First let me start by saying this isn't a brag (at all) it's sharing my own story to make a point.

To put it bluntly, I'm coming out of what had to be the worst 3 months of my entire life.

In early April, my gallbladder went suddenly and I had to have that removed. During this time, my Grandma (whom I was extremely close to) was in hospice. I was by her side when she died 3 weeks later. A week after she passed, I was in the hospital again having a tummy tuck/skin removal/hernia repair surgery. A couple weeks into that healing process, I had my first severe MS exacerbation in 3 years. During that time, my uncle also suddenly and unexpectedly died of a Pulmonary Embolism after surgery for Pancreatic Cancer. It was around the time of his funeral I was beginning to realize there was something very wrong with me, too.

At the end of May, it was discovered I had severe blood clots in both legs. They extended from my knees all the way up into my groin. I was airlifted to an ICU 70 miles away where I spent the most painful, terrifying, and emotionally exhausting 8 days of my life. To put it bluntly, I almost died. Thanks to a new (but brutal) treatment for life threatening blood clots- not only did I live but I have no permanent damage to my legs. But..wow...the treatment and ICU stay were like torture.

So...this has been the last 3 months of my life. During all this turmoil, heart break, pain, and fear- I still managed to lose weight. Even when going through 2 surgeries, 2 funerals, and a near death experience I was still mindful of what I ate and tracked my calories. Yes, once I could eat again in the ICU, I even tracked my calories there. (I amused the heck out of the nurses by doing so, too lol) Did I slip up and cheat during all this? Yup I sure did- but when I did I still counted the calories and never let it get out of control.

My point to all this isn't to brag nor is it for pity. We all have stress and turmoil in our lives. We all have sadness and fear at some point, too. But you can NOT let life's obstacles be your excuse to eat poorly and gain weight. My point is if I can lose weight and be accountable for what I eat even during all this hell the last 3 months- there is absolutely no reason anyone else can't too.

Just my thoughts.

Amen! I agree!

Hi Missy,

Thank you for sharing your powerful story. I feel as though you were writing that for me, it's something I fight with daily these days as this journey is just beginning for me. To take the time to do what I need to do for my health and not get lost in all the stress and drama life brings. To be grateful that I am alive and able to work toward being healthier every day and not let the stress keep dragging me down.

Some of us have extraordinary stress, you are a Warrior my friend keep on being strong and inspiring us all to do the same.

Amazing story and bot did it motivate me. I'm so sorry for your losses but also so appreciative that you took the time to share your story. I'm curious.. How many calories do you eat a day? I was never instructed to count calories, but rather grams of protein

Aww this made me smile! I'm glad that through all of this, you still put you best foot forward! It is extremely inspirational. xx

Thanks for sharing you inspirational story. I tip my hat to you.....a stong woman! I pray you have smooth sailing from now on!

YEP....we TOO can do it!

Lisa

Amazing story and bot did it motivate me. I'm so sorry for your losses but also so appreciative that you took the time to share your story. I'm curious.. How many calories do you eat a day? I was never instructed to count calories, but rather grams of Protein

I eat about between 1000-1200 calories a day. I'm also careful to get in at least 60g of protein a day, too. I try to get closer to 80g of protein lately though because not only am I still healing but I'm a lot more active in the summer, too.

You are an amazing inspiration to so many people!

Glad you're feeling better!! Thanks for the good/encouraging/motivating post.

I couldn't agree more. I constantly think about reasons why I can justify not losing weight or gaining weight back but the truth is there are ALWAYS going to be reasons. It's always going to be someone's birthday or an anniversary or a vacation or stressful or whatever! Good for you for sticking to your guns and maintaining the weight loss.

Missy, you are super!! Just sharing your bads and goods with all of us must be hard. Thank you

By the way your before and after pictures, your daughter is beautiful.

Have a wonderful day.

Arlene

Truly inspiring!

I love the honesty in your words...I can come up with a million excuses as to why i've never lost weight before...now I've got what I need to do it...and its only my own fault if I fail this time around. Thanks!

And I'm sorry for your loss and the pain you have had to endure...you are a very strong woman!

Amazing !!!!

Thank you for sharing your story, your devotion to your lifestyle change and the motivation and great advice has been a big help to me and many others. I enjoy all your posts. They are honest and I learn from you. Banded 5/20/13 and you have helped me and you don't even know it. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you Missy for sharing your story. We can all get caught up in life and use it as an excuse but that ultimately gets us nowhere. I'm so glad that you are doing better and I wish you nothing but the best in the continuation of your healing and healthy journey.