Well hello there everyone!!! man I can't believe its been a month since I last blogged..and I will say I haven't missed it..I miss my friends out there..but haven't missed blogging much..so this may be my last..haven't decided yet..might have to put up some more of what I have been making and when I do my gift show at the end of November..but I've decided to give you the big reveal..something that has been a part of my life since february of 2011..I have reached my goal of my weightloss journey..and then some..I started out at 242 pounds and now weigh...140 pounds..thats 102 pounds gone..started wearing a 18/20 now in a size 9 jean..do I feel amazing!! like nothing I can describe..I feel like me only better..its like I have been reborn and it feels so good..
this photo was taken in december of 2010..and that following year was when it all started happening..I will tell you what set me on my journey..I went to the doctors for kidney stones and found out I had polycystic kidney disease that my mom passed to me and my big sister..(I had testing done when I was 22) and they told me I didn't have it..but my renal doctor in February of 2011 told me otherwise and I knew right then I needed to take better care of myself..and so it began..eating better..eating less..and walking..
taken december 2006
december 2009
december 1985
december 2011
tada!!!! these were all taken with in the last month...
I will tell you spandex is a gals best friend..lol..it hides a mulititude of sins I tell you...
my favorite jeans..Ana jeans from JCPenneys..got them in February..and now they fit better then ever..more comfortable..
this was taken this last tuesday..
so what do you think? big change huh..sometimes I still can't believe that I have done this and feel so good to boot..I love life now..love taking my walks with my dog..and still showing the treadmill whose boss..I love getting dressed up again and I will say..its also nice to get a glance from the opposite sex..not going to lie..its a huge ego boost and keeps me on track...I like being me for the first time in my life...I am out looking for work again..will see how that goes..but am looking..would love to have surgery but it is going to cost 14,000..so need to save up for it..This is the thinnest I have ever been in my life..and never thought it would happen..but I am so happy to have been on this journey and will continue..it just feels so good to not stay with it..I have to be healthy so with whatever comes my way with my kidneys..I am prepared for that next step..I have been staying busy all summer long and fall getting the yard wrapped up for the winter..I stacked over 7 cord of wood..its all done..covered and ready to go..now I am blowing/raking the leaves out from the trees...getting the plants deadheaded..I also put out very little halloween decor this year..so I guess its time to get rid of some stuff..might get rid of a lot in my craftroom too..its going to be huge is all I can say..don't want to craft any more..hearts just not into it any more..but I still love to crochet and thats what I am doing now..I hope you all out there are well and happy..I will try to stop by from time to time and do an update..not making any promises though..guess its just starting a whole new chapter in my life I guess..i have loved the friends I have made and loved getting to know you all..take care and have a wonderful weekend and if i don't get back on here..happy halloween.)
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Is "wow" a big enough word for this, Gina? I don't think so, but there it is anyway.
ReplyDeleteWow.
You done good, Girl.
Congrats Gina, an amazing accomplishment!!! OLM
ReplyDeleteGina, what a transformation! YOU are one hot babe and an inspiration!!! So happy for you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've been busy, busy.
I've been kina MIA too but for other reasons. Thankfully "life is good" for us once again.
Blessings to ya,
Sheila
You look Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou truly shine.
Congrats to you Friend.
Blessings
Trace
www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
You rock girl, Congratulations!!!!
ReplyDeleteYour sweet smile is still the same, love it.
Connie
Wow - you look so amazing - I love seeing the "before" and "after". You should be so proud of yourself - that is an amazing accomplishment. I hope you change your mind about blogging - I always like to read about what you are up to. But you have to do what makes you happy!
ReplyDeleteWhat an AMAZING transformation!!! So happy for you, good luck with whatever it is you do, will miss your blogging but totally understand as I am at the same place with it.
ReplyDeleteGina,
ReplyDeleteYou are a beautiful lady!! What an inspiration you are to those struggling with weight loss..... and health issues because of it! I think you deserve the highest honor for your accomplishments! You rock in those boots and tight jeans my friend!! Sorry to hear you're taking a break from blogging...... but hopefully you are going places and taking on new adventures that fulfill your dreams!
All the best and many blessings for your future!!
Hugs!
Cathy G
WTG Gina, you look amazing. I am so Happy for you
ReplyDeleteHugs
Brenda
You look amazing! You are an inspiration! I am currently going through my weight loss journey. It is a journey isnt it. :) I hope you do stop and blog from time to time. The Lord is opening a new chapter in your life.
ReplyDeleteHey Cyn, yes it is a journey..but one that I am so glad I went on..doing it the "old fashioned" way helps you to appreciate everything..every little goal..and teaches you how to keep going etc..it makes it more worth the experience..does that make sense?thanks for the wonderful compliments too..one never tires of hearing it.;)
DeleteAWESOME!!!! You look great. Enjoy the new you.
ReplyDeleteLooking good Congrats! Blessings
ReplyDeleteLara
Gina you look amazing. Congratulations on a big success. I know what you are going through about blogging, I went through it too. I almost wrote a post on quitting but decided to make a come back instead. I know it's certainly time consuming when you have a busy life. The best to you in what ever you decided to do.
ReplyDelete~willa~
You are to be commended for what you have accomplished. I hate to hear you may not blog, as you have become someone I "feel" I know and you would be missed. I think you look absolutely beautiful. 102 pounds is a whole other person!!! To think you did this on your own, is amazing. I salute you for completing this part of the journey. Keep it off and continue having fun. BTW your hair looks great. I am just in awe of your accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteGina, you look amazing!! Congrats on reaching and surpassing your goal. You give me hope.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Wonderful!!! Congrats!!! You look great!!! You sound great too!!! I can hear it in your voice!!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! You look fabulous and are a real inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you, you look wonderful. Will miss your posts, but understand everyone needs new directions to follow. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteGina,
ReplyDeleteYou look awesome!! Congrats on reaching your goal plus some!! You know I will miss your blogging, but I'm holding you to staying in touch with me. Hope you do well at your show. I wore the gloves you made me to my show and everyone loved them!
Take care and stay in touch.
hugs,
Cindy
oh Cindy you will always be my friend and I will always stay in touch..and hope to one day meet you in person..glad you wore your gloves...:)take care my friend..you are the bestest..;0)
DeleteYou look great!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that you did not put up much Halloween!! WHAT? You love Halloween! I worked for over a week on my house... you should come by and see. I only did the inside this year. I have had a few friends over and showing them all the stuff you made and told them how talented you are! I hope you don't give it all up! You are just to talented!
Hugs
Shirey
Hey Shirley, my heart just wasn't into this year..I would love to come and see your house though..cause i love it!!!!..doing any shows..I see you are at a village...might have to stop by and check it out sometime..very cutely done..thanks for letting folks know..come to my show in November 30th. dec 1st and 2nd.at the barn off of koura road on BI..have a great weekend..and let me know when I can come and see your halloween house.)
DeleteGina.. You look amazing congrats on all your hardwork.. Angi X
ReplyDeleteHi Gina. That is awesome. So good for you! You look great.
ReplyDeleteI have been losing weight and have lost 17 lbs and feel so much better, so I can imagine how much better you feel after shedding 102 lbs.
Congratulations!
Janet
good for you Janet..keep it up..and thank you for the wonderful compliments.;)have a great weekend.)
DeleteJust got to say it again, you look AMAZING!!! But I can't imagine changing so much as to give up the craft hobby? Being healthy is first, but you need to feed the soul too, hope you don't give up your blog!!! Love having you on FB too! Congrats again and you rock!!! Bet your hubby is proud as punch!
ReplyDeleteHey Sue, I am not giving up creating altogether..thats why I took up crocheting..I love it..here my primitives just don't sell..so there is no point..I love seeing you on facebook too.;) have a great weekend.;)
DeleteGood Morning Gina, You look amazing my friend! Best Wishes! Have a great weekend yourself. Blessings, Anna
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I find myself not wanting to blog much any longer. Well, except for my dog blog. They are kind of my life these days.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina,
ReplyDeleteYOU LOOK MARVOLOUS!! Congratulations on your accomplishment. Good for you.
Good luck in the job hunt and whatever you do in the future I am wishing you the best!!
Enjoy your new you,
Barb
:) for you. YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL! :( for me cause I would miss you and your blog so much. You have taught me so much and I truly adore you and those babies of yours. You've inspried me in so many ways. I heart you -- Maggie
ReplyDeleteoh Maggie, you are such a wonderful gal..and one of my sweet friends..I love your blog..I just don't find blogging so exciting..but I may stop by from time to time to post..just not like I used too..tell everyone hi for me..have a great weekend.)
DeleteI rarely have time to leave comments on blogs anymore, but I had to comment on this! You look AMAZING! I am so inspired by you reaching your weight loss goal and then some! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteoh Chris..thank you for the wonderful heartfelt compliment..I feel Uh-mazing too.;) hope all is well in your neck of the woods.:)
DeleteHi Gina, you have always been beautiful I think, but Wow, now you are drop dead gorgeous!!! I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I haven't been blogging like I should, please don't stop blogging. You are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you, hugs,
Lecia
Oh my goodness! You have been busy working on that body girl! You look absolutely amazing....I have to know...did you do this all on your own or did you have surgery..either way..you ROCK! You motivate me....need to loose around 40 lbs..would love to loose 50 lbs...I will miss you but understand completely...I pray you can have the surgery you need to finish off that beautiful body of yours....Until then...Blessings and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWould love to read a blog all about your weight loss journey. You could be such an inspiration to all of us that try but never make it to look as great as you do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the photos. Gives me hope.
You look Ahhhhhhhmahhhhhzing!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you!
Carmen and the Primcats
Hi Gina, All I can say is WOW! You certainly have been working hard! Congratulations!!! You look awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteTammy
You are an inspiration and I hope you continue to blog even if its just once a month. I always enjoy catching up with you.
ReplyDelete~Christina
Oh I wish I had your willpower!!! I don't know how many times I keep trying to lose my extra weight. Maybe now that I've seen how drop-dead gorgeous you have become, I can be inspired to want to look and feel that good too. Anyways, YOU GO GIRL!!! Enjoy, you deserve it.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Hey there Judy, thank you for the wonderful compliments...I tell you I feel the best I have ever felt..truly it has been a blessing...I love getting dressed up and going out even just to grocery shop..I have better self esteem..didn't know I had low till now..I wish you luck in your journey..cause thats what it is..a lifestyle journey that is amazing.)
DeleteHi Gina, remember me? I just had to leave a comment on how beautiful you look,congrats to you for all the hard work it took! I've lost almost ten pounds since August 3rd, hard struggle at my age but I'm bound and determined:)
ReplyDeleteRondell
of course I remember you Rondell...thank you for the wonderful comments..keep up your good work too...but then I always thought you had a great figure to begin with.;)
DeleteYou are an inspiration! Funny story (and small world).. saw your post under a Chris Powell news story, which led me to your fb page. Which led me to see that we have 2 mutual friends. Which in fact led me here. Starting carb cycling today. Have done something very similar in the distant past and I surely know it works! So glad I found you today! Thanks for sharing your story.. you look more-than-fabulous!! -Tammy
ReplyDeleteHi there Tammy, well thank you..man you had to travel a bit to find me.;)lol..you know I still follow everyday the high low thing..it makes it easier when i cook too..cause I know what day it is..I tell you it works..i've lost 53 pounds with it..How are things down on flat creek Farm? I hope to keep blogging..but I tell you its becomng harder..just no interest..I do need to try at least once a month though..;) I hope you are doing well..have a wonderful week ahead..and if I don't get on between now and thanksgiving (I probably will) have a wonderful thanksgiving.;)
DeleteThanks so much for the reply - it means so much. Day 2 and doing great. Loving the carb cycle thus far. I have the Kindle book (Chris Powell's) but ordered a used 'real' book. Finding it a little hard to follow via Kindle.. and impossible to print off lists. Doing my best though! Again, truly inspired by your success... amazing!! Can't say as I am surprised though as I do have some limited experience with "zig-zag".. which is very similar. You have stuck w/ it and for alll the right reasons. And the bonus - you look awesome!! I hope you decide to keep blogging, but I feel your pain..! I haven't blogged since Sept (?) I love it though, and always have the best intentions. Surely I will get w/ it again soon. Thx again.. this post was a Godsend! :) ♥ :) Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! -Tammy
Deletep.s. I am now following. Besides your incredibly inspiring healthy journey, I am in awe over your gardens and creative stuff as well! Did I mention I am so happy to find you?! -T
ReplyDeleteHey Tammy, you are so funny..I hope your lifestyle journey is going well since we have spoke..its something you take day by day..and it gets easier to follow etc..I stick with it cause I do feel so good and I like being in control of what I do..can't go willie nillie or it wrecks havoc on me..we have both blogged since 2008..thats a long time..:)no wonder we are worn out from it.) I may just blog once a month..but if you want to keep in contact other then blogging you have my email address and if not I will give it to you..;) have a great rest of your week.;)
DeleteGreat post, Darlin'!!! You're awesome!!! ♥
ReplyDeleteHoney I am proud of you and can not tell you how amazing you look. It takes a lot of work and devotion to do this and you did it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to loose even 10 lbs.
I have missed you and did not know that you were not blogging anymore.
I too have let mine slip badly.
Take care and hope to hear from you now and then to let me know your doing good.
Love
Maggie