Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Transformers

Almost exactly a year ago, I took my Mom to NYC for her 50th birthday. I remember going to Old Navy prior to the trip and trying to find something cute to wear.

That's me, second from the left...


I thought I had succeeded in finding something cute and that hid my "figure". I was completely wrong.

Upon returning, I had my annual exam with my OB. I had high blood pressure and weighed the most I have ever weighed (sans being pregnant) in my entire life. Then a little girl that lives on my street asked me if I was pregnant.


I signed up for Weight Watchers the next day, thanks to my Mom who paid for my first couple of months.

And now?? I wear a size 6. I didn't even wear a size 6 in college. I can buy a small or medium shirt, depending on the cut. With my boobs and my weight prior, that would have NEVER happened. I was comfortable hanging out in the XL sizes. And speaking of boobs, I lost a couple of cup sizes as well.

Just ignore the crazy hair and weird smile...


The other nice thing about this? I inspired Ray who in turn lost 50 pounds to match my 60 pounds lost. Together we lost enough weight of a petite adult.

Yes, I totally took this picture at work...I obviously need more work to do...


We have changed our lifestyle. I used to eat McDonald's once a week, now I go months without. Greasy, fried food actually gives me a stomachache, so avoiding it isn't difficult. I haven't had a regular soda in a year. Diet Coke is my champ. I measure out my portions and Ray and I normally share meals when we eat out.




Don't get me wrong, we still treat ourselves once a week to a milkshake from Sonic or ice cream from Cold Stone. We just now know when enough is enough.

And it has been fun (although expensive) changing our entire wardrobes. The outlet mall in Myrtle Beach has been our friend.

I hope Ashley only remembers "skinny" mommy, and not the one who looked like she was stung by a bee in the face.

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, Amy...just WOW!

You look great...you added years to your life...I'm sure you've inspired WAAAAYYY more people than Ray...and this is the best gift you could give yourself AND your family!

Julie said...

FABULOUS AMY AND RAY! Kudos to both of you. Do you exercise a lot? We are terrible about eating out - I know we need to stop. But finding the time to cook when I get home is hard. Excuses I know.

You look great!

Happy Working Mom said...

I know I've told you this before, but you look AMAZING! What an inspiring story!

Keep up the good work...your kids will truly benefit from it besides you feeling and looking totally awesome!

Anonymous said...

That's amazing. I had more to say, but I was distracted by the thought of cold stone creamery

Pam said...

That is GREAT! You have changed so much and you look great now. Congratulations to you. I hope that I can be as successful as you in weight loss

Amy Anderson said...

Congratulations...you should be so proud of yourself! You look fabulous.

Jill said...

I hope you're healthier. And I wish that I could lose the weight. i haven't had real soda or fast food in years. Very occasionally maybe 4 times a year i might have such, if we're on the road. Ditto with real sugar, except in candy, which I probably have a couple times a month. And fatty meat, doesn't cross my lips.. Go you. i bet you like salad though. I un-heart salad. a lot. I have 15 pounds to lose.

Lizarita said...

Amy you look fantastic! You and Ray should be so proud!

That Chick Over There said...

Woo! Hot momma!

I know I don't know you in real life, but this post makes me SO proud of you! Weight loss is HARD!

Edie said...

Isn't that just crazy!! I totally remember you in the outfit on the way to NYC, but I swear, I do not remember you looking like that!! I only know the skinny you!!

I know it hasn't been easy, but you've done great. Both you and Ray are skinny minnies now!!

Congratulations on a job well done!!

Wendy said...

How awesome Amy! You look fabulous and are such an inspiration to this "got stung by a bee in the face" Mom!!!!

Anonymous said...

You look amazing!! Losing weight is so difficult and to do it and keep it off, that's something to be extremely proud of!!

CPA Mom said...

I don't think you looked like you were stung by a bee at all...I was thinking how much you looked like me as I am now...

You are a complete inspiration! Look at you ROCKING the belt. I have never worn a belt in my life.

Stacey said...

You look incredible! I love before and after pictures. I'm getting close to embarking on my own preggo weight loss (ANY FREAKING TIME, NOW), and you are great inspiration. Awesome!

Anonymous Fat Blogger said...

You are truly an inspiration to me! You look gorgeous!! Size 6?! I haven't seen that in 10 years!!

Anonymous said...

You are totally hot!! After I have this baby I am back on Weight Watchers!!

Hazel said...

Congratulations! you are an inspiration.

SJINCO said...

Raarrr! Hot Mama Alert!

Wow Amy you look fantastic! I know you (and Ray) have both worked really hard and it shows. I'm very proud of you guys!

Congratulations and thanks for the inspiration as well. I really need it at this stage of my 'never-ending' weight loss journey!

Oh, and Happy Birthday to your Mom!

Rachel (Crazy-Is) said...

Wow!!! That pic of you and Ashley...doesn't even look like you! You look so good!! Congrats on losing that weight and to keeping it off!!

Uh, I don't wear a size 6. Why can't I wear a size 6?

Sabrina said...

Freakin awesome Amy!

Mel said...

Wow...what a great story! You look awesome. Being a size 6 is my goal rather than an actual number.

Lost A Sock said...

Amy, you look FANTASTIC!! You must feel like a million bucks every time you pull on one of those size 6's! I can't imagine (yet!)

Anonymous said...

wow and awesome and wow again

i need to do this.

i am fatter then i have ever been.. ugh

Carrie @carrieloves said...

You look fab-u-lous! I don't know you, but you inspire me none the less. I weigh more now than I ever have (even more than when I was pregnant both times) and it is very depressing.

The quote from Edie C. is what I want someone to say to me one day soon!

Thanks for sharing a personal part of your life.

Lawyer Mama said...

You look great! Go you!

frannie said...

oh my! what a huge accomplishment! I mean huge! I am in total amazement!

and you look fabulous!!!!

Unknown said...

You look AWESOME! Great job! I lost 60 lbs last year on WW and was a size 6 too...then gained 24 back. I'm back on it though! I'm so excited for you. It really is life changing, isn't it??

BS said...

You look wonderful - Great job! I have never seen size 6 my entire life. The smallest I can remember is size 12 - but I didn't really look healthy at that point in my life. In reality, size doesn't matter - it is how you feel and you MUST FEEL GREAT right about now.

ChrisB said...

Definitely the wow factor. You look amazing and that is such a brilliant achievement for both you and Ray.

Anonymous said...

Well done Amy!!!!!!

shoeaddict said...

Congrats on that! I am hopeless it feels like

Unknown said...

I didn't know you back then...I have seen you lose some weight over the time I have known you, but wow! You really did awesome! You and Ray both look great, the last time I came to your house, I realized how much weight the two of you had lost. Getting those new clothes really makes it 10 times more noticeable. It's the best feeling too, to know that you did it the 'hard' way and ended up exceeding your goal. Congrats, really, I had no idea just how much you'd lost!

Dallas said...

Wow, that is so inspiring. I've had success with Weight Watchers in the past too, but I don't do well with getting enough exercise. How long did it take you to get down to what you are now?

Martha said...

I'm totally impressed, not to mention somewhat encouraged for myself. also, you look a lot like your mom.

Michele_3 said...

I stand in awe of you woman!!
You lok beautiful, you really inspire me to do the same, I have been working hard @ it but it gets so hard sometimes!
You should be so proud of yourself!!!

Kaytabug said...

Way to go Amy! High 5!! You look awesome! I had to laugh a little when it sounded like those commercials on TV..."And now?? I wear a size 6." This was a great story that will inspire and give hope to many!!

Emma in Canada said...

Wow Amy. I am so impressed. I know I need to lose weight, and a lot of it. I always think what's the point..there's so much to take off. Glad to see there's a story out there where it actually happened and didn't take forever!

Erin said...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... you look fabulous!!!!

You did an awesome job and I aspire to be just like you :)

Pamela said...

I'm impressed, envious, and hungry

alissa said...

YAY FOR YOU!!!!!

And you look AMAZING!!!!

I, too, got heavily into the whole WW lifestyle after I quit smoking and gained 30 lbs. And, like you, ended up weighing less than I had EVER weighed before. Totally changed my entire relationship with food!

I've been off for a number of years, and have gained a bit back (like 8 lbs) and have been struggling to get back on the plan. That said, thank you for the post and just reminding me of what I need to do...

theotherbear said...

You go girl. This inspires me to act on that health kick I have been threatening for years rather than just talk about it. You look fantastic. You must be so proud of yourself.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! I'm trying the weight loss thing myself. You have inspired me.

Anonymous said...

So Zoot highlighted this post and I came over, because I am ALL THE TIME trying to find some inspiration. I'm so proud of you! That's fabulous!! We should all be so lucky!!

Cat said...

I followed Miss Zoot's link. And WOW. And good for you! You're an inspiration.

Also, your daughters are beautiful. I have an Audrey too. She'll be 2 this month.

alana said...

Wow, you look incredible! What a transformation. Way to go!!!!!

RLP said...

Congratulation! Hard work pays off!! I've been debating which program to try (Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, etc.) Your story has inspired me to get of the couch and join Weight Watchers. Thanks for sharing!!!

Victoria said...

Yay you! And yay WW! :D

Unknown said...

I followed through Zoots site... Wow Amy you look awesome. I am so happy for you and Ray. WTG!!!