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In participating in this blog challenge, there have been a lot of new people visiting our blog! And one thing we reference quite frequently is weight loss, but we’ve never quite told the whole story (because mostly the people reading were our Moms, who know the whole story- hi Moms!)

After graduating (the first time) from college in 2006, I decided to lose weight. I was point blank told that I couldn’t be a kidney donor for my Mom, because of my weight (we later learned I have the same disease she has, but I didn’t know that at the time). This was the turning point that spurred me into action.

I lost 114 pounds in a little over a year.

I have maintained that weight loss (within an 8 pound range) for over three years now.

In August of 2008, I replied to a post on the TODAY show website about “Joy Fit Club” members. This was a club that you could “join” if you’d lost over 100 pounds without surgery. I thought it was an online community. Turns out, it was applying to be ON the TODAY show. And surprisingly? They contacted me back. In a whirlwind week, I was interviewed by phone, did a voice over for my segment, and they flew me out to New York to be on the TODAY show for my weight loss! I also talked them into letting Casey come too, as he had also lost over 100 pounds at the time (he’s lost 160 total, now). It was a surreal trip that lasted 24 hours, but was amazing.

If you have a desire to watch our “segment” from the TODAY you can watch it here:
http://www.dietinspire.com/2008/08/04/success-weight-loss-story-jennifer-barton-lost-114-pounds/

A LOT of people ask how I did it. Unfortunately, I doubt many people like the real answer. Because it isn’t magical. There isn’t a pill. And it doesn’t happen that quickly. Honestly, I researched a very low fat, low carb diet and stayed on a 1,200 calorie per day diet (which I maintain 90% of the time to this day). I exercised at the gym for at least a hour a day 6 days a week. My roomie, Stacey, basically went on the same plan with me (even though she was about 100 pounds soaking wet at the time), but that was so important because I don’t think I would have been able to stick to a plan if she was chowing down on crap right in front of me. Emotional support is SO crucial. Each milestone for me?Amazing. I LOVED going down pants sizes. I started in a size 22/24 pant. It got expensive to go down sizes (thank goodness for Goodwill!) but I’ve finally evened out at a size 8/10 pant size, and size S/M shirt (all depends on the brands, of course…right ladies?).

I continue to have a lot of self image issues (I write about that here that I am working on it). Someday I really do hope to have surgery to remove some of the extra skin that is leftover from losing that significant weight. But nothing is better than having your doctor give you a clean bill of health (other than that pesky kidney disease!) and being able to do things like complete a triathlon with your husband. Even though Casey & I lost the majority of our respective weight before we met each other, it is a strong part of our bond because we keep encouraging each other to stay with it and taking on new challenges together. It is a choice every single time I put food in my mouth. It is a choice every time I go to the gym. Really, weight loss comes down to being aware of each choice you make regarding your body.

If you have any more questions about weight loss, I’d love for you to leave a comment! It’s something I’m passionate about, and would love to talk more about.