At the start of all this, I was 294.4 pounds with acid reflux, high blood pressure (hyper tension), a mouse fast heart beat, sleep apnia, pre-diabetes, I'd get out of breath easily, headaches, sore joints, etc. If it was weight related, I pretty much had it. 294.4 pounds at 5'4" tall. It's amazing to look back at that number and see where I came from.

Did I feel 294.4 pounds? Well no... It wasn't until I saw photos later on that I was blown away at my previous weight. I still don't believe that was me in those pictures, but the harsh reality is that it was.

So what provoked me to lose the weight? I was literally killing myself. I knew this, the doctor told me this, heck even my father voiced it a few times. It wasn't until my fiance (now my ex, but thats a whole different story) told me that he wasn't attracted to me anymore. 100% not attracted to my body, and my attitude towards life. I was bitter.

It was the most hurtful smack in the face I ever had to go through. But that day he said that, I swallowed my shame/pain/ and pride, emptied out my cabinets full of spaghetti-os and little debbie snack cakes, and I started right there to change my life around. This time I was determined to get the pounds off. Not for him, but for me. Because I knew that I was embarrassed of who I'd become.

What's my current weight and how did I get there? Today (March 10, 2008) I clock in at 124 pounds. I've lost 175 pounds and that has taken me 16 months of hard work, dedication, and sticking to my plan. I didn't deprive myself 100%, I learned alternative foods to my old time dealthy favorites, I made myself work out if I wanted to indulge in an old time classic, and I counted my calories faithfully. Light exercise (walking and the exercise bike sometimes), and sticking to 1200 calories, has got me to where I am today.

What kinds of food do I eat? I eat anything I want! I just make sure it's not fried, saturated in fatty dressing/gravy, and I make sure to portion everything out. Most of the food I eat is "at home" food so I can measure and count the calories in it. I eat mostly lean meats, veggies, fruits, and good carbs. When I'm lazy I'll have the occasional can of soup, lean cuisine, smart ones, or south beach diet meal. I do eat lots of sandwiches, and veggie burgers too. As long as it fits in my "balanced" diet of 60% carbs, 20% fat, and 20% protein.

Where do I get tips on great foods and alternatives? Hungry-girl.com sends out this AWESOME newsletter. I don't need to say anymore, just check her out :) Shes turned me on to western bagels (the alternative bagel) at 110 calories, Vitatop muffins at 100 calories, PB2 powdered peanut butter at 54 calories 2 tablespoons, etc. She rocks!

New favorite: www.fibergourmet.com. Fiber Gourmet pasta is delicious. 120 calories for 2oz full of 20 grams of fiber. You simply can't beat it.

Do I have icky skin? Yep. :) I've been to 2 consultations with plastic surgeons. It will take approx 35K to fix me in total. I've taken on contractor side jobs to save up this year. I expect to get at least my stomach and breasts done this up coming year. Excited!

What milestone's have I reached and what were my goals? I've gone through tons of milestones and I've rewarded myself with some pretty big things.

• 100 pounds lost: Went sky diving (photos in gallery)
• 148 pounds lost (officially half of my starting weight): Bought myself a brand new 08 Nissan
• 150 pounds lost: Bought myself a Garmin GPS navigation system for my new car :)

Of course there were a bunch of little things along the way (like clothes, new hair cuts, getting my hair done, etc.) but those are the big ones. My final reward to myself is my re constructive surgery.

Before Picture Weight: 294 sz 26W

Current Maintenance Weight: 120 sz 2W

Me in my old size 26W Jeans. (Weight: 140)