I have had weight issues my entire life, and it has defined me. I was the chubby kid throughout my childhood. I wouldn’t say I was a nerd, but I wasn’t popular either. Regardless, I was picked on in school, always getting comments like “she’s a pig” and so forth.
I remember this one time at school my best friend was giving me a Christmas gift, and when she gave it to me she told her, “If it’s not food, she’s not going to like it.” It really hurt me and has stuck with me to today. Even as I am writing this right now I’m embarrassed because of it. I even kind of feel like that girl in Never Been Kissed who was telling her story in the movie because that part of my life did not define who I am.
Me Before Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Throughout college I continued to have struggles with my weight, and was able to lose it off and on. Today, finally, I am at my goal weight; but even after losing 105 pounds I still hear that football player’s voice in the back of my head when I’m spinning at the gym. I’m a teacher and see kids getting bullied; but that happened to me and it’s something I will never stand for. I really hope that football player isn’t teaching his kids the same behavior he had in high school.
But looking back at it, those comments gave me fuel. Growing up I would sometimes wonder if someone would actually fall in love with me. It’s sad to say but I thought that nobody who had it together would fall for this mess. But I was wrong and found someone who loved me for me, not caring what I looked like. The most important lesson I got out of everything was that if you set your mind to it, anything is possible. I recently got married and always dreamed of wearing this puffy dress at my wedding. The only problem was that I was too big to wear it. But I was resolved to do it and accomplish my dreams. And I did it!
In March of 2011 I decided to get gastric sleeve surgery with BeLiteWeight. Two women – or as I like to say my guardian angels – helped me through the entire process. Jamie and Sharon were amazing and in just a year and a half I have lost more than 105 pounds and couldn’t feel better!
Fitting Into My Wedding Dress After Weight Loss Surgery and Working Out
Weight loss surgery was very important for my weight loss; but more importantly, I learned that I was the most important tool to lose weight. I really believe that one of the biggest parts of WLS and weight loss is being able to acknowledge that you are worth it. If you’re ready to change your life, you can. Throughout this year I’ve been continuing to lose weight, but the accomplishments I’m more proud of are at the gym. I can run a mile – without walking – in 9:30; I can do the stair for 40 minutes without a break; I can go to Zumba class and not feel embarrassed; I can even do a two-hour spin class! The bottom line is that I can do anything I set my mind to because I acknowledged that I was worth it and was intent on making it happen. If you set aside all of you excuses and carve out the time to make the changes you want, the world is truly yours.
Recently I got BIG news – I made it on the cover of a bridal magazine! Yes, me; the same person who could barely make it up a flight of stairs… the same person who was a size 24.
Made the Cover!
You might be wondering why I’m writing this. It’s for you to stop looking in the mirror and hating what you see. It’s so you know that anything is possible and nobody can define you but YOU! It’s for that little girl who has always dreamt of being a princess but thinks it’s impossible. For that kid who gets bullied and made fun of because he’s gay.
Always remember: people will never define you. You define yourself!
