Saturday, August 24, 2013

On Your Marks...

My name is Liz Taylor and I am a transiting FAT girl!

There! I said it! I owned it, it's out there & I cannot take it back; so it can only get better. 

Since this is the very first post on Drop It, permit me to set the frame. 'Drop It' is about my journey so far. History about how [honestly] I got here and what I am doing to Drop It, and Keep It Off. I will talk about diet plans, recipes for the average Nigerian, bariatric surgery [yes...if you have questions about that, stay tuned :)], exercise tips (talking about my personal preferences but adding stuff I've experimented with and learnt on my journey). I will also venture into the hallowed topic of dressing while fat (you do know you can't wear bum shorts when you are a certain size don't you?), also I will also share some of my emotional journeys...and maybe we can all learn from each other. Feel free to comment on anything I say - after all, if I have put it all out there, you have the right to comment. But please be kind...I'm still in transition.

So why do I want need to loose weight? For starters, as at January 2013 I tipped the scale at 155 kg (conservatively). Yes, THREE BAGS of 50kg Stallion rice...and some extra. That's a lot for someone standing at 5' 8" (with no shoes). My BMI put me in danger zone. But If I were to itemize my why's, my list would be something like this:

  1. Pre-diabetic
  2. Hypertensive
  3. Swollen feet (my shoe size jumped from 7.5 to 10)
  4. Aches in parts of my body that my 70+year old mom could relate to
  5. Migraines (constantly)
  6. Sleep apnea (read more about this here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_apnea)
  7. Depression & Emotional issues (yes, the weight was affecting my social life - I no fit lie)
  8. Professionally I was doing well, but I did not LOOK like a success.
  9. My dresses just did not fit
  10. I felt really bad about myself
In short, my life was a mess.

So these are my major 'whys'; and this...is what I looked like at my biggest in January 2013. 

I don't think slim, slender people can relate to this, but I figure that anyone living with similar battles will relate. It's because of YOU I am attempting to take a step outside the closet. Still with me and let's see if we can win together.

I will stop here, but leave you with my June 2013 picture - just to encourage y'all to stay with me on this journey. 

Feel free to comment, ask questions etc. By next week, I will tell you how I got from there (blue dress) to here (below).

So, it is possible. But I've found that loosing weight is not a sprint either, it is a deliberate lifestyle change, but it only works if YOU work it.


42 comments:

  1. OMG!!!! Liz is that really you in the second pic???? WHAT!!!!! In five months you achieved this? I am so proud of you dear. God bless you for trying to help others like us who have been struggling to "DROP IT". Keep the tips coming babes cos I'm on my marks already

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  2. Way to gooooo Hajiya Lizzy! I'm so happy for u & the way to really conquer is voicing out. I'm shedding off some weight as well & I must say its a good feel. I shall stay hooked to this page & draw from your recommendations as well. 'DROP IT' shall we. Fly on gurl, I'm on the marks.

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    1. This is great ,am impress my two FAT friends must contact yo u,

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  3. Love it Liz, gets you hooked from the start! I am looking forward to future posts already!!! Great stuff

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  4. Hmmm, what else can I say? Liz, I am so proud of you. Wanna thank you for taking this bold step. I am adding weight oh and I need loose it fast so please 'Drop it' like now...

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  5. Wow, Liz, you look really good. Welldone. Soooo proud of you.

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  6. Hmmm, it will take someone who has seen you before to really believe the transformation that has taken place here....What's impressive is you coming out, accepting and taking responsibility for how you wanna look and also help others do same......keep it up boss...we are all proud of ya....pls help them 'drop it like tis hot'......

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  7. This is a very laudable thing to do...Accepting and taking responsibility for how you wanna look...God bless ya as you try to help others as well... We are really proud of you boss.

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  8. OMG! About time someone got courageous enough to do this. Its outright war & a never ending battle for some of us to keep the weight in check. But, you clearly show that all things are possible. Girl, you look hot in that secnd picture; i am challenged not to give up and accept that perhaps i'm just made to be fat! Getting back on the marks . . .
    Anyone heard about Insanity workout? Check it out - it's an insane workout that works.
    Love you diva, hugs . . .

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  9. Dear Lord,this is awesome Liz! This is the height of determination. I thank God for you and can't wait to hear the whole story.

    Well done sister.

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  10. Dear Lord,this is awesome Liz! This is the height of determination. I thank God for you and can't wait to hear the whole story.

    Well done sister.

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  11. Dear Lord,this is awesome Liz! This is the height of determination. I thank God for you and can't wait to hear the whole story.

    Well done sister.

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  12. Hi Liz! This is bold putting it all out there but it's brilliant. You've always been a beautiful woman though and you carried the weight well ( I am kinda surprised you think ur dresses didn't fit. I particularly loved seeing you in ur ankara patch work skirt). That said, all the best as you drop it. Mwah!

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  13. Jesus Christ!!!

    Madam, I just cant believe this, am so trying to get every hint of this, to DROP IT.. Congratulations ma.. you are damn too tight.!!



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  14. I just love this first post especially its 'before' and 'after' pictures. I await more posts. I need all the tips and recommendations. Infact, your second picture is wonderful.

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  15. Mary Emea Ibeabuchi.August 27, 2013 at 9:44 PM

    The second pix looks really awesome keep it up dearie......

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  16. Wowww...this is really amazing!for me, loosing weight is a constant struggle but your pictures are so encouraging. you make it seem so easy..even though I am sure that it was not!I have taken it upon myself to foward this link to everyone on my contact list! I can't wait for the next edition.keep up the good work and God bless you!

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  17. Wow!!! Amazing!!! ... the 'before and after' pix clearly depicts that indeed no mountain is insurmountable as every man's mountain is his ignorance. I am challenged to do the things that I ordinarily think I cannot do. Thanks for this post....it's really encouraging

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  18. OMG! this is amazing. you've always being a sources of encouragement to human life. cant wait to read the full doze. keep up the good work and may God'S grace guard you always. Peace.

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  19. Congratulations Winner on your blog! I am proud! I trust that this will be a blessing to you and to many as you multiply your reach may your impact also be multiplied. Hooked!

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  20. Hmmn, this is really amazing! I can't wait to discover the secret behind this magical transformation... Congrats mam

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  21. This is making your life the masterpiece you want it to be....& I love it.

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  22. Wow. You look gr8 sis. Looking forward to reading more and getting some tips. Lol. God bless you loads.

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  23. Hmmmm... I just am so proud of you, for the couarage you have displayed in being true not just to yourself & desiring to share this for the good of others. This is a service , you shall reap your reward accordingly. Well done! Well done...I am glad to partake of this true life story!!!

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  24. “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.”
    Thomas Paine (1737-1809); Scholar, Intellectual, Writer


    Liz……..I think you’re Thomas Paine’s “real man”

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  25. “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
    Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919).

    Liz…….I think you have made the right decision…….and many people will also benefit from your experience.

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  26. U have not just realised the right thing to do, U have also taken d right steps to achieving it.wish U mor strength n d courage 2 keep up. Well done.

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  27. Liz,I read through the reasons why you needed to loose weight, you didn't include anything about keeping a relationship or marriage. For me, I need to lose weight to keep my marriage. My heart is so full of joy. Alas, there's hope for me, there's hope for my marriage, there's hope for my children. Please keep sharing. God bless you for saving my home.

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    1. Hi, I understand what you mean about the pressure how you look can put on a relationship. Alas I didn't highlight that because my main priority as I transition is me, my health, and me feeling good about me. Some may say it's because I am still single, so my priorities would differ from yours. But if I could chip in my opinion sis (Im thinking that I am talking to a lady) if you want to loose weight, please do it for YOU first. I've always maintained that if anyone in my life can't love me (folds and all), then they can't love me PERIOD. BUT there are definitely benefits to your marriage when you 'get fit'. And your hubby and kids will benefit from your new confidence, increased energy etc. But the biggest benefit and joy is ALL YOURS.

      Having said that, I am also confident that He upon whom your marriage stands will keep y'all.

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  28. Way to go Boss! I'm right behind you or should I say beside you...have always tried loosing weight and then I get lost along the way, though it's not easy, it's not impossible either. So I'm ready to work it and to welcome a new, healthier and lepacious me! Thanks for encouraging us, God bless. Getting back on the marks...

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  29. well i started this then dropped back and gained more weight. Am so happy to see someone so determined. i want also want to follow through and make it a life style,i just don't know why i keep dragging this. my major problem is bread,butter n rice i don't think i eat any food the way i eat this. i speak to myself and then go right back. please keep it up dear,just like you,i hope to be determined,disciplined make it a life style for all time. cheers.

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  30. Liz, well done!!! You truly have it in you!!! It's amazing how many people you'll impact positively. Just know i've hopped on the train too - see ya on the slim side!!!

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  31. You did good! Love this! God knows I need it too! I will definitely subscribe for more tips! Well done!!!

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  32. Wow...I love the sense of discipline and direction you have taken. I love the fact that you are you, whether chubby or trimmed. It's more encouraging to see how much transformation a disciplined and determined mind can achieve.
    Keep the fire burning and more grease to your elbows and knuckles (chuckles).

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  33. Ma Big sis u luk brEath taking.....I always known u re a beautiful woman......u really luk good,stylish and elegant......Nice work.....Muah!

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  34. Great initiative which am sure will inspire many! The psychological and emotional aspects will be key!

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  35. Wow! First of all I'd like to congratulate you for your hardwork in setting up this blog and your weightloss - they both aren't easy to achieve. You've touched on an issue that a lot of people struggle with - Weighttloss and this blog would be a good resource centre for both information (through people sharing their experiences and opinions on the subject) and moral and emotional support/encouragement for those struggling to achieve it. I saw beauty in both of your pictures. You're really pretty and it's good to know you feel good about your weightloss. Your blog will become popular in no time. I'd like to add a word of advice for those using the 'Water Therapy' to lose weight. Please check with your Doctor or Cardiologist before embarking on it - I just lost a friend who went about it without consulting a Medical Professional. Don't take advice from the internet - that could've been written and posted by anybody. Congrats once again Elizabeth. Welldone. :) Emmanuel Ohadomere.

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  36. Well said and well put, I am glad that you have shared this with many. I suppose we can all relate with this in the areas of our struggles, be them private or public.

    I shall follow closely. ;)

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  37. Liz,this is great! Stay strong.

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