I’ve been fat since I was a child.

I’ve struggled with my weight for years – losing and gaining the same weight over and over. Becoming physically fit seemed like an unattainable goal.

After hurting my back in a car accident years ago, in December 2017 I suddenly lost the ability to walk. One day, my legs went from working and fine one minute, to completely unable to walk the next.

I needed a laminectomy to treat the severe stenosis and subsequent nerve damage from the back injury I sustained in the car accident. After surgery, I was in a rehabilitation center at the hospital for a month to regain the ability to stand and walk.

But this was just the beginning of my troubles.

Even though I began to diet in earnest and attempted to exercise, I constantly hurt my back and put myself out of commission, ending up primarily in bed or a chair for months at a time. This led me to give up on myself and I proceeded to nearly eat myself to death.

In June of 2019, at 693 pounds I was back in the hospital unable to walk or stand without excruciating pain.

They treated me like I was just there seeking narcotics.

It made me realize I had to take drastic measures to turn my life around.

After the failed hospitalization, I moved back in with my parents so I could have a support system in place and started the slow process of dieting and eventually incorporating exercise into my routine. It was a bumpy road, but I eventually lost 223 pounds by April 2022.

Then, while I was walking my 15-pound miniature Jack Russell mix dog one day, my parent’s 150-pound Mastiff attacked us and hurt my dog so badly that she had to be put down. I let the shock and horror of that incident take over, and I regained 171 pounds in short order. I just stopped caring, and, looking back I realize I was also punishing myself for not being able to save her. By November of 2022, I was 641 pounds.

I sought therapy, and I was diagnosed with Binge-Eating Disorder. I began treatment, and since then I’ve still had my ups and downs, but as of February 2024 I had re-lost 100 pounds.

I’m working in conjunction with my therapist, psychiatrist and primary care doctors to establish a plan that works for me and supports me in my weight-loss journey. I’m taking Adderall to control my Binge-Eating Disorder, and I’m taking Mounjaro to treat my Type-2 Diabetes and for the additional weight-loss benefits.

I’m taking my life one day at a time, one step at a time.

I have learned over the years that I’m capable of accomplishing great things if I just keep trying. My therapy has taught me that I have tools other than food to calm and center myself in times of crisis.

I will never give up. I refuse to give in to my own demons again.

This time, I’ve got the right tools and people in my corner to support me in my efforts to transform my mind and body. Every day, I feel my body getting stronger, and my willpower grows with my confidence.

I will succeed.

Thank you for visiting my blog and for your support and kindness.

To all my Weight Loss Community family, know that I wholeheartedly support you on your own individual journeys, as well.

Keep going. Never stop.

We’ve got this.