[KarenBC]

Thank you for sharing Jennifer. I've found your words really interesting and striking a chord in many ways.

I am also going through a divorce, after 25 yrs or so, and finding myself, right now I compare myself to an onion, I'm peeling away layers (both literally & emotionally) to find out who I am under here...and you know what? I think I'm liking who I'm finding - been a long long time since I've been able to say that!

[mexlady]

Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your experience. It shows that this is a journey that we are all learning from and slowly being transformed in more ways than one.
Debbie

[SaraPenina]

This is not too much information at all, Jennifer. In truth, it is very hard to fundamentally change. We are all on the Lots to Lose board which means that we have a lot to lose which means that we have life long eating issues.

Clearly we have all been on enough programs to know what we need to eat and how we need to move in order to be healthy, but knowing and doing are 2 different things. True changes have to come from the inside. Thank you for sharing your experience. It gives me food for thought about what my food drivers are.

[jstjnz]

Yes, it's true... I have lost 87 lbs in 2 years... actually, I lost about 50 lbs the first 4 months... gained 30 some back in the next 8-10 months and then started over again not quite a year ago - so now I'm down a total of 87.

Like a lot of women, my weight problem is only a symptom of other underlying issues. I am an emotional eater and often take on the weight of the world (literally) when I am not in a good place, emotionally. So, when I tell you one of the biggest reasons I have lost the weight- I have to put in a disclaimer - DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.

I got a divorce. I left an unhealthy relationship and found a healthier, happier me.

This significant weight loss happened to me once before - I lost a lot of weight after I left my first husband and a very abusive marriage... but the weight returned all too quickly when I remarried. Although this relationship was not abusive like the other... the emotional turmoil was once again devastating.

NOW THIS PART I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
To fully "recover" from these relationships and my eating disorder - and hopefully come to a place where I can eventually be healthy and in a healthy relationship - I joined a Twelve Step Recovery program similar to AA but designed for ANY compulsive or addictive behavior. I have turned my life over to God and He has helped me stop the emotional eating. It has truly been like magic. Although I try to watch what I eat and I exercise a little - the weight has literally fallen off as I have embraced the Twelve Step program and made it a part of my everyday life.

If you'd like to try it out, Overeaters Anonymous uses a similar program. The book and program I used entitled “He Did Deliver Me from Bondage” is based on the same principles, but with a focus on my religion (I am LDS - otherwise known as Mormon.)

It might sound crazy, but that's really the only thing that’s worked for me.... and now with this new focus and added strength, I will no longer be riding the weight-loss-gain rollercoaster. With His help, I know I will stay healthy and that a healthy relationship is in my not-so-distant future.

Thank you for your kind words and congratulations! This truly is quite an accomplishment for me and I hope that sharing my experience will make a difference for all of you, too!

Jennifer

[KarenBC]

87 pounds is a FANTASTIC accomplishment! Congrats Jennifer!
If you had to pick one thing that you've done differently what would it be?

[mexlady]

What am I missing out on? Jennifer have you lost 87 lbs? Wow that is fantastic! I want to hear about it.
Debbie
I found it. It was in the introduction post. Wow, Jennifer! You are an inspiration! It can work, it does work!
Debbie

[SaraPenina]

87 pounds! That's amazing. What has been the key for you staying consistent over a 2 year period? Did something just click for you. What and unbelieveable accomplishment! I am inspired.