Trials and Tribulations of a big LOSER !: 2012

Monday, December 17, 2012

AMAZING news!!!

About 5 years ago After many complaints of weight gain and telling Dr'.s something was wrong ( I just didn't know what) and being treated for so many things and finding out it was all a waste of time and money spent on perscriptions, I was diagnosed with PCOS. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrom. If you don't know what it is,I suggest you look it up if your a woman. It is becoming more and more common in women. Especially with women in the child bearring age.

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) begin with irregular periods. Usually periods become heavier and abnormal. They may also become more spread out, instead of being every 28-30 days. Beyond irregular periods, PCOS symptoms include depression, mood swings, hair loss, weight gain and acne. These symptoms are the result of higher than normal levels of androgen hormones in the body. Untreated, these symptoms can cause infertility issues.

Read more: Thyroid & Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5086863_thyroid-polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html#ixzz2FMHD67Wd

I had every single one of these symptoms. My Gynocologist finally suggested I go see a infertility specialist after trying to concieve for 1 1/2 years AFTER having my son Shane. Many test were ran an what do you know? That was the answer. PCOS is not curable but it can be controlled. with the right diet and birth control. Well, With PCOS the "right" diet still may not work for weight loss. That's where my weight-loss surgery idea came into play. My Dr. told me in order to concieve I would have to lose weight to get on fertility drugs. The chances of multiple births were high and at the weight I was, it was beyond Dangerous to my health to gain anymore. So my plan was surgery, Lose weight, and try for pregnancy again. throughout that year my plan changed. I realized having another child was a blessing but I worked so hard to lose weight, why did I want to "get fat" again. So I put the idea of pregnancy to the way-side. I believe now if it were meant to happen it will. But in the meantime I'm just suppose to focus on my weight loss goal. Since I fought hard to lose weight this whole year( even with a few cheats and bad choices) and all I did was gain, I realized once again "something was wrong," but I just didn't know what. That was until today.....I just found out, I'm Hypothroid! and Yes, I am excited about this news. After all, I thought there were some deeper problems going on. After breaking down to Joanna the other day in tears, because I was afraid I would gain all 98 pounds back. I'm not one to cry infront of people, so that will tell you how emmotional I was. But getting the results today really put some things into perspective, and now I know what to do to fix it (hopefully) so once again, especially for you women out there researching Hypothyroisism and PCOS can be very helpful. The symptoms are almost exactly the same. and studies just recently found that PCOS and hypothyroidisim go hand in hand. I find this wonderful news because I can hopefully treat this "issue" and end 2013 at the goal I want to be, a happier me, and satisfied with my life. I attached below some information about hypothyroidism. Hopefully it will help at least one person out.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to those of PCOS. Hypothyroidism in women usually results in irregular and heavy periods, depression, mood swings, weight gain and hair loss. In addition, hypothyroidism causes exhaustion, joint pain and muscle weakness. Hypothyroidism left unchecked can get out of control, causing a host of other diseases

in the body.

Read more: Thyroid & Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5086863_thyroid-polycystic-ovary-syndrome.html#ixzz2FMNcRGlI

When women go to the doctor complaining of unexplainable weight gain, abnormal periods and hair loss, the doctor will generally test for both PCOS and hypothyroidism. These are the two most common diseases with these symptoms that affect women of child-bearing age. A simple blood test can show which hormone levels are too high. Abnormal levels of the thyroid hormones (TSH, T3 and T4) indicate a thyroid problem while abnormal androgen levels indicate PCOS. Doctors are now discovering that hypothyroidism and PCOS go hand in hand and are researching the possibility that hypothyroidism can cause PCOS.

A woman who has both PCOS and hypothyroidism will deal with all the frustrations of infertility while also dealing with the aches and pains of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause additional fertility issues as well. Women with untreated hypothyroidism are more likely to have preterm labor, still births or even miscarriages. This means that someone with PCOS and hypothyroidism who does get pregnant has a lower chance of delivering a healthy, full-term baby.

Since many doctors now believe that PCOS is made worse and possibly caused by thyroid disorders, keeping the thyroid in check is the best treatment. An endocrinologist can help a woman get her hormone levels back to normal through hormone supplements that are safe to use even while pregnant. Once her thyroid issues are in check, the woman can re-evaluate her PCOS symptoms and infertility issues and make educated decisions on fertility treatments and hormone therapy for PCOS symptoms.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Too Many Excuses

WELL.........Here it is December and I just realize it has
been over a year since I updated my weightloss journey. So I think it just may be time. As I looked back and read my past entries it seemed as if this weight-loss thing has been a “piece of cake”. Let me just say, That is SO not true! This last year has been the hardest. As a matter of fact, the last time I checked, which was about 2 weeks ago, I
gained weight and Inches. NOT COOL! But let me give you a rundown of why and how
I gained throughout the past year.
I
will start with December of 2011. December is always a rough month for me. I re-live such a traumatic time of my life that happened to me 6 years ago .Between my dad passing away just after Christmas of 2006 and quitting smoking on December 1st 2006, I re-live
each stressful day of that month every year.Now, Add the stress of the job I hated so much and finding out my “first child” Brandi, AKA the family dog was diagnosed
with cancer. I started to fall into a depression once again. Although I LOVE the holiday season, I put on such a good poker face every year. I stayed strong through it all and managed to stick to my diet and exercise routine. I was so proud of myself ! ....Then
the New Year rolled in..... Most of you know about the accident that happen with my friend who was the designated driver for myself and a few friends on New Years Eve.Well, It took a HUGE toll on his family, but also his friends as well. I tried so hard to keep my poker face on, but I was secretly stressing over his and his family’s situation. For me, just like most people, Stressing means EATING CRAP! A few weeks after the new year, We
ended up saying our goodbyes to our beloved Brandi. I felt so empty for a while. Food was the only thing keeping me Fulfilled. (at least that’s what I thought) . Just as I was ready to get back on track, I found out I had Plantar’s warts
on the bottom of both my feet. The treatment took a few weeks, and kept me from working out.It was so bad I could barely walk. The day the first round of coach’s received their certifications, I couldn’t even walk the 10 steps to get
mine, I crawled. I did however manage to stay on my healthier eating habits. While all of this was going on, I noticed my weight stood still for quite some time and so did my inches. It was very frustrating.
In March I made a bold move. I quit my full time job to come work at Palangi and step back
into the world of Hair. I knew it would be a struggle, But my husband and I knew we would make it work somehow. I had a chance for a new start. It was like my own personal “New Year”. I was on top of my workouts but not 100% on my healthier
eating. But I was losing inches. So I was happy and content. I had a personal goal before my family cruise in July, to lose 10 pounds. ( which did not happen). Things went great until my Mom ( who lives with me) ended up in the hospital. Then I was bouncing
back and forth between 2 jobs, a hospital room, and home, and getting ready for vacation. (I was going on this vacation one way or another!) I kind of put the healthier eating off to the way side. By the time our cruise came around I wasn’t working out
or eating right. I did however make a promise to myself on vacation to workout, which I did, but II ate like I was never going to eat again on the cruise. Needless to say, the vacation eating brought me up 7 pounds in 1 WEEK!
Since my vacation, I have tried and tried to lose that 7 pounds. I lost 2 of
the 7 pounds but gained back 23 since then. I realized I fell back into old habits. Which needs to stop now!
The last few months have been extremely hard because I have lacked willpower and came up with so many excuses NOT to work out whether it be at Palangi or the Gym. . I have continued
to stress eat, boredom eat, holiday eat, “oh the hell with it” eat, you name it,
I had many different excuses NOT to eat right.Now I’m paying for it. I can’t fit into my clothes from last year! That was the “What the F^&K!?!?” moment I had, when i decided “ I will not do this to myself again!” How
can I work so hard and then let it all go, because of EXCUSES.?
Today I questioned myself. how come the first year was SO easy??? at least it seemed that way. until I went and reread all that I wrote on my weightloss journey. What a wake up call! I basically re-lived my journey in a few short minutes and realized I am again becoming that person I once was.The one who didn’t care and
made excuses NOT to do the “right” thing. I don’t want that person to come back. I do however want to move forward once again in this journey and show everyone how it’s done and that it can be done. I want to be able to help myself and also help the others who are living this nightmare addiction to food to meet their
goals in 2013.
Starting now, I will
be taking baby steps towards the new year making better choices and fitting in more workouts and living the life that doesn’t revolve around food.I will still be wearing my” poker face”, because thats the only way I will get through
this month, but I will wear it in a way that I haven’t worn it yet, with a positive outlook on this journey.

Fat to fit in a year.

If you read from the bottom up, You will understand what it was like when I first started Palangi Kickboxing. It was not much different than most people's first experience. But the rest is something that has left an impression on many and helped many want to start their new healthy lifestyle.

October 2011

1 year ago on October 28^th a unconfident, unhappy woman weighing in at 320 pounds walked in to her 1^st kickboxing class at Palangi kickboxing. Of course that woman would be me. It was a rough 1^st class and I had very little intention of returning to finish my 3 class challenge. I told Joanna from the start that I am the type of person that may need to be pushed (maybe even threatened) to show up. A month later I still never returned for my second class. I received an email asking when I was coming back to finish off my 3 class challenge. I had many excuses, none of which Joanna would accept. I was threatened in a friendly (but scary) kind of “Joanna way”, to make it back to class, and to do it soon. She remembered what I said about having to be pushed to come back. At the time I regretted telling her that. But 1 year later, I couldn’t have been happier that she listened and remembered what I said on the 1^st day.
A year ago I had a hard enough time getting my fat butt to class, and I would have never in a million years thought I would be teaching the kickboxing class that scared the life out of me. Now, I rarely miss a class and I (amongst a few other awesome ladies) am training to become an instructor. In 1 whole year I lost 90+ pounds and 72 + inches all on my own. I learned a lot about myself in the last 12 months. I found a new person inside of me, I never knew was there. I over came so many fears. And I gained a ton of confidence. I learned to be more positive and learned how to stop making excuses and start to make changes. It wasn’t very easy to do, But my husband and son along with many other family members and friends as well as my Palangi family, were my support. It was so great to hear the people I love the most tell me about how proud they were of me, for making the changes I made. Not that they weren’t there for me before, but it was better knowing they were proud because I did this without surgery. I couldn’t thank everyone enough for the strong support and love they have showed me. Without that my decisions would have been different, and I probably would have gone through with an optional surgery I’m sure I would have regretted.
Joanna played a big role in my support. Looking back, I didn’t think she would have played such a big role in the decision I have made for myself in the last year. But she did. Being that she was once in my situation, not quite as heavy, but dealt with the same decisions and fears as I did. She was my mentor. She has been there for me when I needed to talk; she guided me in stressful situations, and pushed me to a whole new level of fitness. She found someone inside of me that I did not even know existed.
Joanna, Thank you for all that you have done for me. Thank you for all your help, your support, the trust that has been built between us. Most of all, Thank you for becoming my friend. I am so proud of the accomplishments you have made for yourself in the last year, and how much you achieved. I believe people come in to your life for a reason. I know the reason why you came in to mine. With everything I accomplished in the last year, I am happy to say, it’s my turn to pay it forward. I am looking forward to being a mentor to someone who is living the way I used to. All of this has happened ALL because you made sure I finished my 3 class challenge. THANK YOU!

July 6, 2011
Summer’s here, it’s time to stop working out! JUST KIDDING! That’s what I used to think. This year is much different. Actually this year I have stepped up my workouts. I’m not going to reach my goals by sitting around eating all the awesome summer party foods and not working out to burn them off. That’s one fault I have made over the years. I promise I will never make that mistake again. I’m still on a great workout schedule, I have also added some extra’s to my calorie burning. Lately I have been walking/running at lunch time. I only have 20 minutes to be out for lunch. So in those 20 minutes I get at least a mile in. My running has definitely improved, but it’s not quit where I want to be. But I’m working on it. My most recent weigh in; I was down 78 pounds and 66”, pretty much 3-4 pants sizes down. All that weight lost in 7 months. I am looking forward to the next 7 months. I am SO close to the 100 pound mark and 6 pounds away from the ½ way mark of my overall goal. As I’m writing this, I just realized how far I really came. WOW!I honestly would have never thought a year ago, I would have been saying that, nor did I think I would have done it on my own WITHOUT surgery. I also never thought I could ever say I am addicted to my work outs, but that too has changed. This would make the first ever healthy addiction I ever had.
Since I started this weight loss journey, I have had many people tell me how inspiring I am. It such a great feeling to know I affected someone’s life for the better. My weight loss has caused many others to follow my lead. My work has decided to put together a “Biggest Loser” competition. The down side is I was told I couldn’t participate but I could be the weight keeper and cheerleader. Apparently people seem to think I’m a threat for winning. Even though I am not able to participate, I did say yes to be the weight keeper and the cheerleader. It is a great feeling knowing I have inspired 25 people to get healthy and lose weight.
I also inspired some friends on Facebook through my “check-ins” to Palangi kickboxing. Every time I workout, I “check-in”. A few friends will “like” my “check-in” which makes me realize there are people cheering me on. The whole reason I started that was because of another friend who does it. When he does it, he leaves motivational sayings that makes you feel either unbelievably guilty for not working or it inspires you to get to the get to the gym ASAP. His dedication to working out definitely shows, and I want it to do the same for me. From what he started on Facebook, I then copied and now another friend of mine does it! The Facebook “check-ins” have definitely had a domino effect. It’s a good way to show people how dedicated you are to your health and it may make other people want to get off their butts and get into shape!
The last thing I would like to mention is about all the changes are happening. Not just with myself, but with my fellow classmates. There has been a lot of weight lost, which by the way, everyone is looking GREAT, a pregnancy announcement, engagement announcements, AND a brand new home for Palangi Kickboxing. We now have a nice spacious place to work out. Along with the new space we also have more bags, a very comfortable matted floor, more classes and convenient babysitting. We are all so happy for Joanna. She made her “possibility” into a reality. Without her class, some of us would not be committed to a healthy lifestyle and fun workout. It was very exciting to be a part of this transition. If you haven’t been to the New home of Palangi kickboxing yet, do yourself a favor and make time to do it. You will be missing out on a great workout if you don’t. If you never tried the class before, take the 3 Class Challenge, and you will understand how we become addicted to this class!

Have a great summer everyone! Enjoy your parties, but best of all enjoy your workouts!

Six Short Weeks
May 12, 2011
The 4 Week Challenge, now 6 Week Challenge, has finished. I tried my best to stick to the diet 100%, but it was grueling. I had a few slip ups, aka breakdowns, and fought HARDwith the temptations that surrounded me, and won! My breakdowns weren’t as bad as they could have been. It was mostly going over my calories buy a 100 calories or so. I wanted to be 110% dedicated to the challenge so I was pretty hard on myself after the fact. The physical part of the challenge was “no piece of cake” either. Day 1 we met at the track so Joanna could see what we were capable of when it came to running. She learned that day, that she was going to have her hands full with me! I could barely make 100 meters. I wasn’t a runner then, and I am not one now either. The difference between then and now is I can run about 50% longer. It’s still not much but its better then what I used to be capable of. [Tara, I don't normally comment in your blog, but this is AMAZING! In 6 short weeks, running about twice a week, you have added 50% capability!] I want to keep working at it so I can run at least 1 mile straight eventually.
I can’t forget to mention how the challenge helped me conquer planks. I loved them as much as I loved running. I was able to do them before, but not without taking a break and then getting back into it. The biggest physical moment for me was when I was able to do a forearm plank and turn to a side plank on the left then the right and then back on to a forearm plank without resting in between. I gained a lot more strength and endurance as well as knowledge for nutrition during the challenge. I also learned many things about myself both mentally and physically.
I think back to what I looked like last year and I can’t believe how far I have come! I only imagined a year ago what I would look like if I was thinner and healthier, I just never thought I would look in the mirror and see it actually happen! After many failed attempts at weight loss, I honestly never thought I could do it without weight loss surgery. But I proved myself wrong and at the same time, I proved to others that they too can lose weight with hard work. The Challenge played a big role to my health and physical capabilities and I am a happier person knowing I made a great decision to take on the challenge. It was also a great accomplishment to have lost 20lbs during the challenge. I set a goal of 33 pounds and it was a pretty high goal, and I knew that. But I am not upset that I didn’t meet that goal. I am however; very pleased with the 20lbs I lost!
I have had many positive and uplifting compliments and moments recently. One of the biggest and best moments is getting on the scale and seeing that I have lost 60 lbs. When I started this journey I wanted to lose 158lbs. It sounds impossible, and still does. But I’m almost there now. I am only 18lbs away from my ½ way mark.If I break it down that way it doesn’t sound that bad. The other great moment I had was when I was offered the chance to learn to teach kickboxing. I was very flattered that Joanna sees the potential in me to teach, and it sounds SO great when I hear it in my head, but I am terrified of speaking in front of groups. I want to do it. I want to be the one who stands in front of everyone and shouts the next stretch. I tell myself I will do it today, But the moment I arrive to class and I’m about to tell Joanna”I’m ready”, the panic sets in and I chicken out. Recently Joanna asked us to write a few possibilities on index cards that are goals we want to reach. Here are two that I want to share:
1) I DECLARE THE POSSIBILITY; TO LOSE 18 POUNDS BY AUGUST 1^ST
2) I DECLARE THE POSSIBILITY; TO STAND IN THE FRONT OF CLASS AND LEAD THE STRECHING BY MAY 31^ST
Another big moment was when I went clothes shopping recently. I didn’t want to because I’m far from my final goal weight And I don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothes that I won’t be wearing for long. But I had to because most of my clothes were falling off of me, and the fact that a co-worker said “Tara, if you wore clothes that weren’t so big then everyone could see your new shape.” So I decided just to pick up a few things for work and a few things to work out in. What a tremendous feeling it was to buy clothes 3sizes smaller!!!!!!!! It is so shocking I have to say it again: 3 SIZES SMALLER!!!
I have a hard time with accepting compliments. It’s something I was not used to getting as often as I am now. It’s definitely something that had to grow on me. As each day passes they are getting easier and easier to accept. One of the most gratifying compliments I received was from Scott Palangi who called me and left me a message congratulating me on my weight loss. That message really meant a lot to me, and it is something I will always remember during this journey. I want to thank everyone who reads “my story”. Your feedback has been wonderful and I am grateful to be an inspiration to you. I hope you realize your possibilities are endless and if you can dream it, you can do it.Stop thinking in terms of limitations and start thinking in terms of possibilities.
“As you start to see the possibilities in the impossible, you will begin to see that the world works“perfectly.” You can find reason and purpose in everything- if you open your mind to do it.” – Susan Jeffers

Everything Happens For a Reason
April 28, 2011
I hope everyone had a nice Easter, and hopefully you didn’t eat too much candy. If you did now is the time to work it off before summer gets here! I didn’t do too badly, but I was FAR from being perfectly good. What can I say? There was way too many delicious carbs involved. I wasn’t going to weigh in this week, but I decided to suck it up and just do it. Afterwards, I didn’t know whether to be sad that I didn’t lose any weight this week, or be happy that I didn’t gain! Now that I treated myself a bit, it’s time to buckle down again.
Recent Milestones:
I know I’m no where near a “bathing suit body”. But this summer I will be walking around with some confidence. My clothes will be smaller, and I will be more toned. I may even take a giant leap and wear shorts! Most people, who know me, know that I only wear long pants or Capri’s in the summer. Maybe next summer I will have “my bathing suit body”. In the mean time, I will appreciate the smaller things that I accomplished recently like wearing my wedding & engagement rings. I haven’t worn my engagement ring since Winter of 2009-2010, and my wedding band since December of 2004, AND just recently I CROSSED MY LEGS AT THE KNEES!It may not be a big deal to most people, but those who are bigger know exactly what I mean! AND I had to add 2 holes to my belts!!
Weight Loss Surgery (WLS)
If you have read “my story” before, you would know that I started this journey preparing myself for WLS. I realized the other day, if I wasn’t denied for it, this week would have been my surgery. My friend/coworker and I started our journey for WLS on the same week. All of our appointments were roughly at the same time. She was accepted and I was denied. I am happy that WLS was not in my plans anymore after seeing the hell she went through last week. When you are preparing for WLS, you have to spend 1-2 weeks before and after WLS on a liquid diet and then slowly progress to solid foods. Well, seeing what she went through, which by the way, was the part I was dreading the most, I knew I would have never made it through! With all my research, I knew what the ups & downs would be and honestly WLS is not the “easy” way like most people would think. It’s only thefastest way. There are so many rules you have to follow to achieve your goal weight and keep your weight off with WLS. In my opinion it’s MUCH easier to find the right diet and exercise program. I knew what I would have been getting myself into with WLS and I was ok with it but now I feel better going the longer route. I will appreciate myself and my hard work a lot more.
Finding a workout I love along with a good diet, suppor,t and inspiration from family, friends, and now Kickboxing classmates, gives me a better outlook about my health, self-confidence, and meeting my goals. As for my friend, things are not going well, and her surgery was only 3 days ago. She already regrets doing it. Unfortunately, her doctor did not educate her very well on this procedure.
WLS Advice
If you are thinking about WLS, or you know someone who is, please do your research. Learn about the "what if's", don’t be afraid to ask questions, and don’t rush into it. Also, research your doctor and their credibility. There are many websites and message boards where you can read all the good and bad reviews about the doctor and the hospital. My doctor wanted me to lose weight before the surgery to prove to him that I am willing to work at it. Well, I not only prove to him I was willing to work and change my habits; I proved to myself that I didn’t need surgery to get healthy. I came to the realization that I needed to start that journey for WLS in order for me to prove to myself that I can succeed without it. My only choice now is my choice of attitude. With the right attitude I will achieve my goals.
“It’s by choice—not by chance—that determines your destiny.” – Jean Nidetch

The 4WC
April 22, 2011
We are coming to the end of the 4WC. Everyone has tried hard but some of us have been having trouble getting to class due to illnesses, work, or just everyday obstacles. Due to the inconsistent participation Joanna has decided to turn the 4WC in to a 6WC! I’m totally happy with that decision and scared at the same time. I’m pretty sure the next few workouts will be nothing like the ones we have had before. I want to say I’m pretty sure it will be the most intense work out I ever endured. I may hate it at the moment, but I will LOVE the end results. I have tried to give a 100% effort but running is not my “thing” for sure. I don’t think it will ever be. But I do the best I can. The diet itself has not been easy either, but I manage. There are many foods I want, but I know I shouldn’t have. If there is anything I received from this opportunity, it is willpower. There are 2 foods that are my weaknesses: Pizza and chocolate. If I don’t see it I’m fine, but when it’s dangling in front of me, I am weak. I proved to myself last week that I am stronger than I thought! I was offered it, and stood strong and rejected it. Of course I had a little breakdown, but I overcame it, and moved on. It was a moment I could honestly say I was proud of.
When you’re trying to reach a goal, no matter what the goal is, you have your ups and downs. For months I have had great numbers on the scale and the measurements have been great too, but last week I felt like I hit a wall in my journey. I weighed in during the weekend and gained a pound. I was a little beside myself, but I didn’t let it affect my determination. Even though the scale failed me I was able to rely on my measuring tape. I weighed in on Wednesday and lost that pound I gained plus and extra pound on top of that. That makes my totals for the 4WC -15.6 lbs. -11 ½ inches so far. My grand total for my weight loss journey is 55.4 lbs and 46 ½ inches! When I had that moment where I was disappointed in myself, it was the loss of inches that helped turn that negative outlook around. I personally need to see a number decrease to prove to myself that my hard work has paid off. It doesn’t matter if it’s the scale or the measuring tape as long as it shows. My suggestion to those who are trying to lose weight is to keep track of your inches. Go by your pants, not your weight!!
Last but not least, I want to give a shout out to all I have had the honor of working out with. Especially the 4 weekers (aka the 6 weekers), who tolerate my inability to keep up with them when running. There’s no ‘I’ in team right? (Inside joke) But, on a serious note, thank you for your and patience and team work.
Finally, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter! Don’t eat too many chocolate Cadbury eggs or my personal favorite, marshmallow peeps. But DO feel free to eat all the carrots and celery you want!
“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way”- Robert Kiyosaki

The Halfway Point!
April 11, 2011
The 4 week challenge is halfway over. I am down 13 pounds at this point, which is awesome, but I have to mention the other benefits I received from this challenge. First off, I feel great! I have more energy; I have motivation, and determination. I do have to work a little harder on the discipline though. I got better, but there’s still room for improvement there. I also can’t leave out how FAN-tabulous the other challengers are looking. Everyone is doing great and I hope they are feeling the same benefits that I am feeling.
Although the 4WC ends on April 23^rd, I gave myself till April 30^th to reach my personal goal of 33 pounds for the month of April. So far to date I have lost 53.2 lbs. That is something I am so proud to say. I never thought I would achieve this moment without surgery. Now, I proved to myself (and many others) that it’s possible.
In the last week, so many people have approached me and said“you look great, I wish I had your motivation!” I tell those same people, you have to start somewhere. Once you find a workout that you LOVE(notice I didn’t say LIKE), you start to see and feel the results, and you start to work harder. Then when family, friends and co-workers etc. start telling you how great you look, you feel even better! Next thing you know, it’s no longer considered a workout, it becomes a routine. Like Scott Palangi said “working out becomes a daily routine, just like brushing your teeth.” There are some days you don’t feel like doing it but you know you have to, and once you do, you feel great!
Those who think they can’t do it, or wish they had the motivation to do it, needs to look within and see it lies inside you. But it’s YOUthat has to bring in out.
My dad always told me “can’t means won’t”, so if you think you can’t do it, it’s because you won’t give it a try. And that’s the key word “try”. You will never know what you’re capable of until you try. That’s where it all starts.
“No one can go back and make a brand new start, but ANYONE can start from now and make a brand new ending”- Unknown

4WC - Week 1
April 4, 2011
Well, we just finished the first week of the 4 week challenge. Let me tell you, it was challenging!
Everyone that participated in the 4 week challenge before said “it’s not that hard”. Well after the first week all I can say is – It’s not that easy either! But I SURVIVED! It truly is a “CHALLENGE”. This past week my temptations were CHALLENGED as well as my physical ability and discipline. I guess that’s why it’s called the “4 week challenge” and not the “4 week piece of cake!”
I’m not going to lie. I did give into my demons. And I was full of complaints and lots of excuses. But through all that I still lost 4.6 pounds and 3.5 inches! Now I am ready to knockout the next 3 weeks with everything I have. I know where I need to make some changes and how to overcome my temptations. I can’t promise Joanna I won’t stop complaining, but I can promise I will try harder. And give 150% till the remainder of this challenge.
Everyone pretty much knows “my story”and how I was planning on weight loss surgery.
I started Palangi Kickboxing in hopes of reaching my weight goal for surgery approval. I found such an inspirational group of people in this class that helped me see I could do this on my own. But I still had that thought about surgery in my head. I thought to myself a while ago about not participating in the challenge. I was going for weight loss surgery so why should I actually work at losing weight through hard work and sore muscles? I changed my mind and decided to participate in the 4 week challenge. I gave myself a goal for the 4 week challenge. And if I didn’t meet that goal then I was going to go through with the surgery. Well, I’m glad I decided to participate in this challenge. I found out on the 2^nd day of the challenge that I am not approved for the surgery. I now have a huge head start on my weight loss journey, although I thought was nice to have surgery as a fall back plan. It’s MUCH better to have such a great support system and inspirational people around me that will help me achieve my goal. Things happen for a reason. Sometimes we never find out what that reason is. For me, I take it as a sign. Maybe there would have been complications, or health issues after surgery. Maybe I just needed the prove I could do this myself, so I could look back and see that I needed to learn from my mistakes. I am still keeping my goal. If I don’t reach it this time around, it will be ok; I will just set another one.
When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

March 2011 continued

Up until last week, I was kind of shy, nervous, scared, and happy about Joanna posting “my story”. Now I couldn’t be happier that she did. The feedback that I received from it struck me hard. I NEVER in a million years thought I would hear (or see) the words“you’re an inspiration”, and have it directed towards me. Not many people realize how a few positive words can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Sometimes those inspirational words don’t even have to be directed towards you. It could just be someone telling you about how hard they have worked. Or seeing someone else’s dedication to getting healthy, and staying healthy.
For me, it was a very inspiring classmate who most of you know, Jen. During the 4 week challenge in January, she spoke to the class about her achievements with her challenge. One thing she said was “I have been dieting since I was born, but I finally found something that works for me. This 4 week challenge helps you stay disciplined with your eating habits and dedicated to your workout.” Hearing those words from someone I only said "hello” to a few times really helped make a HUGE decision about my life, a little easier. It took some time, but I FINALLY talked to Jen one day and told her how her words were encouraging and how it helped me in my decision about weight loss surgery.
A few days later she brought me in a sealed envelope that held a news letter, with a little personal note to me. It read: "Tara- Just thought I would share this with you. If ever you think something is impossible, just remember, you can do anything you put your mind to. Keep up the great work! – Jen.” This story was very inspirational to me. So inspirational it hangs at my desk at work. I’m reminded everyday that I have set out to achieve a goal and that I will reach that goal. The newsletter is about Jen’s journey to achieve a huge goal she set out for herself and her determination though the pain and obstacles she went through to complete it.
Jen, I couldn’t thank you enough for sharing that with me. It is truly an uplifting story and it should be shared with more people.
Since that letter, Jen and I try to partner up at least 1 class on a Saturday to kick each other’s butt and to cheer each other on. She pushes me to go on when I want to quit. (Quit, meaning just that exercise not my journey).
Joanna recently mentioned how she is a strong believer in “everything happens for a reason”, and I am too.The “reason” could be for a good outcome or a bad outcome. For me I believe that I found Palangi Kickboxing to help me prove to myself my capabilities of reaching my goals and personally having the chance topay it forward to show others how they too can reach even the smallest goals and have support while doing it.
To everyone who completed the 4 week challenge last time, ALL of you have inspired me to try it this time. I was scared to try it before. The running part especially worried me. NOW, I am really looking forward to it.
My Goal: When I first started this class in December of 2010 my BMI (Body mass index) was a 52.2. So far to date I dropped it down to a 45.3 and since my last post I have lost 7LBS a total weight loss of 37LBS!! My goal for the 4 week challenge is to bring my BMI to 39.9 which is a 33lb weight loss.
It may seem farfetched but I WILL do my best to achieve it. I even gave myself a deadline of April 30^thto reach that goal. I hope everyone who is participating sets a goal for themselves and reaches it with me. This will not be easy, but with each other’s support, we WILL succeed. Good luck to you all!!!

March 1, 2011

My weight problems started about 12 years ago. After years of yo-yo dieting, medical issues, and a lack of determination, I finally gave in and decided to see a nutritionist. I figured out where my diet was going wrong and needed help with exercising. Let me now fast forward past the real boring stuff and get straight to the part where I found an advertisement for Palangi Kickboxing in October 2010. The big print read FAT? Just Kickbox! Burn up to 850 calories an hour. HELLO! I have plenty of fat! It caught my interest. I filled the form out on the website and not long after I did, I received a call from a very friendly woman named Joanna. She worked with my schedule to have my friend and I come in to show us some kickboxing moves.

Upon meeting Joanna, I told her I was the type of person who needed a “push”. Well, she pushed me to take the 3 Class Challenge. I went to my first class and loved it! For the second class, I was ready to go until my partner canceled and I was too chicken to go by myself. A few days passed and I was unable to make any more classes because of work. Joanna took the time out to call me and see if I was going to finish the 3 Class Challenge. I told her I would and gave her a specific date that I would be back. She made sure I kept my word. The best part was, I went to class by myself, and met an awesome group of people that take the kickboxing class! They made me very comfortable and they were all so helpful and motivating. It was no problem at all to finish my 3rd class.

Now in December, after my 3rd class, Joanna and I discussed membership. I promised myself to finish out December with at least 2 classes a week. Starting January, I would come to at least 4 classes a week. I kept that promise to myself. At the end of January, Joanna mentioned to me about the 4 week challenge. She told be it’s a lot of work, but a great experience. I personally was not interested in it one bit! Until I saw how much everyone who did participate started to slim down, tone up, and also talk about how great they felt. That’s when I became very interested in trying out the next one. Here it is, three months since I finished my 3 Class Challenge, started coming regularly, and 30 pounds and 27.5 inches are GONE! AND those exercises I was not able to do before, I CAN do now. Although there are some I am still working on, my goal is to be able to complete them sooner rather than later.

One little detail I left out, when I found this awesome class, I was in the beginning process of weight loss surgery. I had many doctors to visit in order to be cleared for surgery. I am now finished with all of them, and I am just waiting on a date. But, with everything I achieved in such a little amount of time, I realized I CAN do this on my own! As for now, I am still leaving my options open. BUT I am definitely participating in the March 27th - April 23rd 4 Week Challenge.

With all the great people who belong to that class, all the support they give, and the positive attitude that surrounds me, I am sure I will succeed. And who knows, maybe surgery will not be the way I go.

Trials and Tribulations of a big LOSER !

Monday, December 17, 2012

AMAZING news!!!

Hypothyroidism and PCOS

Hypothyrodism Complications for PCOS Sufferers

Treating Hypothyroidism with PCOS

Monday, December 10, 2012

Too Many Excuses

Fat to fit in a year.