So, January 2005 rolled around and I was tired of fat: feeling fat, looking fat, and everything else that goes with being fat. I couldn't walk far, I hated climbing the stairs, sex was not much fun (sorry Larry), I felt like crap. So I started watching what I ate and I lost 15 pounds fairly quickly. But I wanted to do something permanent, adopt a lifestyle of healthy eating and living. So I joined Weight Watchers online. I also knew if I was going to lose weight I had to get off the Paxil. I started the withdrawal and the WW lifestyle at the same time. Believe me, losing weight is a piece of cake - no pun intended - compared to Paxil withdrawal. I also started taking Niacin (a B vitamin) along with the synthroid I have to take every day for my thyroid problem and WOW! The energy I have now is incredible.

Here I am at 256 pounds. I still hate the chins, but my hair is looking pretty good! I've learned to start saying nice things about myself since starting Weight Watchers. The 100+ Pounds To Lose message board has been my inspiration and my kick in the ass. A personal THANK YOU to all you peeps in that room!

This is me at 247. I'm with my dad on Father's Day. I hate this photo of me, but my dad looks great, doesn't he?

As of July 27 I am 237.6 pounds, or as I like to think of it "a little lighter than I was 4 years ago" but I'm definitely in better shape. I'm stronger as a result of exercise, gardening and due to the nature of my job. Owning an antiques store isn't a fru-fru job; it's dirty, sweaty work hauling furniture, unpacking and cleaning boxes of junk, and packing items for shipping, not to mention the constant redecorating that drives my husband and father nuts! Here I am goofing off with my camera a few days ago at my 237.6 weight. My new camera has a setting for self-portrait so I had to check it out. My hair is totally out of control due to the heat and humidity!

My goal is 220 by mid-October when Larry and I meet my brother and his wife in Chicago for a wedding anniversary celebration - our 7th and their 13th. Currently I'm still wearing the old 3X shorts and 2X t-shirts to work in my store even though I can wear 2X bottoms (22/24) and 16 and 18 tops. Thankfully I had the foresight to save all my not-so-fat clothes at every juncture so I have some things to wear as I lose more weight. I will feel better when I don't look so frumpy. That's what CrispyRice told me on the boards.