My Weight Loss Journey (Part One)

I have never had a problem with my weight--until now.

It's not like I am morbidly obese or anything, but I am overweight for my height (according to my BMI).

I was always a skinny child with chicken legs and a pot belly. That was just how I was built. My slenderness stayed with me all through high school. I did gain some weight in college, but not too much. It was during my P2 year in pharmacy school that I had gained a significant amount of weight. I didn't realize how heavy I had actually gotten until I had to go up four dress sizes to fit into a dress for my school's annual Apothecary Ball that winter.

That increase in size was a huge wake-up call for me. It prompted me to get my butt into gear, eat healthier and exercise regularly. By the time summer rolled around, I was down to my goal weight. Then, I found out I was pregnant.

I had gained 41 pounds with my daughter. With diet, exercise, and breastfeeding I was able to lose all of the weight and then some in about six months. When I finished school and started working I gained about 15 pounds; however, I was still a good size.

Then, I became pregnant again.

I do not remember how much I gained with my son, but it sure has been hard to get rid of. I only breastfed him for one month because I had to get back on some medication (I had postpartum depression) that was contraindicated in lactation; therefore, the weight did not fall off like it did after I had my daughter. I tried everything--diet, exercise, hCG and lipotropic shots--and still haven't managed to lose any weight. As a matter of fact, I've gained some weight.

So, I gave up.

I stopped working out and ate whatever I wanted for a few months. It felt good not having to watch my weight for a while, but I was still unhappy with my body. Something had to be done...

As of two weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers, and I am already seeing results. I also bought a treadmill so that I can work out in the mornings before I go to work. I am just too tired after work to go to the gym at that time.

I am hoping to lose a total of 50 pounds. I hope that my efforts will work this time around. Wish me luck...