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Introduction Text He who conquers himself has won a greater victory than he who conquers a city. - Proverbs I began my weight loss journey in February 2007 and lost 97 pounds by May 2008. I was working on my last 20 pounds when I learned about Spark People. My lifestyle changes were already very significant. Although I followed the Weight Watchers flex points plan, I achieved my goal all on my own. Still I give their plan all the credit for my success! When I began this journey, I weighed 245...at least that's what the scale said after I'd been eating properly for over a week. I wore a size 22-24 when I started, and 20 months later I was wearing a size 8 or 10. My life changed so much, physically and emotionally, and for the first time in years, I felt like a normal person. Now to update the ongoing saga...I haven't been active on Spark People for quite some time. I guess you could say that I let life get in my way. On April 22, 2009 my mother died. One week later my granddaughter was born, and then another week later my husband lost his job. In July 2009 I started a new job and July 2010 I accepted a transfer that was much more stressful than I ever imagined. Well...my husband is still without a job and has ran out of benefits 6 months ago. Getting by in today's world on a single income has been extremely difficult and a lot of pressure on me. Work is settling down but my wonderful coworkers love to have potlucks and bring goodies for the breakroom. I reverted to an eating fool, gobbling down everything that crosses my path and have paid a very dear price. I have regained 43 pounds from my goal weight although I am still 54 pounds lighter than where I began this journey. I am stressed, depressed, and disgusted, but I am NOT GIVING UP! It's difficult to get back in my former groove when my grocery budget is so tight, but even though I can't bask in the luxury of the foods that made my life much easier, I am capable of doing much better than I have been. Yes, this is much harder when you lose your focus, but I hope and pray I will find it again. I guess the first step is to take responsibility, so I'm going to set myself out here and become accountable for my actions. I'm not where I want to be or need to be, but at least I'm heading in the right direction for today.

To regain my healthy lifestyle, get my weight back down, start exercising regularly and try to get happy again!

In February 2007 I was 245 pounds. I changed my eating habits. and lifestyle and to date have lost 97 pounds. I want to continue to avoid high-fat, sugar-filled, unhealthy foods. As of 5/17/08, I have regained 10 pounds and am working to get back to goal. As of 11/16/10 I have regained 41 pounds and landed in a place I never thought I would be ever again.

I am a professional person who is a married mother of two from Illinois. I have two wonderful grandchildren.

My inspiration is a wonderful friend named Patty. She is my hero and my salvation. Patty showed me that miracles do happen to each of us! Thank you Patty!

Add a Link Karen Leader Team WSIL 3 <link>teams.sparkpeople.com/WSIL </link> 2/17/07 - 245 pounds 2/7/08 - Joined SP @ 165 7/20/08 - varies 148-150 5/17/09 - 160
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