Trigger warning: mentions of miscarriage, depression, binge eating, and of course weight loss.
Who Am I?
My name is Tessa, I’m 29 years old, I live in Arkansas with my husband and two children. There are a lot of words that describe me (mother, wife, daughter, kind, creative, unique), but today I want to focus on the big one:
STUBBORN
During my weight loss journey people have praised me for my dedication and determination.
I always laugh and say, “Really it’s just stubbornness.”
And it’s true! When I was little everyone knew I’d argue anyone on anything, and one time I sat in a hot car until I nearly passed out because my mom wouldn’t take us for ice cream (how my parents survived raising me I’ll never know). As an adult I have learned how to channel that stubbornness to get what I want, and namely to achieve my goals.
My History With Weight
Growing up I was always stick skinny, but right around 5th grade I started gaining weight. Everyone said I’d go through puberty, grow tall, and the weight would stretch out. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
When I was 18 I started a diet that basically operated like Keto, but you reached ketosis through medications (not a great idea). It was through a doctor, but right after stopping I gained the weight back.
In Love and Gaining Weight
I yoyoed for a few years, then I met my husband. They say you gain “love pounds” when you start a new relationship, and that was definitely true for us. He (being a guy) was able to drop that weight pretty quick, I on the other hand didn’t.
We got married on 11/12/13, and I said I was going to lose weight for the wedding (I didn’t), then lose weight to prepare for getting pregnant (again no weight lost).
Wedded Bliss… For A While
In the summer of 2014, we found out I was pregnant. We were both over the moon excited. Unfortunately, it ended in a missed miscarriage at 11 weeks. That loss led me into a deep depression. I was already suffering from Bipolar disorder before getting pregnant, and losing our baby just snapped something in me.
After the miscarriage I gained weight like crazy due to comfort eating. During this time I would even binge until I was so full, I would throw up. It was definitely a bad time in my life.
This Weight Has Gotta Give
Things changed in March of 2015. I was 304.6lbs, and I was exhausted. It was the heaviest weight in my life (at that point). I decided I was going to change this. Over the next year and a half, I lost 80lbs largely through Weight Watchers and playing tennis.
I was happy and full of energy. I felt great, I was meeting my goals, everything was perfect. We were still missing one thing though…
Baby On Board
In March of 2017 I fell pregnant with my son, who was born in December of 2017. During my pregnancy I gained 90lbs. Yup. Right back to where I started and then some.
After my son’s pregnancy I had a really hard time postpartum. Due to my Bipolar disorder, I got hit pretty hard with postpartum depression. It even got bad enough that I ended up in an inpatient behavioral health hospital. With their help and the tools I learned, I was able to pull myself together and I gained a new view on life.
Over 2018 I managed to not lose any of the weight I had gained in my pregnancy. Luckily though, I didn’t gain any extra either.
Another On The Way
In 2019 I got pregnant with my daughter, who was born January of 2020. I only gained 15lbs throughout the pregnancy, and 6 weeks postpartum it was already gone.
Here We Are
In February of 2020 I decided I was done being this heavy again. My weight was at 309.3lbs. I lost the weight once; I knew with enough perseverance I could do it again.
And as of August 2020, I have lost 60lbs. That’s 60lbs in 6 months! I’m not at my goal yet, but I know I’ll stick it out and get there soon. I don’t have a definite goal weight, but I’m wanting to lose about 40-60 more pounds. I’ll know when I get there. No one knows your number on the scale besides you and your doctor, so it doesn’t matter to me where I land.
So How Did I Do It?
Sorry to break it to you, but there’s no magic pill. No crazy secret. No quick fix. Can you guess how I did it?
STUBBORNNESS
No matter what method you settle on to lose weight or get fit, the most important part of all of it is determination. You have to make up your mind that you’re done with the way you’re living, and that you’ll do your best to change it.
If that’s the only thing you take away from my posts, then I’ll be happy having imparted that wisdom.
How Can You?
There are a bajillion and one methods for getting fit. Everyone will tell you that their method is the best, but really there’s no “one size fits all” routine.
What works for Jill might not work for Kathy.
So, what worked for me might not work for you. Lucky for you, I’ve tried a wide range of options during my weight loss journeys that I can give advice on, so I know at least one of them will help you out. The main methods I’ve had success with are:
- Calorie Counting
- Intermittent Fasting
- Exercise
- Healthy Sleep
- Water, Water, Water
- Keeping myself centered
I’ll have posts on all of these topics in the future, as well as posts about recipes, meal planning, and general well-being. Your mental well-being is just as important as the physical side of things.
You Can Do This
Even though there isn’t a quick fix or easy route, I believe that you too can get to where you want to be. Whether that’s weight loss, getting fitter, or just achieving a better mental space. You have that same stubbornness within you, I know it. You’ve just got to harness it into dedication and perseverance. You’ve got this, and I’ll be here all along the way. I believe that you can achieve any goals you want to achieve.
I do need to say that I’m not a professional in any of these areas. Always consult with you doctor before beginning any type of diet or exercise program. I’m just sharing what I’ve found works for me.