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Introduction Text Hi, I'm Jen! I have been on this roller coaster for too long, losing and gaining the same 50 pounds over and over again. It's time to stop. Only I can make that happen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here's my original story: I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which is a metabolic disorder than can also cause insulin-related issues. I take lots of medication to keep it all under control, but nothing ever seemed to help me lose the weight I gained when I was a teenager, even though I was and have remained very active. Shortly after deciding I had to change my life, I began an innovative program at a metabolic clinic. I saw an endocrinologist, a dietician, an exercise physiologist, and a psychotherapist. With their help, I learned tips and techniques that worked for me. I joined SparkPeople in March 2009 on my dietician's recommendation. I was excited to get started, and quickly found that SP was a great fit for me. Before long, I had lost over 35 pounds and went from being morbidly obese to just obese. At that time, the clinic set me free to take care of myself (but I still see the dietician). I continued to lose weight, nearly reaching 50 pounds lost before life interfered and I found myself overworked and injured. Eventually, work cleared up and I had surgery. I am making progress in my recovery, and have had to relearn a lot of things, including how to walk. I've decided I just have to take it one step at a time, and relish the things I can do instead of wishing for different circumstances. I will heal and get back to what I love (triathlons), but I won't get anywhere if I try to rush it. Funny...rehab is a lot like weight loss. Take it slow and be consistent, and you will achieve your desired results. The journey is just as exciting as the destination. Care to join me on the path to a new life?

Weight-loss rewards: Reach 260 lbs - closet shopping! -1st 5% lost (254 lbs): new gym shoes Reach 250 lbs - closet shopping! -2nd 5% lost (241 lbs): massage Reach 240 lbs - closet shopping! Reach 230 lbs - closet shopping! -3rd 5% lost (229 lbs): new fitness outfit Reach 220 lbs - closet shopping! -4th 5% lost (218 lbs): new work clothes Reach 210 lbs - closet shopping! -5th 5% lost (207 lbs): makeover Reach 200 lbs - closet shopping and a shopping spree! -6th 5% lost (197 lbs): weekend getaway Reach 190 lbs - closet shopping! -7th 5% lost (187 lbs): new fitness outfit Reach 180 lbs - closet shopping! -8th 5% lost (178 lbs): hot new shoes Reach 170 lbs - shopping! (Not sure if there will be anything left in my closet...I hope not) -9th 5% lost (169 lbs): new wardrobe Archive: · 1st 5% lost (261 lbs): workout pants [Goal met: March 09] · Reach 250 pounds: closet shopping! [Goal met: May 09] · 2nd 5% lost (247 lbs): work slacks [Goal met: 5/26/09] · 3rd 5% l

I hired a personal trainer in 2012, and even though I reached my original goal thanks to him, I can't let him go. So I just keep hiring him - he's going to push me to reach my long-term goals, whether I like it or not. Ha! I see my trainer 3 times a week and we do crazy workouts. I also do DVDs at home, swim, bike, run, and play golf. I have lots of food allergies and intolerances, which makes eating very difficult. But over the past 3 years, I have figured out a lot of ways around it, and have even learned to love some healthy foods. I no longer crave junk, and I cut back severely on the sweets. I think I really can do this for the rest of my life.

My name is Jen, I'm 43, and live near Milwaukee, WI. I've been married for 16 years - wow! No kids, but that's ok...we have cats, fish, and endless hobbies to keep us occupied.

March 08 (Wanted to keep this on record so I don't forget where I came from, mentally): I am determined to do everything in my power to get to the point where I do not need this team of people monitoring my every move! I am an avid exerciser, but struggle with the food. I am sure I will find loads of support in that area here on SparkPeople. It is time for a change. December 09: Over the past year, I have had ups and downs, gotten stuck, and had to remotivate myself time and time again. But I have stuck with it, not giving up, never to return to all of my old habits (some die hard, of course, but I'm still plugging away!). And at the end of the day, on the 1-year anniversary of my commitment to myself, I am officially 39 pounds lighter. I once thought that I needed to lose over 2 pounds a week to be happy with my weight loss. Now I have realized that any loss is a good loss. It doesn't really matter how long it takes me to reach my goal. All that matters is that I cont

Add a Link This is my one shot at life. I will not give up on myself. I am a Tough Mudder! (Wisconsin, September 2012)
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