Karin Stopped Using Food as a Crutch and Lost 111 Pounds

Name: Karin

Age: 32

Height: 5' 4"

Former Weight: 256 pounds

Current Weight: 145 pounds

How You Gained: I gradually began gaining weight as a young teenager -- around the age of 13. I was not physically active and I started to make too many unhealthy food choices, which was easy as they are readily offered in school cafeterias and vending machines. I was not involved in any sports and therefore the weight began to pile on. I was at least 260 pounds by high school graduation.

Breaking Point: The breaking point for me was my continuing poor health and being diagnosed with high blood pressure, as well as borderline high cholesterol at the age of 29. My doctor put me on high blood pressure medications. My back hurt when I would wake up in the morning. My knees and ankles were swollen and painful at the end of the day from carrying around all of that extra weight. I was tired all the time. Ultimately, I was just sick and tired of being "sick and tired." I knew that I had to do something about my health and lose weight.

How Long You've Maintained Your Weight Loss: I have maintained by 111 pound weight loss for more than six months now.

How You Lost: I lost the weight through reducing my food portions to approximately 1,200 calories a day, increasing my exercise level to at least 30 minutes per day and I had the help of the Lap Band. The Lap Band is not a quick fix and it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication on my part to be successful. Weight loss with any program is a HUGE mental journey. (Ed note: Weight loss methods other than healthy eating and general exercise should not be undertaken without medical consultation.) Through my blog and the process of losing all of my excess weight, I realized that:

1) My food choices are never, ever going to fix my deeper problems.
2) Food is not going to make me blissfully happy.
3) Food is not my friend.
4) Food is not going to make me feel less stressed about the business that is life.
5) Food is not going to give me the courage to change things in my life.
6) Food is not meant to be an escape from reality.

With the loss of 111 pounds, I am now off of all my high blood pressure medications and my cholesterol is at optimum levels. I am so proud of myself and I only wish I had embarked on this journey of improved health sooner!