I am really, really proud of myself. It's been a long (very long) weight loss journey since I took a year off in 2007  (but didn't gain a darned thing). But I am down almost 100 pounds. I lost 33 pounds before 2007, and I've lost 60 pounds since January.

I know this is a food blog, but I have gotten a ton of incredibly nasty comments and e-mails since I've started this blog about how I am a "disgusting pig," and that I have no right to be posting about food since I apparently "don't care about" myself at all. Faceless people on the Internet can really make some interesting judgments and say some horrible things.

So I say, screw them. If being fat was the worst crime I've ever committed in my life, I would venture to say that I've done pretty well, then. I have a wonderful husband who has loved me through every single pound, up or down. I have two beautiful Dachshunds who don't care about the size of my lap, as long as they're able to climb into it. I have family and friends aplenty, and none of them have ever based their opinions of me upon the size of my jeans.

I did this instead for ME. No one but me.

And now, I give to you a few "before" pictures.


This was in September of 2006, and I was at 267 pounds. I'd been through an awful lot, including 3 abdominal surgeries and two failed rounds of IVF (including 2 miscarriages). I gained a lot of weight, but after this picture was taken I was determined to lose it.




This picture was taken after losing about 20 pounds. I obviously had a LOT to go.



Taken at my brother's wedding in July of 2007, I was down 33 pounds, but I was still incredibly heavy and unhappy in that outfit.




My birthday, May 2008. I was probably about a size 16 here, and around 190.



Taken later in May on vacation!



In June or early July... probably down another 7 pounds or so.



And finally, now!!!!!!!!!!!! I still have about 30 or 40 pounds to go, but I am extremely happy and excited. Depending on the clothing maker, I fit in anything between a 10 (big) and 14 (cut very small). Mostly 12's. I am technically now smaller than the average American woman. So all of you judgmental pricks out there can go fly a kite! P.S. Don't say horrible things to people. Even if it's a faceless person on the Internet. That person is still a person, and it just might come back to bite you in the ass someday. Karma is a bitch, I tell you.

Congrats on the weight loss - you look fantastic! Were you following any special plan (Eat to Live, McDougall, Fat Smash) os the old stand-by of "eat less, move more"? However you did it, it worked and you look great.

I started out with Weight Watchers, but it really and truly makes me a little obsessive about food, and therefore I'm always hungry. I am an avid exercise-hound now, and Weight Watchers doesn't end up giving me enough food. It doesn't track nutrients, either, and that bothers me. So I'm basically eating less and moving more... but also following SparkPeople as much as I can, since it's free and it tracks my nutrients, calories, and exercise for me. I don't get obsessive that way, and I feel like I am at least keeping tabs on myself. Thanks so much for your feedback!;)

WOW! How amazing!! You were hot in the pics before, but now even hotter!:)Congratulations! I am sorry to hear that you had to endure so much in the past. But screw what people think and say. I used to weigh 300 lbs. and am now down to 145. And like you, I did it for myself and not anyone else. People where always cruel when I was larger and I was dumb enough to think it was because I was fat, but now I know people are horrible and sometimes stupid.

Hi. I just found your blog through the PPK and wanted to say what a cool, strong, and inspiring person you are. I am so sorry that you had to endure that kind of abuse- I'm not sure how people go about their days after writing that sort of cruel and cowardly junk. - Debra p.s. You look sensational.

First of all, shame on all those people who sent nasty comments, did they send a picture of themselves? Of course not. I think you are beautiful, and the fact that you are willing to share this journey with your readers, shows your care and confidence in yourself. Keep up the great work and ignore the ignorant!

You look beautiful and really have come a long way! I'm also a 'chubby vegan' and working on weight loss - I had not been overweight until a hysterectomy at the age of 20, and have fought weight gain ever since. I completely understand your situation, having a whole family who have struggled and suffered from the horrible biases of our culture. We ARE humans, and deserving of dignity and respect. Well, - you have mine. Go you!

You are awesome! Thank you for this honest, touching post. I agree with you, screw those anonymous ***holes! Each person has a life to live as they feel is right, but not to judge others or try to bring them down. I always read this bumper sticker, that's on a car I walk by every day: "Those who abandon their dreams will discourage yours." Don't let 'em!