Those pants fit me last summer. I don’t think I’d realized just how far I’ve come until I looked through pictures today.
I reached Lifetime status with Weight Watchers this week. I feel like I could still stand to lose a few (don’t we all?), but I’m proud of my accomplishment and I feel great.
Here are my stats:
Age: 37
Height: 5’6″
Weight: 180 to 136
BMI: 28.2 to 21.1
Size: 14 to 6
Percent weight loss: 21.4%
My advice for anyone on Weight Watchers is to do everything the plan tells you to do. Follow every rule. My weight loss didn’t happen until I stopped resisting the plan, and started embracing it. WW is a solid program that really works.
Here I am in 2011 and 2012, in the same pair of pants. I truly don’t remember looking like that last year. Posting anything about weight loss makes me feel both pride and shame. I’m pleased with the results of my hard work, but I’m embarrassed that I ever got that big in the first place. I know that tons of people out there can relate, though. If I can inspire anyone to improve their own health by sharing my photos, I will.
January 2011 at 40 weeks pregnant: 197 pounds
I lost 17 pounds in the first week after having the baby, so I consider my starting weight to be 180.
Summer 2011: 170 pounds
I started Weight Watchers when Danny was a few weeks old, and I lost 10 pounds in a couple months. Then sleep deprivation and post-partum difficulties took over, and I quit WW.
In January 2012, I started Weight Watchers again, and decided that this time I would follow the program diligently. I lost 18 pounds the first two months. I started running in February, and ran this 5K in March. The weight continued to come off at a rate of 1.5-2 pounds a week. (Race photo courtesy of Potomac River Running)
I’ve continued running regularly since then. I’ve done another 5K and two 4-milers. I’m registered for the Army 10-miler this fall. I also walk a few miles every day.
Summer 2012: 136 pounds
Last year, I bought a pair of jeans in a size 14. This week I bought the exact same brand and style in a size 6.
Through Weight Watchers, I have learned that eating right makes my whole body feel better. Exercising makes my day brighter. I’ve changed in so many ways, and not just outwardly.
I have more energy.
I’ve become a morning person.
I eat tons of fresh produce.
I sleep better.
Vegetables are my favorite part of dinner.
Walking is my favorite form of transportation.
I exercise because I enjoy it.
I have lost the post-partum depression.
I feel strong.
I’m a healthy role model for my son.
I am proud of myself.
If I can do it, you can, too!
Categories: All posts, Family and friends, Favorite posts, Heathy Living
Tags: personal photos, weight loss
Thank you for this post. I know what courage it took to post it.
I needed to read this today. I am also on my weight loss journey with WW. I started in early March of this year and have lost 26 pounds so far which I am very proud of. Even with 26 pounds lost, I have a lot more to lose. Its still a battle (and probably always will be to some extent). Having a bad food day today, so this has re-inspired me! I loved what you said about stopping fighting the plan. You are so right. 
Wow – You look AWESOME! Congrats on your weight loss. Hopefully, I can make a similar post after my back surgery… I will probably only be able to use the elliptical.. No more running for me – ever. But I’ll figure out a way!
This made me want to cry. I’m 5’8” and currently watching myself reach 175 pounds. I let food rule my life, and it becomes addictive. Not only that, but it weighs you down (literally), and changes your moods completely. I suffered with PPD as well, my son is now going on 2. I know the way I am eating and my lack of exercise is affecting my mood, but it feels like something I just can’t get myself out from underneath. I hope one day to have the same courage and drive as you did.
You’re an inspiration, Charlotte! I am so happy and proud for you!
Wow Charlotte, you look amazing! I’ve jut signed up for WW again this week, an I’m trying to find the time to get to the gym regularly – this post is very inspirational, and I’ll think of you when I think “meh, to hot to work out” or the sodas in the office fridge start calling my name. If I look half as awesome as you in 6 months i’ll be thrilled
Congratulations Charlotte! You look fabulous and so happy!
I have been struggling with WW this year- I lost 15lbs fairly quickly, but still have at least 25 to go and have been stagnating for several months, this post and your success are inspiring!
Did you stop nursing before you had success with WW or continue throughout? I’ve been wondering if breastfeeding has made my experience more difficult or if it is all in my head!
Thank you SO much, Charlotte, for sharing this journey. I used to be inspired by your creative and stunning photography. Now I am inspired by YOU. I am starting a 21 day transformation to kick off a Paleo eating plan and I plan to be able to post similar photos in a year! (Though I feel shame at just the thought of posting photos of my highest weight.) If it’s any reassurance, your “before” photos just provide a reference point for me, but I stared and stared at your beautiful “after” photos – because it’s clear that this is the real you – your best self. Congratulations and well done!
Hi Charlotte! I have been following your blog since livejournal, and I love that you are blogging. Your photos are inspirational and so is your weight loss/getting fit journey. I was just wondering, if you feel comfortable answering, what was your starting weight when you got pregnant? I remember you talked about getting fit and losing weight before you got pregnant. Congratulations on all your hard work paying off! I worked out today for the time in many weeks because of your inspiring post.
Hi Charlotte ….
Congratulations Im so happy for you and you look great
Your journey encouraged me to lose weight after the birth of my baby
I hope to be back as I was before pregnancy
I am very grateful to share your story with us
Hello and thanks for this story!
You’re not only the best wedding photographer i ever saw but a very strong and admirable person.
And you look just awesome now – the photo in the last year’s pants is so much amazing!
really good job ,, u know i`ve a friend and his body is like yours or like what was yours and he wanna lose that weight i hope he can do it like u did it ,,
my regards
bob
Awesome, congrats!
I love this post! It is such an inspiration and so uplifting. I used to run a couple of years ago but stopped because of work travel. I really should get back on it again.
Hi Charlotte!
Melissa Nicksic shared this link with me to show me the incredible transformation you have gone through and I have to say I am blown away! I am 2 months into WW and down 10 lbs and I’ve started a new project around it called project unfluff. Would it be ok if I feature your story in my next post? I’m crazy inspired and so motivated to keep going in hopes I can end up where you are a year or two from now! I too had a little one 19 months ago
Take care!
Mariana
Hi Mariana! I’m glad you enjoyed my weight loss story. I’d be honored to be featured in your next post, if you’re still interested. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you would like to. Thanks!