100 Pounds Lost
275 Pounds Lost: Theresa Relieves RA and Proves That Bariatric Surgery Isn’t the Only Way
Name: Theresa Borawski
Age: 50
Location: Lake, Michigan
Before: 428 lbs.
After: 153 lbs.
What was the “turning point” that prompted you to lose weight?
I had several incidents that led up to the beginning of my weight loss journey. My beloved grandmother died in late January, 2011.
At the funeral, a cousin asked me, “What are you going to do now, Miss Borawski. Who’s going to pray for you now that grandma is gone?” I blurted out, “I’ll tell you what I’m going to do. I’m going to WALK again.” Sounded good, but how? I weighed 428 pounds and was in a wheelchair or wheeled walker. They were just words I blurted out in grief, or so I thought.
A few weeks later, I broke two teeth while sleeping. The dentist told me that I was consuming too much sugar. In my case, it was in the form of a soda addiction. Her words fell on deaf ears, but apparently the seed was planted. The following week, my rheumatologist told me that there wasn’t anything else he could suggest to help with my rheumatoid arthritis. When I told him that “I couldn’t live like this much longer,” he said frankly, “Theresa, I’d be more concerned about just living period.”
I decided if he couldn’t do anything for me, I had better do something for myself, but wasn’t sure what. I hadn’t been on a diet in years. I was more than 200 pounds overweight, and couldn’t even walk to my mailbox. What was I going to do? Three days later, a conversation with my sister was the final catalyst needed to start me on a journey that would change my life completely. I decided that I no longer wanted to live a life of pain, sadness, and immobility.
When did you start trying to lose weight?
On March 1, 2011, I weighed 428 pounds. That evening, I had a phone conversation with my sister. She called that evening to tell me that she had scheduled a date to have bariatric weight loss surgery. I expressed my fears and concerns about the surgery and begged her not to go through with her plan. I told her that there must be another way, but she had already made up her mind to proceed with the surgery.
Unable to convince her, I hung up the phone and immediately said out loud, “I’m going to show you! There is another way!” At that moment, something clicked in my mind, and I never looked back. By Labor Day I had already lost 100 pounds, and another 58 by Christmas. By March 1, 2013, I had lost a total of 275 pounds and I have not looked back!
How did you get started?
After hanging up the phone with my sister, I opened the refrigerator and noticed that I had six 2-liter bottles of soda in there. A quick calculation told me that I was consuming close to 1,000 empty calories per DAY with my soda addiction. I began by emptying the bottles down the drain. Next came the sugar bowl. The next day I went to the store and purchased low calorie bread, fruits and vegetables and I purchased a calorie counting book. I began to count calories and completely cut out junk food, sugar, and sweets. For the first couple of weeks, I switched to diet soda, but a few weeks later, I was drinking only water with sugar-free flavored packets. I was unable to do any exercise because I was immobile and could not walk or stand for more than a few minutes at a time. After losing the first 100 pounds or so, I began to take a few steps at a time, increasing my distance each day, until I was able to walk a mile. November 1, 2012, I walked into a gym for the first time in my life and learned to use the treadmill. It was quite an experience! Now I can walk 2-3 miles without difficulty.
What was your biggest challenge?
It sounds a bit strange, but one of the biggest challenges for me was the high cost of purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables and nutritious food. I was consuming only about 1000-1200 calories a day and eating a whole lot LESS food, but my grocery bill increased dramatically. I used to eat junk food, processed food, boxed mac and cheese, Little Debbie snack cakes, etc. and was surprised at the cost of good, wholesome food. Another challenge was keeping myself in clothes that fit! I was losing weight so rapidly that I was continually out growing (in a good way) my clothes. Every month or so, I was in a smaller size, dropping a total of 14 (size 40W to a misses 10/12) sizes. Thank goodness for thrift stores like Salvation Army and Goodwill! Learning to realize that I am worth it and making my physical wellness a priority took time.
Were there any times when you wanted to quit or give up? How did you stay motivated?
As unusual as it sounds, giving up was never an option for me. My main motivation was to WALK again without a walker or cane, and to get out of that wheelchair once and for all. That, along with the determination to show my sister that I could do it, kept me going on days when I wanted to eat a bag of chips or a candy bar. I was fortunate in the sense that I was losing weight at a rapid pace and was seeing great progress on the scale each week so it was easier to stick with it. The more I lost, however, the slower the pounds began to come off and it was harder to stay focused, but by then I was becoming more physical and walking on my own so I was determined to get stronger and do more things.
If you reached a weight loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut?
There were only a couple of times when I actually reached a plateau. One time was for three weeks. That was really tough. It was so hard to keep doing the right thing and not see any results on the scale. I knew that as long as I was doing what I needed to do, that the results would eventually materialize, so I just kept doing it, and sure enough, a few weeks later, I began to lose weight again. Now that I am trying to maintain my current weight, I’m thrilled with a plateau! I don’t want to see the scale going the other way! And don’t weigh yourself every day. I can gain 6 pounds overnight and stay completely on plan. Weight can fluctuate for a number of reasons; don’t become a slave to the numbers.
What’s your current exercise routine?
Exercise was never been a part of my life, before or during my weight loss. I don’t like it and I absolutely hate to sweat! Dieting without exercise goes against all the weight loss theories, but I just don’t like it. But, I knew increasing physical activity was critical to good health, so I began to make an effort to add some physical activity to my routine. I just don’t call it exercise. I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and at the beginning of my journey, I was confined to a chair and couldn’t even walk to my mailbox. Traditional exercise was out of the question, but I began to lift some light weights while sitting in my La-Z-Boy. After I lost about 100 pounds, I was able to gradually move from the wheelchair to the walker. I would use the wheeled walker to walk a few steps in the driveway, stopping to rest every few steps. I would try to go a little farther each week. Eventually I was able to use just the cane and then to walk freely. Last winter I walked on a treadmill at the gym a few times a week. Now I do squats, lift heavier weights, ride a bike, walk a few miles several times a week, and garden. I just plain live life. Someday I hope to learn to dance. My physical activity, although not necessarily called ‘formal’ exercise, comes from doing what I love to do and doing things I never thought I could.
What’s your daily diet look like?
I eat oatmeal for breakfast every day. For lunch, I have either a can of low-calorie soup or Greek yogurt and fruit. Sometimes I’ll eat a protein bar or Fiber One bar if I am still hungry. Snacks include an assortment of yogurt, fruit, rice cakes, or protein bars. I absolutely love watermelon! For dinner, I eat chicken, turkey burger, pork, and a lot of vegetables and salads. I really like stir-fry. I eat very little bread or pasta, but will use the low-calorie whole grain bread once in a while to have a turkey burger or sandwich. With apples in season now, I’ve been enjoying baked apples with a bit of sweetener and cinnamon.
What’s your favorite healthy snack/meal?
I enjoy Greek yogurt, fruit, rice cakes, and protein/fiber bars for snacks. I like to make a turkey burger and bean mix for a high-protein/high fiber meal that is very filling. On occasion, I’ll buy a bag of those popped rice-cake snacks if I get the munchies and others are enjoying chips or pretzels.
Do you have specific suggestions for avoiding temptations?
One can’t be tempted by things that are not readily available so just don’t buy it. If you don’t have junk food, sweets, or high-calorie snacks in the house, you can’t eat them. Stock your refrigerator with good, wholesome food and carry nutritious snacks with you everywhere so when you get really hungry, you have no excuse to eat things that are not on your plan. And, always be prepared. Don’t go out to dinner if you haven’t already made a plan as to what you are going to order. Check the menus online or speak to the chef about a low calorie substitution. Bring your own salad dressing with you in a small bottle and plan ahead for parties and other social gatherings. Don’t let, “I didn’t have to choice – I had to eat something be an excuse.
What’s your life like after weight loss?
I am a completely new person. I have never been an average sizeed person and at age 50, I feel like I am living life for the first time. My health has improved dramatically and I no longer need so much medication to get through the day. My blood pressure has normalized, my cholesterol has dropped, and my dependence on high potency pain medication for the RA has decreased. I will always suffer from the arthritis, but being active and mobile has helped a lot. This summer I purchased a bicycle and climbed a dune. I am doing things I never dreamed possible and I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my life. And clothes – well, I love being able to wear fashionable, form-fitting clothes and heels! Three years ago I was considering selling my home to move into an assisted living facility because I could barely take care of myself. Last week I went fly-fishing for the first time! Life is very, very good and I am incredibly blessed!
If you have any suggestions to others what would they be?
My main suggestion is: Don’t go on a diet, but rather make choices that you are willing to do EVERY DAY for the rest of your life. People go on and off diets all the time. Think of your new life as a journey, one that you will never go off. I knew on day one that I did not want to go the rest of my life drinking black coffee, so I switched to sugar-free French vanilla coffee creamer and Splenda. Don’t give up something that you are not willing to give up for life. Instead, incorporate the calories into your allowance and make cuts elsewhere. If you know that you could never give up chocolate for the rest of your life, replace that daily candy bar or hot fudge sundae with a snack size bar or three Hershey kisses before bed. Don’t go on a crazy fad diet or use diet pills because as soon as you go off of it, the weight will return. Instead, make choices that you are willing to make for Life.
The most important thing is to BELIEVE that it is possible. Trust that God (or whatever your belief system allows) will help you and that YOU CAN – and YOU WILL – change your life. If a 428-pound, wheelchair bound woman can do it, you can too! Don’t give up! Feel free to visit my website: http://www.theresaborawski.net to read my blog or learn more about my journey
Source: Everyday Health
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Penny Helms
June 23, 2015 at 2:33 am
Awesome lady…
Rebecca Gilpin Whitton
June 22, 2015 at 8:58 pm
Ihave been working with West Chester Hospital Weight Loss Clinic for the past several months to meet Insurance requirements of several months of weight loss medical supervision. Then after I get on Medicare in December when insurance will cover it, I plan on having the surgery if feasible. Yes, I do have hope now.
Britt Marie
June 22, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Nan this is a fascinating story. She was wheel chair bound.
Patty Faye Brockman
June 22, 2015 at 6:36 pm
If only I could lose 50 bls. Way to go girl. Congrats!!!
Amy Bills
June 22, 2015 at 4:15 pm
Great story! I can totally relate!! Very inspirational!! Thank you for sharing!!! 🙂
Glenna Estep
June 22, 2015 at 2:07 pm
God bless you
Sheila Bedet
June 22, 2015 at 12:59 pm
Amazing story. ..so pleased for this lady..
“If there is a will. ..There is a way ” amen xx
ReRe Atkinson Oosterhouse
June 22, 2015 at 12:50 pm
You are a true inspiration! Truly amazing!
Real Savoir
June 22, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Aii for u
Real Savoir
June 22, 2015 at 12:18 pm
U
Jan Schmidt
June 22, 2015 at 11:46 am
You give me hope!
Kathy Stanley Handley
June 22, 2015 at 11:16 am
What a great story. But I have to ask what did you do about the excess skin with your weight loss?
Valerie Nickerson Loveland
June 22, 2015 at 11:12 am
Congratulations to you Theresa!! I’m 50 yrs old too and have over 100lbs to lose. Thank you for sharing your story!!
Real Savoir
June 22, 2015 at 10:57 am
Like keep a good grid u #1
Tami Rhodes Jordan
June 22, 2015 at 10:53 am
What a fabulous story. I need to lose about 30 lbs and find myself wondering where do I start. Your story is very inspirational!!!
Real Savoir
June 22, 2015 at 10:40 am
Like
Emma Smith Warren
June 22, 2015 at 10:20 am
You are awesome!!
Billie Sanders
June 22, 2015 at 9:55 am
Applaud You,way to go,Awesome,Awesome.
Real Savoir
June 22, 2015 at 9:43 am
Nice keep the good work
Carrie F Powell-castro
June 22, 2015 at 9:31 am
bless u
Shannon Lozano Armantrout
June 22, 2015 at 8:45 am
Congrats! So inspiring!
Angela Jennings
June 22, 2015 at 8:42 am
Oh my goodness! I loved this story. I’m glad to see that she saw there was another way other than surgery and succeeded! I’m just in awe of her. Congrats!
Tasia Angelos Tyler
June 22, 2015 at 8:12 am
What an amazing story thank you for sharing! This gives me some new found hope! 17 months ago I was on oxygen 24/7, could barely walk to the car, wasn’t able to do anything for myself…literally. My mother was diagnosed with liver disease and I was all she had. I had to make some changes and fast! I weighed 473lbs and had bariatric surgery because I knew I could not do it on my own so very proud of you that you were able to this without the surgery! Today I am 293lbs! I walk 2 miles a day, off the oxygen and today I start 2 month weight lifting challenge! The path to weight loss, no matter the one you choose, is never easy but everyday when we make that choice the path tends to even out and any obstacles along the way get easier to deal with! Well done I say! Thank you for helping understand that there a many different ways to achieve our goals and that there is always someone out there to keep it going!!!!
Dorothy Ann Williams
June 22, 2015 at 7:41 am
Wow…so amazing !
Joyce
June 22, 2015 at 7:36 am
What a great story !! You look wonderful !! I am sure your story will inspire many people as it has just done for me !!
Jackie Altuna
June 22, 2015 at 7:14 am
Thanks for the inspiration! Awesome story.
Amy Mazanetz
June 22, 2015 at 7:04 am
WOW!!!
Meghan Cleary O'Reilly
June 22, 2015 at 6:11 am
Wow!! Amazing job!!! I needed to read this today.
Laura Ives Hutto
June 22, 2015 at 6:03 am
I am also interested in what happened to the sister? Good for you Theresa, you look so great and I know you must feel even better. I think people take being able to walk for granted when we really shouldn’t.
Elizabeth Johnson
June 22, 2015 at 5:06 am
That is amazing!!! What a change in the quality of life too. I’m blown away!
Liz Craft
June 22, 2015 at 5:04 am
Love her determination and her energy.
Laila Sobhy
June 22, 2015 at 4:31 am
Mervat Elgamal
Linda Larsen
June 22, 2015 at 4:25 am
You are an inspiration!
Alice Holley OQuinn
June 22, 2015 at 4:17 am
Good for her! I’d love to know what those “good meaning” relatives think of her now.
Wendy Swanepoel
June 22, 2015 at 4:17 am
fantastic well done youare a winner lm also batteling with a weight prob have a great day thanks for shareing this great inspiration
Kesha Diop
June 22, 2015 at 3:49 am
Amazing!
Melodie Stanfield Smith
June 22, 2015 at 2:36 am
Great story! I would love to know what happened with the sister. Did she go ahead with surgery?
Cathy Hayes
June 22, 2015 at 2:17 am
Excellent success after hard work and determination! Impressive!
Corrine Thomas
June 22, 2015 at 2:02 am
Thanks for sharing your journey.
Lu Ann
June 22, 2015 at 2:00 am
So awesome. Congrats to you on your amazing accomplishment.
FiftyShades OfRachel
June 22, 2015 at 1:53 am
Mary
Theresa White-Valentine
June 22, 2015 at 1:44 am
Theresa White-Valentine
Angie Perales
June 22, 2015 at 1:23 am
Wow!!! Exactly what I needed to hear today. I don’t believe in coincidences. God wanted me to hear this story. I’ve been struggling all my life with weight issues and most recently with rapid weight gain after having a lap band removed. She is s true inspiration!!
Kathy Spencer
June 22, 2015 at 12:54 am
Very inspiring, what an awesome journey
Teresa Nichols
June 22, 2015 at 12:38 am
A. Ma. Zing!!!!!!!!!
Carol LoGiudice
October 7, 2014 at 12:58 pm
love your story. kudos!
Emma Selwyn
October 7, 2014 at 9:49 am
Theresa, congratulations on a phenomenal accomplishment. You give me hope 🙂
Ginger Aselstine
October 6, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Amazing. Congratulations
Brandy Carlson
October 6, 2014 at 11:08 am
So very inspiring!!
Mary K Alzamora-Moss
October 5, 2014 at 11:29 pm
I love these stories! Good for her!!
Curtis Shumaker
October 5, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Wow! What an inspiring story! I need to go clean out my refrigerator and pantry now. 275 lbs is a lot of weight.
Pat Jarvis
October 5, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Wow! Love your story!
Jackie Wofford
October 5, 2014 at 9:12 pm
Congrats to the lovely young lady, why is everyone so down on bariatric surgery ? Isn’t good that someone morbidly obese finds a way to help them, if it’s healthful ??
Linda Thompson
October 5, 2014 at 9:05 pm
Outstanding!! You are so amazing…
Theresa Borawski
October 5, 2014 at 8:30 pm
WOW…Thanks for sharing my story!!!!! What a privilege!!!
LaDena Anderson
October 5, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Hard thing to do. I commend you.
Theresa Borawski
October 6, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Thanks! It was hard to lose the weight, but in all honesty, the hardest part is keeping it off. IT’s a life-long journey.
Carole Mostella Ertel
October 5, 2014 at 7:40 pm
Weigh to go!
Joyce Floyd Caudle
October 5, 2014 at 7:34 pm
AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Lillian Khalil
October 5, 2014 at 6:49 pm
Amazing, thanks for the article, I have RA too and I am trying to lose 50lbs
Chris Sanders
October 5, 2014 at 6:41 pm
Amazing!
Ramona Liberty
October 5, 2014 at 6:36 pm
I love it…but why is there such a stigma about weight loss surgery?
Whitney Gaspard
October 5, 2014 at 6:25 pm
i have a huge sugar addiction that i myself have to kick
Tracy Stewart
October 5, 2014 at 5:52 pm
Stories like this is why I love this Facebook page.
Nancy Lynn Hopp
October 5, 2014 at 5:11 pm
So happy and proud of you!
Nancy Lynn Hopp
October 5, 2014 at 5:04 pm
So happy and proud of hours!
Kristi Lewis Owen
October 5, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Wow!
Amelia Daniels Whitaker
October 5, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Love, Love, Love this!!!!!
Jackie Martin
October 5, 2014 at 4:37 pm
What a remarkable achievement . As a woman of a particular age she is VERY inspiring. God bless you Teresa
Amy Miller
October 5, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Awesome sauce! Beautiful and courageous woman she should be proud!II’m also losing weight without surgery using myfitnesspal!
Angel M Ponder
October 5, 2014 at 4:26 pm
I think anyway you lose weight as long as it’s healthy should be applauded I have lost 50 pounds so far,
Melissa Moreno
October 5, 2014 at 4:25 pm
Awesome congratulations
Vicky R Klein
October 5, 2014 at 4:21 pm
“Weigh” to go Theresa!!! What a truly powerful, inspiring and motivational testimony!!
Susan O'Banion Deveaux
October 5, 2014 at 4:18 pm
Awesome !!! Thanks for sharing !!!!
Johnnie Thomas
October 5, 2014 at 4:15 pm
Good for her!
Shawnda N Olumide Adegbile
October 5, 2014 at 4:10 pm
Absolutely incredible…and very inspiring
Frances Caratozzolo
October 5, 2014 at 4:02 pm
Definitely would be loose skin , a lot of weight. ,
I lost 145 pounds and it was swinging on me
Frances Caratozzolo
October 5, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Fantastic
Roberta Germain
October 5, 2014 at 3:54 pm
Wow so amazing
Elizabeth Bok Poplawski
October 5, 2014 at 3:53 pm
Loved this story! You look amazing. Congratulations Theresa what you did was incredible!
Melissa Brown
October 5, 2014 at 3:53 pm
Mandy Lynn Sanchez, depending upon age with loose skin, you could exercise those areas by lifting weights bicep curls, triceps dips, hip adduction/abduction for thighs, and as you are doing cardio to lose pounds all around, you can do as many abdominal crunches of different variations to work all areas of your abs, but they say that planking works best for tightening the abs. I hope this helps.
Anna Hernandez
October 5, 2014 at 3:52 pm
awesome job!!!!!
Valerie Nickerson Loveland
October 5, 2014 at 3:44 pm
If she can do it at 50, then so can I
Valerie Nickerson Loveland
October 5, 2014 at 3:44 pm
If she can do it at 50, then so can I
Mandy Lynn Sanchez
October 5, 2014 at 3:43 pm
So amazing!!!! A true inspiration!!!!! I do have some questions though. I myself have around 100 to lose. What about excess skin? Will I be able to wear a bathing suit? If skin is a big problem, will I be able to hide it under cloths or will it still be evident? I’m asking bc in your pic you’re absolutely radiant!!!!! I only see a super strong beautiful and courageous woman!!!!
Billie Sanders
October 5, 2014 at 3:37 pm
Incredible!
Michelle Lockhart
October 5, 2014 at 3:36 pm
I absolutely LOVE this…the like button isn’t big enough!!
Megan Ollis
October 5, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Wow! Amazing!
Yvette Allen
March 2, 2014 at 6:23 pm
Congrats. ,..you have encouraged me!
Theresa Borawski
March 7, 2014 at 3:39 pm
THANK YOU…..all of you…..for your kind words. My hope is in the telling…and re-telling….of my story, that others will come to believe that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE….and they, too, can change their lives for the better! What a joy and a privilege to share my miracle with the world!!! Best wishes to all of you on your own personal journey to wellness…however you define it. Theresa
Sasha Alexandria
March 2, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Melissa, I didn’t mean that to be rude to anyone. What I mean is often people don’t even try to do a lifestyle change. I agree some can’t but it should always be an option before surgery.
Kathy
March 1, 2014 at 11:02 pm
Congratulations on your weight loss! Very inspiring story, and I must say you are beautiful and don’t even look 50!!
Theresa Borawski
March 2, 2014 at 2:05 am
Thanks! I don’t feel 50, but I sure look like it close up! Too many years of sunshine….I can’t help it, I’m a sun-lover, but getting wrinkled up as a result. Still, it’s been way below zero here in Michigan for months….can’t wait for the warm weather so I can get out and ride that bike and feel the sunshine on my face.
John Henderson
March 1, 2014 at 10:53 pm
I haven’t drunk a soda in over a year. To lose 160lbs to date does help me to want to continue my journey
Royal Strength Fitness
March 1, 2014 at 10:36 pm
Amazing transformation!
Sandra Wassom
March 1, 2014 at 9:46 pm
Wow!
Christine Matos
March 1, 2014 at 9:32 pm
GREEN JUICING!
Gisele Neumann
March 1, 2014 at 8:45 pm
I agree Krista Thompson!! People need dont FORGET case by case!
Lisa Morrison-Dillinger
March 1, 2014 at 7:43 pm
That is awesome!!!!
shar
March 1, 2014 at 7:30 pm
Theresa, that was very inspirational.
Lynda Chapman
March 1, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Awesome job
Lynda Chapman
March 1, 2014 at 6:06 pm
I am 2 pounds away from lossing 65 pds. I feel great.
Judy Lee
March 1, 2014 at 5:31 pm
I’ve always wondered, 275 lbs. is a lot of “excess” I wonder if she had to have skin removal? She looks great!
Theresa Borawski
March 7, 2014 at 3:33 pm
I have a tremendous amount of excess skin. It is probably the worst thing about the weight loss. I have a hard time looking at it myself, but after consulting with a surgeon and discovering that it would take four separate surgeries and months and months of recovery, not to mention the $80,000 price tag that my insurance won’t cover, I have decided that I will have to find other ways to cope with it. The extensive scarring and risk involved in that many incisions makes the surgery as unappealing as the skin.
Since I’m enjoying this newfound life; I don’t want to spend two years of my remaining time on earth on surgery and recovery. Fortunately, they have great products on the market in the form of shapewear and Spanx!
Teresa Brophy Keith
March 1, 2014 at 4:50 pm
proud of you
Angeli L Henkle
March 1, 2014 at 4:17 pm
Congrats!
Monica A. Bainum
March 1, 2014 at 2:33 pm
Thank you for sharing.. I just had to share your good news.
Terrie Johnson
March 1, 2014 at 2:15 pm
Wow that is awesome!!
penny
March 1, 2014 at 1:55 pm
thank u so much for sharing your story, i wasnt even thinking about dieting until i read this , this is very encouraging and the most informative diet story i have ever read , i think if u can do it so can i , i just need to get off my butt , i think your story is so good u should publish a book on it , and i agree it is expensive to eat healthy , but thanks again its special people like u that make the world a better place
Theresa Borawski
March 2, 2014 at 2:06 am
Thank you, Penny, for your kind words. I hope to write a book someday, but for now I’m writing a blog to share my thoughts. My posts are in my Facebook group: WE CAN CHANGE OUR LIVES. Best wishes to you on your journey to better health, however you define that.
Cathy Waters
March 1, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Awesome
TammieandJerry Anderson
March 1, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Awesome/
Weighting to Exhale
March 1, 2014 at 1:37 pm
Amazing! You should be so proud!!!!
Monica L. Mixon
March 1, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Ditto Krista and Belinda! You know what they say about people who ASSUME things! Never judge….
Jennifer Lynn Cooper-Ring
March 1, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Went**
Jennifer Lynn Cooper-Ring
March 1, 2014 at 1:23 pm
I’ve sent from having 6 or more a day to maybe having only two ( caffeine head aches ) now drinking more water than I ever have!
Erin Perkins Antley
March 1, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Wish I could get all of my diabetic patients to read this. It could absolutely change lives!! She is beautiful!
Kim
March 1, 2014 at 1:06 pm
I joined weight watches back in oct n have since lost 52lbs with much more to go but Theresa is right it’s not a diet it’s a lifestyle change. 🙂 congrats to you Theresa! I hope you become an inspiration to ppl of all ages genders and sizes!
Theresa Borawski
March 2, 2014 at 2:09 am
THANK YOU for your kind words. I hope that sharing my story will inspire someone….even just one person…and give him/her hope that life could be different by making just small changes a little at a time.
GiGi L Lopez
March 1, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Powerful
Karen Smith
March 1, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Norma Smith, check this out!!
Tina
March 1, 2014 at 12:42 pm
Great success story, I’ve struggled all my life and when i hit 40 it became very difficult to lose the eight, i am trying the Isagenix program and did great the first 2 weeks then got off track. I started exercising again but found out I’m not able to do what i want due to severe knee pain,.. I really need some advice in working out and ferrying this cellulite off my thighs without continuing to experience the knee pain, is there any way??
Veronica Letterman
March 1, 2014 at 12:40 pm
i started losing 80 lbs the weight started falling off as soon as soda was out of my life, will never go back
Cindy Colvin
March 1, 2014 at 12:40 pm
Very inspirational
Sarah Villaseñor
March 1, 2014 at 12:25 pm
Awesome!!! You inspire me to keep going! I connected with your story in a couple of ways. Congratulations! One day, my before and after picture will be shared too!
Theresa Borawski
March 7, 2014 at 4:23 pm
I look forward to seeing those pictures, Sarah!!!! You can do it!!!!! Never stop believing!
Jenneva J. Stewart
March 1, 2014 at 12:22 pm
You’ve really inspired me. Thank you!
Chris McCulloch
March 1, 2014 at 12:20 pm
very motivating story ! thanks for sharing
Belinda Bice
March 1, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Extremely powerful and motivational detailed change of lifestyle Q&A! You are a powerful and strong woman in more ways than many can imagine. I hesitate to judge others who elect for surgery because I have not lived in their shoes. If they “are so quick to run to surgery” respectfully Sasha Alexandria Ozment, they will be the ones who have to deal with it if it was the wrong decision. Surgery, in my opinion, is a tool for some that need it, not the solution. If you look at the beautiful & strong woman Zsalynn Whitworth, she is an amazing woman who is and continues to lose weight and LIVE LIFE, using that tool and making lifestyle changes. I look up to her. I’m hoping to meet her someday, if I would be able to catch her. LOL There are some amazing people on “My 600 lb Life”!! I’ve heard people say to stop eating crapy and fast food… How do you know how the shoes feel on your feet if you’ve never tried them on?!
Krista Thompson
March 1, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Sasha that’s not always true, I had WLS surgery two and a half years ago!! It was the last resort for me after trying to do it on my own for so long. So don’t always assume it’s because people don’t want to make a lifestyle change. You still have to make a lifestyle change even after the surgery…surgery is a tool not a quick fix!
Sandra Crespo
March 1, 2014 at 12:06 pm
I’m at 210lbs lost, all natural, diet and exercise. It can be done.
Susan Howard
March 1, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Very inspiring. You go girl !!!
Judy Altaf
March 1, 2014 at 12:03 pm
What a powerful story!
Sasha Alexandria
March 1, 2014 at 11:55 am
So great! So many people are so quick to run to surgery because they don’t want to make lifestyle changes!
Ellee
March 1, 2014 at 9:54 am
Very inspiring!!! I like the foods you are eating, I won’t give up my light & sweet coffee, I am 50, I hate sweating and I love watermelon! And you started on March 1st and I found you on March 1st! It can’t be any clearer to me that I will do what you do and get to a healthy weight too.
Could you tell me though, do you have excess skin from the weight loss? My weight now is abt 180 and I’m 5’2″ so my healthy goal is abt 130. I wonder if I’ll have a sagging…well, everything when I slim down.
Sincerely,
Ellee
Theresa Borawski
March 2, 2014 at 2:16 am
I don’t believe it was any coincidence that you found my story on March 1st; those kind of things don’t just happen! Thank you for your kind words. Yes, I have a tremendous amount (probably about 15-20 pounds) of excess skin. It is actually one of the worst side effects of the weight loss. There are days when I cannot stand to see myself naked and it bothers me terribly, not necessarily physically with infections or anything like that, but rather it’s just psychologically difficult. I’ve explored the option of surgical removal but the surgery is very extensive and would need to be done in four separate surgeries over a period of two years with very long recovery times and horrific scarring everywhere. I’ve decided that the risk of the surgery, the cost involved in both monetary resources and time (giving up 2 years of my life), the scarring, and possible complications just isn’t worth it. SO….for now, I just try to accept the skin…EVERYWHERE…..as a sign of victory and reminder of the life I used to live, and hope that someday I’ll find someone that will love the inside Theresa and not be turned off by the skin. AND…thank goodness for products like SPANX! The new line of shapewear out there is awesome and does a great job hiding it.
Theresa Borawski
February 28, 2014 at 6:37 am
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my story on your website. In doing so, I hope that others who are struggling with weight or other issues will be inspired and encouraged to make changes in their own lives. Nothing is impossible! Best wishes to all your followers.
Greg Retzlaff
March 1, 2014 at 12:00 pm
I’m very proud of you Theresa. I can totally relate to many of your struggles and issues over the last few years. I appreciate you sharing your story for others!!! I myself was almost 500# a little over 2 years ago and now am at 260# and now enjoy life like you should. I think you found some of the big hidden issues many face that are overweight, which I believe sugar is the #1 issue we face today!
Congrats
penny
March 1, 2014 at 1:49 pm
thank u for sharing , until now i have given up on dieting , but now that ive read your story i know i need to start again , your story was very encouraging and informative , u offer alot of food ideas and i know if u can do it so can i , i just need to get off my butt, maybe u should write a book and publish it , thanks again for the story
Theresa Borawski
March 4, 2014 at 8:06 am
Thanks! I hope to write a book someday. Until then, I’ve been sharing my thoughts on my blog: Theresa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore or my facebook group: WE CAN CHANGE OUR LIVES. I’ve always believed that this was a JOURNEY rather than a diet. People go on and off diets and the word “diet” implies that it something that you will follow for a period of time, until you lose the weight or give up; whichever comes first, whereas a Life Change is permanent. Don’t do something today or give up something today that you are unwilling to give up for the rest of your life. You can do it…one little thought…one little step….one little pound at a time! Never give up believing!
Heather
March 1, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Thank you.
Lisa
February 23, 2014 at 1:32 pm
Great story and great tips. Congrats on your weight loss 🙂