Beyond Weight Loss:

What does losing 75 pounds really feel like?

I've lost 75 pounds ... it's been life-changing. Instead of getting caught up in the journey or desire to be perfect and my weight loss goals, it's time to reflect back upon the accomplishments and take a moment to celebrate.

Have you seen some of the weight loss competition shows where the trainer has the contestant put on a pack with weights and makes them do some sort of strenuous activity? Climb the stairs, run, etc. And, the pack of weights is equal to the amount of weight they've already lost. It seems that they do time this about when the person feels like they're going to give up or have hit a major hurdle. Perhaps it's a tool the trainer uses to remind the contestant of how far they've actually come.

I think it's a very empowering tool. So, I took a dose of this medicine.

My oldest son is just over 75 pounds, depending upon the time of day he's weighed (and how many ribs he may have eaten - HIS WORDS!). He's not quite 5-feet tall yet but closing in on my shoulders in height. (I'm 5'7"). I had him climb onto my back for a piggy back ride. Just wanted to see how it felt and if I could even do it. He hopped on and we walked out from his bedroom into the kitchen and back. Not bad. I wanted to see how far I could actually go with him. But, a recent flare-up of my neck and shoulder issues have gotten in the way before I had a chance.

When I put my son down, it really hit me - just like the in the shows. I was carrying around all that extra weight. No wonder I was tired. No wonder I was sore. No wonder I wasn't happy. No wonder I was always getting sick.

It was a liberating moment that made me realize just what this transformation is about.

Yes, I've lost a ton of weight so far. Yes, I have more weight to lose.

But, look at what I have gained. So, without further adieu, here is my list...

What losing 75 pounds really feels like

• I can walk up a single flight of stairs without losing my breath.


• I can walk up the next flight of stairs without my knees hurting (unless I've done too many squats recently!)


• When I get into my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the seat belt fits me with some extra room. (Note: The 2005 model was redesigned and impacted the length of the seat belts. True story!)


• There is even extra room left when I'm wearing my puffy down winter jacket over a sweatshirt.


• I can swim MORE THAN a mile.


• I can jog for at least 5 minutes (that's less than a mile, for the record)


• The most expensive part is NOT the grocery bill for real food. It's been the amount of money I've spent on replacing my wardrobe every season for the past year and a half.


• I cannot wear my wedding ring on my left ring finger. In fact, I moved it to my middle finger in October and it's getting loose again.


• My kids can wrap their arms ALL THE WAY around me!


• The first thing I feel upon waking is NOT pain throughout my body.


• I have many more options for buying clothes which includes the Misses department


• I can wear tall boots!


• I don't feel like people look at my family with pity or me with disgust when I walk into a public place


• I am cold more often [than before]


• My family has been very healthy for the past year. Viruses have come and gone but no one has needed an antibiotic for over a year (some of us longer than others)!

There is much, much more but I think you get the point.

So, take a minute this holiday season and give thanks for what you are, where you've come from and where you are going. Transformation isn't easy but it's so worth it.

Here's to your journey!
~Anne