100 Pounds Lost
I Lost Weight: Theresa Borawski Wanted To Control A Painful Health Condition And Lost 276 Pounds
Name: Theresa Borawski
Age: 49
Height: 5’8″
Before Weight: 428 pounds
How I Gained It: I have always battled with weight issues and grew up in a family where food was the focal point of every gathering. I had gained and lost weight a number of times in my younger years, but by my mid-30s began to accept the reality that I would always be overweight and became less concerned about what I ate.
In 2003 and the years to follow, I experienced a significant number of losses in my life. First, I lost a job that I loved and devoted myself to for 15 years. I moved 200 miles away from friends and family to begin a new job. Shortly after my move, I lost two very significant men in my life: my grandfather and my closest friend. I was with each of them as they took their last breaths. The grieving process began, but was compounded by the loss of my new job due to funding cuts. Soon I found myself unemployed again. I was far away from family and close friends and began to fill the void with food. I think subconsciously I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt again, so I created a barrier of weight around me to keep others away.
I was in a lot of emotional pain, but was suddenly feeling a tremendous amount of physical pain as well. There were days when I could hardly walk, and none of the medications and treatments prescribed by various doctors seemed to help. About a year later, I was finally given a positive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, but by that time, the pain was so great that I could hardly move. My initial treatment involved medications that made me vomit and feel sick all the time. The doctors prescribed several different medications, but none of them worked. I tried to cope with the pain, the realization that there is no cure for RA and that I would likely end up in a wheelchair before my 50th birthday. To deal with it all I ate more. I developed an addiction to peach soda, drinking at least two liters a day. Those extra calories and my lack of physical movement began to pack on the pounds.
The heavier I got the more pain I experienced. Before long I weighed more than 400 pounds and was dependent on an electric wheelchair, wheeled walker or cane to get around. The physical pain was overwhelming and there came a point when I could hardly take care of myself.
Breaking Point: I began to have several “epiphany” moments after my beloved grandmother died in January 2011, including a conversation in late February with my rheumatologist. During a routine check-up, I informed him that I couldn’t live with the pain much longer. He told me that he was at a loss as to what to do for me because we had already tried multiple medications with little relief. His words, “I think you ought to be less concerned about living like this, and more concerned with just living,” really hit home. I left his office thinking if he couldn’t do anything for me, perhaps I had better do something for myself.
A couple of days later, on March 1, 2011, my sister called me to tell me that she had been scheduled for bariatric surgery. We had a rather tense conversation in which I begged her to reconsider the surgery; I was very afraid that something would happen to her and was opposed to her proceeding that way. She told me she had made up her mind and was going to have it. Well, that was the beginning of my journey! I hung up the phone, stated out loud, “I’ll show you,” opened my refrigerator and proceeded to dump the two-liter bottles of soda down the drain. I then dumped the contents of the sugar bowl in the trash, and from that point on, I never looked back.
How I Lost It: I didn’t follow any specific diet plan, but rather focused on calories. I began to read labels and purchased a calorie counting book off of eBay. I became extremely conscious of the number of calories I was accustomed to consuming on a daily basis, and began to limit my intake to around 1,000 to1,200 calories each day. I ate three meals and a snack, and started drinking a large amount of water with sugar-free flavor packets. I consumed between one and two gallons of water each day. The weight began to fall off at a rapid pace. Because I was over 400 pounds, it took a lot of calories just to eat, sleep and breathe, so when I started shaving about 3,000 to 4,000 calories off my usual intake, I began to lose weight very quickly. These immediate results kept me motivated.
Now, I am a totally new person. Although I still have RA (it never goes away), my symptoms have improved dramatically, and I no longer depend on a mobility device to get around. My motorized wheelchair sits in my office at work with a sign that says “Theresa doesn’t live here anymore” as a reminder that my motivation was to walk again. I no longer have to order clothes from a catalog and can shop in the Misses section and wear more stylish clothes. For the first time in my entire life I am at an average weight for my height and not considered obese. My medication needs have been reduced dramatically, my blood pressure has stabilized and I only need serious pain medications when the RA flares up. I’m not sure who this new person is when I look in the mirror, and I’m a work in progress, but I am so grateful to have been given this second chance at life. I am a walking, talking miracle and a participant in life as opposed to a spectator.
After Weight: 152 pounds
Source: Huffington Post
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Linda Dearing Ward
August 18, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Theresa you cousin I think is my chiropractor (Nicholas Odette) he told me today if you can do it so can I. HELP ME please. I am 54 and my weight is 388. I have 2 kids at home and 1 married with my beautiful granddaughter. I want to live
Terri Sot
July 30, 2017 at 6:57 am
TRUELY FANTASTIC!!! WTG!!!!!
Tammi Nethery McGee
July 30, 2017 at 12:26 am
Amazing! Thank you for sharing you look fabulous!
Elia Lopez
July 29, 2017 at 2:27 am
Congratulations you did a tremendous job, good luck and you look great!
Maureen Carr
July 29, 2017 at 2:18 am
Congratulations you’ve done a great job good luck to you
Jackie DiGilio Christian
July 29, 2017 at 1:05 am
You are the greatest. You for filled ur dream you look beautiful
Michelle Glickstein Orkin
July 28, 2017 at 4:58 pm
Thanks for sharing this story.
Kristie Mahoney
July 28, 2017 at 4:43 pm
Missy Hoover
Karen McNeil Sondag
July 28, 2017 at 2:30 pm
Amazing!!
Dayle Gladney Alidor
July 28, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Inspiring and AMAZING! Congratulations!!
Monica McDonald
July 28, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Awesome job girl !!!!!
Sissy Woods
July 28, 2017 at 11:28 am
Wow great job.
Jessica Deshazo
July 28, 2017 at 8:41 am
Wow ! I love how she Turned it into mind over matter .amazing job.
Dianne Suzuki
July 28, 2017 at 7:19 am
You look fabulous…..congratulations!!!!
Rosie Scrimizzi
July 28, 2017 at 6:53 am
inspirational, congratulations on your amazing effort
Barbie Jean Holowell
July 28, 2017 at 5:32 am
Epic
Patty Marcotte
July 28, 2017 at 4:52 am
Way to go!!
Theresa Padovano
July 28, 2017 at 4:20 am
Congratulations to you
Victoria Kodak
December 16, 2016 at 7:03 am
Seltzer is so much more delicious with no sugar or sweeteners.
Denise Schaffer
December 16, 2016 at 2:57 am
Wow, congratulations!
Carol L Pitts Wood
December 16, 2016 at 1:02 am
Wish I could lose 70 pounds
Theresa Padovano
December 15, 2016 at 8:39 pm
Congratulations on your weight loss a job well done
Julie Dozois Dupuis
December 15, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Amazing..
Pat Sudak
December 15, 2016 at 7:52 pm
such a great thing you have done! It is a lot of hard work!!!!!!!!!!!!
Janet OBryant
December 15, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Awesome! I hope to do is one day!
Rose Luscinski
December 15, 2016 at 2:03 pm
God bless you and thank you for sharing
Joanne Lennon-Koronczyk
December 15, 2016 at 1:52 pm
Wow!!! You are amazing!!!
Anne Clapp
December 15, 2016 at 1:44 pm
Love to see people so happy and break free! So inspirational. Obese people are labeled as “gross” or “lazy” and people dont realize theres usually a much bigger reason. Were all human and while some people drink, pop pills, smoke to medicate their pain some people eat. Good for this woman
Dawn Walters
December 15, 2016 at 1:15 pm
That is absolutely amazing! I love the part about the sign on the wheelchair!
Lori Devers Brulo
December 15, 2016 at 12:37 pm
Congratulations! 11 months ago II too gave up soda and lost 18 pounds. I don’t eat pasta or breads and very little sugar! All natural foods!! Well done!!
The Weigh We Were.com
December 15, 2016 at 12:54 pm
Congratulations Lori Devers Brulo 🙂 ~kat
Denise A. Wilson
December 15, 2016 at 10:46 am
Daralynne Wilson
Daralynne Wilson
December 15, 2016 at 11:12 am
It can be done amazing
Denise A. Wilson
December 15, 2016 at 11:14 am
Sarah Reusse
December 15, 2016 at 10:37 am
Amazon results! Congrats
Kim Cameron
December 15, 2016 at 10:16 am
Amazing story. I also have RA and have found it difficult to lose weight over the years.
Jeanne Belisle
December 15, 2016 at 10:05 am
bravo
Mary Capasso-Newman
December 15, 2016 at 9:47 am
Wow ! Truly amazing! Love your story! An amazing job ! Your look unbelievable!
Joseph Gillen
December 15, 2016 at 9:44 am
awesome job
Jessica McDonald
December 15, 2016 at 9:41 am
You go girl!!
Joanne Howard Ireton
December 15, 2016 at 7:26 am
Fantastic. I’ve recently lost 70 lbs. I need to lose at least 100 more to get to a healthy weight for my height. I’ve gone off track and have put on a few pounds over the last couple of months. Thanks for giving me the motivation and inspiration to get back on track. I am determined to get to my goal weight of 140!
The Weigh We Were.com
December 15, 2016 at 11:45 am
I know you’ll reach your goal! 🙂 ~kat
Jo Jo Holbrook
December 15, 2016 at 4:36 pm
That’ll be my ideal goal weight too I’m getting there slowly but surely it’s coming off
Michelle Helton Floyd
December 15, 2016 at 6:46 am
Amazing. I’ve lost 112 lbs by giving up soda, breads and sugar. I exercise regularly too.
Joanne Howard Ireton
December 15, 2016 at 7:21 am
Congratulations!
The Weigh We Were.com
December 15, 2016 at 11:44 am
That’s awesome! When can we see YOUR story on The Weigh We Were.com?? (The submission link is on the blog 😉 )~kat
Michelle Helton Floyd
December 15, 2016 at 12:44 pm
The Weigh We Were.com of ice never thought about it. I’ll think about it.
Mel Blue
July 14, 2016 at 3:47 am
very encouraging can I exercise due to injury but need to lose weight thank you for your story any tips feel free to send them to me
Dianne Suzuki
April 26, 2016 at 2:45 pm
You. Look. Fabulous!!!
Meghan Cleary O'Reilly
April 22, 2016 at 2:49 am
Great job!!!!
Debra Willingham
April 22, 2016 at 1:49 am
James May Sr.,she gave up sodas. I’m convicted. Lol
Yvonne Ward
April 22, 2016 at 12:44 am
My goodness, these photos took my breath away and I gasped out loud. Your resolve and committment to losing weight is amazing. Well done and many congratulations!
Kim Robinson
April 22, 2016 at 12:18 am
you are amazing
Aris Drayton-Vaughan
April 21, 2016 at 10:43 pm
Wow!!!!
Barbara J Fields
April 21, 2016 at 9:23 pm
I’m on my 2nd time quitting sprite. So far the cravings r less.
The Weigh We Were.com
April 21, 2016 at 10:07 pm
Congratulations!!! 🙂 ~kat
Debra Texeira
April 21, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Congratulations on your amazing weightloss. What an accomplishment!! You look wonderful!!
Janet OBryant
April 21, 2016 at 5:25 pm
That’s awesome! We are on our journey now as a family I hope we do good! ☺
The Weigh We Were.com
April 21, 2016 at 10:07 pm
No doubt your family will successful!!! 🙂 ~kat
Janet OBryant
April 21, 2016 at 10:08 pm
Thank you!
Phyllis Blottenberger
April 21, 2016 at 4:26 pm
What an amazing great job! The love you have for your sister is greater then the love you had for food or yourself, your an inspiration! Blessing to you always!
Tracy Barry
April 21, 2016 at 4:07 pm
Good for you for taking back your life!!!
Theresa Padovano
April 21, 2016 at 4:02 pm
I’m so happy for you congratulations for all your hard work it paid off.
Joanne Howard Ireton
April 21, 2016 at 3:58 pm
Thanks for sharing your story. Nothing tastes better than having good health and the ability to walk without assistance. Inspiring!
Sue Hunter
April 21, 2016 at 3:36 pm
Congratulations! Very inspiring to everyone!
Denise Schaffer
April 21, 2016 at 3:36 pm
Congratulations on your amazing transformation. I know it wasn’t easy but look at you now! Wow
Deborah Kinsey
April 21, 2016 at 3:28 pm
Amazing transformation!
Wanda Ivette Colón
April 21, 2016 at 3:15 pm
But it was only with diet or bariatric surgery was??
The Weigh We Were.com
April 21, 2016 at 4:10 pm
Only diet and exercise… 🙂 ~kat
Janet Davies Siegel
April 21, 2016 at 3:09 pm
You look fabulous!!
Yolanda Reed-ludd
April 21, 2016 at 2:53 pm
Congratulations
Kina Foster Theivagt
April 21, 2016 at 2:51 pm
Incredible story and motivation!
Sandra Casias
April 21, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Incredible!!! Your life changes looks amazing on you!
Kim Cameron
April 21, 2016 at 2:38 pm
What an amazing transformation. I also suffer from RA and have found it hard to lose weight over the years due to my medications.
Malta Nelson
April 21, 2016 at 2:24 pm
Wow,she is truly an inspiration.
Rika Van Hardeveld
April 21, 2016 at 2:18 pm
Wow congratulations, great job.
Gayle Robinson Siegel
April 21, 2016 at 2:18 pm
You are a role model!
Patty Marcotte
April 21, 2016 at 2:16 pm
Wow! Awesome job! You give me hope for myself
Lauri Monteyne
April 21, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Wow you look great! I really identified with your story. It’s time for me to give up pop again. Thanks for the inspiration!
Natalie Lanning
April 21, 2016 at 2:00 pm
Congratulations on your hard work to achieve your goal. You are an inspiration to me and I’m sure other too.
Joanne Lennon-Koronczyk
April 21, 2016 at 1:59 pm
Sharing your story
Lisa Daniels
April 21, 2016 at 1:57 pm
Incredible.
Missi Sherman
April 21, 2016 at 1:53 pm
That’s awesome. That will be me in a year hopefully.
Barbie Holowell Hutchens
April 21, 2016 at 1:47 pm
Fantastic
Yvette Dubuc
April 21, 2016 at 1:44 pm
So happy for you. You go girl
Mary Ellen Willsey
April 21, 2016 at 1:31 pm
Amazing
Monique Mullin
April 21, 2016 at 1:31 pm
(y) Congrats!!!! 😀
Meagan Fritschy DiMario
April 21, 2016 at 1:25 pm
awesome job!!!!
Jeanne Landolfi DeMonte
April 21, 2016 at 1:18 pm
You look GREAT!!
Joanne Lennon-Koronczyk
April 21, 2016 at 1:11 pm
Wow!!!
Barbara Sharp
August 12, 2014 at 7:02 pm
so proud of this lady.shes beautiful.i have a lot of admiratation for people who try.
Melissa Moreno
August 12, 2014 at 2:16 am
Awesome
Mahtsealyah Moore
August 11, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Great job I am encouraged
Susie DeLoach
August 11, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Wow!
Carol LoGiudice
August 11, 2014 at 12:47 pm
OMG! what an amazing accomplishment! God Bless You, Theresa!!!
Becky Lingle Adams
August 11, 2014 at 8:48 am
As I am eating the last chips in a bag…
I feel happy for this person
Disgusted with myself
Our stories are similar
All of my doctors say I can’t lose this weight (420pds) without gastric surgery. I am too heavy, my metabolism does not function correctly…
I would love to know more about her journey.
I have pretty much decided I will die this way.
This weight is my prison.
Christy
August 12, 2014 at 1:11 am
You can escape that prison Becky. I believe you can! Good luck!
Margo Williams
August 11, 2014 at 8:47 am
What an awesome story
Joanna Lima
August 11, 2014 at 4:49 am
Awesome ,♡
Indira Kanikella
August 11, 2014 at 12:45 am
Wow no words
Theresa Day
August 10, 2014 at 9:51 pm
Wow
Linda Hanson
August 10, 2014 at 9:20 pm
conratulation, you are just perfect.
Janice Becker
August 10, 2014 at 8:29 pm
Awesome
Ronald Davies
August 10, 2014 at 7:27 pm
Gratz!
Courts Blair
August 10, 2014 at 7:26 pm
Wow. My mum was as big but passed away just a few weeks after some really great weighloss progress. These stories inspire me. I’m happy for anyone who chooses to better there health and bodies by loosing weight and not just for vanity and bikini comps.
Mike Lucejko
August 10, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Very Impressive !!
Reba Denley Thompson
August 10, 2014 at 6:54 pm
Great going!! You have inspired hundreds! Aren’t you proud?
Barbara Ann Harakal
August 10, 2014 at 6:34 pm
Amazing!
Christine Ahearn French
August 10, 2014 at 5:58 pm
What happens w all the excess skin?
Susan M Hanks
August 10, 2014 at 5:52 pm
So inspiring!
Arkilia Holliday
August 10, 2014 at 5:49 pm
Amazing
Beth Miller
August 10, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Unreal!!!!!! amazing job!
Shannon Aldrich
August 10, 2014 at 5:32 pm
I love this:)
Paulk Judith
August 10, 2014 at 5:27 pm
You go girl!!!
Gail Rae Stewart
August 10, 2014 at 5:07 pm
Wow great job!
Nancy Richter
August 10, 2014 at 4:51 pm
Congratulations!!! You are a true inspiration for all of us. You could have taken the easy way and had surgery but you didnt! So proud of you!
Jeanne Hare Gruver
August 10, 2014 at 4:11 pm
Wow! Way to go. You look fantastic!
Janet Null-Meyer
August 10, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Wow, you look fabulous
Lillie Locklear
August 10, 2014 at 3:57 pm
Way to go Theresa you look great!
Jenn Wichita Zabawa
August 10, 2014 at 3:45 pm
Congrats!
Joanne Lennon-Koronczyk
August 10, 2014 at 3:37 pm
Wonderful!!!
Alan Haugen
August 10, 2014 at 3:23 pm
Awesome !
Cheryl Rager-Rousell
August 10, 2014 at 3:15 pm
wow great job
Donna Gray
August 10, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Awesome
Ana O'farrell
August 10, 2014 at 2:56 pm
Woww ,nice ! 😉
Ebony Soblessed Sweeting Kelley
August 10, 2014 at 2:56 pm
You look amazing! I am so proud of you! Very inspiring to me on my journey. Thank you.
Jennifer Conrad Nielsen
August 10, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Very awesome!
Valerie A Shelton
August 10, 2014 at 2:42 pm
You go girl.
Kimberly Stedham
August 10, 2014 at 2:41 pm
way to go.. you look fabulous
Christel Fannin-Cline
August 10, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Amazing and inspirational!
Jennifer Rabquer
August 10, 2014 at 2:32 pm
you look amazing
Daphne Wallace
August 10, 2014 at 2:27 pm
Congrats
Christopher Stevenson
August 10, 2014 at 2:18 pm
the only way to really slim ,treat carbs as fuel not a treat
Karmie Gibson
August 10, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Yes
JoAnne Dueffert Briscoe
August 10, 2014 at 2:07 pm
A true success story! I don’t think I have ever seen/heard of a transformation as awesome as yours! Congrats Theresa on getting your life back!
Deb Timm
August 10, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Major kudos to you girl! Makes my 53 look like nothing 🙂
Stephy Lynn
August 10, 2014 at 2:02 pm
Wow!!!!!! Allison Dumas Dara Mallory Joy Crandall Lovie Malonebaker
Michele Zabs
August 10, 2014 at 1:58 pm
Great job!!
Roberta Germain
August 10, 2014 at 1:58 pm
That is amazing congrats
Anna Cooke Anderson
August 10, 2014 at 1:57 pm
Amazing story!
Marcela Rebeca Rojas Casanova
August 10, 2014 at 1:56 pm
OMG Good job
Mely Gloria Garcia
August 10, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Amazing!!!
Jessica Costello
August 10, 2014 at 1:49 pm
That’s amazing!
Julia Noelle Grizzard
August 10, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Thanks but why was my comment deleted?
Maria Clockpuntocuarentatencuidado Olmo
August 10, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Amazing!
Jackie Wofford
August 10, 2014 at 1:46 pm
BRAVO WONDERFUL AND I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE YOU FEEL A LOT BETTER !!!
kaitlyn
August 10, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Did you have surgery to remove the extra skin I was like you I lost 160 pounds with more to go but I have alot of extra skin you look good but no matter how much exercise you do wouldnt get rid of all the extra skin. But you do look fantastic
Tina McCluskie
August 10, 2014 at 1:45 pm
very motivational. I am currently 270lb and have 110lb to lose to get into the ‘normal’ range. I just need to push myself to start and not give up :'(
Suzette Skinner Dye
August 10, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Ya, what about the excess skin? Lol
Joni Prout
August 10, 2014 at 1:44 pm
Just another inspiring story to keep me going. Theresa you make me smile and know I can do this.
Felecia Pratcher
August 10, 2014 at 1:43 pm
She looks great
Julia Noelle Grizzard
August 10, 2014 at 1:43 pm
What happened to her skin though?! Did it shrink that much on its own or did she have to have some surgically removed?
Linda Larsen
August 10, 2014 at 1:42 pm
Very inspiring!!!
Melissa Hughes Hudson
August 10, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Wow!! Awesome!!
Tim N Crystal Estes
August 10, 2014 at 1:37 pm
That’s awesome!! Go Theresa! Congrats 🙂
Sherna Carr
August 10, 2014 at 1:36 pm
That’s awesome.
Casey Petrin
August 10, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Hell ya!!!!!!!!