Then I started to slide again.  After the second marathon I was so sick of running that I don't think I have run a mile straight ever since!  For a while I kept busy with cross-country skiing and other activities, but then I got pregnant with my son and lost all motivation to exercise or eat well.  I balloned up to 212lbs post partum.  Six months later, just as I was hoisting myself back up onto the WW wagon, I got pregnant with my daughter.  I didn't lose any more ground with her, fortunately - I think I weighed about 207 after I had her - but this spring I got into trouble when I weaned her and didn't change my calorie intake or activity - oops - and zoomed up to 227 lbs, the most I have weighed (not pregnant) in ten years.

Finally, three months ago I had enough with procrastinating and joined Weight Watchers meetings, which has been great for me.  I have lost 10lbs so far, but I need all the help and support I can get to do this!  This time, I am going to make it stick.  I deserve this.  My kids deserve to have me around to do things with them when they grow up.  I want to someday enjoy an active and healthy retirement.  And heck, it would be fun to look good too.