The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Lauren]

Hello all! Wow, the board has been quiet. I hope that means you're all out having fun in the sun!

Well, I began the MF journey November of 2005, lost most of the weight by a little over a year later, and the remaining 10-15 pounds in the few short months thereafter. All told I've lost 165 pounds - give or take 3-5 pounds that go up and down depending on a variety of variables. I maintained my weight, continued my journey in the world of fitness and running, got more invested in running for joy (not just calorie-burning), and began living an entirely new life with new experiences. After maintaining for a significant amount of time, I had some post-weight loss surgery on a couple areas of my body that would never "bounce back," and which I affectionately refer to my "National Geographic" physique. :-) And after the surgeries and the healing, I felt confident to get back in the dating world, to find out who and what I might like now that I was, in fact, in many ways, a different person.

And now, 5 years and 8 months after I began that journey, I am engaged to be married, as of last night. He is wonderful, and kind, and while he didn't know me when I was fat, I was sure to show him pictures on our second date, because it is one of the single most significant parts of me - not being fat, but the impact that the weight AND the weight-loss had on my life and my character. He is my biggest champion, calls me his "runner girl," and thanks me for motivating him to get his butt up and to the gym in the morning (no easy feat).

No this weight loss process wasn't always easy, and god knows maintenance is even harder, but every single day I have new proof of this wonderful new life I've created. And let me be clear that it's not the "I finally found a man" thing, but rather, I finally found ME, and in finding ME, I was able to find true love and happiness.

This DOES matter, people. We DO deserve to be happy and to find our joys, in everything. Don't disappear off the boards, don't give up when things get tough, don't assume you will always be burdened by this weight. You don't have to be. You can choose to be better, feel better, live better, and love better.

Keep on keepin' on.

Lauren

[CaribGirl]

Congrats to you! I rarely post on here, although I check it daily, and always love to read your posts! You have worked hard, and continue to work hard and inspire everyone on this board! So let me be the first to say Mazel Tov to you!!

[Tawanda]

Lauren, congratulations to you and your mister on your engagement!

I love reading what you share.

[nickieluv]

Congratulations Lauren. You are right that loving yourself and knowing who you are is key to finding a partner in life. Some of us luck out and get the right person even when we aren't quite there yet with ourselves, but you are ahead of the game. to a lifetime of happiness.

[katesmom]

Hi Lauren,
Congratulations on your engagement !! I am thrilled for you and believe that your hard work has paid off for you personally. I really needed to read your post as I am re-strating and have a personal goal to reach by next April. Your words are always very encouraging and meaningful. I have a bout the same amount of weight to lose and would love your support from time to time !! I will give you my e-mail in a personal note...
Good Luck to you and thanks for your thoughtful messages !!

Pam

[Lauren]

Awww, thanks ladies for all your wonderful responses!

I am so excited, and going dress shopping next week - yikes!

xoxo

Lauren

[katesmom]

Hi Lauren !
Take pictures of the dresses !
We'd love to see some that you are trying on !!
Incentives, right??

Take care !

[supermom]

Hey Lauren! I just logged on for the first time in a looooooong time! Congratulations! I often wonder how you are doing. I just know you will make the most beautiful bride EVER!

Hugs,
Laurie

[Lauren]

Wow, ladies, thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I bought the dress awhile ago (it's on order), and that day was a very strange experience, as I went into a bizarre panic just prior to trying them on...suddenly thought I was fat again and that nothing would fit. It was really weird, had nightmares the night before that I literally went to try on dresses and NOTHING fit.

Thank god that wasn't the case and that the first dress fit beautifully and built up my confidence. I needed that and was then able to try on several with a more relaxed "eye." It's funny how our "fat selves" can creep into our consciousness so easily. I mean, I've lived in this thinner body now (size 6/8) for several years, and it's usually just who I am, but I am reminded on these interesting occasions that there's a "fat" me lurking in body and mind!

I guess it's the thing that will help keep me honest.

Anyway, things are wonderful, life is great, and we're to be married in April. All things are good.

I hope life is treating all of you well, and you're giving everything you've got to stay on plan, get on plan, or find a plan! :-)

Cheers,

Lauren

[Tawanda]

Wonderful to see an update from you!

[Lauren]

Hi, all! Happy Holidays!

I've been busy, busy, busy, as I am sure you are all (the "all" who still come here to visit periodically, that is), wrapping up the odds and ends of 2010, and doing the whole wedding planning thing.

I just had my first fitting pre-fitting on my wedding dress - I'm having the designer do some custom work to create a short sleeve to hide the stuff that the weight loss left behind (ha!), and it was so cool. I slipped it on and she said she couldn't believe it fit like a glove - I didn't change a bit from when I first got measured. Now, imagine that, folks. I got it the first week of August. It just blew my mind that l was able to stay virtually the same weight over 4 months...yes, I know I've stayed the same weight for several years now, but THESE are the months that are most stressful and self sabotage could totally come to play. I was so relieved!

Anyway, life is good. Really good. I am sad to see how little activity this board is getting, as it was such an enormous support to me, and I hope any of you out there who may be lurking decide to come back and help each other out.

Happy holidays to you all!

Keep on keepin' on,

Lauren