Introduction

So, I'm not even really sure how to go about blogging but here goes!

This is my first entry and I thought I would introduce myself and tell you what this blog is going to be about!

My name is April. I am 33 years old have 2 gorgeous children and have been married for 13 yrs.
I've struggled with my weight just about my whole life. YES, this is a weight loss blog!! If  no one reads this at least I will have an outlet to go to and post my feelings, my struggles, and my VICTORIES!
Over the last 8yrs I have really struggled with my weight and have put on over 100lbs. You see it wasn't because I was fat and lazy and just didn't care about myself. I had an 18month old baby that needed her momma. My daughter was diagnosed with a very rare childhood cancer called PleuroPulmonary Blastoma. She had 6 major operations and over a year of chemotherapy. Then mixed in with that my husband lost his job and was unemployed for 2yrs. Then...in case that wasn't enough...we welcomed our son into our lives in 2009 and just 2 yrs later we learned he had Autism Spectrum Disorder. So, the term STRESSED OUT is clearly an understatement for me. I'm a huge stress eater and the effects that stress puts on your body are CRAZY.
I spent many nights in the ER thinking I was having a heart attack when in reality it was anxiety,fear, and sometimes even a FULL BLOWN panic attack. I was officially diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(yes, people other than military can get this horrible disorder). I've kept it at bay using meds but it still eats at me.
This past January I sought out help to lose weight...Ive tried EVERYTHING...diet, exercise,weight watchers and I just couldn't stay with it! My Doctor suggested weight loss surgery. The thought of it scared me but I was willing. I wanted the weight off and like EVERYONE does wanted it off NOW! So, I sat thru the surgery class and filled out tons of papers and spoke with insurance. Everything was in place and set to go for me to have the surgery. I just had to pick a date! One night I was browsing Face book and noticed that our local news station was searching for moms who wanted to start the new year trying to lose weight. I sent in an entry ..I thought OK this is my last attempt at trying to do this by myself!! The next day a trainer emailed me and asked me for my height, weight and if I was available to start that following Monday. I was shocked and happy at the same time. I showed up that Monday morning not knowing what to expect. He gave us an overview of what the next 12-weeks would be like and the next day we started our workouts.

I have NEVER been more mortified in my life. That first work-out is one I will NEVER forget. He had us just get down on the floor and get back up. Should be a simple task...right?  Well, I managed to get I think 3 of them in before my legs gave out and I literally could not get up off the floor. My legs wouldn't move,my trainer and another one  of the moms had to help pick me up off the floor. I wanted to cry and go running into the locker room but I couldn't. For one... my legs wouldn't let me and 2.... I didn't want them to see how embarrassed I was. I could have easily quit but that was a turning point. I NEVER gave up and continued on and I saw myself getting stronger with each workout. They were HARD...I'm not going to lie but I did it and am happy to say that I FINISHED the program at the end of the 12 weeks and lost 10inches in my waist and 30lbs.

My Before and After!



                                                                                                                           

Since then STUPID me has gone back to my old eating habits and quit exercising. I've gained a lot of my weight back and DAMN IT I worked to hard to let all that work just slip away. So, I just signed up at our local Jazzercise and plan on going to the classes 3-4 days a week. My first class is Monday and I'm excited to see what it's about and get myself back on track! I'll be posting a couple times a week and will probably include recipes and all of the fun things and not so fun things that happen on my journey! So, that's it for now!!

Be Blessed,

April