Disclaimer: This blog post doesn't have much to do with being frugal, but is more geared towards my weight loss over the years. So, if you aren't interested in that context, please feel free to skip this blog post. You won't hurt my feelings in the least.
I'll start with this photo, which is a picture of me in the beauty salon getting my hair colored right after my Mom died. You can clearly see the Lymphedema load between my legs here. It had gotten so big that I was having trouble walking and I was determined that I was not going to live like this, this was my catalyst for change.
The orthopedic doctor put me in a wheelchair in the summer of 2022 and didn't want me walking on my knees as the shinbone in my left leg was grinding down and you can't replace those. He also would not do the knee replacements until my BMI was 40 or less. So, I had to make a choice and I chose to change my life for the better.
Here is a photo of me and Bailey in the cafeteria of her elementary school in 2007 back when she was in kindergarten. This is a photo of me at my highest weight.
I know in my heart that God has been working on me for many years. My first weight loss attempts began was I was fourteen years old. I've had people pray for me to lose this weight for many years. I've attended countless seminars and went to specialists who have given me multiple tools down through the years to assist me.
Finally something clicked in me and I took all of those tools and figured it out.
This is what I look like today:
Belinda
And I hear in your post that you're healthier and more energetic (minus the blasted gall stones) and seem so much more satisfied with your life. That makes me happy for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sam. I am definitely happier than I have been in years.
DeleteCongratulations. What a lot of hard work, looking good!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy.
DeleteYou look amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan.
DeleteWOW - what a transformation! You should be so very proud. You look great. You have to feel better as well. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl. I definitely feel better.
DeleteWell done! You should be exceptionally proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Anne.
DeleteWOW! That is amazing - great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margie.
DeleteCongratulations! Your hard work has really paid off. Happier and healthier has got to feel amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. Yes, it does feel amazing. It's hard to contain my excitement some days. LOL
DeleteI’ve been reading your blog for several years. The medical battles you’ve fought and overcome irrelevant to your amazing weight loss battles have shown me what a tenacious and strong minded person you are. The emotional support you have generously given to friends (and received on return) says you are one hell of a woman.
ReplyDeleteThat is just the sweetest thing. Thank you so much, and yes, I do receive a lot of support from others, including here.
DeleteAmazing! Congratulations’
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth.
DeleteWow!!! How awesome!! It has a lot to do with saving money! You eat less food. You take less medication. You have less medical procedures. But most importantly, hopefully your quality of life is better.😊
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Angela. Yes, it does save money. We definitely eat less food. LOL
DeleteWhat an amazing accomplishment. How did you do it?
ReplyDeleteThank you. A lot of hard work, change of diet, eating right and eating less, eliminating sugar, pasta, bread, lots of exercise with one hour every day on my bike pedals and then when I got my new knees, lots of walking. So, various tools and a lot of help from other people and I give all the glory to God for giving me my life back. I wouldn’t trade it for anything or go back to the way I was before. A lot changed for me after my Mom passed away and that had a lot to do with it too. I wish both my parents could see me today and I know they would be happy for me. I love my new life from a physical perspective as I get around so much easier now.
DeleteI have seen loved ones go through the same. The fact that you have been able to get out of the wheelchair is so great. I have been quietly cheering you on.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is so sweet, Amy. Thank you so much!
DeleteI’ve read your blog for years but rarely comment. You are such a kind person and I am so glad you decided to be kind to yourself and put prioritize your health. Weight loss is not easy for anyone and you really should be proud of yourself. I bet Bailey is so proud of you as well. Our kids want us to be healthy and happy and around for as long as possible and you’re showing her how much you care not only for her but for yourself. What a wonderful role model she has in you! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Bailey is very happy for me and she is another reason I worked hard to change as she didn't want to lose me early. Thank you for your very kind words.
DeleteI have read your blog for years as I find you a kind woman with much compassion for people. Congratulations on finding the inner strength to focus that compassion on yourself and become a healthier person. May God continue to bless you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. That means a lot to me. I hope and pray that God blesses you also.
DeleteAmazing. Totally amazing!!!! Big Hug, Bun
ReplyDeleteThank you Bun!
DeleteBelinda, I have tears in my eyes. That is one of the most amazing transformations I have ever seen. And you did it all on your own by sheer determination and willpower. I am just in awe of you. You should be so very, very proud of yourself. I know I am! You are an inspiration to me! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAwwww....you are so sweet, Bobbi. Thank you. This means so much to me. :)
DeleteWhat an amazing testimonial! You've done great and look amazing ! Blessings . . .
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vickie.
DeleteCongratulations that's amazing !
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAmazing what you have accomplished!! -Rosa R.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rosa.
DeleteGreat work Belinda. You are totally an inspiration to many of us, both frugally and on your weight loss journey.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Oh, you are so kind, Jackie. Thank you so much, You are also an inspiration to me.
DeleteI'm super happy for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendi.
DeleteBELINDA!!! YOU LOOK AMAZING!!! I'm so happy for you!!! I hope I can get to a point where I too will bite the bullet and change my eating habits. God bless you! Janel xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Janel!
DeleteI am impressed!!! I don't have the weight to lose that you did, so no excuse for me. I always wish I could go to yard sales, too. But, that involves back surgery.
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t do yard sales either until this year and I am loving it so, so much! Thank you!
DeletePractical Parsimony above.
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteWhat an amazing transformation! I know you must feel 1000% better! You look fantastic! I'd love to hear more about your journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mandy. I do feel so much better. I got my life back and that makes me so happy. I tried not to add too many details so I wouldn’t bore people with my story. 😂
DeleteDear Belinda,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to take a minute to let you know that I don't usually comment on your blog but have appreciated all you write over many years ! I too have struggled with weight issues over time and wanted to let you know what an inspiration to me your post has been today ! You are right ! Change is always possible ! Many blessings to you and your family from 'over the pond' here in the UK ! May you go from strength to strength !
Oh, thank you so much, Mrs. Shoestring. I love your name. 💕 Thank you for reading my blog over the years, that means so much to me. I love reading blogs from over the pond, especially the frugal ones. They have some of the best frugal advice. We can learn so much from each other.
DeleteBelinda, you are one amazing strong woman. Your story is inspiring, and we thank you for sharing with us. You look awesome, and I'm so glad that you are healthier and able to do the things that you want to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kathy. That means so much to me. 💕
DeleteWow, I’m so happy for you! I’ve struggled with weight issues all my life so I know what an accomplishment this is: Very Impressive! Also, you are very brave to share your journey here and your inspiration will probably help more people than you will ever know. Speaking strictly from personal experience, maintenance can be almost as challenging as losing, so keep that inner strength and enjoy your new life!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bobi. You are so sweet. I do understand about maintenance having lost and regained the same pounds over and over again, which is so frustrating. I’m working on this everyday and hoping for the best for both of us.
DeleteYou look amazing 👏 Congratulations! I'm still in the progress of losing weight (28 kgs/61 lbs lost, but about the same weight still to loose...). This really inspires me to do my best even more, just knowing that it is possible.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Congratulations on your weight loss too. You’re doing a fabulous job! I’ll be here cheering you on!
Delete(Somehow I missed this post, so I'm just catching up.). You are amazing!! How wonderful that it all clicked for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Celie.
DeleteSo did the lymphedema resolves it self with the weight loss? Curious minds want to know......
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, no, I still have the lymphedema in my left leg and trunk area, although it has improved and is much more controlled these days. I still have a large load in both areas. I will need to see a surgeon to see if there is anything surgically they could do, but for now I continue to live with this issue, but it is so much better than what you see in the photo above and for that I’m grateful.
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