My name is Jackie. I am 37 years old. My weight problem started very early in life, probably around 10. I remember starting diets every “Monday” since I was 11 or so. My mom, brother and I joined a weight loss centre and I lost 20 pounds. Then, that was enough for me to be in the “normal range”.

Every year things just got worse. In high school, i was always heavy. I was 200-215 pounds and thought I was so fat. What I would give to be “that fat” now! I did a couple diets, Weight Watchers numerous times with no success and many home diets. When I was 20, I followed a program that this lady offered. I lost 40 pounds but somehow started eating and gained it back.

The best time of my life, was February 2000 when I joined another weight centre. In a matter of about a year, I lost 91.75 pounds. I was so happy and was so excited to be “thin” for the first time in my life, even though I still weighed 200 pounds. I didn’t care. It was wonderful! Again, some how, I started eating again. Slowly, I gained 10 pounds, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70. So here I am back to what I used to be, unhappy and desperately struggling with life and trying to lose this weight.

Unfortunately this weight of mine rules too much of me. Some people can be heavy and think, “Well this is the way I am.” I’m not like that. I hate being fat. I love clothes and fashion, and I can’t wear and look the way I want to. That is so frustrating. However sometimes I still eat. I am an emotional eater, and want to eat when I’m happy, sad, nervous, excited, etc. My whole family is heavy, so it’s definitely hereditary, but I think our eating habits are as well.

College was a tough time for me. I gained about 60 pounds during this time. I would of been happy to have that “Freshman 15”! I was also diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I was put on an antidepressant and have been on that ever since (6 years). I’m sure that also helps me to gain some weight, as most antidepressants do. However even with the weight gain and other side effects, It does help me a lot and I definitely am not ready to go off it. I figure I started this disorder when I was about 13 or 14. I would confide in my mom however we didn’t go to a doctor until I was 18 or 19. I was in college and just really nervous and upset. It was then my brother (We were both at the same college) whose room I was in called my mom and said, “She’s got to come home, she’s a mess”! I hopped on a train and went home, to the doctor and back to school the next week. I believe I have a mild case, however it bothers me enough and I’m starting to think, my I have episodes, I might want to eat to calm those down as well.

When I was about 20 I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It started when I went to a doctor because of acne. He talked to me and suggested I get an ovarian ultrasound and bloodwork. Everything was fine. Although I think I also have a mild case, the symptoms that I have are weight around my middle and difficulty losing weight. Many people usually have screwy periods, but mine have always been pretty regular. I have never tried to get pregnant, so I’m not sure of infertility, but all i can do is hope that all will be fine in that department.

All in all, I’m a happy young women, who likes going out and hanging out with my friends, movies, talking on the phone and surfing the net. I went to college for commercial arts and work full time as a designer. I am single and look forward to having that one guy one day that will make me completely happy in every way.

This web site is a journal for me to track my progress and life changes. It is mostly about weight loss, but I would like to talk about my everyday happenings as well. Well, that’s me!

Well, 2007 – I have regained 70pds – unbelievable.

2008 – regained most of the weight. Back to 280. Time to lose…again. :(

2009 – January: Lost almost 30 pounds so far! And I’m engaged!

2009 – October: Lost 80 pounds!

2010 – May: Got Married! Weight not great. About 230

2011 – June: Highest ever. 315. Examining the why’s and trying to get binge eating under control.

2012 – December. Completed a Binge Eating Support Group. Weight around 340. Started the process for weight loss surgery. Enough is enough.

2013 – Had VSG weight loss surgery April 10, 2013. Lost 155 pounds by the end of 2013.

2014 – Continued on my VSG journey, losing another 50 pounds for a total of 200 pounds lost. Reached maintenance for the first time in my life! Maintaining around 148-153 pounds.