09/16/2008 413
03/24/2009 307.2
total loss 105.8
and another star +☆

*Takes Bow


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413

I knew I was more than 300 pounds because every regular scale would not weigh me. All the digital read out would say is ERR. After another summer of Pizza, greasy burgers and fries, I joined Weight Watchers and went to my first meeting. They were so kind there and sweet and welcoming. There were friendly faces every direction I looked. I got myself all signed up and went over to the scales. The attendant wrote my weight on a card and handed it to me along with my first Weight Watchers book and some other things I needed to read and use. I found myself a seat, smiled and greeted the others at the table. Then I looked at the written number on the card. 413 .. I blinked and it was still there.
I was beyond shock. From that moment on I heard nothing that was said to me, not a word that the leader said, no comments from those around me entered my ears. 413 ...
I tried to make sense of it, reading it there on the card, I could not move, my thoughts were simple. 413 4-13 4-1-3 Four Hundred and Thirteen Pounds. and it continued that way for the full hour.
Still in shock as I drove home, still in shock as I got ready for bed, still in shock as I put my head on my pillow. 413... 413
The next day I was able to at least have clear thought on the subject and those thoughts said to me, " 413 , This is not the weight of a human being. This is the weight of a machine or a piano. 413 How did this happen to me? How am I alive?

What damage have I caused that can not be reversed? 413 4-13 4-1-3
As the week went by every time I was tempted to eat something that I knew was wrong I could clearly think 413 and the urge went away instantly. I used this further as it gave me more and more power every time I resisted temptation. I have some plastic number magnets on my fridge now, says 413 by the handle. I made a screen saver which has pictures of all the fast food restaurants with the number 413 in red across the middle.
Still large after losing 72.6 pounds I felt self conscious to go work out when I joined the YMCA. I got myself a nice new polo to work out in, and I made an iron on for it.

Now that shirt has a colorful patch that says, "413".
Day one into this journey I stood up to have a friend take my photo, my BEFORE photo. I thought I would never want anyone at all to ever see it, ever, never, ever. Now I am very proud to show that one photo of all photos I have ever stood for. That person in that photo is my hero. She was brave against all odds the day she joined Weight Watchers and she carries me through every tough minute I have.
As I started out on this journey, I didn't expect to make friends along the way. I have met some fine people each who wants a change, needs a change, and demands a change in their life. I am not alone.

Congrats Galen, that is fantastic! Your really doing a great job. Keep up the good work!
Your story also inspired me...I'm one who has alot to lose...so it is great to read success stories of people who have succeeded at that!

Hey Galen,
I hear that number 413 ringing in my ears now. Your story is truly inspiring to read. I know that feeling of how proud you feel right now that you are losing weight and staying healthy. I felt the same way in the beginning, I thought it was going to be impossible for me to reach my weight goal. I decided to set a weight goal and if I reached it I would purchase myself a fine piece of jewelry to constantly remind me that I can achieve my fitness goals.
Well that day finally came! As excited as I was, I actually initially thought it might turn out to be more difficult to find the jewelry piece I wanted than losing the weight, haha. I however, came across Jewelry Information Center (JIC - Jewelry Information Center - Home) while perusing various sites online, and their website helped me out a whole bunch. They offered great shopping tips, fashion trends, and a gift finder section. The most inspiring portion of their website was their Jewelry Stories section, where people share their stories about proposals, birthday gifts, family heirlooms and more. The stories moved me so much I ended up posting my own story about my triumph with weight loss. There was something really therapeutic and releasing about telling people not only about my struggle, but about how I rewarded myself in the end. Jewelry can provide a wide range of purposes and meanings for people, so it's fascinating to read about what motivates others to cherish a given piece of jewelry, whether it be a gift from someone else or a gift to themselves.
Bottom line is though, that serious and rewarding weight loss incentives can keep you on track to staying fit and healthy! I don't think it's a superficial thing at all - esp since it has kept me on track for a while now... looking down and seeing my bracelet that represents to me such a huge positive change in my lifestyle.. Work hard and reward yourself with something you really deserve!

CONGRATS its such an achievement!

Galen, good job on the huge success. You should be a writer, the way you wrote your experience was very interesting and inspiring. That is awesome you have been doing so well. Keep it up!

Jodi, that is a great idea on buying a piece of jewelry after hitting your goal weight. I really like the idea of rewards, but never know what to do. I mean, if I need something, I get it when I can. But the jewelry idea, thats a new idea for me. Something I wouldn't just buy any time and it would be a good way to remember you succeeding. I am going to use your idea.

Thanks for sharing your story with us. You are such an inspiration. I love that you made that number 413 your daily reminder and motivator. Maybe I should make myself a T-shirt too. For me it was the number 200 that woke me up and made me realize where I was going if I don't change something. That's the number that always replays in my head when I try to talk myself out of working out or trying to convince myself that a piece of pizza would be great idea.
Just looked at your pictures and is fun to see how you shrink in every pictures You look amazing You can be so proud of yourself.

I'll add my congrats... you've worked hard and come a long way. You should feel proud of your accomplishments, and confident of the road ahead.

All the best from a fellow traveler.
Karen

You have done an awesome job! Congrats.

Congratulations!!!
You are truly an inspiration to us all. Your pictures are absolutely amazing. You look great!! Keep it up, and thank you so much for sharing your story.

Congradulations, you are doing a great job, keep up the good work