I have always been overweight. When I was in sixth grade I already weighed more than my Mom and that has never changed. I have tried pills, programs, books, and excercise. I don't like any of them. I did not start this hub to offer some grand solution to the obesity problem that has become America. If I had that golden ticket I wouldn't be writing this article. I started this hub to offer solutions, advice, information, and support for the weight loss journey that so many people have started, finished, or are just beginning. My hope is that by offering my personal experience, as well as professional information, I will be able to help others lose weight, while losing it myself.

In the name of full disclosure I will start with my sixth grade graduation. I was going to wear an outfit that belonged to my Mom, but it wouldn't zip. My Mom is beautiful. She is 5"4' and about 110 lbs, with dark skin, and naturally platinum blonde hair. (My Mom is also my best friend so this commentary is not meant to blame her for anything.) I got heavier after that and then slimmed down a bit when I hit eighth grade. While I was playing soccer in high school I stayed at a very athletic 135. My senior year, when soccer was over, I gained about ten pounds. No big deal, right? Wrong. I didn't go back to soccer after that so the ten pounds turned into 25 my freshman year of college. Then I got married and gained about ten more. So by the time I found out I was pregnant with my son I was already at 160. That is not good on 5"2'.

After my son was born I weighed out of the hospital at 192. That was after the baby was born. Since I was nursing, I lost the weight quickly. In three months I was back to 135, but then I stopped nursing. Since then I have gained back about 30 pounds, which puts me at 165. According to BMI (Body Mass Index) calculations, I am classified as "obese". Classifications are as follows: "Underweight", "Normal", "Overweight", and "Obese". BMI can be calculated by the formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]² x 703. Divide your current weight by your height squared and then multiply by 703. The number you come up with will need to be interpreted according to the following: 18.5 or below = Underweight, 18.4 - 24.9 = Normal, 25.0 - 29.9 = Overweight, 30.0 or above = Obese.

I do not want to continue being classified as "Obese", but it may not be for the reasons that you would think. I am not trying to lose this weight so I can look good in a bikini. I wouldn't wear one if I could; I prefer board shorts and a tank. I am losing the weight because my 62 year old grandmother had to have a liver transplant a year ago because she had been overweight most of her life and, as a result of this, her liver had turned into what they called a "fatty liver". There is also a history of diabetes and heart disease in my family. I do not want to contract any of these diseases because I was too stubborn to change my lifestyle. This is something I CAN control, something I CAN change. If I wait forty years, until I have the fatty liver, I won't be able to change the fact that I need a transplant.

If you are ready to begin this journey with me check back often. I will be updating these pages frequently. I will try to write stories, like this one, about my personal journey, but I will also be providing links to article and videos that will either motivate or inform. I will also be reviewing products and programs that I have tried, or that people I know have tried, in order to give you a basis on which to make any financial investment into your weight loss journey. Thank you for having the courage to begin and good luck!