Twyler lost 182 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Twyler lost 182 pounds. Over the course of 15 years, she’s gone from a size 30 to a size 12. This mom’s heartfelt story reflects the real ups and downs of weight release. It took time and effort to figure out what worked for her, but ultimately she did not give up. Check out how she did it.

My name is Twyler M. and  I have been on this journey a LONG time. I have lost a total of 182 lbs., going from a size 30 to a size 12. My story is not like the typical reader who loses weight in a year or 2 year time frame. My transformation has taken 15 years and is on going. I would consistently do well for months, then give up and do nothing for years at a time. I was a quitter, but I NEVER gave up completely. Here is the timeline of my journey.

I started this journey in 2001. I went to get my annual exam and the doctor told the nurse verbatim “Don’t worry about weighing her, the scales only go up to 350 lbs.”.  This was my motivation. My highest weight was recorded at 387 lbs. on a bariatric scale. I am 6ft tall.

I was not sure how to start this journey so I tried EVERYTHING from prescribed diet pills, detox tea, Slim Fast, etc, looking for a quick result.  I would quickly drop 30-40 lbs. from fad diets. However, I did not exercise or change my eating habits.

In 2004, I was a down to a size 22 and decided to start a “diet” again. I started walking on the treadmill at work for 30 minutes on my lunch break. I stopped eating fried foods and incorporated salads. I managed to lose about 50 lbs.

In 2006, I changed jobs and the vendors would bring in food everyday. I became a foodie,  got addicted to snacking and gained weight. My friends would call me “Munch Munch”.

In 2007, my son started playing football. While he practiced, I walked around the track. This time, I stopped snacking and ate primarily fish and chicken. I lost some more weight. After football season, I stopped walking around the track, and my weight would fluctuate up and down.

In 2009, my friend asked me to be a bridesmaid. I was happy, but also mortified at the thought of wearing a sleeveless dress. I wanted to look good, so I reduced my calories to 1200 per day and went walking around the track 4-5 times a week in a sauna suit. After the wedding, I stopped exercising and stopped counting calories. I gave up AGAIN and did nothing for 2 yrs. Never stepped foot on a track or in the gym during that time.

In 2011, I started eating low carb and working out in the gym. I only did cardio (walking on the treadmill) that’s it, no weights. I saw immediate results with low carb eating. I did not count carbs initially, I just ate meat, cheese and veggies. I lost another 50lbs over the course of 2 years with this lifestyle.

In 2014, I got pregnant and gained 87 lbs. I was devastated. After I had my son, I started eating low carb meals again and going back to the gym. The thing that was different this time is that I counted carbs and tried to stay below 50 carbs per day. My progress stalled for months and I did not lose any weight but I lost inches. This time I did not give up. I lost my Grandmother in 2014 and my Father in 2015 from diabetes and kidney failure and that was a turning point. I was determined at this point to live longer for my sons and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I lost all 87 of the pounds I gained and got down to a size 12 with a low carb lifestyle and exercise!

Now, it’s 2016! I weigh 205 pounds. My goal weight is 185 pounds. I work out 4-5 days a week doing 40 minutes of cardio every day and strength training on alternating days. I count carbs using the My Fitness Pal app and I drink tons of water. I am in several low carb facebook groups that help keep me motivated.

The hardest part of this journey was not losing the weight. It was maintaining the weight loss. Maintaining is a way of life. A diet is not meant to last a lifetime. You have to permanently change the way you eat and the way you think about healthy eating… and stick to it. I want people to know that this does not happen overnight. It’s called a journey for a reason. Don’t compare your journey to the paths of others. If you fall off just get back on the wagon. One day at a time!

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